What is Applied Science?

Applied Science is a BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate

This qualification is for post-16 students who want to continue their education through applied learning and who aim to go on into higher education and ultimately to employment, possibly in the science sector.

The Applied Science course is different from traditional Science A-levels in that more emphasis is given to the practical application of scientific theory. The curriculum is delivered through meaningful, relevant and motivating academic activities. Science lends itself to practical hands-on investigation and experimentation.

The qualification is equivalent to one A Level.

What could this qualification lead to?

Students develop transferable and higher order skills which are valued by higher education providers and employers.

For example, when studying Unit 3: Science Investigation Skills, students will develop skills such as how to plan investigations, collecting, analysing, and presenting data and communicating results which support some of the skills students 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 including, but not exclusively, those which are science-related.

Careers Opportunities

Students who graduate in science-related subjects have excellent employment prospects. There is a clear skills shortage in STEM disciplines at both graduate and technical levels in Northern Ireland.