Welcome to the new Stephenson College website!

We're proud to be part of Loughborough College Group, alongside Brooksby College and Loughborough College.

BTEC Level 3 Foundation/Extended Diploma Engineering

Key Facts

Level: 3
Attendance: Full Time (FT)
Duration: 2 Years
Course Code: NFH0021
Start Date: September 2026
Awarding Body: Pearson Education Ltd (Formerly EDEXCEL)
Location: Loughborough College

Code: NFH0021
Please note, course costs shown are per year.

Please Note: This programme is provisionally full for 26/27.
Applications for September 2027 will open in October

The course is designed to provide knowledge, skills, and practical experience in engineering and allows you to gain a broad knowledge of mechanical and electrical disciplines.


The course is assessed by a combination of examinations and written assignments. The course consists of classroom based engineering theory including maths materials science and design. Practical elements include Solidworks CAD package, hand drawing, electronics and 1.5 hours per week in our engineering workshop gaining vital practical experience in machining and hand fitting techniques.

Features and Benefits

This course offers:

  • Expert, professional teaching staff
  • High-quality training programmes
  • Opportunities for work placements, along with close working relationships with JTL and the AEMT

Course Content

You will study a combination of mechanical and electrical based units.

Mandatory units include:

  • Engineering Principles
  • Business in Engineering
  • Working Safely as a Team
  • Product Design
  • CAD (Computer Aided Design)
  • Printed Circuit Board Design and Manufacture
  • Microcontroller Programming using Arduino
  • Mechanical Maintenance
  • An Engineering Project

Practical Workshop Experience

Optional Work Experience / Industrial Placement

Entry Requirements

  • A BTEC First Certificate in Engineering at Merit grade, plus GCSE English Language and Maths at grade C/4 or above

Or

  • Five GCSEs at grade C/4 or above, including English Language, Maths and a Science

Progression Opportunities

In your first year you complete the BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma in Engineering (1.5 A Level equivalent). You may have the option to progress to year 2 where you will work to achieve the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Engineering.

After two years this qualification is equivalent to 3 A Levels, which enables you to study Engineering or a related subject at degree level. Alternative progression routes include Higher or Degree Apprenticeships or fulltime employment in the engineering industry.

Other Engineering courses

More Engineering courses are available at other LCG Colleges:

Aerial shot of Loughborough College campus

Loughborough College

View Loughborough College

Why choose Stephenson?

State of the Art Facilities

The College has state-of-the-art working environments for Motor Vehicle, Construction, Electrical Installation and Engineering as well as fantastic facilities for Hair & Beauty and Health & Social Care

Fantastic Opportunities

Specialises in providing high-quality Apprenticeship opportunities for students from across the country

A room filled with children and their parents visiting an Open Day and taking to Loughborough College Group staff

Visit College Open Days

See what it’s like and get any questions answered by our staff.

Open Day Dates

Useful links

Support Got a question?

Contact us

Guide How to apply

Read our guide

We are now part of Loughborough College Group

Visit the Merger website for more details.