BTEC Level 3 National Diploma

Exam board: Pearson (Edexcel)

Specific requirements

Minimum Grade Required: GCSE grade 5-5 in Combined Science or 2 grade 5s in separate sciences, grade 5 in English and grade 5 in Maths.

What will I study?

The UK is currently regarded as a world leader in sectors including renewable energy, space, low carbon, pharmaceutical, utilities, automotive, agri-food and bioscience. The BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Applied Science is designed to train learners to fill associate or ‘para’ professional and skilled technician roles in a number of sectors, including: health care, oil, gas, electricity, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and transport equipment. Learners develop the knowledge, understanding and kills required by the sector, including essential employability skills, and apply them in real work contexts.

Course Information
The Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Applied Science is an Applied General qualification, equivalent in size to two A levels.
The course covers a core of knowledge by studying areas in the field of:

  • Fundamentals of science
  • Scientific investigations
  • Scientific practical techniques
  • Applications into higher education and industrial techniques

It also provides extensive opportunity to study in more depth a range of different modules including:

  • Principles and application of Science 1
  • Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques
  • Science Investigative Skills
  • Laboratory Techniques and their application
  • Principles and application of Science 2
  • Investigative project
  • Physiology of Human Body Systems
  • Human Regulation and Reproduction

Assessment
Assessment is specifically designed to fit the purpose and objective of the qualification. It includes a range of assessment types and styles suited to vocational qualifications in the sector. There are three main forms of assessment: external exam, internal coursework and synoptic practical work.

 

Where does it lead?

Links with the Industry
As the qualification is designed in close collaboration with industry and is supported by the Sector Skills Council (SSC) for the sector, Cogent. A range of professional organisations/employers in the sector have also confirmed their support for the course and it is a highly-respected route for those who wish to move into employment in the sector, either directly or following further study.

Higher Education
The Level 3 in Applied Science also provides a well-established route into a variety of specialist Higher Education (HE) courses in this sector and beyond. A number of Universities have confirmed that this this qualification in Applied Science fulfils their entry requirements when achieved alongside other qualifications.