Engineering

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Engineering

Why Study Here

At Macclesfield College, we pride ourselves on being an award-winning institution, recognised for our close collaboration with local employers. All of our courses are industry-led, ensuring that you develop the exact knowledge, skills and behaviours that employers demand. With expert teachers and cutting edge resources including a 5-axis milling machine, vacuum flatbed router and a suite of 3D printers, you’ll gain experience using equipment directly relevant to your field. Our courses are designed in partnership with industry professionals, giving you the practical expertise needed to excel in today’s competitive job market.

courses available in Engineering

Level 1: Engineering

Overview

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What will I study?

As part of this course you will study the following units:

Generic Units for Mechanical Engineering.
Developing Practical skills in the Engineering workshop
Engineering fitting techniques
Engineering Machining
Engineering Design

Alongside your main programme of study you will also study either GCSE or Functional Skills in English and Maths if you have not achieved a GCSE grade 4 or above.

What career or further study opportunities will be available after completion?

On successful achievement of this course, you may wish to study a Level 2 in Engineering.

What are the entry requirements for this course & what qualifications will I gain upon completion?

4 GCSEs including English, maths and Science at grade 3 or above On successful completion of this course you will gain a City & Guilds Level 1 certificate in Engineering.

How long does it take to finish the course?

This is a full-time programme for one academic year.

Level 1: Engineering

2025/2026

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Level 2: Engineering

Overview

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What will I study?

The qualification consists of five units which provide the essential knowledge and practical skills to prepare learners for work within the engineering sector to develop relevant engineering knowledge and skills required by the industry and progression to Level 3.

Working in Engineering
Principles of Engineering Technology
Principles of manufacturing Technology
Use Bench Fitting techniques
Machine components using turning techniques

Alongside your main programme of study you will also study either GCSE or Functional Skills in English and Maths if you have not achieved a GCSE grade 4 or above.

What career or further study opportunities will be available after completion?

On successful achievement of this course you may wish to apply to study a Level 3 qualification such as the T Level in Engineering.

What are the entry requirements for this course & what qualifications will I gain upon completion?

For this course, you will need to have achieved a minimum of 4 GCSEs at grade 4 or above including English and maths as well as at least a Grade 3 in Science On successful completion of this course you will gain a City and Guilds Level 2 Diploma in Engineering qualification.

How long does it take to finish the course?

This is a full-time programme for one academic year.

Level 2: Engineering

2025/2026

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Level 3: Extended Diploma in Engineering

Overview

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What will I study?

During this course you will study a variety of mandatory and optional Engineering units to develop knowledge, skills and behaviours of engineering profession. Mandatory units:

Engineering Principles
Delivery of Engineering Processes Safely as a Team
Engineering Product Design and Manufacture
Applied Commercial and Quality Principles in Engineering
A Specialist Engineering Project
Microcontroller Systems for Engineers
Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems.

Optional units could include:

Computer Aided Design in Engineering
Electronic Devices and Circuits
Electronic Measurement and Testing of Circuits
Static Mechanical Principles in Practice
Principles and Applications of Fluid Mechanics
Modern Manufacturing Systems
Manufacturing Secondary
Machining Processes
Additive Manufacturing Processes

What career or further study opportunities will be available after completion?

On successful achievement of this course you may wish to:

Apply to University for higher study
Apply to study a Level 4 qualification such as HNC at the College where this will lead you to study HND at the college
Apply direct to Industry for an apprenticeship
Apply direct to the armed forces
Apply for a degree apprenticeship
Pursue a range of employment opportunities within a variety of engineering settings.

What are the entry requirements for this course & what qualifications will I gain upon completion?

For this course, you will need to have achieved the following 5 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above including English, Science and at least a grade 5 in maths. On successful completion of this course you will gain a BTEC Level 3 in Engineering (RQF) qualification. This qualification is equivalent to three A- Levels and can attract a maximum of 168 UCAS points.

How long does it take to finish the course?

This is a full-time programme for two academic years

Level 3: Extended Diploma in Engineering

2025/2026

apply now

Level 1: Engineering
Level 2: Engineering
Level 3: Extended Diploma in Engineering

Level 1: Engineering

Overview

apply now

What will I study?

As part of this course you will study the following units:

Generic Units for Mechanical Engineering.
Developing Practical skills in the Engineering workshop
Engineering fitting techniques
Engineering Machining
Engineering Design

Alongside your main programme of study you will also study either GCSE or Functional Skills in English and Maths if you have not achieved a GCSE grade 4 or above.

What career or further study opportunities will be available after completion?

On successful achievement of this course, you may wish to study a Level 2 in Engineering.

What are the entry requirements for this course & what qualifications will I gain upon completion?

4 GCSEs including English, maths and Science at grade 3 or above On successful completion of this course you will gain a City & Guilds Level 1 certificate in Engineering.

How long does it take to finish the course?

This is a full-time programme for one academic year.

Level 1: Engineering

2025/2026

apply now

Level 2: Engineering

Overview

apply now

What will I study?

Working in Engineering
Principles of Engineering Technology
Principles of manufacturing Technology
Use Bench Fitting techniques
Machine components using turning techniques

Alongside your main programme of study you will also study either GCSE or Functional Skills in English and Maths if you have not achieved a GCSE grade 4 or above.

What career or further study opportunities will be available after completion?

On successful achievement of this course you may wish to apply to study a Level 3 qualification such as the T Level in Engineering.

What are the entry requirements for this course & what qualifications will I gain upon completion?

How long does it take to finish the course?

This is a full-time programme for one academic year.

Level 2: Engineering

2025/2026

apply now

Level 3: Extended Diploma in Engineering

Overview

apply now

What will I study?

During this course you will study a variety of mandatory and optional Engineering units to develop knowledge, skills and behaviours of engineering profession. Mandatory units:

Engineering Principles
Delivery of Engineering Processes Safely as a Team
Engineering Product Design and Manufacture
Applied Commercial and Quality Principles in Engineering
A Specialist Engineering Project
Microcontroller Systems for Engineers
Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems.

Optional units could include:

Computer Aided Design in Engineering
Electronic Devices and Circuits
Electronic Measurement and Testing of Circuits
Static Mechanical Principles in Practice
Principles and Applications of Fluid Mechanics
Modern Manufacturing Systems
Manufacturing Secondary
Machining Processes
Additive Manufacturing Processes

What career or further study opportunities will be available after completion?

On successful achievement of this course you may wish to:

Apply to University for higher study
Apply to study a Level 4 qualification such as HNC at the College where this will lead you to study HND at the college
Apply direct to Industry for an apprenticeship
Apply direct to the armed forces
Apply for a degree apprenticeship
Pursue a range of employment opportunities within a variety of engineering settings.

What are the entry requirements for this course & what qualifications will I gain upon completion?

How long does it take to finish the course?

This is a full-time programme for two academic years

Level 3: Extended Diploma in Engineering

2025/2026

apply now

aspirational

Careers

Civil Engineer

Environmental Engineer

Systems Engineer

Structural Engineer

Industrial Engineer

Robotics Engineer

Biomedical Engineer

Skills required for Engineering

Good attention to detail
Knowledge of Maths
Ability to work well within a team and on your own

Organisation and time management
Technical skills
Design skills (software knowledge)

Trips/employers

Throughout your Engineering course, you'll interact with industry professionals through regular guest talks, providing valuable insights and guidance to enhance your learning experience. You'll also have opportunities to visit engineering companies, manufacturing firms and other relevant sites, allowing you to see how your skills are applied in real world scenarios.

Thomas Peebles

STUDENT

SPOTLIGHT

Thomas Peebles, Engineering Student of the Year 2024, was recognised for his dedication and proactive approach to learning.

Despite facing challenges, Thomas consistently sought guidance from teachers to improve his understanding of complex topics.

His exceptional time management allowed him to complete assignments well before deadlines, setting a positive example for his peers.

Thomas’s perseverance and professionalism made him a standout student, showing that with dedication and the right attitude, any challenge can be overcome.