Free BTEC Level 3 Engineering Course in Birmingham – University College Birmingham

CostFREE
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start14 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body

About this course

Free BTEC Level 3 Engineering Course in Birmingham. Classes run at University College Birmingham, full-time during the day. This two-year course covers the core knowledge and skills needed for engineering, manufacturing, process and control work. You'll study essential mathematics, manufacturing systems and processes, materials, commercial principles, and topics including artificial intelligence. The course includes 60 hours of work placement to build practical experience. In year one you work toward a Certificate in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering. In year two you can progress to the Extended Diploma, which carries the same weight as three A-levels.

Who this course is for

"Engineering and manufacturing are essential to the function of modern society, with constant demand for qualified workers in these areas. If you dream of a career in this crucial industry, our Level 3 Engineering course will enable you to gain the key skills and knowledge for future employment or higher education in this field.

You will learn the core skills needed for entry into a range of engineering, manufacturing, process and control occupations and develop an understanding of many issues affecting the sector. Areas you will study include essential mathematics, manufacturing systems and processes, materials and commercial principles, as well as the latest industry-relevant topics such as artificial intelligence (AI).

Our engineering college course will give you a widely-recognised BTEC Level 3 qualification you will enrol on the National Foundation Diploma (equivalent to 1.5 A-levels) in year 1 before having the opportunity to progress onto the National Extended Diploma (equivalent to 3 A-levels) in year 2. On completion, you will be ready to pursue a career in the engineering industry or study an engineering-related subject at degree level."

Entry requirements

Please refer to the University College Birmingham course page for specific entry requirements.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop core engineering and manufacturing principles used across industry
  • You'll study essential mathematics applied to engineering problems
  • You'll learn about manufacturing systems and production processes
  • You'll explore materials science and how materials are selected and used
  • You'll understand commercial principles relevant to engineering businesses
  • You'll examine how artificial intelligence is shaping modern engineering
  • You'll gain hands-on industry experience through a 60-hour work placement

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom-based sessions at University College Birmingham, combining taught lessons with practical and project-based work. Assessment is through assignments, projects, and coursework rather than traditional exams, which is typical of BTEC qualifications. Your work placement also forms part of the programme, giving you assessed experience in a real engineering environment.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. University College Birmingham will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Manufacturing engineer: working in production and process environments
  • Engineering technician: supporting design and maintenance teams
  • Quality control inspector: checking products meet engineering standards
  • CAD technician: producing technical drawings and designs
  • Maintenance engineer: keeping industrial machinery running safely
  • Production supervisor: overseeing manufacturing operations
  • Engineering apprentice: combining work and further training at Level 4

What you could study next

  • HNC or HND in Engineering (Level 4 or 5): a natural next step if you want to specialise further before or instead of a full degree.
  • BEng or MEng in Engineering (Level 6 or 7): a degree route for those aiming for chartered engineer status or senior technical roles.
  • Higher or Degree Apprenticeship in Engineering: combines employment with higher-level study, often sponsored by an employer.

Related courses at University College Birmingham

More courses near you