Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Applied Science

Applications Open: - 3 November 2025 at 8.00am

Applications Close: - 2 June 2026 at 8.00am

Entry Requirements: - At least five grade 4s or above, which should include English and Maths.

How to Apply: - Please apply via KentChoices

Please note an Extended Certificate is the equivalent of one A-Level, a Foundation Diploma one and half an A-Level and Diploma the equivalent of two A-Levels. Students should apply for one Diploma and one Extended Certificate or three Extended Certificate subjects.

The Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Applied Science is intended to be an Applied General qualification for post­16 students wanting to continue their education through applied learning and who aim to progress to higher education, and ultimately to employment, possibly in the applied science sector. The applied science sector is diverse and wide­-ranging, including, for example, biomedical, forensic, physical and chemical sciences.

All the below units are mandatory:

Unit 1 Principles and Applications of Biology

Unit 2 Principles and Applications of Chemistry

Unit 3 Principles and Applications of Physics

Unit 4 Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques

Unit 5 Science Investigation Skills

Unit 6 Contemporary Issues in Science

Assessment is specifically designed to fit the purpose and objective of the qualification. It includes a range of internal and external assessment types and styles suited to vocational qualifications in the sector. External assessment is taken under specified conditions and marked by Pearson. Internal assessments are marked by the teacher, and subject to external standards verification. The Extended Certificate consists of two externally assessed units, and two internally assessed units. Units are assessed using a grading scale of Distinction (D), Merit (M), Pass (P), Near Pass (N) and Unclassified (U). The grade of Near Pass is used for externally-assessed units only.

Minimum of 5 GCSEs at Level 4 or above, including English Lit or Lang at grade 4 and Maths at Level 4. Subject specific results will also be considered when choosing this course.

In addition to the applied science sector­specific content outlined above, the requirements of the qualification will mean students develop the transferable and higher­order skills that are highly regarded by both HE and employers. For example, when studying the science investigative unit, learning how to plan investigations, collect, analyse, and present data and communicate results, thus supporting some of the skills students need to progress into higher education, employment, self­employment or training.

The qualification is intended to carry UCAS points and is recognised by HE 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 that are science ­related.