AAQ Level 3 in Applied, Engineering and Medical Science

Overview

  • 16-18

Details

This course offers students the chance to further their studies of science that takes a different approach from the traditional a-level route.

Our Pearson Level 3 AAQ BTEC Extended Certificate in Science (Applied, Engineering and Medical) is for students who are interested in a career within professions such as Applied sport and Exercise Science, Life Science, Laboratory technician, Forensic Science, General or Product Design Engineering, Chemical Engineering , Environmental Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Civil Engineering, Paramedicine, occupational therapy, Dietetics, Radiography, Midwifery, Pharmacology, Zoology, Human Biology, optometry,  Medical Technology, Nursing, Physiotherapy, Pharmacy, Biomedical Science, HNCs and foundation degrees in Applied, Engineering and Medical.

The Pearson Level 3 AAQ BTEC Extended Certificate in Science (Applied, Engineering and Medical) includes a range of practical laboratory experience and academic study. To assist students in their studies and understanding of science in the wider world this course includes talks from industry professionals and visits to places of scientific interest and industry.

You will also work towards improving your English and Maths Skills through a GCSE or Functional Skills.

Please Note

Extended Certificates are delivered as two-year programmes.

Students are expected to satisfactorily complete both years to qualify a successful transition to higher education (university) and higher apprenticeships/skilled employment.  

What are the progression routes after completion of the course?

Upon completion of this course you will be able to apply to universities for a range of science-based degrees such as Applied sport and Exercise Science, Life Science, Laboratory technician, Forensic Science, General or Product Design Engineering, Chemical Engineering , Environmental Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Civil Engineering, Paramedicine, occupational therapy, Dietetics, Radiography, Midwifery, Pharmacology, Zoology, Human Biology, optometry,  Medical Technology, Nursing, Physiotherapy, Pharmacy, Biomedical Science, HNCs and foundation degrees in Applied, Engineering and Medical. 

How will I learn?

You will be taught in a variety of ways including lectures, practical work, group, and pair work as well as self-directed study.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment is specifically designed to fit the purpose and objective of the qualification. It includes a range of assessment types and styles suited to vocational qualifications in the sector. There will be different forms of assessment such as external, internal, and synoptic assessment. Assessment will be by assignments, presentations, observation of practical work and practical lab written reports. Each unit studied will use one or more of these assessment methods.

All the units will be distributed in two categories:

  • Externally assessed units
  • Internally assessed units

Equipment and other costs

You will be expected to provide your own file to keep your assignments in, calculator, ruler, HB pencil, pen and stationery but other materials will be provided.

What qualification do I get on completing this course?

Pearson Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification BTEC National in Applied Science (Extended Certificate)
Pearson Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification BTEC National in Engineering (Extended Certificate)
Pearson Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification BTEC National in Medical Science (Extended Certificate)

Is there additional work required by the student?

All the course is assessed by internal assignments or external exam. These take considerable time which means that you will have to manage your time well. It is estimated that you must spend as much time outside the classroom and you have teaching hours. Keep abreast of your assignments- if you fall behind it can be particularly difficult to catch up particularly if you need Distinctions.

What are the expected employment areas with this course?

Science and Engineering, NHS careers (roles in health and social care), Quality Control Technician, Engineering technician, design technician, automation and controls Engineering technician, Manufacturing Engineer, Project manager, Forensic Science, Roles in Labs, Laboratory technician, Healthcare support, Healthcare assistant, Nursing assistant, Quality control, Research and Technical support, Benefiting from Practical support.

Awarding Body

Edexcel logo

Entry Requirements

5 GCSEs at 4-5 (C) or above including Science, English and Maths or BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Applied Science with Functional Skills at Level 2. Applicants must also have a good reference and interview.

Support

Free Meals in FE

If you are aged between 16 and 18 on 31st August (the year you start your studies) and received free school meals when you were at school, you may be eligible to receive a free meal at College. For more information on free school meals, click here.

Further Education Fees (16-18)

All our Further Education (FE) courses (Entry to Level 3) are free to EU residents who are under 19 years old on the 31st August (the year you start your studies). For a few courses you may be expected to contribute towards the cost of specialist materials and resources. However, depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for financial help from the College’s Learner Support Fund. You should apply for any such financial support as soon as you have been offered a place.

Childcare

Financial support to help with childcare

Care to learn - childcare support for young people aged 16-20

If you are aged under 20 at the beginning of your course, or moving to the 2nd year of a level 3 course, and are caring for your own child you may be entitled to £175.00 maximum per week, per child through Care to Learn. 

Please ensure you register on the Care to Learn website even if you haven’t chosen your childcare provider or the course you want to study.  Once you have registered Care to Learn will confirm financial support in principle.

For further details and help with making an application please visit https://www.gov.uk/care-to-learn or speak to a Student Advisor.

Childcare support for people aged 20+

Financial support towards the cost of nursery, childminder, breakfast clubs and after-school clubs.

If you are aged 20+ when you start a course and need financial support to help with the cost of childcare while you study the college may be able to help.

You will be required to make use of any government NEF or 2+ Funding before requesting any financial support from the college.

It is essential that you speak to a Student Advisor prior to enrolling on a course to discuss your personal circumstances, childcare needs and to find out if there are funds available.

Eligibility for help with childcare costs is based on your personal circumstances.

General eligibility criteria:

  • Aged 20 and over
  • Considered a home student for fee purposes
  • Fully enrolled on a programme of study funded by the Education and Skills Funding Agency  or in receipt of a 19+ Advanced Learning Loan
  • Discussed and had confirmation of funding for childcare support before enrolling

Financial eligibility:

 You need to have evidence that you meet general discretionary Learner Support Funds or 19+ Advanced Learning Loan bursary fund criteria:

  • on a low income / a dependent of someone who is on a low income or in receipt of a means tested benefit e.g. Income Support / Jobseekers Allowance, Employment Support Allowance, housing benefit etc.

When looking for childcare please be aware:

  • all childcare providers must be OFSTED registered
  • any 2+ or 3+ government funding must be used by the student. Only additional hours needed for study will be funded by the College.
  • childcare will only be paid for days when you are attending College or a mandatory work placement.
  • students on full-time courses will be a priority for childcare funding.
  • childcare places will be subject to a contract between College/student/nursery.
  • childcare payments are made subject to students reaching 85% attendance on a monthly basis.

All childcare applicants approved for funding will be required to sign our Terms & Conditions and MUST inform the College immediately should they stop attending lessons for any reason.

Email learner.services@cwc.ac.uk to put your name on the childcare waiting list.  You MUST speak to a member of the Student Advice or Learner Services team before you enrol on a course.

Financial Support for 16-18 Year-olds and Continuing Learners aged 19

The Education Funding Authority has allocated money to colleges to support students who are on low incomes or the dependent of parents on a low income, and need support towards their course-related costs or essential living costs or are facing financial difficulty.

For further information click here.

For further information on financial support for Looked after Children, Care Leavers and estranged young people, click here