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Applied Science - Level 3

College of West Anglia

Tennyson Avenue, King's Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 2QW

Other Regulated/Accredited Qualification
Level 3
Science and Mathematics

Available start dates

Available start dates

Wednesday, 02 September 2026
College of West Anglia (King's Lynn campus)
0 Hour(s)
Full time

Course Summary

If you are interested in studying science at university, or working in the field of Science, this course provides you with the skills, knowledge and qualifications you need to progress.

Course Details

There are two pathways for this course:

Biomedical pathway

Particularly for those who are interested in core science and want to pursue a career in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, natural sciences, pharmacy, bioscience, microbiology, marine biology, biomedical science, environmental science, physiology, nursing, paramedics or midwifery.

Analytical & Forensic Science pathway

Particularly for those who are interested in and would like to pursue a career in forensic science.

How will it be delivered and assessed?

The qualification is assessed externally and internally.

4 of the 13 units are externally assessed, 7 units are internally assessed.

External assessment is in the form of exams and tasks set by Pearson, BTEC exam board. The internal assessments are in the form of reports, practical observations, tasks, Presentations, posters tables. Students are assessed through a variety of methods, for example assignments, case studies, work-based assessments, projects, performance observation and external assessment.
Some units can be subject to change, we provide the most suitable and specialised tutor for that unit.

How many UCAS points will I achieve on this course?

Our level 3 vocational courses qualify for UCAS tariff points to apply for university in the same way as A-Levels. This course is an extended diploma which is delivered over two years and you could achieve up to 168 UCAS points (which is equivalent to three A* grades at A-Level).

BTEC extended diplomas are graded as a pass, merit, distinction or distinction star (with distinction star being the highest grade) with the overall grade being a combination of three grades which represent an aggregation of your performance on mandatory and optional units on the course.

The following table gives some examples on the amount of UCAS points you can achieve on a BTEC extended diploma:

| BTEC grade | UCAS Points |
| --- | --- |
| 3x D| 168 |
| 2x D
, D| 160 |
| D*DD | 152 |
| DDD | 144 |
| DDM | 128 |
| DMM | 112 |
| MMM | 96 |
| MMP | 80 |
| MPP | 64 |
| PPP | 48 |

Depending on your circumstances, you may study a smaller qualification, such as a subsidiary diploma (for example, if you only complete one year) or general diploma which may carry less UCAS tariff points.

You can find more details and examples on the UCAS tariff points calculator here.

Entry requirements

You will need:

  • 5 or more GCSEs at grade 4 or higher, including English, maths and double science (44)

Or:

  • A merit grade in a full level 2 in science studied at CWA or another further education provider. This does not include level 2 courses studied at school alongside GCSEs.

Additional information


For more courses like this, check our courses page.