Applied Science - Level 3 Extended Diploma

Do you have a research interest? Discovering how diseases are caused or how we invent new medicines?

This course offers a mixture of hands-on practical activities, industry visits and study into the theory of science. Studying this course will provide you with the expert knowledge and skills you need to progress in your science career, students will graduate from top universities to study, pharmacy, radiography, biomedicine and many more.

Whilst studying for this qualification you will also have the opportunity to gain work experiments in scientific environments, most of our learners will join pharmacies or shadow professionals. This combined with our enrichment programmes will allow you to gain a competitive edge when applying for your next steps.

Level 3 Foundation Applied Science Learner: “I feel academically supported in this college, they have so many resources to help me excel on this course and some cool labs. At this college they are enriching me with skills to become a young adult, they are helping me in my studies to progress to my next steps. Staff take the time to understand who I am and where I want to be, this makes the college feel more personalised.”

Extended Diplomas have two one-year programmes. You need to finish the first year before moving on to the second.

This course consists of two separate qualifications. In your first year of study, you will work towards the Level 3 90-Credit Diploma, you will be learning the basics of Chemistry, Physics and Biology. Alongside practising your practical skills, we explore experiments in genetic engineering, creating your blood smears and making medicine. 

Following successful completion of this qualification, you will be able to progress to the Extended Diploma. Our Extended Diplomas offer equivalent UCAS points to studying 3 A Levels. This year you will perfect your skills in the laboratory and even have the ability to carry out your research project. 

Topics covered can include:

• Chemical Periodicity
• Biomedical Science
• Genetics
• Physiology
• Microbiology

You will need:

• Four GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English Language, Maths and Science (Combined Science, or two individual Sciences) or an equivalent Level 2 qualification at Merit or above

All applicants must have an interview and assessment to confirm that the course is suitable for them.

Assessment is continuous throughout the year, this course provides a mixture of completing written assignments and projects as well as performing practical work that is assessed internally within the college allowing you to experiment with all assessment styles. There will also be some written examinations, assessed externally via Pearson, the BTEC awarding body. 

Aged 16-18

If you will be aged 16, 17 or 18 on 31st August prior to the start date of your course and you have the legal right to remain in the UK for the duration of your programme then your study with us will be free. Please see here for the documents you will need to show us.

Some courses will have other associated costs, such as for specialist materials and trips. Many of our students are eligible for financial support, see here for details.

This course will help you to move on to higher level courses, such as a Bachelor of Science, or to pursue employment in the science industry, 95% of our learners progress onto universities to study Pharmacy, Radiography and many more. Other learners have joined apprenticeship schemes and employment.