BTEC Level 3 Applied Science (Double Award)

Course Information

Course TypeSixth Form Centre
Course LevelBTEC Level 3 Diploma
Awarding BodyPearson

Overview

We offer two courses at Level 3 in Applied Science. Both are two-year courses:

  • The BTEC Level 3 Diploma (Double Award) is equivalent to two A Levels in science.
  • The BTEC Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification (AAQ) BTEC Extended Certificate (Single Award) is equivalent to one A Level in science. You would pair this course with two other subjects at Level 3. Found out more about this course here.

BTECs are an increasingly popular alternative to A Levels. They are valued by employers and also accepted for university entry. One in four people who enter university do so via a BTEC course.

What we’ll study

The course contains a mixture of biology, chemistry and physics content at Level 3 with some mathematical elements.

Units studied include: applications of organic chemistry, medical physics applications, astronomy and space science, physiology of human body systems, science investigation skills and laboratory techniques and their applications.

Your future

Past students have progressed onto university courses such as pharmacy, medical science, biomedical science, forensic science, physiotherapy, nursing, audiology, radiography and engineering courses.

Students wishing to continue down a science route for higher education should ideally choose this Diploma (Double Award) course over the Applied Science AAQ (Single Award) course.

How you’ll be assessed

For the Diploma, 42% is externally assessed under exam conditions and 58% is internally assessed coursework.

The course is modular and you will receive module grades as you progress through the course – no potential surprises at the end of two years like with linear A Levels.

You can also re-sit the externally assessed examination units; this is not possible with the linear A Level science courses.
 


Factfile

Level: Level 3 BTEC Diploma (two-year course equivalent to two A Levels).

Examining Board: Pearson

Entry Requirements:

General College entry requirements.

Grade 4/4 in Combined Science GCSE.

If you have studied separate Sciences at GCSE you will need a grade 4 in all Sciences.

Grade 4 in GCSE Maths.

Merit grade if you have studied L2 BTEC Science course.

To discuss whether BTEC Science options might be right for you, get in touch.

Downloads

Title Date  
BTEC Applied Science Double Course Card 22nd Sep 2026 Download