BTEC NATIONAL CERTIFICATE

ENGINEERING (ELECTRONIC)
Edexcel BTEC
Head of Department Rob Harris
What is BTEC Engineering?
Engineering is the application of Science and Mathematics in order to design and build devices,
materials, structures, engines and other forms of technology. It is a broad and varied discipline,
including, amongst others, mechanical, civil, electrical, electronic, chemical, acoustic and
aeronautical engineering. Fundamentally, engineers are problem solvers and effect every aspect
of our lives from communication and transport to computers and the homes in which we live.
Engineers are employed in every corner of industry underpinning economic activity and quality of
life. Just a few important examples include the generation of energy, defence, and the
development of computer systems and software.
About the course
This 1 year BTEC Level 3 Course is QCF accredited as equivalent to 1 AS Level and comprises 3
varied units combining theory and practical skills with an emphasis on electrical and electronic
engineering. The course would particularly suit students considering engineering at higher
education or thinking of a career within the engineering industry. Although not essential, the
course would ideally sit alongside a program of two or three A-levels e.g. Maths, Physics or
Chemistry.
Skills you will develop on this course.
Students will develop the practical skills and understanding to use a broad range of electrical
apparatus. Investigative skills will be developed through practical construction, measurement
and testing of circuits and, where applicable, the use of computer-based circuit analysis and
simulation. Students will develop the confidence to construct and test electronic circuits with an
emphasis on prototyping, constructing and measuring, treating systems in terms of their
functionality and their input/output relationships. Communication, presentation and written
expression skills will be developed through the production of reports. Students will be required
to undertake risk assessments and by doing so will develop an appreciation of the hazards and
risks associated with health, safety and welfare in an engineering workplace.

Topics studied
The course consists of two units related to electrical or electronic engineering, and a unit on
health and safety.

Electrical and Electronic Principles

Principles and Applications of Electronic Devices and Circuits

Health and Safety in the Engineering Workplace

How will you learn?

The course will be taught as practically as possible within the electronics laboratory, supported
by assignment work. Students will also learn though classroom teaching, circuit simulation,
discussions, textbooks and worksheets, videos, group research and presentations, library and
internet research and use of the interactive e-learning environment.
Where does the Course Lead?
The BTEC Level 3 Certificate is worth up to 70 UCAS points. The knowledge and skills you learn
will provide many interesting opportunities after your course.
The majority of students will progress to university to study a wide range of courses, and for many
students this will be an engineering degree.
To maximise your opportunity to progress to a Degree in Engineering you would be advised to
also to study AS/A2 Mathematics and Physics.
Assessment
All assessment is through continuous coursework assignments, with no examinations.
The BTEC qualification is awarded at Pass, Merit, Distinction or Distinction* level.
Entry Requirements
5 A* - Cs at GCSE, including GCSE Maths and two Science subjects (e.g. Science and Additional
Science)

Revised June 2013