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Applied Science Alternative Academic Qualification

The City of Leicester College

Downing Drive , Leicester , Leicester , Leics, LE5 6LN

OCR Cambridge National Certificate
Level 3
Health, Public Services and Care

Available start dates

Available start dates

Tuesday, 01 September 2026
The City of Leicester College
2 Year(s)
Full time
Daytime/working hours
NULL

Course Summary

Do you want to study the Biology, Chemistry, Physics and carry out practical science investigations? Then the Applied Science certificate course offers you all that. This Level 3 qualification delivers a broad practical introduction to science and supports your progression to further study or employment. Lessons are designed to develop your fundamental scientific knowledge and practical skills valued by universities and employers.

Course Details

The content is as follows:
• F180: Fundamentals of science
• F181: Science in society
• F182: Investigating science
Two option units that teachers will pick from the following list:
• F183: Analytical techniques in chemistry
• F184: Environmental studies
• F185: Forensic biology
• F186: Medical physics

How will it be delivered and assessed?

We follow the Cambridge Advanced National in Applied Science: details can be found on the OCR website following this link: https://ocr.org.uk/Images/697579-specification-cambridge-advanced-national-in-applied-science.pdf

The qualification is the extended certificate and so is made up of 40% examined content and 60% non-examined assessment (NEA) content. This approach supports you to develop both theoretical knowledge and understanding and the skills needed to apply it in a range of contexts, helping you to develop a broad and relevant set of skills and experiences. In the examined units, you will study key knowledge and understanding relevant to Applied Science. In the non- examined assessment (NEA) units, you will demonstrate knowledge and skills you learn by completing applied and practical assignments. More information about the knowledge and skills you will develop is below. The qualification has three mandatory units and four optional units.


Entry requirements

For all Level 3 pathways five passes (9-4) or more at GCSE's are required including at least Grade 4 in English Language or Literature and grade 5 in Maths

What do I need to start a Applied Science AS level course?

• Enthusiasm

• At least 5 GCSE’s grade 5 or higher, including English Language and Mathematics at a Grade 5.

• Grade 5 5 or higher in Trilogy Science GCSE (Combined)

• Grade 5 or higher in all separate GCSE science courses

Your next steps...

Applied Science Certificate and Extended Certificate are becoming well respected qualifications for Universities and employers, because of the technical skills used and level of competency required to complete the course. This course will provide a broad and deep level of knowledge and skills development that is transferrable in almost all career choices and offering a significant edge over alternative A levels.
Applied Science is usually required for University courses and careers in; Any technical Engineering discipline, Electronics, Telecommunication’s, Medical Sciences, optometry, ICT based ubjects, Architecture and any other subject with scientific or technical aptitude is required.
Applied science can be used to access courses such as Law, Mathematics, Computing, Environmental Science, Management, Business and even Art and Design.

Additional information


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