BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Applied Science
Additional information
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Explore Science and build the skills to take your next step into university or a career in science.
Is this course right for me?
The Applied Science course allows you to explore Biology, Chemistry and Physics through a practical, hands-on approach with lessons based in our science laboratories.
The course will help you build a broad range of scientific skills and knowledge to prepare you for further study at degree level or a career in a science-related field.
Upon successfully completing the first year of the course, learners will be awarded a Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Applied Science, the vocational equivalent to one and a half A-levels. Completing the second year leads to a Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Applied Science, which is the vocational equivalent to three A-levels.
What are the entry requirements?
- Six GCSEs at grade C or above to include:
- English Language & Literature/Cymraeg Language & Literature
- Mathematics & Numeracy
- AND Double Award Science
- Each application is considered on individual merit
- Entry is subject to attending a course meeting or informal interview
If you completed your GCSEs before summer 2027, please contact Admissions to discuss entry requirements.
Current student - what are the entry requirements?
- Successful completion of relevant Level 2 programme with a merit grade or above in addition to a successful decision from progression board meeting
- GCSE English Language/First Language Welsh at grade C or above
- GCSE Mathematics at grade C or above
- GCSE Science at Grade C or above
What will I learn?
Develop a range of transferable and advanced skills valued by universities and employers through practical investigations and scientific research, you’ll strengthen your ability to analyse information, evaluate evidence, solve problems and draw informed conclusions.
Units studied will include:
- Principles and applications of science 1
- Practical scientific procedures and techniques
- Science investigation skills
- Laboratory techniques and their application
- Biological molecules and metabolic pathways
- Astronomy and space science
- Principles and applications of science 2
- Investigative project
- Contemporary issues in science
- Microbiology and microbiological techniques
- Genetics and genetic engineering
- Applications of organic chemistry
- Forensic evidence, collection and analysis
- Medical Physics Technologies
You will have the opportunity to take part in a number of extra-curricular activities such as attending career events at the Heath Hospital, Wales Gene Park conferences and workshops, science conferences and psychology activities in London and talks by expert guest speakers in conjunction with the Darwin Centre.
Will I need to study additional English & Maths skills?
You may need to study an additional skills course depending on:
- the course you are taking at College
- what grades you gained in your GCSE Maths and/or English Language
Below to find out what skills course you may be taking at College.
Work-based, progression pathway programmes within the Built Environment Faculty – you will study Essential Skills Wales (ESW) in Application of Number and Communications.
Jobs Growth Wales (JGW+) programme – will be timetabled into literacy and numeracy sessions. To discuss the opportunity of attending a GCSE resit programme, in addition to their JGW+ timetable, please contact skills@pembrokeshire.ac.uk
Life Skills Academy programmes – you will have opportunities to upskill in English and Maths through Wales Essential Skills Toolkit (WEST) / Century or attending Essential Skills classes.
All other courses and those who have progressed through the internal progression route:
Upskilling Destination Programme – an hour and half session a week developing essential research skills, critical thinking, and academic writing techniques, supporting literacy, numeracy, digital literacy and employability skills
A one year GCSE Resit Programme in GCSE Mathematics Intermediate Tier (Welsh or English medium) / GCSE English Language
A one or two year pre-GCSE upskilling course in required subject/s – The priority of this programme (Foundation Maths for Mathematics pathway) is to build fundamental skill and knowledge, to prepare learners for progression onto the one-year, intermediate tier resit programme.
A one year pre-GCSE upskilling course in mathematics – The priority of this programme is to build fundamental skill and knowledge, to prepare learners for progression to the Foundation Maths programme.
Can I do this course in Welsh?
How will I be assessed?
- Continuous assessment during the course
- Practical assessment during the course
- Written examination
What can I do next?
This course can lead to a diverse range of career opportunities in a varied range of businesses including:
• Archaeologist
• Forensic science
• Genetics
• Laboratory research
• Astronomy
• Marine science
• Microbiology
• Physicist
• Toxicologist
Do I need to bring/buy any equipment?
- Stationery - you will be told about any specific items before you start the course
- Textbooks - you will be told about any specific items before you start the course, most textbooks are available to loan from the college library or online libraries
- You may be eligible for funding. Find out more on our student finance page
Any costs above are approximate and may change.
Are there any additional costs?
- No tuition fee
- You may be eligible for funding. Find out more on our student finance page
Any costs above are approximate and may change.
