T Level in Design and Development For Engineering and Manufacturing: Mechanical Engineering
Mode of study | T Levels |
Duration | 2 Years |
Campus | London Road Campus |
Start date | 4 September 2023 |
Course code | FLR3TME (2325) |
About T Levels
T levels or Technical Levels are groundbreaking new qualifications which are equivalent to 3 A Levels. T Levels offer students a mixture of classroom learning and ‘on-the-job’ experience during an industry placement of at least 315 hours (approximately 45 days).
T Levels have been developed in collaboration with employers and businesses so that the content meets the needs of industry and prepares students for work, further training, or study.
T Levels are ideal if you have completed your GCSEs, and wish to continue your studies but also want to get into a skilled job. They are also great if you prefer a practical approach to your studies.
They enable you to build knowledge and experience to help you get the job you want. T Levels are developed in collaboration with employers and businesses so you will have the skills that employers in your chosen industry need.
T Levels are ideal for you if you are focused on a particular career or work skills and either want to progress to university, further training, an apprenticeship, or employment.
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Who is it for?
This T Level is a new 2-year course which is taken after GCSEs and is broadly equivalent in size to 3 A Levels.
This course is suitable for anyone interested in a career in engineering, manufacturing, processing, and control. Students will develop an understanding of a broad range of issues relevant to the sector, including:
- working within the Engineering and Manufacturing Sectors – an understanding of how materials, conditions and context influence design processes and products
- essential mathematics for engineering and manufacturing – a knowledge and understanding of mathematics including standard matrices and determinants and standard trigonometry.
The T Level in Mechanical Engineering will enable you to secure a job in a wide variety of roles within the engineering sector. Progression options include engineering apprenticeships, further qualifications in engineering including HNDs, HNCs or degree courses or you may decide to go straight into a full-time role.
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Entry Requirements
GCSE Grade 5 or above in Maths, plus 4 additional GCSEs at grade 4 (including English Language and Science).
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What does the course involve?
The course will include the following topics:
- Design methodologies and processes
- Tools, equipment, and materials used in
mechanical engineering - Essential mathematics and science for engineering and manufacturing
- Design, develop, test, and evaluate mechanical engineering and manufacturing systems and processes
- Analyse and interpret engineering and manufacturing requirements, systems, processes, technical drawings and specifications
- Evaluate systems, designs, components and processes, managing and integrating design information, proposals and specifications, to develop and improve mechanical engineering and manufacturing proposals and solutions
- What areas of the engineering industry do mechanical engineers work in?
Your classroom learning will be supplemented with regular work placements with engineering companies in order to apply the skills that you are learning into practice.
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How is the course assessed?
Assessment Varied assessment methods will be used including:
- Presentations
- Group work
- Portfolio of evidence
- Observation of activity
- Scenario projects
- External assessments
- Employer set project

Beth Knight
A Level Product Design (Media Studies and Music)
Previous school: Belvidere School
I took Product Design at A Level because I was inspired by my GCSE teacher. I really enjoy how hands on the subject is and using the computers to bring your designs to life. You can explore your creative side in a relaxed environment.

Jason Roberts
A Level Product Design (Maths, Physics)
Previous school: The Priory School
Product Design gives you a lot of options for your future. I enjoyed the project where we had to make something out of a generic Ikea stool – I created an adjustable table. After College I would like to do an Apprenticeship with JLR.

Samantha Pitchford
Level 2 Fabrication and Welding
Previous school: Charlton School
I’m a practical person, so I wanted to do something with my hands. I didn’t have any experience before, but the teachers were really good at guiding me through. I’m a bit of a perfectionist, so the fact that the staff let me work to my own pace really helped. I have now secured an Apprenticeship with Caterpillar in Shrewsbury, and I can see myself being there for some time. I’m sure it wouldn’t have happened unless I’d been on this course as at my interview they seemed really impressed with what I was doing.

Gemma Elliot
Foundation Degree in Electrical and Electronics Technology
Previous Institution: Llanfyllin High School
My Foundation Degree is funded by the engineering firm James Fisher. I’m learning so much and absolutely loving it.
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