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Applied Science BTEC

Exam Board Level Qualification Assessment Method
Pearson Level 3 Certificate & Extended Certificate Externally assessed with examinations and set tasks

BTEC Nationals are widely recognised by industry and higher education as the signature vocational qualification at Level 3. They provide progression to the workplace either directly or via study at a higher level.

Students who join our course will complete the Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Applied Science. Whilst the qualification is primarily designed for those who are interested in learning about the Science sector, our students have progressed to a wide range of higher education courses and employment in fields such as; Nursing, Midwifery, Sport & Exercise Therapy, Forensic Science, Mechanical Engineering, Archaeology, Special Effects Make-Up Artistry, Radiotherapy and Environmental Science.

  • Course Outline

    • The BTEC National Extended Certificate is equivalent in size to one A Level and is studied over two years. Students are able to achieve grades from Pass to Distinction* with a Distinction* being awarded a maximum of 56 UCAS Points (equivalent to an A* at A Level). BTEC qualifications are recognised by universities as part of a student’s UCAS application and are widely recognised and respected qualifications for Apprenticeship and Industry.

      Four units will be studied: three are mandatory (83%) and two include external assessment (58%).

      Units are assessed using a grading scale of Distinction (D), Merit (M), Pass (P), Near Pass (N) and Unclassified (U). The grade of Near Pass is used for externally assessed units only.

      The core mandatory units are:

      • Unit 1: Principles and Applications of Science I (externally assessed)
      • Unit 2: Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques (internally assessed)
      • Unit 3: Science Investigation Skills
  • Career opportunities and further study

    • Students go on to study a huge variety of science and non-science related degrees at University such as Teaching, Food Science, Nursing, Physiotherapy, Prosthetics, Radiography, Pharmacy, Veterinary nursing, Ecology, Forensics and many more. We endeavour to give our students access to industry specialists in the form of visits, webinars or talks during their two year course.

      YouGov research shows that 62% of large companies have recruited employees with BTEC qualifications. What’s more, well over 100,000 BTEC students apply to UK universities every year and their BTEC Nationals are accepted by over 150 UK universities and higher education institutes for relevant degree programmes either on their own or in combination with A Levels.

Entry Requirements 2024

You can view provisional entry requirements for courses that start in 2024 from the link below. Please note that your enrolment on to a particular course must be approved by the Head of that department.

Subject Entry Requirements