Level 3 National Extended Diploma Engineering - Mechatronics

This two-year full-time course, equivalent to 3 A levels meets the requirements for learners who wish to progress to employment or further study in engineering.

Course Code: P10453
Campus: Downpatrick
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 who wish to progress to employment or further study in engineering. Learners will gain relevant skills and knowledge from studying a range of diverse units focused on electrical/electronic and mechanical disciplines, for example electrical machines and maintenance of mechanical systems. Progression routes can include direct employment in an engineering technician capacity, higher level apprenticeship or full-time higher education courses in engineering e.g. HND, foundation degree or degree.

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.

Modules studied in year 1 may include:  

  • Engineering Principles
  • Delivery of Engineering Processes Safely as a Team
  • Engineering Product Design and Manufacture
  • Applied Commercial and Quality Principles in Engineering
  • Manufacturing Secondary Machining Processes
  • Electronic Measurement and Testing of Circuits        
  • Electronic Devices and Circuits

Units studies in year 2 include:         

  • Microcontroller Systems for Engineers         
  • A Specialist Engineering Project         
  • Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems        
  • Static Mechanical Principles in Practice         
  • Mechanical Measurement and Inspection
  • Pneumatic and Hydraulic Systems
  • Additive Manufacturing Processes
  • Computer Aided Design in Engineering

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 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 CAD and Pneumatics. 

Successful completion will enable you to apply for 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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