Applied Science - Level 3 (BTEC Extended Diploma)

There are two pathways for this course:

Biomedical pathway

Particularly for those who are interested in core science and want to pursue a career in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, natural sciences, pharmacy, bioscience, microbiology, marine biology, biomedical science, environmental science, physiology, nursing, paramedics or midwifery.

Analytical & Forensic Science pathway

Particularly for those who are interested in and would like to pursue a career in forensic science.

You will need:

• 5 or more GCSEs at grade 4 or higher, including English, maths and double science (44)

Or:

• A merit grade in a full level 2 in science studied at CWA or another further education provider. This does not include level 2 courses studied at school alongside GCSEs.

How long is this course?

2 Year

When does this course start?

01/09/2025

How many hours / days per week is this course?

Full-time courses at CWA are generally 3 - 4 days per week (though you may be in for an extra day if you are resitting English and / or Maths). The college day is typically longer than a day at school and students will need to plan their individual study in their free time (including individual study hours which are recorded at college in the Learning Resource Centre or other study areas). Work experience will be a key component of your course and most students will complete a minimum of 60 hours per academic year (on top of their college hours), depending on the course they are studying. CWA has a dedicated team of work placement co-ordinators to support you with this.

Age	Cost
16-18	Free*
19+	£7,350

* Some of our courses may have additional costs to cover trips, unform and equipment. These costs will be confirmed to you at enrolment.

Fee information

Though this course is free for those aged 16-18, there may be additional costs related to the programme, such as additional equipment and uniform, educational trips and work placement costs. Full details will be sent to applicants before enrolment.

Find all the information you need about course fees and financial help below.

Information on Fees and Financial Help

Adult (19+) learners

Depending on your age, course, educational history and personal circumstances, there may be options available for you to receive a course fully-funded by the government. Our fee calculator will help give you an idea on whether you'll be able to have your course fee waived or covered by an Advanced Learner Loan.

Complete our fee calculator

Learners with an active Education, Health & Care Plan

If you are aged 19 - 24 at the start of your course and have an active Education, Health & Care Plan (EHCP), any course up to and including level 3 will be fully-funded by the government. This means you will not have a course fee to pay and any equipment considered essential to complete your course will be provided by the college.

What qualification will I achieve?

• BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Applied Science (Biomedical) or BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Applied Science (Analytical and Forensic Science)

How is my course assessed?

The qualification is assessed externally and internally.

4 of the 13 units are externally assessed, 7 units are internally assessed.

External assessment is in the form of exams and tasks set by Pearson, BTEC exam board. The internal assessments are in the form of reports, practical observations, tasks, Presentations, posters tables. Students are assessed through a variety of methods, for example assignments, case studies, work-based assessments, projects, performance observation and external assessment. Some units can be subject to change, we provide the most suitable and specialised tutor for that unit.

How many UCAS points will I achieve on this course?

Our level 3 vocational courses qualify for UCAS tariff points to apply for university in the same way as A-Levels. This course is an extended diploma which is delivered over two years and you could achieve up to 168 UCAS points (which is equivalent to three A* grades at A-Level).

BTEC extended diplomas are graded as a pass, merit, distinction or distinction star (with distinction star being the highest grade) with the overall grade being a combination of three grades which represent an aggregation of your performance on mandatory and optional units on the course.

The following table gives some examples on the amount of UCAS points you can achieve on a BTEC extended diploma:

BTEC grade	UCAS Points
3x D*	168
2x D*, D	160
D*DD	152
DDD	144
DDM	128
DMM	112
MMM	96
MMP	80
MPP	64
PPP	48

Depending on your circumstances, you may study a smaller qualification, such as a subsidiary diploma (for example, if you only complete one year) or general diploma which may carry less UCAS tariff points.

You can find more details and examples on the UCAS tariff points calculator here.