Quick facts
| Qualification type | Level 3 Diploma |
| Duration | 2 years |
| Study times | You will be expected to be in college for a minimum of 3 days per week, from 9:15 to 4:00. Your timetable will be confirmed at induction. |
| Entry requirements | 4 GCSEs at 4 or above in English and relevant subjects, and including Maths at grade 5. |
| Campus | West Suffolk College Sixth Form campus, Bury St Edmunds |
| Work placements | Industrial placements |
Is it for me?
This course is ideal if you want to develop your engineering skills and explore the opportunities in this innovation-led industry.
The Extended Diploma in Engineering is a prestigious academic qualification, equivalent to studying 3 A-Levels, which will give you the opportunity to develop knowledge, understanding and underpinning skills required in the Engineering industry.
Throughout the course you will learn both the theory and practical elements of the industry and will take part in numerous hands-on lessons and work-related experience to develop transferable skills, giving you a head start to gain an Apprenticeship with one of the many local employers West Suffolk College works with, or enable you to move on to higher education.
You will learn how to work effectively and safely. In addition to the practical skills you will develop, you will also improve your employability through the enhancement of your communication, numeracy and information technology abilities.
What you'll learn
In year 1 you will learn the underpinning skills required to be a competent engineer across all industries, including:
- Mechanical Principles
- Electronics
- Computer Aided Design (CAD)
- Hydraulics and Pneumatics
On successful completion of year 1, students' progress onto year 2 and specialise in Engineering. Year 2 has exciting modules allowing students to develop specific skills and express your creativity and interests within your chosen project. Specialist subjects include:
- Additive manufacturing (3D printing)
- Analogue Electronics
- Design and CAM
- along with other core engineering modules.
Work experience placements
As part of this course, you will undertake an industrial placement which will further develop your skills and knowledge in a real-life environment.
Assessment
Learners will be assessed through a variety of methods; these involve both internal and external assessments which will allow learners to develop their vocational and study skills.
Further study
Example careers
- Marine Engineer
- Industrial Engineer
- Mechanical Engineer
- Computer Engineer
- Chemical Engineer
- Biomedical Engineer
- Petroleum Engineer
- Civil Engineer
- Environmental Engineer
- Electrical Engineer
- Nuclear Engineer
- Aeronautical Engineer
- Materials Engineer
- Software Engineer
- Manufacturing Engineer
- Automotive Engineer
Days & times
Starting September 2025