Applied Science BTEC Extended Diploma (Level 3)

The General entry requirements for Advanced Vocational Programme courses are five GCSEs at grade 4 and above (4-9), including English Language.

Grade 4 English - 5 in Maths - 55 in Science

The curriculum consists of 13 units - 7 mandatory units that form the core scientific foundation, alongside 6 specialist options:

Core Mandatory Units:

• Unit 1: Principles and Applications of Science I
• Unit 2: Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques
• Unit 3: Science Investigation Skills
• Unit 4: Laboratory Techniques and their Application
• Unit 5: Principles and Applications of Science II
• Unit 6: Investigative Project (An independent, research assignment)
• Unit 7: Contemporary Issues in Science (Analysing scientific breakthroughs and ethical public debates)

6 additional optional units (covering biology, chemistry and physics) are integrated across the two years to complete the full portfolio.

The 13 units are broken down into distinct assessment types:

• Internal Assessments (Coursework): You will complete extensive portfolio tasks based on laboratory experiments, case studies, and practical technical reports. These are graded internally as Pass, Merit, or Distinction.
• External Assessments (Exams & Set Tasks):
  • Unit 1 & Unit 5: Written examinations testing your theoretical knowledge across Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
  • Unit 3: A practical, skills-focused investigation task completed under supervised conditions.
  • Unit 7: A written task based on a contemporary scientific brief provided by Pearson.

Your overall final qualification is awarded as a triple grade (e.g., D*D*D*, DDM, MMM), carrying the exact same UCAS point value as three distinct A-Levels.

University Degrees and Careers - Completing the BTEC Extended Diploma in Applied Science is an excellent gateway to professional science careers, higher apprenticeships, and university degree pathways.

Academic Progression (University Courses):

This course provides a robust pathway into competitive degree programmes such as Biomedical Science, Pharmacy, Forensic Science, Nursing, Midwifery, Radiography, Environmental Science, and Food Technology.

Career Pathways

An Extended Diploma can launch careers in fields such as: Quality control and laboratory technician roles, Pharmaceutical and chemical manufacturing, Healthcare science and clinical support, Environmental monitoring and conservation, Food safety and agricultural analysis.

"I particularly enjoy the physiology part of the course, understand drug interactions with specific receptors and neurotransmitters, it makes you think about why we behave in a certain way and how we adapt to the environment." 

"I enjoyed the practical activities, they made science come to life!" 

The department provides access to a range of scientific journals, revision guides, and study aids to help improve your understanding and exam performance. Students have the opportunity to take part in various workshops, Olympiads and practical sessions to gain confidence and apply their knowledge.

Our team of experienced teachers, such as Dr. Singh, bring a wealth of academic and industry knowledge across all scientific disciplines. Lessons are varied and interactive, balancing formal theory teaching with intensive practical workshops in our specialist science laboratories.

Workshops are held regularly in the labs, providing dedicated one-to-one consultation time with staff to support assignment development, refine complex practical techniques, and master exam preparation.

For more information on the course, please contact:

Mr Cernuschi, Head of STEM: cce@stcharles.ac.uk