Applied Science - Level 3 BTEC Diploma/Extended Diploma - September Start

• Mode of study:

  Full Time

• Level:

  3

• Duration:

  2 Years

• Awarding/validation body:

  BTEC

In the first year of this course you will study a number of core and specialist units, depending on your entry qualifications. You will be guided through your own scientific research project as well as units in scientific practical techniques, laboratory design, and physiology. Once the first year is complete, you will continue to your second year on the Level 3 course.This two year course is equivalent to 3 A Levels.

Good English and Maths skills are essential for success in studying and for future employment prospects and so Croydon College ensures that these skills are developed in all learning opportunities.

Specialist Facilities:

This programme is delivered by our fully qualified and professional staff. You will benefit from learning in our modern, well-equipped laboratories in which numerous practical skills in pharmacological, microbiological, forensic, and genetic engineering are developed, as well as standard laboratory practices.

Trips and Activities:

Throughout the Level 3 course there are a number of opportunities for you to go on trips and visits as well as discussions with guest speakers and running mini projects.

Some of the highlights so far include:

Attending open days at top universities such as UCL

External  workshops with the Ministry of Defence

Creating your own environmental project with People and Planet

Visits to ecology centres

An annual visit to CERN in Switzerland to explore particle physics

External speakers from the industry, such as forensic scientists

Entry to World Skills competitions

Employer Links:

A key distinguishing feature of the college is our links with employers and the ways in which we incorporate this into your learning. Employers attend our popular employability events and you can discuss apprenticeships and progression opportunities in our employability Hub or in the apprenticeship office.

Studying BTEC Applied Science will allow you to prepare for the next stage of your career to enable you to progress with confidence either to further study or employment with training. Former students have gone to well respected universities such as UCL, King’s College London, Queen Mary, and Sussex to study a wide variety of medical and pharmacy related degrees.

Future careers can include:

Scientific research

Biomedical sciences

Zoology

Forensic science

Crime scene investigation

Radiography

Pharmaceutical industry

You will be assessed via a number of coursework assessments that include:

Practical reports

Scientific investigations

Presentations

Each assessment is graded as Pass, Merit, or Distinction and assignments are designed to have a vocational focus with real world scenarios so that work is done as it would be in industry. A large proportion of these assessments are based on practical investigations where a tutor observation is included in the final assessment. You will also have to sit 3 external exams.

Four GCSEs at grades 9-4/A*-C OR A related Level 2 vocational course at Merit or higher (if a pass grade is achieved GCSE grades and/or functional skills results may also be considered);

AND;

Including a GCSE at grade 9-4/A*-C (or equivalent) in English or Mathematics OR English and Mathematics assessed at Level 1 or above by College assessment.

A satisfactory reference may also be requested.