BTEC Level 3 Applied Science Course in Bury for 16 to 18 Year Olds

CostFree for 16 to 18 year olds
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2027
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body

A sixth-form course for 16 to 18 year olds. Aged 19 or over? See Laboratory Technician Courses in Bury.

About this course

Free BTEC Level 3 Applied Science Course in Bury. Classes run at Holy Cross Sixth Form College, full-time over two years. This level 3 btec applied science course covers biology, chemistry and physics, with some mathematical elements woven throughout. You'll need five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including grade 4/4 in Combined Science and grade 4 in Maths. The course is accepted for university entry and is equivalent to one A Level in science, pairing with two other Level 3 subjects.

Who this course is for

Students wishing to continue down a science route for higher education should ideally choose this Extended Diploma (Triple Award) course over the Applied Science AAQ (Single Award) course.

Entry requirements

5 GCSE's at grade 4 or above

Grade 4/4 in Combined Science GCSE.

If you have studied separate Sciences at GCSE you will need a grade 4 in all Sciences.

Grade 4 in GCSE Maths.

Merit grade if you have studied L2 BTEC Science course.

What you will learn

  • You'll study biology, chemistry and physics content at Level 3.
  • You'll explore applications of organic chemistry and medical physics.
  • You'll learn about astronomy and space science.
  • You'll examine the physiology of human body systems.
  • You'll develop science investigation skills.
  • You'll practise laboratory techniques and their applications.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom-based sessions at the college. Assessment combines internal coursework and external exams sat under exam conditions. The Pearson Edexcel btec applied science qualification uses a mix of unit assignments and externally assessed components, so you'll build knowledge steadily across the two years rather than relying on exams alone.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Holy Cross Sixth Form College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Laboratory technician: support scientists in research or testing labs.
  • Science technician: assist in schools, colleges, or industrial settings.
  • Pharmacy dispenser: work in a pharmacy under a pharmacist's supervision.
  • Healthcare support worker: assist clinical staff in NHS or private settings.
  • Environmental monitoring officer: collect and analyse environmental samples.
  • Research assistant: support scientific studies in a university or company.

What you could study next

  • Degree in pharmacy, biomedical science, or forensic science: the most common next step for students completing this btec applied science qualification who want a science career.
  • Degree in nursing, physiotherapy, or radiography: for those moving into healthcare professions.
  • Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Applied Science: a shorter higher-education route if a full degree is not your immediate goal.
  • Level 3 Extended Diploma in Applied Science: if you want the three-A-Level equivalent before applying to competitive science degree programmes.

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