Blacksmithing & Metalworking (BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma)
Plumpton College
Ditchling Road, Plumpton, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 3AE
National Extended Diploma (BTEC)
Level 3
Available start dates
Available start dates
Tuesday, 01 September 2026
2 years, full-time (Extended Diploma route), 1 year, full-time (Subsidiary Diploma route)
3 days per week in college, 1 day in industry
Plumpton College
Full time
Daytime/working hours
Course Summary
This course is designed for those wishing to extend their basic knowledge in blacksmithing and metalwork. Prospective students are likely to have completed the Level 2 Diploma in Blacksmithing & Metalwork or have relevant work experience.
CAREERS HUB
We offer impartial careers guidance to all of our students, email careers@plumpton.ac.uk to explore your next step or to book an appointment – we’re here to help.
INDUSTRY WORK EXPERIENCE
Study programmes include a minimum of compulsory work experience hours achieved through one day a week or block placements. You will be required to complete 180 hours of work experience.
The programme will give you the chance to gain valuable skills in a real working environment whilst being paired with your ideal employer.
Our mission is to pair students with their ideal employer and to support them continuously during the placement.
There is flexibility on how students complete the placement; it can be during non-college weekdays, weekends, in blocks or over the holiday period. You will receive all of the necessary information during your interview, and if you have any queries in the meantime please contact workexperience@plumpton.ac.uk
QUALIFICATIONS GAINED
Subsidiary or Extended Diploma in Blacksmithing and Metalwork
Relevant additional qualifications
College award, Functional Skills or GCSEs in English and Maths
Course Details
Modules
Indicative Programme Content
The Extended Diploma programme is based around six mandatory core units and twelve specialist units, all other certificates are a combination of units chosen from:
- Workshop Practice
- Fabrication Drawing
- Using Forging techniques
- Using Fabrication techniques
- Drawing Practice
- Principles and methods of design
- Introductory Welding
- Small scale design and working
- Work Experience
- Large scale design and working
- Forge Practice
- Repousse and other decorative skills
- Blacksmithing and construction skills
- Business Management
- Manual Arc welding
- English & maths
- Metal Arc Gas shielded welding
Specialist units
- 2D Visual Communication
- Using Ideas to Explore, Develop and Produce Art and Design (silversmithing)
- 3D Design Briefs (silversmithing)
- 3D Design Crafts Briefs (silversmithing)
- Application of Welding Processes
- Fabrication Techniques and Sheet Metal Work
- Working with Blacksmithing Specifications and Calculations
- Introduction to Land-based Workshop Practice
- English & maths
How will it be delivered and assessed?
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Entry requirements
In order to be considered you must:
- Need to have achieved 4 or more GCSEs grades 9-4 (previous grade structure A-C) including English and Maths
- Successfully completed a Level 2 qualification and GCSE maths or English at grade C/4 or above
- Mature students who do not possess any of the above qualifications will be considered.
Your next steps...
Practical employment in the blacksmithing/metalsmithing/fabrication industry and opportunities such as:
- Self-employed Blacksmith
- Self-employed Vehicle Restorer
Apprenticeship in:
- Swordsmith
- Bladesmith
- Fabricator
- Prop-maker
Additional information
For more courses like this, check our courses page.
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