This Extended Course is the equivalent to 3 A Levels or 3 Higher Level IB subjects. It is typically done with a combination of HL AA Maths and HL Physics IB subjects. These subject combinations perfectly complement each other and allow for application to the very best Engineering Universities.

The engineering sector continues to suffer from a skills gap and needs to keep up with rapidly developing technologies. New entrants to the sector need to build the underpinning knowledge and specific skills required to meet the needs of modern engineering industries. 

The BTEC International Extended Level 3 offers opportunities to develop the following employability skills:​

• • Cognitive and problem-solving skills – using critical thinking, approaching non-routine problems, applying expert and creative solutions, using systems and technology

  • Interpersonal skills – communicating, working collaboratively, negotiating and influencing, self-presentation

  • Intrapersonal skills – self-management, adaptability and resilience, self-monitoring and development.

This pathway is for students with a drive and passion for the field of Engineering, who want to gain employment or study Engineering at university. Students should be aiming for a recommended B or higher grade in IGCSE Maths, Science and Product Design and/or BTEC Level 2 Engineering Merit or Distinction. 

Employability skills, such as team working and entrepreneurialism, and practical, hands-on skills have been built into the design of the learning aims and content. This gives you the opportunity to use relevant contexts, scenarios and materials to enable learners to develop a portfolio of evidence that demonstrates the breadth of their skills and knowledge in a way that equips them for employment. 

These qualifications are recognised by higher education providers as contributing to meeting admission requirements for many relevant courses in a variety of areas of the engineering sector, for example:

• Mechanical Engineer

• Aerospace Engineer

• Civil Engineer

• Software Engineer

• Marine Engineer

• Drafting/Design Engineer

• Computer Engineer

• Automotive Engineer

• Architecture

Learners should always check the entry requirements for degree programmes with specific higher education providers. 

The qualification includes a range of assessment types and styles suited to vocational qualifications in the sector. All assessment is internal but some mandatory units have extra controls on assessment and are assessed using Pearson Set Assignments. Additionally, some units are synoptic. 

Units are assessed using a grading scale of Distinction (D), Merit (M), Pass (P) and Unclassified (U). Qualifications in the suite are graded using a scale of P to D*. 

You can view the Pearson's Engineering Specification and contact Mr Dave Hopley (dave.hopley@wis.edu.hk).