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Science (Applied)

BTEC/UAL Level 3 Extended Diplomas

Science (Applied)

Course type: BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma
Awarding/exam body: Pearson Edexcel

Do you enjoy Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Maths, and can see yourself working in a science-related career?

Do you prefer to learn practically, through research, coursework and experiments?

Then BTEC Level 3 Science (Applied) will help you go deeper into aspects of the sciences and develop the problem-solving, practical and data analysis skills that will make you desirable to employers in the science industry. You study over two years to achieve a qualification that’s equivalent to three A levels.

This BTEC is specifically designed for students wanting to progress into higher education courses in the applied science sector before entering the world of work. You’ll study Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, and contemporary issues within science.

The course will also develop your practical skills and expertise with hands-on laboratory experience, workshops and project-based learning.

YEAR 1

Unit 01: Principles and Application of Science (externally assessed)

Unit 02: Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques

Unit 03: Science Investigation Skills (externally assessed)

Unit 04: Laboratory Techniques and their Application

Unit 09: Human Regulation and Reproduction

Unit 12: Diseases and Infections

YEAR 2

Unit 05: Principles and Application of Science (externally assessed)

Unit 06: Investigative Project

Unit 07: Contemporary Issues in Science (externally assessed)

Unit 08: Physiology of Human Body Systems

Unit 14: Applications of Organic Chemistry

Unit 21: Medical Physics Applications

Unit 22: Materials Science (optional)

A mixture of examinations and written assignments.

A BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in  Science (Applied) will earn you UCAS points in the same way that A levels do. It will enable you to progress to degree courses including applied science, medical sciences, applied biology, applied chemistry, pharmacology, dental technology, nursing, sports studies, and therapy and exercise studies.

Alternatively, this qualification can also lead to direct employment in a science related area, such as laboratory work.

5 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, ideally including English Language at Grade 4 OR BTEC Level 2 Diploma at Merit with English Language at Grade 4.

Grades 5,5 in Combined Science and Grade 4 in Maths OR BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Science with Merit and Grade 4 in Maths.

Alumni visits, trips to top universities and research facilities.

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Courses

Students can take any combination of 30 A level and Level 3 Applied Diploma subjects. Vocational programmes include 11 Level 3 Extended Diplomas, including BTEC, CTEC and University of the Arts courses, and 4 T Levels. We also offer BTEC Level 2 and Foundation options, along with GCSE Maths and English language retakes.

Students

At Saint Francis Xavier, we develop the whole person. Our commitment goes beyond academic achievement; we equip students with the confidence, values, and skills needed to thrive in higher education, employment, and adult life. With an extensive range of courses, our students receive expert teaching in our modern, state-of-the-art facilities.

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Parents & Carers

Personal Tutors will work with both you and your student to overcome any obstacles and achieve their potential. We build a positive ethos around learning and behaviour, support students with discussion and advice, invite you to progress review evenings, provide each student with an Individual Learning Plan (ILP), and send you full reports.

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Book your place to visit London’s top performing and friendliest sixth form college with a 97% pass rate in A levels, BTECs, UAL Diplomas and T Levels.

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Hold your next event with us in one of our many available spaces. Choose from: a multi-use games area, sports hall, dining hall and garden, multi-purpose hall, dance/drama studio, fitness suite, meeting/conference rooms, computer suite, chapel and music studio. Kitchen and catering facilities and free parking are also available.

Nursery

‘Happy staff make happy children’

Nightingale’s Nursery is set in the beautiful, secure grounds of Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Sixth Form College where children can play outside and help tend the vegetable patch. The nursery follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework and provides a holistic learning environment, paying special attention to the transition from home to nursery, reassuring parents of their child’s wellbeing and progress on a daily basis.

Nightingale’s friendly team builds positive relationships with all the children and parents.

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What Our
Students Say

The support I received from passionate teachers who pushed me to aim higher, to the tailored guidance with university applications made all the difference. SFX believed in my potential even when I doubted myself, and that encouragement gave me the confidence to pursue my ambitions. Without that foundation, I don’t think I’d be on the path to a legal career today.

Joshua, former Sociology student

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We’re thrilled to announce that almost 90% of our Year 13 students submitted their university applications ahead of last week’s UCAS deadline – the highest completion rate in our history. Even more impressively: 📈 78% of applications were to Top Third universities 📈 55% were to Russell Group institutions – a 6% increase on 2025 […]

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During the final week of term, students’ achievements were recognised at Saint Francis Xavier Sixth Form College’s Essential 8 Awards, a celebration of the skills and qualities that underpin success both during college life and beyond. Students were nominated by their teachers and Heads of House for demonstrating aptitude in one or more of the […]

Saint Francis Xavier Sixth Form College announces excellent 2025 Level 3 examination results

We congratulate all our students who received their excellent public examination results today. We are delighted to see results improving on last year’s impressive pass rates across A level, BTEC, CTEC and UAL courses. Our second year T Level results have also been excellent. The overall pass rate at Level 3 was 97%, including 50% […]

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