Level 3 Diploma in Automotive Engineering

1. Automotive Engineering Principles: Basic engineering science, vehicle systems, workshop calculations, and automotive technology.

2. Engine Systems and Perform[]

3. ance: Petrol and diesel engine operation, fuel systems, cooling, lubrication, emissions, and performance principles.

4. Vehicle Electrical and Electronic Systems: Batteries, charging, starting, ignition, sensors, electronic control units, and vehicle electrical diagnostics.

5. Automotive Transmission and Driveline Systems: Manual and automatic transmissions, clutches, differentials, drive systems, and driveline maintenance.

6. Chassis, Steering, Suspension, and Braking Systems: Vehicle stability, braking systems, steering mechanisms, suspension components, and inspection procedures.

7. Automotive Diagnostics and Fault Finding: Diagnostic equipment, fault codes, systematic troubleshooting, testing, and repair decision-making.

8. Vehicle Maintenance and Workshop Operations: Preventive maintenance, servicing procedures, technical documentation, tools, equipment, and workshop organisation.

9. Automotive Safety, Environmental, and Professional Practice: Workshop health and safety, hazardous substances, waste management, environmental controls, and professional responsibilities.

• Develops practical knowledge across major automotive engineering systems.

• Strengthens engine, electrical, transmission, chassis, and diagnostic skills.

• Builds capability in vehicle maintenance and systematic fault diagnosis.

• Promotes safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible workshop practice.

• Provides a foundation for advanced automotive engineering and vehicle technology study.

• Aspiring automotive technicians and vehicle service professionals.

• Workshop personnel seeking formal automotive engineering knowledge.

• Vehicle maintenance and diagnostic assistants.

• Learners preparing for employment in automotive repair, servicing, and technical support.

• Written Examination: 70 questions

• Passing Score: 60%

• Duration: 180 Minutes

• Additional Assessment: Practical vehicle inspection, diagnostic exercise, workshop assignment, and technical case study

• Certification: HiQual UK Level 3 Diploma in Automotive Engineering upon successful completion.

To deliver this Qualification, HiQual UK Approved ATPs must demonstrate the capability to deliver, assess, and internally quality assure qualifications in line with recognised regulatory principles and the expectations of the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).

Approved centres must operate effective systems to ensure the validity, reliability, fairness, consistency, and security of assessment.

1. Centre Recognition and Legal Compliance

Centres must be formally recognised by HiQual UK prior to the delivery or assessment of any qualification. To maintain recognition, centres must: Be a legally constituted organisation operating in compliance with applicable legislation and regulatory requirements. Demonstrate effective governance, management oversight, and clear lines of accountability. Comply with all HiQual UK policies, procedures, and conditions of centre recognition. Notify HiQual UK promptly of any material changes that may affect delivery, assessment, or internal quality assurance arrangements.

2. Resources, Facilities, and Learning Environment

Centres must ensure that sufficient and appropriate resources are in place to support learning and assessment. This includes: Learning environments appropriate to the mode of delivery, including classrooms and, where applicable, specialist or practical facilities. Access to learning and assessment resources that enable learners to meet qualification outcomes. Secure systems for managing learner data, assessment records, and certification claims. Arrangements that support equality of access and reasonable adjustments for learners where required.

3. Staff Competence and Occupational Expertise

Centres must ensure that all staff involved in delivery, assessment, and internal quality assurance are competent and suitably qualified. Centres must: Appoint tutors with appropriate subject knowledge, teaching competence, and relevant occupational or professional experience. Ensure assessors are trained and competent in applying HiQual UK assessment requirements and standards. Appoint a qualified Internal Quality Assurer (IQA) responsible for monitoring assessment practice and decisions. Maintain records of staff qualifications, experience, training, and continuing professional development (CPD).

4. Assessment Practice and Internal Quality Assurance (IQA)

Centres must operate robust internal quality assurance systems to ensure assessment integrity. Centres must: Ensure assessment is valid, fit for purpose, and conducted in line with HiQual UK requirements. Implement effective IQA procedures to monitor assessor performance and confirm the consistency of assessment decisions. Maintain accurate, complete, and auditable records of learner registration, assessment evidence, and outcomes. Carry out regular internal reviews and standardisation activities to support continuous improvement.

5. Integrity, Risk Management, and Malpractice

Centres must take appropriate measures to protect the integrity of assessment. Centres must: Maintain policies and procedures for the prevention, identification, and management of malpractice and maladministration. Ensure secure handling, storage, and retention of assessment materials and learner evidence. Report any suspected or confirmed malpractice to HiQual UK in accordance with published procedures.

6. Health, Safety, Safeguarding, and Learner Protection

Centres must provide a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment. Centres must: Comply with applicable health and safety and safeguarding legislation. Conduct risk assessments for learning activities, particularly where practical or technical work is involved. Maintain procedures to safeguard learner welfare and wellbeing.

7. Learner Information, Support, and Fair Treatment

Centres must ensure learners are informed, supported, and treated fairly. Centres must: Provide clear and accurate information on programme requirements, assessment methods, and certification. Ensure learners receive timely and constructive feedback on assessment outcomes. Operate transparent complaints and appeals procedures aligned with HiQual UK requirements. Manage learner information securely in compliance with data protection legislation.

Successful learners who achieve the HiQual UK Level 3 Diploma in Automotive Engineering may progress to:

• Level 4 qualifications in Automotive Engineering, Vehicle Technology, Automotive Diagnostics, Mechanical Engineering, or Automotive Management.

• Higher education routes including HND, foundation degree, or undergraduate programmes in Automotive Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Vehicle Technology, or related disciplines, subject to institutional requirements.

• Specialist professional training in Advanced Vehicle Diagnostics, Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Technology, Automotive Electronics, Engine Performance, Vehicle Inspection, or Automotive Service Management.

• Career opportunities including Automotive Technician, Vehicle Diagnostic Technician, Service Technician, Workshop Technician, Automotive Electrical Technician, or Vehicle Maintenance Technician.

• Continuing professional development leading toward Senior Automotive Technician, Diagnostic Specialist, Workshop Supervisor, Technical Service Advisor, or Automotive Service Manager roles.