For the Level 3 you will need 4 GCSEs at grade 4 or above including dual award science, GCSE English OR Maths, and a 3 in the remaining English/Maths qualification. Level 2 applied science is accepted as an equivalent qualification to GCSE science.

The course is assessed through practical work, assignments and exams.

After the first year of the Level 3 Extended Certificate you can progress to the Diploma; or if studying the National Foundation Diploma you can progress onto the Extended Diploma. This will prepare you for a wide range of courses in HE. You can even progress onto our level 4 course, a HNC in applied science (biology). The underpinning knowledge, practical and vocational scientific skills learnt on the BTEC course will also enhance and support the progression into a scientific workplace with a number of apprenticeships accessible to sucessful learners.

We work with companies in the health sector such as Alder Hey Hospital – Intensive care unit; companies in Ecology and conservation such as Birmingham Canals society; companies who work in environmental areas such as Severn Trent Water company.

The mandatory units studied are;

• Principles and Applications of Science I
• Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques
• Science Investigation Skills
• Laboratory Techniques and their Application
• Principles and Applications of Science II
• Investigative Project
• Contemporary Issues in Science.

You will also complete up to 6 optional units which will be determined by the pathway you choose (Biomedical, Forensic/analytical, or Physical).