Applied Science - Level 1
Summary
This Level 1 qualification is designed to provide you with an engaging introduction to the applied science sector, allowing you to develop both practical scientific knowledge and essential transferable skills.
Throughout the course, you will build confidence and independence while exploring key scientific concepts and applying them in vocational contexts. The qualification places a strong emphasis on developing sector-specific science skills alongside valuable employability skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving and organisation.
By fostering both personal and academic growth, the programme prepares learners for progression to further education, apprenticeships, training opportunities, or future employment within science-related fields
Entry Requirements
Grade 2 in GCSE maths and English
Where can this subject lead?
Career progression
Successfully completing this Introductory Diploma in Applied Science provides a solid foundation for progression into further education, vocational training, apprenticeships, and entry-level employment.
By developing scientific understanding, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, you will gain valuable experience that supports both academic advancement and long-term career aspirations.
This qualification is the first step to building a future career in the science sector with pathways which include laboratory work, healthcare, environmental science, forensic science, biotechnology, and technical support roles.
Next steps at B&FC
Progression options at B&FC include our Science Pre T Level or our Animal Care - Level 2 course.
There is also the possibility of pursuing related subjects such as health and social care, more details of which can be found on our dedicated Health and Social Care page.
Employment Opportunities
While this qualification is primarily designed as a progression route into further study, it also helps you develop the foundational knowledge, practical skills and workplace behaviours valued by employers. Through activities that promote communication, teamwork, problem-solving, organisation, and scientific investigation, you'll gain transferable skills that are applicable across a wide range of industries. These skills can support entry into junior or support roles, while also providing a strong foundation for future careers within science-related sectors.
Key information
Qualification obtained
BTEC Introductory Diploma in Applied ScienceFees and funding
Courses for learners who are 16-18 years old at the start of their course and resident in the UK are fully funded. You may also be entitled to further financial help to support your studies depending on your personal circumstances. For more details of these, please visit our page on Finance Support for School Leavers.
If you are not a UK resident, we will confirm whether funding is available when we process your application. If not, you may be liable for course fees.
Extra costs and equipment
No additional equipment is required for this programme, although you will be expected to provide your own stationery for taking notes.
What will I learn?
Throughout this qualification, you will gain an introduction to the world of applied science while developing the knowledge, practical skills and personal qualities needed for further study and future employment. You will explore scientific concepts through a range of engaging activities and vocationally relevant projects, helping you understand how science is applied in real-life situations. Specifically, you will study the following core units:
- Being Organised
- Developing a Personal Progression Plan
- Working with Others
- Researching a Topic
- Investigating Crime Scene Evidence
- Exploring Biology
- Exploring Physics
- Exploring Chemistry
- Investigating Variations in Plants and Animals
- Practical Actions to Protect the Environment
The course will enable you to develop sector-specific skills alongside valuable transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, organisation, problem-solving, and independent learning. By the end of the programme, you will have increased your confidence, improved your practical abilities, and gained a clearer understanding of the opportunities available within science-related education and career pathways
Essential skills: English and Maths
All school leavers at B&FC are encouraged to continue developing their English and maths skills as higher ability in both these subjects is linked to long-term career success and increased earning potential - irrespective of how well you performed at GCSE. If, however, you achieve a GCSE Grade 3 or less in either subject, you will also have the opportunity to work towards re-sitting these to enhance your paper-based qualifications. This won’t delay your career journey because you will be undertaking this programme of study at the same time as your chosen subject.
Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers
When available, enrichment activities such as industry placements, educational visits, field trips, and guest speaker sessions will be used to enhance the learning experience and provide valuable insight into the applied science sector.
These opportunities help learners understand how scientific knowledge and skills are used in real-world settings while developing their awareness of potential career pathways. Visits to workplaces, laboratories, universities, museums, or science-related organisations, together with talks from industry professionals, can help bring learning to life and support the development of employability skills, professional behaviours, and career aspirations. Availability of these activities will vary between centres and local opportunities.
How will I learn?
You will learn through a variety of engaging and practical activities designed to help you develop both your scientific knowledge and transferable skills. Teaching and learning methods may include practical investigations, group work, discussions, research projects, presentations, problem-solving activities, and independent study tasks. The course is designed to provide a vocational learning experience, allowing you to apply scientific concepts to realistic situations and develop confidence in using them. You will receive regular feedback and support from your tutors, helping you to monitor your progress, build your skills, and achieve your full potential. The learner-centred, unit-based structure of the qualification encourages active participation and the development of both sector-specific and transferable skills.
Expert tutors
All tutors involved in the delivery of courses and apprenticeships within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver.
Our recruitment process ensures that tutors delivering a given programme are suitably qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and a familiarity with professional practice. The aim of this is to enrich students’ learning experience, giving them an insight into what working in the industry is really like.
How will I be assessed?
The assessment is based on the coursework which is built around each of the units studied.