Free BTEC Level 2 Applied Science Course in Bristol. Classes run at Cotham School, full-time during the day. You'll need four GCSEs at grade 3 or above, including English language and maths, to join. The course runs for one year and covers Biology, Chemistry and Physics through a mix of classroom teaching and independent research projects. You'll sit one external exam and complete three coursework projects exploring topics in chemistry, energy and biology. Bursaries are available to help with costs like transport, books and equipment.
Who this course is for
If you would like to study all 3 sciences (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) and like working on big written projects this is the course for you. The format of the course means it is broken down into more manageable chunks than the science GCSE and you only have to learn the content for the 1 exam: for the coursework you will develop different skills: in researching the topics and writing them up.
Entry requirements
4 x GCSE at grade 3 (or above), including English language and mathematics.
What you will learn
You'll study Biology, Chemistry and Physics topics in depth
You'll research and write up a project on Chemistry and our Earth
You'll research and write up a project on Energy and our Universe
You'll research and write up a project on Biology and our Environment
You'll prepare for and sit one external science exam covering all three sciences
You'll develop skills in independent research, writing and meeting deadlines
How you will learn
The course combines classroom teaching with independent coursework. You'll attend daytime classes at Cotham School and work on three written research projects alongside your classroom study. Assessment is through a mixture of internal coursework and one external exam. The coursework is submitted throughout the year, so meeting deadlines is important.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Cotham School will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Laboratory technician assistant: supports scientists in school or research labs
Science technician: prepares equipment and materials for experiments
Healthcare support worker: entry-level role in NHS or care settings
Environmental monitoring assistant: collects data on air, water or soil
Pharmacy assistant: supports dispensing teams in retail or hospital pharmacies
What you could study next
BTEC Level 3 Applied Science (requires a Merit/Merit grade in this Award): the natural next step for science study at a higher level
A Levels in Biology, Chemistry or Physics: if you want to progress to university science courses
Level 3 Health and Science T Level: a two-year technical qualification combining classroom study with an industry placement
