Applied Science BTEC
Cambridge Advanced Nationals are widely recognised by industry and higher education as a vocational qualification at Level 3. They provide progression to the workplace either directly or via study at a higher level.
Students who join our course will complete the OCR Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification (AAQ) Cambridge Advanced National Extended Certificate in Applied Science. Whilst the qualification is primarily designed for those who are interested in learning about the Science sector, our students have progressed to a wide range of higher education courses and employment in fields such as; Nursing, Midwifery, Sport & Exercise Therapy, Forensic Science, Mechanical Engineering, Archaeology, Special Effects Make-Up Artistry, Radiotherapy and Environmental Science.
The Cambridge Advanced National Extended Certificate in Applied Science is equivalent in size to one A Level and is studied over two years. Students are able to achieve grades from Pass to Distinction* with a Distinction* being awarded a maximum of 56 UCAS Points (equivalent to an A* at A Level). AAQ qualifications are recognised by universities as part of a student’s UCAS application and are widely recognised and respected qualifications for Apprenticeships and Industry.
Five units will be studied; three are mandatory (67%) and two of the three are external assessments (40%).
Units are assessed using a grading scale of Distinction (D), Merit (M), Pass (P) and Unclassified (U).
The core mandatory units are:
Students go on to study a huge variety of science and non-science related degrees at University such as Teaching, Food Science, Nursing, Physiotherapy, Prosthetics, Radiography, Veterinary nursing, Ecology, Forensics and many more. We endeavour to give our students access to industry specialists in the form of visits, webinars or talks during their two year course.
YouGov research shows that 62% of large companies have recruited employees with vocational qualifications. What’s more, well over 100,000 vocational students apply to UK universities every year and the current vocational courses have been accepted by over 150 UK universities and higher education institutes for relevant degree programmes either on their own or in combination with A Levels.
There will be opportunities over the course to hear from professionals about their jobs in the science sector and a focus placed on the skills achieved whilst studying Applied Science that students will be able to use in their future career(s).
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