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BTEC Level 3 Applied Science Course in Croydon for 16 to 18 Year Olds – Shirley High School Performing Arts College

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? Check which courses you can do free.

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About this course

Free BTEC Level 3 Applied Science Course in Croydon. Classes run at Shirley High School Performing Arts College, full-time over two years.

This Pearson Edexcel BTEC applied science qualification covers core science topics alongside applied and practical work. You'll study biology, chemistry, and physics concepts in a real-world context. Units explore scientific investigation, laboratory techniques, and how science is used in industry. The course is equivalent in size to one A level and is designed to sit alongside other Level 3 qualifications.

You'll finish with a Level 3 BTEC National Extended Certificate in Applied Science.

Who this course is for

This practical work related course is aimed at creative students who have an interest in developing their skills for the performing arts industry such as in acting, dance, musical or physical theatre. You may be aiming for a career as a performer, for roles behind the scenes, want to work in arts administration or perhaps in roles using the arts to educate people. Equivalent in size to one A level, you study it alongside other level 3 qualifications making it a stepping stone to higher education if you choose this path. It will give you transferable skills including self-confidence, presentation and communication, self-management and teamwork that are also useful in a range of non-arts careers.

Entry requirements

4-5 GCSE's at grade 4 (C) or above including English and a performing arts related subject. You will need to have some previous performance experience be expected to attend an audition.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop practical laboratory skills and scientific investigation techniques.
  • You'll study core biology, chemistry, and physics concepts at Level 3.
  • You'll learn how to plan, carry out, and evaluate scientific experiments.
  • You'll explore how science applies to real-world and industrial contexts.
  • You'll build skills in data analysis and scientific communication.
  • You'll understand health and safety practices in a laboratory setting.

How you will learn

You'll learn through a mix of classroom teaching and practical laboratory work. Assessment is through a combination of internally assessed assignments and externally set exams. Practical tasks and written assignments make up a significant part of the course. You'll complete units assessed by your teachers and sit external assessments set by Pearson Edexcel.

What you will need to bring

Shirley High School Performing Arts College will confirm what you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Laboratory assistant, supports scientists and technicians in a lab setting.
  • Laboratory technician, prepares equipment and materials for scientific work.
  • Science technician, maintains lab resources in schools or research settings.
  • Quality control analyst, tests products in a manufacturing or food science environment, though further study or experience is usually needed.
  • Research assistant, supports scientific research projects, typically after a degree.

What you could study next

  • A levels in Biology, Chemistry, or Physics, if you want to specialise before applying to university.
  • Bachelor's degree in Applied Science, Biology, Chemistry, or a related subject (Level 6), the typical next step toward a professional science career.
  • Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Applied Science (Level 4), a work-focused alternative to a full degree.
  • Foundation degree in a science subject (Level 5), combining academic study with workplace learning.
Apply on qualifications.pearson.com →
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