Level 3 National Extended Diploma Engineering - Advanced Electronics

This two-year, full-time course equivalent to 3 A levels meets entry requirements for learners wanting to progress to employment in electrical and electronic engineering.

Course Code: P10452
Campus: Bangor, Downpatrick, Lisburn
Study Type: Full-Time
Education Level Further Education
Department: Engineering
Course Overview
This two-year, full-time course equivalent to 3 A levels meets entry requirements for learners wanting to progress to employment in electrical and electronic engineering, such as a power engineering technician. Learners gain relevant skills and knowledge from studying a range of units, for example in electronic devices and circuits, programmable logic controllers, printed circuit board design and manufacture, microcontrollers and/or calculus. Progression could be either directly to employment in Level 3 job roles, higher apprenticeship programmes or via higher education courses in engineering.

A minimum of 5 GCSE’s at Grade C or above, must include English and Maths (B in Maths is preferred). 1 of the other GCSEs should be in a STEM subject area.  

Or a Level 2 Diploma in Engineering (Merit) plus Level 2 Essential Skills in Numeracy and Literacy.

An interview is required before enrolling on the programme and there will be a short entry test on the day of enrolment to ensure that you are ready for the course. 

Units studied in year 1 include:  

  • Engineering Principles
  • Delivery of Engineering Processes safely as a Team
  • Engineering product Design and Manufacture
  • Applied Commercial and Quality Principles in Engineering
  • Electronic Devices and Circuits
  • Programmable Logic Controllers
  • Electronic Measurement and Testing of Circuits      

Units studied in year 2 include:         

  • Microcontroller Systems for Engineers        
  • A Specialist Engineering Project        
  • Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems         
  • Power and Energy Electronics        
  • Three Phrase Electrical Systems       
  • Electronic Printed Circuit Board Design and Manufacture
  • Digital and Analogue Electronic Systems
  • Pneumatic and Hydraulic Systems 

In addition to the above units you will also work towards a Professional/ Personal Development qualification and will be involved in a range of activities, designed to improve employability within the Engineering sector.

There is also two weeks work experience in year 2 of the programme.

You will be required to complete Essential Skills ICT if you do not have a GCSE grade C.

You will attend college a minimum of 16.75 hours per week

Assessment for this programme is carried out on a continuous basis using a combination of written assignments and practical assessments for 15 units. Engineering Principles and Engineering Product Design and Manufacture will require an external exam in year 1. In year 2 Microcontroller Systems for Engineers will be externally examined.

You wish to pursue a career in Electronics engineering, and want to be able to collaborate across and apply knowledge, skills and understanding in other branches of engineering.

That Engineering covers a broad variety of roles and it involves the application of scientific principles and practical knowledge to transform ideas and materials into products and systems safely and support them during their lifetime. The content of this qualification has been developed in consultation with employers and professional bodies to ensure relevance to current industry practice in engineering occupational disciplines.

The hands-on projects involved from design to completion, an opportunity to become a member of a student company and the chance participate in cross campus competitions such as Robotics and Electronics. 

Successful completion enables you to progress to employment in Level 3 job roles, higher apprenticeship programmes or via higher education courses in engineering.

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Terms & Conditions

Students will be required to comply with SERC's Terms & Conditions of study.

We strive to ensure the description of courses on SERC's website and in publications is accurate. However, for various reasons there may be occasions when the College may need to change arrangements or be unable to deliver classes due to circumstances such as reduced funding. If there are insufficient numbers applying for a course it may not be viable to deliver the class.

Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.

Further Education

Further Education

If you have just completed your GCSEs, Further Education is most likely the option for you. FE covers qualifications from entry to higher level qualifications such as Awards, Certificates, Diplomas, NVQ, BTEC and Apprenticeships.

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