Course overview
This course is designed for those wishing to extend
their basic knowledge in blacksmithing and metalwork. Prospective students are
likely to have completed the Level 2 Diploma in Blacksmithing & Metalwork
demonstrating a good level of practical skill or have relevant work
experience.
Modules
How will I be assessed?
This programme is assessed through coursework assignments for both practical and theory work with the schedule of assignments being spaced throughout the academic year.
What is it like to be a student on this course?
Level 3 Blacksmithing and Metalworking students progress to work more independently and professionally, being given responsibility for planning projects, solving technical problems and producing accurate, high-quality work. The course combines demanding practical workshop sessions with research, design portfolios, written assignments and evaluations. Students develop their skills in forging, joinery, fabrication, finishing and large-scale metalwork, while also completing their own designs and final projects. Level 3 can be physically demanding and challenging, but it is also rewarding because students have more creative freedom and can see their ideas developed into finished pieces. Business work-related experience also help students prepare for employment, self-employment or further study within the blacksmithing and metalworking industry.
Industry links
British Artist Blacksmiths Association (BABA), The Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths, National Heritage Ironwork Group (NHIG)
Work experience
Industry placements enhance your studies and are an important part of your course. They ensure you develop the key skills, knowledge and behaviours necessary to be successful in your chosen industry, resulting in you leaving college ready for the world of work. It is compulsory to undertake an element of work experience when studying a Level 1, 2, or 3 course. The number of hours you must complete will depend on your level of study.
Course Level:
- Level 1 – Minimum of 30 hours of industry placement
- Level 2 – Minimum of 75 hours of industry placement
- Level 3 – Minimum of 150 hours of industry placement (per year of your course)
- T Level – Minimum of 315 hours of industry placement
Student testimonial
I have thoroughly enjoyed my 2 years at Plumpton college, gaining an extraordinary amount of knowledge, skills and friends. The staff are enthusiastic, friendly and inspiring, if I ever had a problem I felt more than comfortable to go and ask for help from them.
Doug McCoy – Level 3 Extended Certificate Graduate 2019
Entry requirements
4 GCSEs at Grade 4 and above to include English and Maths OR a Level 2 in a related subject plus English and Maths, at least grade 4
Progression routes
Level 3 Year 2 Blacksmithing, Employment or Self-Employment
Bursaries
Financial support could be available to you depending on your household income, eligibility criteria, and level of study. A bursary, which is money given directly by the Government, could help fund bus travel, accommodation, course equipment, college meals, or educational trips.
Course Fees
Students aged 16-18 on 31st August in the year of starting the course do not pay tuition fees.
Adults aged 19+ may be entitled to a tuition fee waiver on certain courses (where the Government pays the tuition and assessment fee) if any of the following apply:
You are aged between 19 and 23 and:
- This is your first Full Level 2 or Full Level 3 qualification.
- You are undertaking English and Maths up to and including Level 2.
- You are unemployed or economically inactive and your gross annual income is below £26,800.
- Your course is part of the Level 3 Free Courses for Jobs offer (and you meet the earnings threshold)
You are aged 24+ and:
- You are studying a Level 1 or Level 2 course and are unemployed, economically inactive, or earning below £26,800 gross annually.
- You are undertaking English and Maths up to and including Level 2.
- Your course is part of the Level 3 Free Courses for Jobs offer (and you meet the earnings threshold)
All students pay a standard facility fee of £150 to use communal, non-educational facilities.
Material fees apply to Floristry, Blacksmithing and Metalwork, Agricultural Engineering, and Motor Vehicle students.
Equipment & PPE
Students on a 14-16, Level 1, 2, 3, or Foundation Learning course may be required to purchase equipment such as a uniform, PPE, or kit before starting their course. Material fees are applicable depending on the course studied.
Start dates
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