ENGINEERING

BTEC Level 2 Extended Certificate

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Course Level

Level 2

Duration

1 year FT per level

Placement

Included in course

Entry

September

Fees

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Department of Engineering and Built Environment
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Get a widely-recognised, work-related BTEC qualification to support your future

Progress onto our Level 3 engineering courses, an apprenticeship or a career in the sector

Engineering keeps the modern world in motion. Qualified engineers will always be in demand, with a vast array of careers available across this essential and fast-paced field. Whether you want to enter electronics or master manufacturing, our introductory Engineering course will give you the ideal foundation of skills and knowledge to gear you up for future success.

You will gain an understanding of a broad range of issues relevant to the engineering sector, including core principles of maths and science, electronics, working practices and the functions of engineering businesses. This widely-recognised BTEC Level 2 engineering course also gives you the opportunity to put your training into practice in the real world on placement in industry during your studies.

By completing our course, you will be able to work towards launching your engineering career as well as continuing to develop your skills through progression onto a variety of other qualifications or apprenticeships, including our BTEC Level 3 or T-level engineering courses at University College Birmingham.

Why choose this college course?

  • BOOST YOUR SKILLS – Develop essential skills and knowledge focusing on electrical, mechanical and automation processes
  • PRACTICAL APPLICATION – Hone your practical skills using our cutting-edge facilities in our Centre for Sustainable Construction
  • RECOGNISED QUALIFICATION – Our BTEC Level 2 Engineering course gives you a recognised work-related qualification to enable progress onto further study, apprenticeships and employment
There are lots of reasons why we think you should study with us, but here are our top 5. View video.

Our facilities

Students on our construction and engineering courses will learn in brand new real-world training environments under development at University College Birmingham. Our Centre for Sustainable Construction at the iconic James Cond Building will offer state-of-the-art facilities specifically designed to develop skills that support employers and their supply chains, along with further new facilities at Camden House. These will include:

  • Training rigs
  • Production line technology
  • Industry 4.0 rigs
  • Process manufacturing training equipment
  • Hydraulics
  • Pneumatics
  • Renewable energy simulators
  • Control engineering rigs
  • Cyber physical system
  • Mechatronics automation
  • PLCs
  • Fluid dynamics software
  • MATLAB design software
  • Enhanced IT facilities

Formerly the James Cond print works, this retrofitted building is now our Centre for Sustainable Construction.

State-of-the-art facilities specifically designed to develop skills that support employers.

Study in one of many modern classroom spaces across our James Cond and Camden House campuses.

Male lecturer teaching a smaller group of students who are on laptops.

Enhanced IT facilities to support you alongside your practical training.

Course breakdown

Topics you will study:

  • Investigating an engineered product
  • Engineering science and maths
  • Mechatronics
  • The engineering world
  • Computer-aided engineering
  • Engineering design
  • Robotics

Please note: Units/topics of study are subject to change

You will also have an individual study programme to help you build the skills and experience you need to progress onto higher education or gain employment.

Entry requirements

Our engineering lecturers are looking for students who are enthusiastic and passionate about a career in manufacturing and engineering, together with a keen determination to succeed in the industry, so please contact Admissions if you do not have the specific requirements outlined below. 

If you are unsure if your qualification is equivalent or if you wish to check if you meet the entry requirements for this course, please call 0121 214 2919, email feadmissions@ucb.ac.uk or use our live chat.

Engineering Level 2

Academic requirements

  • 4 GCSEs at grade 3 (grade D) including English (Language or Literature) and Maths, or equivalent.

Supporting documents required

  • School applicants will be required to provide a good school report, which must include attendance. This will be assessed in conjunction with your qualifications and application during the confirmation of your place at University College Birmingham.
  • If you are a school leaver (over 19), you will be required to provide a reference from a previous education provider or employer in support of your application.

English and maths

If you do not have a grade 4/C or above in English and maths and you are under 19, you will be required to study these subjects alongside your vocational subject. After enrolment you will complete an assessment with our teaching team so we can ensure you receive appropriate English and maths support.

Applicants over 19 are not required to complete maths and English.

Guaranteed progression

Students who achieve BTEC Level 2 Extended Certificate in Engineering and receive approval from the University College Birmingham teaching team will be permitted to progress onto BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma in Engineering. 

Key information

Teaching and assessment

You will have three days per week in college, as well as time spent on industry placement during the Level 2 course. Around 4-6 hours of homework per week is also advised.

Staff will monitor your progress and have one-to-one meetings with you with targets set. You will also have progress reviews during your work experience, both from our staff and your employer.

Our teaching and assessment is underpinned by our Learning and Teaching Strategy 2025-2030.

This course is delivered in partnership with the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Institute of Technology (GBSIoT).

Accreditations, endorsements and partnerships

University College Birmingham works with a wide range of organisations to ensure you receive the best possible training and qualifications recognised by industry.

Percentage
70%

of graduate employers say relevant experience is essential to getting a job with them

Work placements

Work placements offer a wealth of benefits alongside your studies, helping you put your learning into practice, develop your skills and understanding of the workplace, boost your CV for your chosen career or enhance your UCAS application for higher education. Our Hired team can help find the ideal placement for you.

Attending a work/industry placement is a critical element of our Level 2 course in engineering. This will usually consist of one day per week for two weeks, totalling around 20 hours.

Career opportunities

On completion of the Level 2, you could progress onto one of our Level 3 courses including Engineering BTEC Level 3 or Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing T-level. Alternatively you could pursue a range of employment opportunities within the industry.

Note: Some roles below may require further study/training. The roles and salaries below are intended as a guide only.

Mechanical engineer

Average Salary: £32,000

Electrical/electronics engineer

Average Salary: £32,000

Process manufacturing engineer

Average Salary: £35,000

Product designer

Average Salary: £45,000

Hired

We are here to support your career goals every step of the way. 

 

Find out more

Engineering and Construction at University College Birmingham

Discover more about our new range of engineering and construction college courses, including BTEC Level 2, BTEC Level 3 and T-Level qualifications.

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