Applied Science (AAQ) - Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification

Applications Open: 21st November 2025 (9.00am)

Applications Close: 13th February 2026 (4.00pm)

How to apply:

- All INTERNAL applicants MUST apply via Applicaa using this link (coming soon!)

- All EXTERNAL applicants MUST apply via Kent Choices using this link https://www.kentprospectus.co.uk/login

- All correspondence between learners and the school after an application is made will be via Applicaa.

- All applicants (internal and external) will be invited in for a 1-1 guidance meeting.

- Those who have a successful guidance meeting will be offered a place to study at St John's Sixth Form from September 2026.

Course Details

The Pearson Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification BTEC National in Applied Science (Extended Certificate) enables students to study the principles and applications of Biology, Chemistry and Physics, as well as practical scientific procedures and techniques. Students will also have the opportunity to develop their investigation skills or explore contemporary issues in science.

The qualification has four mandatory units covering the following topics:

• Principles and Applications of Biology – Structure and function of cells and tissues, biological molecules, enzymes and their role in organisms.

• Principles and Applications of Chemistry – Structure of the Periodic Table and its implications on physical and chemical properties of substances, through analysis of different bonding methods

• Principles and Applications of Physics – Waves and their applications; force principles and their application in transportation and construction of electrical circuits

• Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques – Practical applications across the sciences, including chromatography, colorimetry and electrical circuits. Students have a choice from two optional units covering the following topics:

• Scientific Investigation Skills – Investigative research, including planning, data collection, analysis and evaluation.

• Contemporary Issues in Science – Contemporary scientific issues including the reliability of sources of scientific information and their associated validity.

Modules Studied

Students will study three mandatory units:

• Unit 1: Principles and Applications of Biology (External)

• Unit 2: Principles and Applications of Chemistry (External)

• Unit 3: Principles and Applications of Physics (External)

• Unit 4: Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques (Internal)

Staff teaching the course will choose one optional unit which has been designed to support choices in progression to applied science courses in higher education.

Optional units include:

• Unit 5: Science Investigation Skills (Internal)

• Unit 6: Contemporary Issues in Science (Internal

You will be assessed through examinations, assignments and tasks set by the exam board. The exam will be sat in either January or June and content is of A Level standard.

Please Note: This is a two year course and no qualification will be gained if only one year is completed.

Exam Board: Pearson

Entry Requirements:

A minimum of 5 subjects at GCSE Grade 4/BTEC Level 2 Pass or higher:

Including

• Grade 5-4 in GCSE Combined Science or 5-4-4 in GCSE triple Science (Biology/Chemistry/Physics)

• Grade 4 in GCSE English Language or Literature.

You could take this course with other level 3 courses or equivalent to prepare for higher education/employment.

The requirements of the qualification will mean that you will develop the transferable and higher order skills which are valued by higher education providers and employers. For example, when studying Unit 3: Science Investigation Skills, you will develop skills including how to plan investigations, collecting, analysing, and presenting data and communicating results which support some of the skills you need to progress to higher education, employment, self-employment or training.

The qualification carries UCAS points and is recognised by higher education providers as contributing to meeting admission requirements for many courses if taken alongside other qualifications as part of a two-year programme of learning, including, but not exclusively, those which are science-related. The qualification can be taken as part of a diverse programme, leaving progression options fully open. It can also give context to subjects which would benefit from some scientific background. This will depend on the combination of qualifications you choose.

What further learning will this qualification lead to?

This qualification can lead to progression to the following degrees:

• BSc (Hons) Applied Sport and Exercise Sciences

• BSc (Hons) Nursing

• BSc (Hons) Secondary Science Education