BTEC Level 3 Applied Science - IBCP

Applications Open: - 3rd November 2025

Applications Close: - 30th June 2026

Entry Requirements: - 5 x grade 4-9 including Maths & English at G5

How to Apply: - Please apply via KentChoices

IBCP students will take a minimum of three courses of study. All of these will be Level 3 courses (A/AS Level equivalent). The courses will be a combination of vocational BTEC qualification (equivalent to up to 3 A Levels, approximately 10 hours of study per week) and 2 IB subjects (approx. AS level each and studied for 5 hours a fortnight). If you select this subject you must also select two IB subjects in your application.

This course is designed for those of you wanting to go on to study science, or to work, in the science industries in the future. BTEC qualifications offer a “real science” alternative to A Levels. This is a very practical course in which you learn science skills by completing projects and assignments based on realistic workplace activities. You are able to learn about science as a career while developing the skills you need to become a professional scientist.

We offer three streams within the BTEC science course, these are:

1) Applied Science (mixture of all sciences)

2) Analytical & Forensic Science

3) Physical Science (predominantly physics)

Y12

Mandatory units:

UNIT 1: Principles and Applications of Science I (exam)

UNIT 2: Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques

UNIT 3: Scientific Investigation Skills (exam)

UNIT 4: Laboratory Techniques and their Application

UNIT 6: Investigative Project

+ 2 x Optional units

Y13

Mandatory units:

UNIT 5: Principles and Applications of Science II (exam)

UNIT 7: Contemporary Issues in Science (exam)

+ 4 x Optional units

Optional Units

Note: Optional units are voted for by students and are also governed by the scientific stream selected.note: Optional units are voted for by students and are also governed by the scientific stream selected.

Below is a selection of some of the popular optional units:

UNIT 8: Physiology of Human Body Systems

UNIT 14: Applications of Organic Chemistry

UNIT 16: Astronomy and Space Science

UNIT 19: Practical Chemical Analysis

UNIT 20: Biomedical Science

UNIT 21: Medical Physics Applications

UNIT 23: Forensic Evidence, Collection and Analysis

UNIT 25: Forensic Fire Investigation

UNIT 26: Forensic Traffic Collision Investigation

For entry into King Ethelbert School Sixth Form all students must attain 5 grades between Grade 9 and Grade 4 (or equivalent) with a Grade 5 in both English Language and Mathematics.

For entry onto BTEC Applied Science one you must also have attained a Grade 5 or above in Science GCSE.