How it works
On our Engineering programme, you’ll complete a Level 3 (60 credits) OTHM diploma. It’s built to help you gain the practical know-how and confidence you need for the engineering industry.
The whole course is online, and you can start whenever you want. It’s designed to fit around real life, so you’re not stuck with fixed schedules. Each module includes 40 hours of guided study online, plus another 30 to 50 hours of optional materials. Those extras may include suggested exercises, short readings, digital resources, and self-check tasks.
To finish, you’ll complete 6 online assignments, one at each level. Each assignment is roughly 2,000 to 3,000 words. When you’ve met the requirements, you’ll receive the OTHM diploma. After that, you may be able to top up your qualification to a bachelor’s degree through selected UK universities.
Throughout the course, you’ll have access to 1-2-1 tutor support and webinars, plus social learning forums and extra study materials. It’s all there to make sure you’re not going through it alone. For more detail on the support available, have a look at our Student Resources page. You can also check what academic standards we follow and which professional groups we’re part of, so you know you’ll be learning with confidence.
Course Modules
This Level 3 course is organised into 6 modules, with 6 written assignments. For each module, you’ll work through 40 hours of guided learning, and you’ll also have 30 to 50 hours of optional material. That extra learning typically includes suggested practice tasks, recommended reading, online resources, and self-testing activities.
The Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Engineering covers 6 modules:
Engineering principles
Learn how SI units and measurement are used in real situations.
Be able to carry out engineering calculations.
Understand how to read and interpret engineering information.
Design Technology
Show understanding of engineering products and the design process.
Learn how to use a systems approach in electrical design.
Create 2D CAD drawings.
Electricity
Understand what basic electrical components do inside circuits.
Apply AC and DC circuit theory when designing circuits.
Learn about power supplies and how power systems are protected.
Mechanics
Understand how objects move when you translate it into maths.
Explore how energy changes inside a system.
Look at energy transfer, forces, and elasticity.
Introducing statistics
Get to grips with the fundamentals behind statistical analysis.
Understand different types of data and how they can be shown.
Calculate and interpret statistical diagrams and measures.
Mathematics
Understand algebra as it relates to engineering questions.
Use geometry and graphs to solve engineering problems.
Work with exponentials, logarithms, and trigonometry in engineering contexts.
Understand calculus when it’s relevant to engineering.
You’ll also complete 6 written assignments across the course. Each one is usually around 2,000 to 3,000 words. You’ll receive support through the learning platform, in the ‘Tutor’ area, while you work on the modules and assignments.
The assignment unit titles you’ll need to complete for the Level 3 course are:
Engineering principles
Design Technology
Electricity
Mechanics
Introducing statistics
Mathematics
You can find more details about the Level 3 units here: OTHM_L3_Foundation_Diploma_in_Engineering_2021_01.pdf
Am I eligible for this programme?
To join our Level 3 course, you need to be at least 16 years old and have completed full secondary education.
If you don’t have full secondary education or an equivalent qualification, you might still be considered based on your work experience. If you’re not sure, speak to one of our friendly team members on: 0333 772 1158
Career Progression
After studying engineering, you can move into roles such as a Mechanical Engineer, where you design and develop mechanical systems and products. You may also choose a path into Civil Engineering, working on infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, and buildings. Another option is Electrical Engineering, focusing on designing, managing, and maintaining electrical systems and equipment.
University Progression
Once you’ve completed this course, you can progress onto a full BA or BSc degree at a range of UK universities, either online or in-person.
Some examples include:
Coventry University
Anglia Ruskin University
London Metropolitan University
University of Derby
Middlesex University
