BTEC National Extended Certificat

The BTEC National Extended Certificate in Applied Science is a practical, career-focused Level 3 qualification designed for students interested in medical science, healthcare and laboratory-based careers. Students develop scientific knowledge alongside practical laboratory and research skills.

Assessment combines external examinations with internally assessed assignments and practical work, allowing students to demonstrate both their scientific understanding and practical skills. The assessment structure is 40% coursework based and 60% examined.

Course structure – Extended Certificate:

• Principles and Applications of Science: Core Biology, Chemistry and Physics concepts and their application to scientific and healthcare contexts.

• Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques: Developing laboratory skills, including safe working practices, experimental techniques and scientific data collection.

• Science Investigation Skills: Planning investigations, collecting and analysing data, and evaluating scientific results.

• Optional unit – Medical Science: Exploring areas such as human anatomy and physiology, diseases, diagnostic techniques and medical treatments.

The qualification provides a strong foundation for university courses, apprenticeships and careers in medical science, healthcare, biomedical science and laboratory work.

Minimum of a grade 4 in English and maths as well as a 4 / 4 in combined science.