Qualifications
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering (601/7587/4)
Overview
As well as learning the basics of electrical engineering, you will undertake hands-on learning by building prototype electronic circuits, learn how to solder circuit boards, programme microcontrollers and industrial PLCs, and learn how our world is being reshaped by the interconnecting network of smart devices over the 5G network — what is being called the Internet of Things (IoT).
With the global number of connected IoT devices reaching 21.1 billion in 2025 and growing at 14% annually, driven by 5G's low-latency capabilities for applications in smart factories, edge computing, and industrial automation, this field is at the forefront of innovation.
We consider the teaching of electronics at Belfast Met to be amongst the highest standard in the UK; we are the only college in NI this year who hosted the WorldSkills UK Industrial Electronics qualifier in June 2025, where our engineering students regularly secure top placements against UK-wide competition — most recently one of our students achieved the Silver medal in November 2025 UK National Competition and is preparing to compete for a place in the International Finals and represent the UK if successful.
If you are interested in technology, why not come and join us!
This course is designed to cover a broad spectrum of engineering subjects allowing you to obtain the relevant skills and qualification to progress to higher education in an engineering discipline and to obtain skills relevant to industry.
Key Areas of Study:
Year 1 (Subject to change)
• Engineering Principles
• Engineering Product Design and Manufacture
• Electronic Devices and Circuits
• Programmable Logic Controllers
• Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems
Year 2 (Subject to change)
• Electronic Printed Circuit Board Design and Manufacture
• Three Phase Electrical Systems
• A Specialist Engineering Product
• Microcontroller Systems for Engineers
• Analogue Electronic Circuits
• Electronic Measurement and Testing
Academic Course Entry Requirements
4 GCSEs including GCSE Maths Grade C or Level 2 Numeracy or equivalent and GCSE English Grade C or Level 2 Literacy or equivalent.
*Preference may be given to applicants with a minimum of GCSE Grade B or C in Maths and English.
Non-academic Course Entry Requirements
Important: All applicants must also meet the following conditions:
- be 16 years old by 1 July 2026.
- provide proof of:
- Right to Study in the UK. For courses with work placement, proof of your right to work in the UK is also required.
- Photographic proof of identity
- Provide translated copies of and/or demonstrate equivalency of non-UK qualifications.
Further information on non-academic course entry requirements can be found at https://www.belfastmet.ac.uk/full-time/further-education/entry-criteria-further-education
Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) for FE Courses
APL allows you to use evidence from prior learning or experience to gain entry onto a course at Belfast Met. Belfast Met will work with you to make sure that relevant learning or work experience is formally recognised through the APL Process. For more information see Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) Process - Guidance for applicants. If you would like more information, or if you decide you would like to use the APL process, please contact the Course Co-ordinator. Contact details are provided at the end of these slides and on the course details page on Belfast Met website.
Visit our Student Funding page to find out how to fund your studies.
All fees are set in accordance with DfE regulations.
Please contact the student loan company if you require a loan or our Funding Team by emailing studentfunding@belfastmet.ac.uk
Assessment is a majority of coursework assessment both internally and external set, with at least one exam based unit.
Careers
The electronics industry in the UK is currently experiencing significant growth, with the engineering and technology workforce comprising approximately 6.4 million people—around 19% of the total workforce.
Labour market projections indicate one of the highest rates of employment growth for engineering occupations by 2030, outpacing non-priority sectors by a factor of 1.6, with an expected 834,000 additional jobs in clean energy, defence, digital, and housebuilding over the next five years alone.
In Northern Ireland, this demand is particularly acute, with hundreds of engineering roles advertised across Belfast and surrounding areas in areas like automation, manufacturing, and renewable technologies.
Belfast Met's courses offer a clear pathway from Level 3 to Level 5, from which you can progress to degree-level study or directly into high-paid roles within the electrical and electronic industries, including:
• Robotics
• Automation and control
• Electrification of vehicles
• Electronic circuit design and testing
• Mechatronics and system programming
• Wind turbine and solar renewable energies
• Internet of Things
Interests
- Problem Solving
- Desing
- Technology
- Computing
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