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Bradford College

Applied Science (Extended Diploma)

  Study LevelLevel 3   Course TypeSchool Leavers   Duration2 Academic Years   Start DateSeptember 2025   Study ModeFull-time   LocationDavid Hockney Building

  Overview

This qualification is a 2 year course resulting in the awarding of the Extended Diploma in Applied Science equivalent to 3 A levels in Science. A career in science has almost unlimited possibilities. Have you thought about becoming an environmental scientist analysing soil samples, a nurse taking a patient’s blood pressure, a food scientist testing for bacteria in supermarket meat, or a science teacher in a school? To start you off on this exciting journey, the BTEC National Diploma in Applied Science is an excellent choice, especially if you’re not too keen on exams! Your coursework will be assessed, meaning you get a clear understanding of your progress throughout the year and don’t have loads of exams to revise for at the end. Much of your work will focus on experiments that you will plan and carry out in our well-furnished laboratories, developing theory and practical skills to help you carry out this work skilfully and safely – which is a key part of the course.

  Key Info

The BTEC Extended Diploma in Applied Science are for students seeking an A-level standard science qualification who wish to continue their education through applied learning and who aim to progress to higher education or apprenticeships and ultimately employment in the applied science sector. A qualification in Applied Science can lead to many degree level science courses include: Psychology, Environmental Sciences, Biological Sciences, Medical professions, Food Science, Communication Industry, Satellite Communications and Materials Science. Students will study across all three sciences: Biology, Chemistry and Physics covering topics including: fundamental chemical and physical principals, structure and function of cells, physiology and disease, electromagnetic waves and satellite communication amongst many other fascinating areas of cutting edge science.

Extended Diploma:

  • Biological Molecules
  • Organic and Industrial Chemistry
  • Material Science
  • An Investigative Project

Over the 2 years you will study thirteen units, 6 unit in the first year and 7 units in the second year.
4 units will be externally assessed 2 in each year and 9 of which are internally assessed. This course is equivalent to three A levels.  

Entry to this course requires GCSE English, GCSE Maths and GCSE Combined Science or two single Science GCSEs at a grade 4 or C.

Assessment is specifically designed to fit the purpose and objective of the qualification. It includes a range of assessment types and styles suited to vocational qualifications in the sector. There are three main forms of assessment that you need to be aware of: external, internal and synoptic.

  • 4 external exams over 2 years
  • 9 internally assessed units over 2 year (assignment based)
  • Synoptic assessment requires learners to demonstrate that they can identify and use effectively, in an integrated way, an appropriate selection of skills, techniques, concepts, theories and knowledge from across the whole sector as relevant to a key task.

On successful completion of the BTEC Extended Diploma programme, you can progress within Bradford College to our Higher National Diplomas (HND) in either Chemistry for Industry, Biology for Industry or Environmental Science. Or you can chose from a wide range of University degrees such as:

  • Diagnostic radiography
  • Forensic Science
  • Biomedical Science
  • Ophthalmic Dispensing
  • Sports Science
  • Nursing
  • Occupational therapy
  • Biological Sciences
  • Chemical Sciences
  • Pharmacy
  • Optometry
  • Mechanical engineering
  • Midwifery
  • Physiotherapy
  • Clinical Sciences/Medicine Foundation

If you have any questions or require any additional information, please contact [email protected]

Disclaimer: Our prospectus, college documents and website are simply here to offer a guide. We accept no liability for any inaccurate statements and are not responsible for any negative outcomes if you rely on an inaccurate statement. We reserve the right to withdraw any programmes or service at any time.

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