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Free Level 3 Engineering Course in Brighton

CostFREE
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start7 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyOCR awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Free Level 3 Engineering Course in Brighton. Classes run at Varndean College, full-time over two years.

The course covers five units: engineering principles, materials science, engineering in practice, computer-aided design, and a further specialist unit. You'll study static and dynamic forces, electrical and electronic systems, materials properties, and CAD modelling. Assessment is a mix of exams and practical project work.

You'll need GCSE Maths at grade 5 or above, plus grade 5 or above in GCSE Combined Science or Physics. The course leads to an OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate in Engineering.

Who this course is for

Electrical, Electronic and Mechanical Engineers; Aerospace, Automotive and Nuclear Engineers; Civil Engineers and Environmental Engineers. What do they all have in common? They are all engineers! If you are interested in Engineering then this course is for you! It is a modular course with a mixture of exams and project work and if you combine this with other suitable qualifications, it will allow you to progress to your dream career in engineering.

Entry requirements

Standard Advanced Entry Requirements PLUS Grade 5 or above in GCSE Maths Grade 5/5 or above in GCSE Combined Science or a 5 in Physics and a 5 in one other science

What you will learn

  • You'll explore static and dynamic forces and their effects in engineering situations.
  • You'll study electrical and electronic principles, including direct and alternating current, analogue, digital, and programmable systems.
  • You'll learn about materials science, including material properties, processing techniques, and sustainable engineering.
  • You'll analyse products, produce engineering CAD drawings, and build component and circuit prototypes.
  • You'll use computer-aided design software to recreate physical objects as 3D models.
  • You'll apply the maths used in the engineering industry through real calculations.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom-based teaching, practical workshop sessions, and project work. Assessment combines written exams and portfolio-based units. The exam units cover engineering principles and materials science. The practical units are assessed through portfolios of your CAD drawings, prototypes, and evaluations.

What you will need to bring

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

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Engineering Technician, supports engineers across mechanical, electrical, or electronic disciplines.
  • CAD Technician, produces technical drawings and 3D models for engineering projects.
  • Electrical Engineering Technician, works on electrical systems and installations.
  • Mechanical Engineering Technician, assists with design, testing, and maintenance of machinery.
  • Aerospace Engineering Technician, works within aircraft manufacturing or maintenance teams.
  • Manufacturing Technician, supports production processes in engineering environments.

What you could study next

  • HNC or HND in Engineering, a higher-level qualification that deepens specialist knowledge and is valued by employers.
  • BEng or MEng degree in Engineering, for those aiming to become a chartered or graduate engineer.
  • Level 3 Apprenticeship in Engineering, combining paid work with further technical training in a specific engineering discipline.
Apply on varndean.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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