Pearson BTEC HND in Applied Sciences

General Entry Requirements

The general entry requirements below identify the minimum qualifications needed to apply for the programme. Other qualifications will be considered on an individual basis on application. You are required to upload a copy of your qualification certificates to show how you meet the entry requirements for the programme prior to enrolment. Applications will also require successful completion of the admissions process.

GCSE/ Level 2 Requirements

• GCSE grade C/4 in English Language, or Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills-Communication, or equivalent in an approved alternative qualification.

AND

• GCSE grade C/4 in Mathematics, or Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills-Application of Number, or equivalent in an approved alternative qualification.*

*It should be noted that we strongly recommend that if you do not hold a GCSE in Maths that you enrol in a course concurrently with the HNC as many Universities require GCSE Maths as an entry requirement for Science degrees.

AND

• Passes in 4 different subjects (can include English Language and Mathematics and as above), with 1 at GCE Advanced (A) level (grades A-E), and 3 at GCSE level (grades A*-C*/9-4), or equivalent in an approved alternative qualification.

Course Entry Requirements

A minimum of 32 UCAS points including:

• GCE A level (A2): Typical grade profile C [Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, or Double Award Science/Applied Science.] 

OR

• Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Applied Science with overall award profile (PP)

OR

• Access to HE Diploma (NI): 60%-65% overall [in an Applied Science course] and 60% in one science module.

OR

• Equivalent alternate qualification

Accreditation of Prior Learning

Alternatively, you can provide evidence of your ability to undertake the programme by meeting the requirements for the Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process, either through Accredited Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) or Accredited Prior Experiential Learning (APEL). Further details on APL can be found in the HE Admissions process section of our website and the HE Accreditation of Prior Learning SOP

International Students English Language Requirements

International applicants, from Non-Native English speaking countries, must have evidence of English Language Level B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages:

• IELTS 6.0 (Academic) (minimum of 5.5 in all skills)

• PTE Academic 51 (minimum of 46 in each part)

• Or equivalent UKVI-approved English Language Test For further information please contact our International Department at international@serc.ac.uk

 
Admissions

Successful completion of the admissions process APEL Provide evidence of ability to undertake the programme by meeting the requirements for the accreditation of prior experiential learning.  Further details on APEL can be found in the admissions section.

On completion of the HNC a further 7 units will complete the HND

Mandatory Core Units:

Analysis of Scientific Data and Information (Pearson set)

Applied Sciences Research Project

Mandatory Specialist Units:

Biochemistry of Macromolecules and Metabolic Pathways

Molecular Biology and Genetics

Immunology

Optional Units, may include:

Environmental Monitoring and Analysis

Conservation and Biodiversity

Units may vary due to the availability of staff and combining HND and HNC classes.

Students are assessed using a range of different methods.

These include examinations, coursework, project based learning, presentations, practical, posters, leaflets, role-play, and case studies. 

This is dependent on the requirements of each unit of study.  Oral, written and online feedback will be provided during your course to help improve and monitor performance.

The HND in Applied Sciences prepares you for employment in the science industry and provides you with the opportunity to gain entry to relevant Degree programmes. 

Successful completion of the HND may enable you to progress to further study on the first or second year of a Degree course such as BSc(Hons) Microbiology and Biological Science at Queen's University and Applied Biochemical Science.

With further/ additional study it may also lead to BSc(Hons) Physiotherapy, BSc(Hons) Optometry and  BSc(Hons) Radiography at Ulster University, or BSc(Hons) Applied Biological Sciences, BSc(Hons) Marine Biology, BSc Biotechnology (Year 3) at Ulster University and BSc(Hons) Environmental Science Degrees.

You may progress to employment in areas including laboratory work in hospitals, industry, schools/colleges or the Scientific Civil Service

The HND in Applied Sciences provides a Nationally Recognised Qualification offering career progression and professional development for those already in employment and provides opportunities to progress to Higher Education. 

Along with the vocational skills you will also develop employability skills through workshops such as teamwork, innovation and problem solving.

You are encouraged to take up work placement in hospital labs, civil service labs, industries and educational sectors.

It is the responsibility of the student to organise this work placement.