APPLIED SCIENCE

Course Overview: Level 3 BTEC National in Applied Science (Extended Certificate) 

The Pearson Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification BTEC National in Applied Science (Extended Certificate) is a 2-year, Level 3 qualification designed for post-16 students interested in the sciences. Equivalent in size to one A Level, it is structured to be taken alongside two other A Levels (such as Psychology, Sociology, or Geography) as part of a full study programme.

Entry Requirements

5 GCSEs at  grade 5 or above including separate science or combined science.

What You Will Study

The course covers key scientific theories across biology, chemistry, and physics, combining conceptual knowledge with extensive practical laboratory work. You will complete 4 mandatory units and 1 optional unit:

• Unit 1: Principles and Applications of Biology (Mandatory) – Cell and tissue ultrastructure, biological molecules, cell transport mechanisms, and enzyme activity.

• Unit 2: Principles and Applications of Chemistry (Mandatory) – Atomic structure, Periodic Table trends, chemical bonding, and organic chemistry.

• Unit 3: Principles and Applications of Physics (Mandatory) – Wave characteristics, applications of waves, force concepts in transport, and electrical circuits.

• Unit 4: Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques (Mandatory) – Hands-on laboratory techniques including titration, colorimetry, chromatography, and electrical circuit investigations.

• Optional Unit  – 

  • Either Unit 5: Science Investigation Skills (planning and carrying out an independent scientific project) 

or

• Unit 6: Contemporary Issues in Science (evaluating scientific developments in media and research).

How You Are Assessed

Assessment is split equally between external examinations and teacher-marked practical assignments.

• 50% External Exams: 3 written examination papers (1 hour each, 50 marks) covering Units 1, 2, and 3 set and marked by Pearson.

• 50% Internal Assignments: 2 practical assessment briefs (Pearson Set Assignment Briefs) for Unit 4 and your chosen optional unit, completed in class and externally verified.

Key Skills & Progression

Beyond core scientific knowledge, the course develops work-ready skills in analytical thinking, laboratory techniques, problem-solving, research, and data interpretation].

• University & Career Routes: The qualification attracts UCAS tariff points and is recognised by UK universities for progression into degree programmes such as Nursing, Applied Sport and Exercise Sciences, Secondary Science Education, or graduate employment in scientific industries.

How many UCAS points can I achieve from this subject?

Our alternative academic qualifications which form part of our A-Level programme qualify for UCAS tariff points to apply for university in the same way as A-Levels. For this subject, you could achieve up to 56 UCAS points (the UCAS tariff points from your other subjects will be added to this, too!) depending on how you are graded:

Extended Certificate 

Grade Points threshold 

Pass 36 

Merit 52

Distinction 74 

Distinction * 90