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.

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.

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.

Adekunbi started teaching in the college in 2021 and brings with her a wide range of experience teaching the BTEC Applied Science course. She has worked across a different range of qualifications in Applied Science. She is passionate about the success of her students and has an evidence-based track record of ensuring that her students achieve their desired goals and dreams.

Jo has an undergraduate degree in Forensic Science with Psychology from the University of Derby, as well as a Masters degree in Crime and Forensic Science from UCL.

She has experience in gathering forensic evidence including fingerprints, physical materials, chemical substances, and other data from crime scenes. She is also experienced in performing complex forensic laboratory tests and analyses. Her experience and passion for the forensic science industry make her the perfect lecturer for the Level 3 Forensic Science course!

Jo utilises a mixture of theory and practical-based sessions, ensuring that her lessons follow the correct and realistic crime scene-to-court procedures. Her favourite units to teach are Forensic Investigation Procedures in Practice (Year 1), Applications of Criminal and Forensic Psychology, Forensic Anthropology and Environmental Forensics (Year 2). Jo has organised several practicals, unique to City and Islington College, like the never-done-before observation of a decomposing carcass. 

Jo also takes on the role of a personal tutor for several groups, working to support and motivate learners during their time at the college. She is a great listener and is willing to assist the learners in any way that she can. One of her favourite times of the week is her tutorial lessons!

Daniella Plummer is an experienced educator with a strong background in teaching and a passion for the sciences. Joining City and Islington College in 2022, She began her teaching career at West Herts College, where she soon progressed to become a manager of science at Harrow College.

Daniella holds a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Molecular Biology and Genetics from the University of Hertfordshire, providing her with a solid academic foundation in the sciences. Her expertise in molecular biology and genetics enables her to offer a comprehensive understanding of these subjects, which she effectively imparts to her students.

With her extensive experience teaching biology, chemistry, and physics, Daniella has successfully guided students from GCSE to A Level, as well as adults pursuing access courses. Her ability to engage students with her enthusiastic and innovative teaching methods has resulted in outstanding academic achievements. As the Curriculum Manager for the Applied Science Department, Daniella brings her exceptional organisational and leadership skills to the role. She ensures that the department's programs are well-structured, innovative, and aligned with the latest educational standards.

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.