Aeronautical Engineering

L3 Level 3
Full Time
1 September 2025 — 19 June 2026
International Centre for Aerospace

About this course

This two-year course, equivalent to two A-Levels is ideal for school leavers who are interested in both Aerospace and Aviation Science including General Engineering. The course will provide you with the core skills and knowledge required to work as an aircraft fitter or unlicensed engineer in the aviation industry.  The course gives you the fantastic opportunity to learn about various aircraft topics including aircraft systems, materials and hardware, and propulsion to position you well for a successful career in aerospace.

The course is approximately 20 hours per week over the course of two years and has the mandatory requirements of gaining knowledge, practical hand skills in both mechanical and electrical/avionic competence as well as the opportunity for a minimum of 5 weeks compulsory work experience in year 2.

The course is divided over two years, on completion of the first year, the student will have achieved a nationally recognised Level 3 Diploma qualification in Aerospace Engineering Technologies and on successful completion of the second year the student will be awarded an Extended Diploma in Aerospace Engineering Technologies.   

Ideally applicants will have some knowledge and basic skills in production or maintenance engineering already, most likely from school during technical / workshop studies or from work-experience. 

What you will study

Whilst on this course you'll study:

Year 1 - Diploma in Engineering

  • Engineering and environmental health and safety (9 credits)
  • Engineering organisational efficiency and improvement (9 credits)
  • Engineering Mathematics (10 credits)
  • Electrical and Electronic Principles (10 credits)
  • Computer aided design (CAD) techniques (10 credits)
  • Mechanical engineering principles (10 credits)
  • Fixed wing Theory of Flight (10 credits)
  • Aircraft maintenance and manufacturing engineering procedures (10credits)

Year 2 is progression only - Extended Diploma in Aeronautical Engineering

  • Further engineering mathematics (10 credits)
  • Rotorywing aircraft gas turbine engines (10 credits)
  • Aircraft Systems

  • Radio and radar

  • Aircraft maintenance and manufacturing engineering procedures (10 credits)

  • Maintenance of aircraft structures (10 credits)

  • Performing Engineering Operations

*Students will have the opportunity to complete a minimum of 5 weeks compulsory work experience.

To develop your practical skills you will maintain CAVC’s JetStream and Bulldog aircraft as well as developing your hand skills to perform mechanical structural repair and workshop tasks. 

The qualification is assessed by a combination of centre devised knowledge and practical assessments and assignments covering the topics detailed in the course content. Your hand-skills in the workshop will be continually assessed and marked.

Entry requirements

Applicants who hold or are predicated to gain a minimum of 5 GCSE’s – Grade A* to C or equivalent. To include A* to B in a Maths and A* - C in a Science subject, preferably Physics.

Are also:

  • Keen and motivated to work in an engineering environment
  • Willing to undertake a course of intense training
  • Have completed tests in basic numeracy, literacy and communication skills and have spatial awareness.

Would be eligible to apply for this course.

Teaching and assessment

The qualification is assessed by a combination of centre devised practical assessments and assignments covering the topics detailed in the course content. Your hand-skills in the workshop will be continually assessed and marked. 

Important points

  • The College welcomes contact with parents/guardians of students who are under 18.
  • Additional support is available for students with learning difficulties and disabilities.
  • Cardiff and Vale College is committed to inclusion and values diversity. We are determined to promote equality of opportunity and to treat everyone fairly and with respect.
  • Cardiff and Vale College reserves the right to make changes to this course without prior notice.
  • Course fees are subject to change. Your fee will be confirmed prior to enrolment.
  • All courses are accurate at the time of upload or print.
  • Courses can only run if there are sufficient numbers.
  • Please note, if you choose three or more course choices, then you may be referred for a careers appointment first. This does not apply to A Level or GCSE choices.
Key information

Start date

1 September 2025

End date

19 June 2026

Time of day

Day Time

Full Time

18 hours per week

Location

International Centre for Aerospace
Maps & directions

Course code

AERH3F01
L3

Qualification

Aeronautical Engineering

More...

Videos
What our students say

Career prospects & further study

123,000

The UK Aerospace industry remains as number two on the world stage and the largest in Europe with £35 billion turnover, 123,000 direct employees and 3,900 Apprentices.

Upon successful completion you can progress onto an Apprenticeship, Higher Education or employment where specific practical training will be given. 

By the end of the first year, you will have achieved a nationally recognised Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma qualification.  You could also consider joining the RAF or Royal Navy to become an aircraft engineer or pilot.

Locations

International Centre for Aerospace
International Centre for Aerospace

International Centre for Aerospace Training (ICAT),
Cardiff Airport Business Park,
Rhoose, 
Vale of Glamorgan,
CF62 3DP