Applied Science - Level 3 Extended Diploma

Do you have a research interest? Discovering how diseases are caused or how we invent new medicines?

This course offers a mixture of hands-on practical activities, industry visits and study into the theory of science. Studying this course will provide you with the expert knowledge and skills you need to progress in your science career, students will graduate from top universities to study, pharmacy, radiography, biomedicine and many more.

Whilst studying for this qualification you will also have the opportunity to gain work experiments in scientific environments, most of our learners will join pharmacies or shadow professionals. This combined with our enrichment programmes will allow you to gain a competitive edge when applying for your next steps.

Level 3 Foundation Applied Science Learner: “I feel academically supported in this college, they have so many resources to help me excel on this course and some cool labs. At this college they are enriching me with skills to become a young adult, they are helping me in my studies to progress to my next steps. Staff take the time to understand who I am and where I want to be, this makes the college feel more personalised.”

Extended Diplomas have two one-year programmes. You need to finish the first year before moving on to the second.

This course consists of two separate qualifications. In your first year of study, you will work towards the Level 3 90-Credit Diploma, you will be learning the basics of Chemistry, Physics and Biology. Alongside practising your practical skills, we explore experiments in genetic engineering, creating your blood smears and making medicine. 

Following successful completion of this qualification, you will be able to progress to the Extended Diploma. Our Extended Diplomas offer equivalent UCAS points to studying 3 A Levels. This year you will perfect your skills in the laboratory and even have the ability to carry out your research project. 

Topics covered can include:

• Chemical Periodicity
• Biomedical Science
• Genetics
• Physiology
• Microbiology

You will need:

• Four GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English Language, Maths and Science (Combined Science, or two individual Sciences) or an equivalent Level 2 qualification at Merit or above

All applicants must have an interview and assessment to confirm that the course is suitable for them.

Assessment is continuous throughout the year, this course provides a mixture of completing written assignments and projects as well as performing practical work that is assessed internally within the college allowing you to experiment with all assessment styles. There will also be some written examinations, assessed externally via Pearson, the BTEC awarding body. 

Aged 16-18

If you will be aged 16, 17 or 18 on 31st August prior to the start date of your course and you have the legal right to remain in the UK for the duration of your programme then your study with us will be free. Please see here for the documents you will need to show us.

Some courses will have other associated costs, such as for specialist materials and trips. Many of our students are eligible for financial support, see here for details.

This course will help you to move on to higher level courses, such as a Bachelor of Science, or to pursue employment in the science industry, 95% of our learners progress onto universities to study Pharmacy, Radiography and many more. Other learners have joined apprenticeship schemes and employment.

Mark Ashby joined City and Islington College in 2006. Prior to this, he worked as a Molecular Biologist studying bacteria at Imperial College London, University of Auckland, Queen Mary University of London, University College London, and the University of the West Indies, with at least 14 refereed publications, including one in the world’s top-ranked microbiology journal.

During this time, he also became a secondary Science teacher in South East London for 4 years. At City and Islington College, he teaches Microbiology and research skills in Applied Science BTEC courses, making use of his research experience.

Emma Wong has worked at City and Islington College for 10+ years motivating and inspiring young adults for a successful future in the world of Science. A biology specialist, Emma has developed students’ knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals behind human biology, exploring the building blocks from genetics to biochemistry. Emma currently is the Curriculum Manager, managing the delivery of vocational courses within the Medical Academy.

Prior to teaching, Emma was a research scientist and participated in several post-doctoral research projects as part of University College London Medical School at The Royal Free Hospital investigating mitochondrial toxicity of HIV drugs and the potential of Parkinson’s Disease treatments using cell culture and bioassay techniques. Emma strongly believes that hands-on laboratory experiences are crucial in supporting learners in their theoretical learning.

Poonam joined Capital City College Group in 2020 as a Chemistry Lecturer to teach Applied and Medical Science. Poonam has 20 years of experience as a Senior Chemistry Teacher and Head of the Science department with excellent presentation skills and is a goal-driven achiever with strong time management and organizational skills. Poonam also possesses excellent classroom management skills, a team player with a consistent positive approach.

During previous roles, Poonam has conducted various workshops and implemented various “Innovative Teaching Methods” to inspire students to learn and understand the concepts of science by enhancing their curiosity and engagement. Poonam has also worked as a Chemist in a Pharmaceutical company part-time.

Additionally, Poonam has been an author and editor of many books including Holy Faith, Abc Book of Science, Class VII and Wiley Company. Poonam has worked through various science research-based projects and won prizes at the Google Science Fair, IRIS and Ignite Science Fair and is part of the SET education society and achieved QTLS.

Alison has taught on many STEM-related vocational courses since joining the Centre for Applied Sciences in 2020, including the BTEC Extended Certificate in Applied Sciences and Health and Social Care. Prior to this, she was a post doctorate research fellow at the UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology where she worked with human stem cell models of neurodegeneration and high throughput technologies for therapeutic drug screening. She has worked within and collaboratively with industries such as GlaxoSmithKline so brings relevant experience and skills to prepare learners for work in academia and industry.  

Alison particularly enjoys teaching Scientific Skills which challenge learners to be inquisitive, analytic, and critical of scientific data and methodologies. Her recent focus has been on the BTEC First in Applied Sciences where she has developed her skill set with this cohort and enjoyed building a strong rapport with learners and building their confidence.

Chuks comes with years of experience as an Integrity Engineer processing piping and pressure systems. He holds a B.Eng. and MSc. in Engineering from Newcastle University.

Skilled at explaining seemingly challenging concepts to young people, his vast teaching experience in Physics, Engineering and Maths spans across BTEC Levels 1-3 and HNC qualifications. He joined City and Islington College in March 2023 as a lecturer in Physics having worked in similar roles in other colleges within and outside London.

The teachers listed may change, these shown are an example of the teachers who teach on these programmes.