BTEC National Foundation/Extended Diploma in Aeronautical Engineering Study Mode: Full Time | Course Level: Level 3
BTEC National Foundation/Extended Diploma in Aeronautical Engineering
Where will this course lead?
This qualification is designed for learners preparing for roles within Aircraft Maintenance and the wider engineering sector. It supports progression into apprenticeships, employment, and higher education. The course enables learners to achieve a Level 3 qualification in Aeronautical Engineering in the second year.
Following successful completion of the two-year programme, learners may progress to HNC, HND, or BSc programmes in Aircraft Maintenance, delivered at Solihull College in partnership with Coventry University. The course is popular as it also provides opportunities to progress into related engineering disciplines, including Automotive Engineering, Rail Engineering, Software Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Electrical Engineering.
Learners will develop relevant technical skills and knowledge through a wide range of units, including Engineering Principles, CAD, Health and Safety, Aircraft Flight Principles, Gas Turbine Engines, Airframe Construction, and Microcontrollers, providing a strong foundation for diverse engineering pathways.
What will I study?
Following successful completion of the National Foundation Diploma in Engineering in the first year, you can then progress onto the specialised National Extended Diploma in Aeronautical Engineering in the second year of the course.
Year 1 (BTEC National Foundation Diploma in Engineering)
Unit breakdown: Year 1 covers a range of subjects in mechanical and electronic engineering. The Year 1 qualification is equivalent to 1.5 A Levels. Units covered:
|
Unit Numbers and Titles |
Assessment Method |
|
Unit 1 - Engineering Principles (Maths, Mechanical Principles, Electrical Principles) |
External exam (January) |
|
Unit 2 - Delivery of Engineering Processes Safely |
Internal coursework |
|
Unit 3 - Product Design & Manufacture |
External exam (May) |
|
Unit 4 - Applied Commercial & Quality |
Internal coursework |
|
Unit 10 - Computer Aided Design |
Internal coursework |
|
Unit 19 - Electronic Devices & Circuits |
Internal coursework |
|
Unit 9 - Work Experience & Employability |
Internal coursework |
Year 2 (BTEC National Extended Diploma in Aeronautical Engineering)
Unit breakdown: This involves further studies of a range of subjects that cover the Aeronautical field of engineering. When you have finished Year 2 your overall qualification will be equivalent to 3 A-levels:
|
Unit Numbers and Titles |
Assessment Method |
|
Unit 5 - A Specialist Engineering Project |
Internal coursework |
|
Unit 6 - Microcontroller Systems for Engineers |
External exam (May) |
|
Unit 7 - Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems |
Internal coursework |
|
Unit 48 - Aircraft Flight Principles and Practice |
Internal coursework |
|
Unit 49 - Aircraft Workshop Methods and Practice |
Internal coursework |
|
Unit 53 - Airframe Mechanical Systems |
Internal coursework |
|
Unit 54 - Aircraft Electrical & Instrument Systems |
Internal coursework |
|
Unit 50 - Aircraft Gas Turbine Engines |
Internal coursework |
How will this course be delivered?
These courses are delivered through classroom teaching, practical workshops and computer based workshops.
What qualifications will I get?
Year 1: BTEC National Foundation Diploma in Engineering
Year 2: BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Aeronautical Engineering
How will I be assessed?
The subject units are assessed in a variety of ways; some are assessed by assignments which may involve working in groups or independently and marked by your teachers using awarding body Criteria.
Some assignments are assessed whilst undertaking practical activities and others are written assignments.
Other modules or qualifications will be assessed using externally marked exams
How do I get a place on the course?
Entry to the course is dependent upon successful interview and meeting the entry requirements
What are the entry requirements?
To start the National Foundation Diploma (Year 1), students should have:
- Minimum 4 GCSE grades at grade 4 or above (must include Maths and English)
- A school report showing at least 90% attendance and a good character reference
Successful students who finish the first year with an overall average of Merit or Distinction grade - together with 90%+ attendance and punctuality will be able to progress to the Extended Diploma (Year 2).
What else do I need to know?
Essential Information: You must arrive to your lessons on time.
You will need:
Steel toe capped safety boots/shoes (Year 2)
Overalls (Year 2)
Scientific calculator
Notepad/notebook/A4 folder with paper
Suitable pen (black or blue ink)
If you have a Learning Difference or Disability please let us know when you apply. You will be offered support in your interview. If you need help completing your application we can help with this too.
Solihull College & University Centre offers full time and part time courses for businesses and residents in Birmingham, Walsall, Wolverhampton, Coventry Warwickshire and the whole of the West Midlands.
Greater Birmingham & Solihull Institute of Technology.
Solihull College & University Centre are the lead partner of the GBSIoT - a collaboration between colleges, universities and employers focusing on the technical skills required in the region. The College's Engineering courses are part of the GBSIoT.
What can I do after this course?
You could move onto university level courses such as a BSc Aircraft Maintenance Engineering available at the College, or courses at other universities.
Apprenticeships are also available in a variety of career roles linked to Aeronautical Engineering.
Woodlands Campus
Sept-2026
Various
TBC
N/A For 16 to 18 Year Olds
ENACA041CCF0
Full Time
Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical engineers undertake research and design, direct the manufacture and manage the operation and maintenance of engines, machines, aircraft, vehicle and ships' structures, building services and other mechanical items.
What’s Involved?
Mechanical Engineers undertake research and advise on energy use, materials handling, thermodynamic processes, fluid mechanics, vehicles and environmental controls. They determine materials, equipment, piping, capacities, layout of plant or system and specification for manufacture. They design mechanical equipment, such as steam, internal combustion and other non-electrical motors for railway locomotives, road vehicles, aeroplanes and other machinery. They also ensure that equipment, operation and maintenance comply with design specifications and safety standards. They organise and establish control systems to monitor operational efficiency and performance of materials and systems.Quality Engineer
Quality control and planning engineers plan production schedules, work sequences, and manufacturing and processing procedures to ensure accuracy, quality and reliability.
What’s Involved?
Quality Engineers devise inspection, testing and evaluation methods for bought-in materials, components, semi-finished and finished products. They ensure accuracy of machines, jigs, fixtures, gauges and other manufacturing and testing equipment. They prepare work flow charts for individual departments and compile detailed instructions on processes, work methods and quality and safety standards for workers. They also analyse plans, drawings, specifications and safety, quality, accuracy, reliability and contractual requirements. They prepare plan of sequence of operations and completion dates for each phase of production or processing. They oversee effective implementation of adopted processes, schedules and procedures.Design Engineer
Design and development engineers conceive engineering designs from product ideas or requirements in mechanical, electrical and electronic engineering.
What’s Involved?
Design Engineers assess product requirements, including costs, manufacturing feasibility and market requirements. They prepare working designs for steam, aero, turbine, marine and electrical engines, mechanical instruments, aircraft and missile structures, vehicle and ship structures, plant and machinery equipment, domestic electrical appliances. They build systems and services, and electronic computing and telecommunications equipment. They also arrange construction and testing of model or prototype and modify designs if necessary. They produce final design information for use in preparation of layouts, parts lists, etc. They prepare specifications for materials and other components.Aircraft Maintenance Engineer
Jobholders in this unit group fit, service, repair and overhaul aircraft engines and assemblies.
What’s Involved?
Aircraft Maintenance Engineers examine drawings, manuals and specifications to determine appropriate methods and sequence of operations. They fit and assemble parts and/or metal sub-assemblies to fine tolerances to make aircraft engines. They replace engine components or complete engines, install and test electrical and electronic components and systems in aircraft. They also examine and inspect airframes and aircraft components, including landing gear, hydraulic systems, and deicers to detect wear, cracks, breaks, leaks, or other problems. They maintain, repair and rebuild aircraft structures, functional components, and parts. They maintain comprehensive repair logs.Engineering Technician
Engineering technicians perform a variety of technical support functions to assist engineers with the design, development, operation, installation and maintenance of engineering systems and constructions.
What’s Involved?
Engineering Technicians plan and prepare work and test schedules based on specifications and drawings. They set up equipment, undertake tests, take readings, perform calculations and record and interpret data. They also prepare estimates of materials, equipment and labour required for engineering projects. They diagnose and detect faults and implement procedures to maintain efficient operation of systems and equipment. They inspect completed aircraft maintenance work to certify that it meets standards and the aircraft is ready for operation. They also visit and advise clients on the use and servicing of mechanical and chemical engineering products and services.Aerospace Engineer
Aerospace Engineering falls under Mechanical Engineering. Mechanical engineers undertake research and design, direct the manufacture and manage the operation and maintenance of engines, machines, aircraft, and vehicle structures, building services and other mechanical items.
What’s Involved?
A Aerospace Engineer undertakes research and advises on energy use, materials handling, thermodynamic processes, fluid mechanics, vehicles and environmental controls. They determine materials, equipment, piping, capacities, layout of plant or system and specification for manufacture. They design mechanical equipment, such as steam, internal combustion and other non-electrical motors for railway locomotives, road vehicles, aeroplanes and other machinery. They also ensure that equipment, operation and maintenance comply with design specifications and safety standards. They organise and establish control systems to monitor operational efficiency and performance of materials and systems.CAD Technician/Draughtsperson
CAD Technicians or Draughtspersons prepare technical drawings, plans, maps, charts and similar items.
What’s Involved?
A CAD Technician examines design specification to determine general requirements. They consider the suitability of different materials with regard to the dimensions and weight and calculate the likely fatigue, stresses, tolerances, bonds and threads. They prepare design drawings, plans or sketches and checks feasibility of construction and compliance with safety regulations. They prepare detailed drawings, plans, charts or maps that include natural features, desired surface finish, elevations, electrical circuitry and other details as required. They arrange for completed drawings to be reproduced for use as working drawings.
Maintenance Engineer
Maintenance Engineers erect, install and repair electrical and mechanical plant and industrial machinery, fit and assemble parts and sub-assemblies in the manufacture of metal products and test and adjust new motor vehicles and engines.
