Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (Aerospace Engineering) - Level 3

Summary

The Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Aerospace Engineering is a two-year, full-time programme designed to provide learners with the specialist knowledge, practical competencies, and professional behaviours required for a career in the dynamic aerospace sector. In Year 1, students complete the Certificate, which lays the essential groundwork for the full Extended Diploma delivered in Year 2.

This programme is ideal for school leavers and those progressing from a Level 2 qualification who are interested in pursuing careers in aerospace design, maintenance, manufacturing, or systems engineering. It also provides a solid foundation for those aiming to progress into higher education, aerospace apprenticeships, or employment in the aviation and defence industries.

Delivered through coursework-based assignments and hands-on projects, the programme supports continuous development and applied learning—without the pressure of formal written exams. Students engage with real-world aerospace engineering challenges and gain experience in areas such as aerodynamics, propulsion systems, materials science, and avionics.

Aligned closely with aerospace apprenticeship standards, this course ensures learners can transition smoothly into industry-based training without repeating content, making it a highly effective route into employment.

Programme Structure:

Year 1: BTEC Certificate in Aerospace Engineering
Year 2: Progression to BTEC Extended Diploma in AME - Aerospace Engineering (This course)

Next course dates

Start date	Location	Duration / Fees
08 Sep 2025	Bispham Campus	2 Years / £4,292 per year	Apply now
08 Sep 2026	Bispham Campus	2 Years / £4,292 per year	Apply now

Where can this subject lead?

Career progression

The Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Aerospace Engineering is a highly regarded qualification that prepares students for a wide range of technical and professional roles within the aerospace and aviation industries. Whether learners aim to enter the workforce, pursue a higher-level apprenticeship, or progress into university-level study, this course provides a strong and relevant foundation for future success.

This course is ideal for learners who:

Aspire to become aerospace engineers, technicians, or specialists
Plan to progress into aerospace or engineering apprenticeships at Level 4 or higher
Intend to pursue higher education in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering
Want to develop industry-relevant skills for employment in aerospace manufacturing, design, or maintenance

Potential Career Pathways:

Aerospace Engineering Technician
Aircraft Maintenance Technician
Avionics Specialist
CAD Technician or Aerospace Design Engineer
Propulsion Systems Engineer
Quality Assurance or Airworthiness Technician
Composites Manufacturing Specialist
Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Technician

Industries You Could Work In:

Aerospace and Aviation (Commercial and Defence)
Satellite and Space Systems
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Technologies
Advanced Manufacturing and Aero structures
Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) Services
Research and Development in Aerospace Systems

Next steps at B&FC

Having successfully completed the Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Aerospace Engineering, students can progress to different higher education programmes at Blackpool and The Fylde College, including HNCs and BEng degrees in Aerospace Engineering as well as related disciplines such as Mechanical, Electrical, Robotics, and Manufacturing Engineering.

These qualifications provide opportunities for further specialisation in areas such as aerodynamics, propulsion, and aerospace materials, enabling progression into highly skilled roles within the aerospace sectors.

Other study options

For learners who prefer to earn while they learn, completing the Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Aerospace Engineering also provides a strong foundation for progression into a Higher or Degree Apprenticeship within the aerospace and wider engineering sectors.

Employment Opportunities

Students finishing the Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Aerospace Engineering will be equipped with the technical skills, practical experience, and industry knowledge to begin careers in a variety of entry-level and technician roles within the aerospace and aviation sectors, as well as related engineering fields.

Some potential job titles include:

Key information

Entry Requirements

You must have achieved the following:

Successful completion of Year 1 (Certificate in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering)
and/or
A minimum of four GCSEs at grade 4 C) or above, which must include:
- Mathematics (grade 4 or above)
- Science (grade 4 or above)
- English at a minimum of grade 3, with the expectation that you will resit English GCSE alongside the main programme

These requirements ensure you are prepared for the technical demands of the course while continuing to meet essential academic standards.

Qualification obtained

BTEC Extended Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (Development Technical Knowledge)

Fees and funding

Courses for learners who are 16-18 years old at the start of their course and resident in the UK are fully funded. You may also be entitled to further financial help to support your studies depending on your personal circumstances. For more details of these, please visit our page on Finance Support for School Leavers.

If you are not a UK resident, we will confirm whether funding is available when we process your application. If not, you may be liable for course fees.

Extra costs and equipment

You will need to provide your own safety boots, safety goggles, and overalls/boiler suit for practical activities. A typical pair of safety boots should cost no more than £12, and a pair of overalls around £15.
All other personal protective equipment (PPE) will be provided by the College.

All tools and equipment required for practical sessions will be supplied, and you will have access to computers and all necessary software within College facilities.

You are expected to bring your own pen, pencil, calculator, basic drawing equipment, and a notepad for theory and workshop sessions.

Please note: A small additional fee may be required to cover the cost of educational tours and site visits, where applicable.

What will I learn?

The Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Aerospace Engineering equips you with the technical knowledge, practical skills, and professional behaviours essential for success in the aerospace and aviation industries.

Building on the foundation delivered in Year 1 (Certificate in Aerospace Engineering), the second year of the programme introduces advanced and specialised units that focus on technologies, principles, and materials commonly used in modern aerospace applications.

You will learn how to:

Solve aerospace-related engineering problems using advanced mathematics
Understand and apply the properties of materials used in aircraft and aerospace components
Select and program PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) used in aerospace manufacturing and automated testing systems
Apply advanced electrical and mechanical principles to aerospace systems and equipment
Explore the use of robotics and automation in aerospace assembly and maintenance
Use mechanical measurement and inspection techniques for precision and quality control
Investigate advanced composite materials used in aircraft structures and plan manufacturing processes accordingly
Develop and present aerospace engineering solutions through structured design projects

Units Covered in Year 2 Include:

Further Engineering Mathematics
Expands on core mathematical techniques to solve more advanced engineering problems relevant to the aerospace sector.
Helicopter Gas Turbine Engines, Transmission, Rotors and Structures
Covers the structure and operation of helicopter engines, rotor systems, and transmission components.
Aircraft Flight Principles and Practice
Explores the science of flight, including aerodynamics, forces, flight dynamics, and aircraft performance.
Airframe Construction and Repair
Focuses on airframe structures, materials, and methods used in inspection, maintenance, and repair.
Airframe Mechanical Systems
Examines key mechanical systems such as flight controls, hydraulics, pneumatics, and landing gear.
Engineering Design
Introduces the design process, including research, concept development, CAD modelling, and project work.
Advanced Composite Materials and Manufacturing
Investigates modern composite materials used in aircraft and their manufacturing, testing, and repair processes.
Aircraft Gas Turbine Engines
Provides a detailed understanding of fixed-wing gas turbine engines, their operation, and maintenance procedures.
Aircraft Workshop Methods and Practice
Develops hands-on skills in using tools, following maintenance procedures, and working safely in an aircraft workshop environment.

Essential skills: English and Maths

All school leavers at B&FC are encouraged to continue developing their English and maths skills as higher ability in both these subjects is linked to long-term career success and increased earning potential - irrespective of how well you performed at GCSE. If, however, you achieve a GCSE Grade 3 or less in either subject, you will also have the opportunity to work towards re-sitting these to enhance your paper-based qualifications. This won’t delay your career journey because you will be undertaking this programme of study at the same time as your chosen subject.

Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers

An industry placement is a required element of this course and typically begins once you’ve gained a solid understanding of safe working practices.

Whilst you are encouraged to arrange your own placement, the college will provide support to help you find one that aligns with your interests and offers valuable experience.

You will also have the chance to take part in field trips and hear from guest speakers working in the industry, giving you deeper insight into the engineering world.

How will I learn?

You will be taught through a combination of classroom-based instruction, hands-on practical activities, real-world engineering projects, and oral presentations. The programme does not include formal written examinations; instead, assessment is carried out through coursework, practical tasks, written assignments, and oral presentations. You will have opportunities to work independently as well as collaboratively in teams, gaining both technical knowledge and the workplace skills required for a successful career in engineering.

A wide range of teaching methods will be used to accommodate different learning styles and to support the development of both theoretical understanding and practical expertise. These methods include:

Classroom-based sessions to introduce and explore core engineering principles
Hands-on workshop activities to develop practical skills and technical competence
Collaborative group work to foster teamwork, communication, and problem-solving abilities
Independent study supported by structured tasks and guided research
Demonstrations and practical assessments that reinforce learning through real-world application
Guest speaker sessions featuring industry professionals who provide insight into current practices and career pathways
One-to-one tutorials and regular progress reviews to monitor achievement and set personalised learning targets

This blended approach ensures learners are fully equipped for successful assessment outcomes and well-prepared for progression into employment, apprenticeships, or higher education.

Regular one-to-one sessions with your Progress Tutor will allow you to review your development and receive personalised guidance. The learning environment is structured and supportive, with clear target setting and progress reviews designed to help you stay focused and achieve your full potential.

Expert tutors

All tutors involved in the delivery of school leaver courses within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver.

Our recruitment process ensures that tutors delivering a given programme are suitably qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and professional practice. The aim of this is to enrich our students’ learning experience and enable them them to get the inside track on what working in the industry is really like.

How will I be assessed?

Each module will be assessed through one or two assignments, which may include a combination of:

Practical workshop tasks
Project-based assignments
Research and written reports
Presentations or demonstrations of applied knowledge