Engineering Level 3 National Extended Certificate (1 x A level equivalent )

Applications Open – 3rd November 2025

Applications Close – 31st July 2026

Entry Requirements –We do have entry recommendations for some courses, especially A-levels, as we would not want you to start a course that would not be suitable for you. We want to give you the best chance of future success.

The course programmes are flexible: students can mix Level 3 courses with Level 2 courses, or A-levels with BTECs. We provide impartial advice and guidance and seek to put you on the courses you want and are likely to be successful in.

Students are expected to study up to 3 A level equivalent subjects (this can be from either A levels and/or Level 3 BTEC subjects) building their own personalised combination of Level 3 subjects OR a full time Level 2 course.

The sixth form runs on a flexible timetable with some courses running until 6.00pm. This flexibility means we can offer as much as possible, to as many as possible, as often as possible.

How to Apply – Please apply via Kent Choices.

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The qualification has been developed in consultation with higher education representatives and professional bodies to ensure students have the knowledge, understanding and skills they need to progress to, and thrive in, higher education.

UNIT ONE: Engineering Principles: Engineering data and applying mathematical procedures in mechanical and electrical contexts

Students will develop the skills and knowledge required to solve mechanical, electrical and electronic-based engineering problems by applying appropriate mathematical and physical science principles.

UNIT TWO: Engineering Applications: Advances in modern technology and how they are reshaping the engineering sector's function; materials and processes to devise sustainable solutions to engineering problems.

In this unit students will explore how advances in modern technology are reshaping how a wide range of engineering sector’s function. They will also explore how engineers use their understanding of materials and processes to devise sustainable solutions to engineering problems

UNIT THREE: Engineering Design: Three-dimensional (3D) models and two-dimensional (2D) detailed drawings using a computer-aided design (CAD) system

Students will create a design solution in response to an engineering design challenge by developing three-dimensional (3D) models and two-dimensional (2D) detailed drawings including the use of a computer-aided design (CAD) system and other modelling techniques.

UNIT FOUR: Engineering Project: Project management processes in Engineering products from concept to solution

Students apply project management principles to undertake an individual project and will develop conceptual or practical solutions to a chosen engineering problem related to a relevant engineering specialist area.

The BTEC (Extended certificate) course comprises 4 units.

Assessment is specifically designed to fit the purpose and objective of the qualification. It includes a range of assessment types and styles suited to vocational qualifications in the sector. There are three main forms of assessment that you need to be aware of: external, internal and synoptic.

The BTEC Nationals attract UCAS points

We would recommend a grade 6 at GCSE in Science/DT and grade 6 in Mathematics.

Vocation

Students will be able to take many transferable skills into an apprenticeship or other training-based course. Pupils will have gained problem solving, intrapersonal and interpersonal skills throughout the course.

Academic

The following subjects would be suitable to combine with this qualification:

· Mathematics

· Physics

· Design and Technology.

Examples of combinations within a study programme to access specific degree programmes include:

· Mathematics and Physics: progression to degrees in Engineering