Engineering - Level 3 National Extended Diploma

If you're interested in product design, aerospace, manufacturing, electronics, electrical engineering or the automotive industry as a project leader or designer, this course will equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to progress to university or employment.

You will be taught in our modern, bright and airy engineering classrooms, each with new smartboards, alongside our well-equipped workshops with all the hand tools and machine tools you need to get a head start in your engineering career.

We also run a 'Young Engineers Club', where you are encouraged to further develop your engineering knowledge in new technologies, such as drones, solar and wind power, robotics, go-karts and more. The club has weekly meetings in our workshops where you can research, design, manufacture and finally test your product with our support.

The course can also include work placements with many reputable companies around Greater London. There are also industry projects to take part in and guest visits from engineers who have designed railway stations, airports and shopping centres.

Extended Diplomas have two one-year programmes. You need to finish the first year before moving on to the second.

This course consists of two separate qualifications. In your first year of study, you will work towards the Level 3 90-Credit Diploma. Following successful completion of this qualification, you will be able to progress to the Extended Diploma. Our Extended Diplomas offer equivalent UCAS points to studying 3 A Levels.

You will study a combination of theory, applied theory and practical topics across a broad range of subjects. Topics covered can include:

• Mechanical Principles and Applications
• Electrical and Electronic Principles
• Mathematics for Engineering Technicians
• Engineering Design
• Engineering Materials
• Business Operations
• Applications of Mechanical Systems
• Health and Safety in Engineering
• Fluid Mechanics
• Engineering Drawing for Technicians
• Computer Numerical Control (CNC)
• Engineering Project

You will need:

• Four GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including GCSE English, GCSE Maths at grade 6 or above
• GCSE Science (Double Award) at grade 5 or above
• Grade 5 in one other subject, preferably a science-related subject or an equivalent Level 2 qualification at Merit (and Functional Skills in English and Maths at Level 2/GCSE Maths at grade 6 or above)

All applicants must have an interview to confirm that the course is suitable for them.

The course is assessed through a combination of coursework activities, theoretical and practical assignments, assessment tests, exams and case studies. All units are assessed and graded and an overall grade for the qualification is awarded.

Aged 16-18

If you will be aged 16, 17 or 18 on 31st August prior to the start date of your course and you have the legal right to remain in the UK for the duration of your programme then your study with us will be free. Please see here for the documents you will need to show us.

Some courses will have other associated costs, such as for specialist materials and trips. Many of our students are eligible for financial support, see here for details.

This course will help you to move on to higher level courses, such as a Bachelor of Science, an apprenticeship, or to pursue employment in the engineering industry.

Jesna is an accomplished engineering lecturer who joined City and Islington College in 2022. With her vast knowledge and expertise in the field, she has become a valuable asset to the college's engineering department.

She holds a Masters Degree in Data Science, a field that combines her passion for computer science and engineering with her keen interest in data analysis and interpretation. Her deep understanding of data science techniques and methodologies allows her to effectively teach and inspire students to excel in this rapidly evolving field.

She believes in providing students with a comprehensive and practical education that prepares them for the challenges of the real world. In her last year in CANDI, she taught on two different qualifications: BTEC and Access to Engineering, covering ten units in her expertise. 

Apart from her role as a lecturer, Jesna actively engages in research projects, contributing to the advancements in data science and computer engineering. She is a firm believer in the importance of staying up to date with the latest industry trends and technologies and encourages her students to do the same.

Anitha is an esteemed educator who joined City and Islington College in August 2022. Anitha brings a wealth of experience to her role as a teacher. She holds a Masters Degree in Civil Engineering and has spent several years in Higher Education at universities.

Her expertise lies in the field of Design subjects, where she has a deep understanding of the subject matter and a talent for simplifying complex concepts. She creates a supportive and inclusive classroom environment that encourages active participation and critical thinking. She has a well-known knowledge of designing software like Auto CADD, Staad and Ansys. Incorporating a variety of teaching methods and resources, Anitha ensures that every student has the opportunity to learn and succeed.

Asha is an Electrical Engineering lecturer with multiple postgraduate degrees in Electrical Engineering. She joined City and Islington College in September 2021. Prior to this, she was working as a Lecturer and Assistant Professor in reputed engineering colleges in India for around 10 years.

For the last 2 years, she has been working as a Lecturer in Engineering at City and Islington College, London. She completed her MSc with Distinction in Electrical Power Engineering from the University of Greenwich and her outstanding performance in the program earned her the prestigious 'The Faculty of Engineering and Science Prize for Best MSc (Standard Programme) Overall Performance', reflecting her commitment to excellence.

She also has a Masters in Control and Instrumentation engineering and a Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering from India, comparable to the UK qualifications of “Bachelor (Honors) Degree in Electrical Engineering”. She completed her PGCE from the University of Cumbria in the year 2023.

Asha is proficient in using AutoCAD, a widely used computer-aided design (CAD) software, which is particularly valuable in electrical circuit design, schematics, and layout planning. She also has experience in working on projects incorporating Proteus, which is a valuable tool for validating and testing electronic circuits before implementing them physically.

Additionally, her guidance and mentorship for postgraduate engineering students in the field of embedded programming using microcontrollers like Arduino, ARM 7, and PIC Microcontroller further highlight practical knowledge and ability to apply these technologies in real-world projects.

Daniella Plummer is an experienced educator with a strong background in teaching and a passion for the sciences. Joining City and Islington College in 2022, She began her teaching career at West Herts College, where she soon progressed to become a manager of science at Harrow College.

Daniella holds a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Molecular Biology and Genetics from the University of Hertfordshire, providing her with a solid academic foundation in the sciences. Her expertise in molecular biology and genetics enables her to offer a comprehensive understanding of these subjects, which she effectively imparts to her students.

With her extensive experience teaching biology, chemistry, and physics, Daniella has successfully guided students from GCSE to A Level, as well as adults pursuing access courses. Her ability to engage students with her enthusiastic and innovative teaching methods has resulted in outstanding academic achievements. As the Curriculum Manager for the Applied Science Department, Daniella brings her exceptional organisational and leadership skills to the role. She ensures that the department's programs are well-structured, innovative, and aligned with the latest educational standards.

The teachers listed may change, these shown are an example of the teachers who teach on these programmes.