Applied Science (Biomedical Science) - Level 3 Extended Diploma

Essentials

Duration: 2 Years Full-time
Start date: 1st September 2025
End date: 4th June 2027
Information Event: Yes

Course fee: FREE (Eligibility criteria may apply)

Successful students automatically progress to the second year of the Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma.

Course Content

The BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Applied Science qualification is a two-year programme of study which is equivalent to three A-Levels in applied science.

This programme of study aims to provide learners with the laboratory skills and scientific knowledge they will need to progress on to third level education and careers in science. 

Students that successfully complete year one of this programme will be awarded an Extended Certificate in Applied Science (1 A-Level equivalent) and will progress to year two of the Extended Diploma to complete their studies and achieve the 3 A-Level equivalents.

The subjects covered throughout the two years cover a wide range of STEM topics and aim to provide the learner with a strong foundation in applied science. Project work is an essential component of this course of study through which we aim to enhance the learner’s research, scientific writing, and laboratory practical skills. The programme consists of 13 units over two years which include topics such as:

• Research Project
• Practical laboratory skills
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Biology
• Infectious Diseases
• Chemistry
• Microbiology
• Biomedical Science
• Mathematics and Statistics for Science

 Students that complete this course progress to university courses in science and healthcare or to employment in the science industry.

p>Applied Science students Ryan and Niamh share their experiences of what it is like to study this course at the College.

Special Features

• An additional level 2 qualification.
• An annual Biomedical and Nutrition Workshop at Ulster University, Coleraine.
• UCAS guidance and support through application.
• Project-based learning.
• Vocational visits and guest speakers.

Applicants must be at least 16 years of age on or before 1 July in the year of proposed entry to the course and have a minimum of four GCSE which should include a grade C, or above, in Maths and English and CC, or above, in Double Award Science. Students with Single Award Science and GCSE equivalents will also be considered on a case-by-case basis. Students with a Level 2 Certificate in Applied Science should achieve a Merit or above.

In the event of oversubscription, the college will use the following enhanced criteria:

• GCSE grade B or above in English and Maths, CC or above in Double Award Science or B in Single Award Science.

Students can expect to progress to a range of Higher Education courses such as the Ulster University Foundation Degree in Applied and Medical Sciences or onto BSc Hons or MSc degree programmes such as biomedical science, forensic science, nutrition, radiography, physiotherapy, environmental science, zoology, optometry, biology, microbiology, pathology, marine biology and law.

The qualification carries UCAS points and is recognised by higher education providers as meeting, or contributing to, admission requirements for many relevant Science courses. It also provides the skills for direct route into employment within the science sector or higher-level apprenticeships.