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Applied Science - Fast Track to Degree

Summary

This new approach to our adult classes in applied science is an exciting change with bright prospects. You will complete 4 units of applied science (see below for details) to achieve the National Extended Certificate from Pearson. As well as this, you will carry out a lot of science experiments which you can document in your portfolio.

Our aim is for you to undertake many biology and chemistry investigations using our high-spec equipment that you will be able to walk into a science lab as a career and get started straight away. The modules chosen are rich in chemistry content and we understand that it is a suitable replacement for GCSE chemistry requirements for progression onto most pathways. Please get in touch if you are unsure about this and we will be able to help you out.

Next course dates

Start date Location Duration
10 Sep 2025
Bispham Campus
1 Year

Where can this subject lead?

Career progression

This section is really important, so we suggest that you get in touch and speak to us directly via phone or email and we can discuss your application individually. Every student on this programme will have different directions in mind.

Our science degrees in Human Bioscience and Marine Biology are ideal progression routes after this course, with our students doing very well in these areas historically. Students who have studied this programme previously have gone on to our degrees and are now in fully fledged science careers as a result.

Also, students can use this qualification as a stepping stone to go in to other fields, such as nursing, physicians' associate programmes, radiology and so on.

Key information

Entry Requirements

4 or more GCSEs at 4/C or above are advised, although personal experience is also credited. All applicants should have an interview to discuss their suitability for the course.

Qualification obtained

BTEC National Extended Certificate in Applied Science

Fees and funding

Read our page on Financial Support for Adult Learners for more information.

Extra costs and equipment

All equipment needed will be provided by B&FC at no additional cost.

Regulation and Accreditation

Accrediting Institution: N/A

Awarding Body: Pearson

Terms and conditions

Read our full terms and conditions for more information.

What will I learn?

Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers

There are no placements or field trips planned as part of this course.

How will I learn?

Teaching and learning differs for each modules, with practical units culminating in a product creation assignment.

Initially, we will support you by way of demonstrations and walkthroughs; as you progress through the course, we will encourage you to work on your own initiative and in groups.

Teaching is delivered by subject specialists, who draw from a vast amount of industry experience to support you in developing the skills needed in your future career. You will also have access to cutting-edge facilities and resources throughout your course.

Expert tutors

All staff involved in the delivery of adult education courses within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver.

The approval process ensures that staff delivering a given programme are appropriately qualified and where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and professional practice.

How will I be assessed?

How will I be assessed?

The new qualification structure of this programme is a mixture of exams and coursework. Our students always perform will in both of these areas and the examination results have been excellent. The inclusion of exams provides a well-recognised bench mark of external assessment that further validates our graduates with employers and higher education institutions. Modules are:

  • Principles and Applications of Science (examined, 3 x 40 minute exams Biology / Chemistry / Physics)
  • Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques (coursework)
  • Science Investigation Skills (examined, 1 practical, 1 written)
  • Applications of Inorganic Chemistry (coursework)

As well as this, we are providing a significant number of practical experiments for you to carry out. These will include titrations, purity analysis, chromatography, spectrophotometry and many more. You are encouraged to make records of the experiments that you will carry out on this programme as part of a portfolio.