Science BTEC (Applied)

PLEASE NOTE

We await the Government’s decision regarding the accreditation of diplomas (‘double awards’/two A level equivalent). If accredited, we will offer these qualifications in this subject area.

Until this decision, we will be offering the Extended Certificate (or single award/one A Level equivalent) option, the details of which are listed below.

We will release an update on this website once the Government’s decision is announced which should coincide with our interviews with students in February/March 2025.

Two courses are offered:

or

Who is this Qualification for?

The Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Applied Science is intended as an Applied General qualification for post-16 learners who want to continue their education through applied learning and who aim to progress to higher education and ultimately to employment, possibly in the applied science sector. The qualification is equivalent in size to one A Level. 

How will you be assessed? The Extended Certificate 

The content of this qualification has been developed in consultation with academics to ensure that it supports progression to higher education. Employers and professional bodies have also been involved and consulted to confirm that the content is appropriate and consistent with current practice for learners planning to enter employment directly in the applied science sector. Learners will study three mandatory units:
 Unit 1: Principles and Applications of Science I - Examination
 Unit 2: Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques - Internally assessed Tasks
 Unit 3: Science Investigation Skills - Externally assessed practical skills
 Unit 9: Human Regulation and Reproduction

The Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Applied Science is intended as an Applied General qualification for post-16 learners who want to continue their education through applied learning and who aim to progress to higher education and ultimately to employment, possibly in the applied science sector. The qualification is equivalent in size to two A Levels.

How will you be assessed? The Diploma

Students will study the content described above during year 12 and gain the Extended Certificate qualification at the end of the year. During year 13 they will study the following:
Unit 5: Principles & Applications of Science II – An examinable unit containing Physics, Chemistry & Biology.
Unit 4 - Laboratory Techniques & Their Application - an internally assessed (coursework) unit that covers standard laboratory working procedures and organic
chemical synthesis.
Unit 11 - Genetics & Genetic Engineering – A coursework unit
Unit 6 - Investigative Project an internally assessed (coursework) unit where you decide what to research and investigate with significant staff guidance.
Students must achieve a pass in all units to achieve a grade.

What could this qualification lead to?

The requirements of the qualification will mean that learners develop the transferable and higher skills which are valued by higher education providers and employers.
For example, when studying Unit 3: Science Investigation Skills, learners will develop skills including how to plan investigations, collecting, analysing, and presenting data and communicating results which support some of the skills learners need to progress to higher education, employment, self-employment or training. The qualification carries UCAS points and is recognised by higher education providers as contributing to meeting admission requirements for many courses.