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L3Pearson BTEC International Level 3

Applied Science

A Applied Science student wearing the Prime Institute logo, at work
Applied ScienceLevel 3

You'll study chemistry and analysis, biology and health sciences, physics and mathematics and research methods. A Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Extended Diploma: 1,080 guided learning hours, equivalent in size to three International A Levels.

Enquire about this course See the units

Full title: Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Extended Diploma in Applied Science

Level
Level 3Extended Diploma
Size
1,080guided learning hours
Units
8 mandatoryplus 20 optional listed
For
Ages 16 to 18typically
Study
Lisbon or onlineon site or from home

01What you'll study

Four areas of study.

  1. Chemistry & Analysis

    Master organic and inorganic chemistry, analytical techniques, and laboratory safety protocols for scientific investigation.

  2. Biology & Health Sciences

    Explore human biology, genetics, microbiology, and physiological processes essential for healthcare and research careers.

  3. Physics & Mathematics

    Apply physics principles, mathematical modelling, and data analysis to solve real-world scientific problems.

  4. Research Methods

    Develop experimental design, data collection, statistical analysis, and scientific communication skills.

Two students in safety glasses and Prime Institute polo shirts measure a liquid at a lab bench
On the courseLevel 3

Where you learn

In Lisbon, or wherever you are.

The same Pearson qualification, whichever way you study.

02The units

What's on the course.

Mandatory units, plus optional units. Your final set of optional units is confirmed with your academic team.

Mandatory
8
Optional listed
20
PSA units
4
  1. Unit 1 Principles and Applications of Biology IPSA Mandatory
  2. Unit 2 Principles and Applications of Chemistry IPSA Mandatory
  3. Unit 3 Principles and Applications of Physics IPSA Mandatory
  4. Unit 4 Investigative Project Skills Mandatory
  5. Unit 5 Principles and Applications of Biology II Mandatory
  6. Unit 6 Principles and Applications of Chemistry II Mandatory
  7. Unit 7 Principles and Applications of Physics II Mandatory
  8. Unit 8 Contemporary Issues in SciencePSA Mandatory
Show the 20 optional units
  1. Unit 9 Biomedical Science Optional
  2. Unit 10 Climate Change Optional
  3. Unit 11 Functional Physiology of Human Body Systems Optional
  4. Unit 12 Human Regulation and Reproduction Optional
  5. Unit 13 Biological Molecules and Metabolic Pathways Optional
  6. Unit 14 Genetics and Genetic Engineering Optional
  7. Unit 15 Diseases and Infections Optional
  8. Unit 16 Applications of Inorganic Chemistry Optional
  9. Unit 17 Electrical Circuits and their Applications Optional
  10. Unit 18 Astronomy and Space Science Optional
  11. Unit 19 Microbiology and Microbiological Techniques Optional
  12. Unit 20 Applications of Physical Chemistry Optional
  13. Unit 21 Applications of Organic Chemistry Optional
  14. Unit 22 Medical Physics Applications Optional
  15. Unit 23 Materials Science Optional
  16. Unit 24 Pollution and Waste Management Optional
  17. Unit 25 Water Quality Optional
  18. Unit 26 Animal Conservation Optional
  19. Unit 27 Ecosystems Optional
  20. Unit 28 Sustainable Energy Optional

PSA Pearson Set Assignment: a unit assessed through an assignment that Pearson sets.

03How you're assessed

Assessed through assignments.

Assignment-based (coursework), with some Pearson Set Assignment units.

Assessment at a glance

  • Coursework-based assessment: laboratory reports, research projects, presentations, and scientific investigations.
  • PSA units use Pearson briefs with external standards verification.
  • Practical skills and scientific thinking are assessed through authentic laboratory and research scenarios.

Skills you build

  • Laboratory techniques, experimental design, data collection, and scientific analysis
  • Chemical analysis, biological investigation, and physics applications in real-world contexts
  • Research methodology, statistical analysis, and scientific communication and reporting
  • Safety protocols, quality assurance, and ethical practices in scientific work

04Where it leads

Every level opens the next.

An HNC (Level 4) is the next level after Level 3.

  1. L3 Applied Science This course
  2. HNC Applied Sciences HNC (Level 4)
  3. HND Applied Sciences HND (Level 5)
  4. Degree top-up On application
  1. L3 Applied Science This course
  2. HNC Counselling and Applied Psychology HNC (Level 4)
  3. HND Counselling and Applied Psychology HND (Level 5)
  4. Degree top-up On application
Next level HNC Applied Sciences

05Good to know

Questions, answered.

Something else on your mind? Ask us directly.

What is a BTEC?

A career-focused qualification from Pearson. BTECs are assignment-based: you are assessed through coursework, with some Pearson Set Assignment units.

Is Level 3 the right level for me?

It depends on your age and what you have studied so far. Level 2 typically suits ages 14 to 16 and Level 3 ages 16 to 18. Tell us about yourself and we'll suggest a starting level.

How big is the qualification?

1,080 guided learning hours, which Pearson describes as equivalent in size to three International A Levels.

What does it cost?

Fees are set by level, with and without boarding. The Level 3 figures are on the fees page. See the fees.

How do I apply?

Send us an enquiry with the subject and level you are interested in. We'll get back to you to talk through your options and the next steps.

Also at this level

Other Level 3 subjects.

See the fees

06Start here

Where will you start?

Tell us about yourself, what you'd like to study and whether you'd rather join us in Lisbon or online. We'll suggest a starting level and talk you through your options.

Enquire now See fees