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What are Applied Sciences?
Applied Science courses lead to professions that require
specialist scientific knowledge. Examples are: Optics (glasses and
contact lenses), Forensics, Pharmacy, Nursing, Physiotherapy,
Sports and Fitness Training. Please find below introductory
information about our courses. For more information please select
the relevant course link.
National Diploma and BTEC Courses
The Centre for Applied Sciences runs National Diploma courses
in:
- Forensics
- Health Studies
- Medical Sciences
- Ophthalmic Dispensing
- Sports and Exercise Sciences
- General Sciences
National Diploma courses last two years and are equivalent to
three A-levels.
How are National Diploma courses assessed?
Because these courses relate to the workplace they are assessed
mostly by coursework produced throughout the year rather than
exams. The Optics Diploma courses are different in that they are
assessed mostly through exams.
What do these courses lead to?
Students from these courses progress directly to university or
to employment in these professions. Each year over a hundred
students from the Centre progress onto Degree courses and many go
to some of the most prestigious universities in the UK.
What qualifications do I need to get onto a National Diploma
course?
Typically, four A-C grades at GCSE but this can vary depending
on which course you choose – select a course to find out more.
Introductory and First Diploma BTEC Courses
For students who are not yet ready for the advanced Diploma
courses the Centre runs:
- Introductory Diploma in General Sciences – as the name suggests
this course is a good introduction to all the sciences.
- First Diploma in General Sciences – (Equivalent to five
GCSE’s)
- First Diploma Sports and Exercise Sciences - (Equivalent to
five GCSE’s)
You will need four Grade E’s for the Introductory Diploma and
four D’s at GCSE for the First Diploma. The First Diploma courses
are excellent preparation for the National Diploma (advanced)
courses.
Medical Access Programme
- Access to Medical, Paramedical and Human Sciences: This course
is for adult students who lack the qualifications to gain entry
onto a degree course in their chosen medical profession. Students
from this programme progress into Pharmacy, Optometry,
Physiotherapy, Radiography, Dietetics and many other professions. A
small number of very academically able candidates have progressed
to Medicine and Dentistry.
Degree Courses
We offer foundation degrees, two year
programmes that serve as professional qualifications for people who
want to work in the following areas:
- Crime Scene and Forensic Investigation Foundation Degree: This
is the only degree which is recognised by the Metropolitan Police.
It is run in partnership with Queen Mary, University of
London.
- Dispensing Optics Foundation Degree: this is
run in partnership with City University with progression onto their
honours degree in Optometry.
- Personal Training and Fitness Consultancy Foundation Degree:
Run in partnership with London Metropolitan University.
For each of these foundation degree courses you should apply
directly to the relevant university through UCAS.