Level 2 First Extended Certificate in Applied Science


  • Start Date: 01/09/2026
  • Course is for: School Leaver
  • Course Length: 2 Years
  • Funding Support Funding Support:
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If you’re interested in the world of Science and want to investigate this further, then the Level 2 Science qualification is just for you.

This is a one-year course which is designed to support you to develop a wider understanding of the various exciting fields in Science.

The course has been designed to support you in your career journey and to develop your knowledge in Science as well as develop vital skills for employment

In Applied Science typical employment opportunities may be as a laboratory technician or in roles involving protecting the environment or roles in healthcare.

On the course you will study:

  • Principles of Science
  • Chemistry and our Earth
  • Energy and our Universe
  • Biology and our Environment
  • Applications of Chemical Substances
  • Applications of Physical Science
  • Health Applications of Life Science
  • Scientific Skills
  • Science in Medicine
  • The Living Body
  • Understanding Human Behaviour
  • Practical Scientific Project

Assessment

You will complete on-going assessments during your time with us.

This may include written assignments, workbook coursework and a portfolio. 

Case studies, practical experiments and other assessment types are also used to help you show your understanding of the topics covered on the course.

Our teachers are ambitious, talented and passionate about making your experience at college the very best it can be.

Teachers are qualified to degree level in specialist Science subjects so they are able to share this knowledge to help you become more experienced in Science.

They have up to date industry experience to share with you and the energy and enthusiasm to help you to get where you need to be.

They pride themselves on offering lots of one to one support to help you do your very best.

As a Science student you will be expected to compete at least 30 hours work experience in a setting relevant to Science.

You will also have opportunities to take part in find raising and be supported with CV writing and developing behaviours for the workplace.

Across the year, we engage with employers and local universities to support students who are making decisions about their progression.

We have previously engaged with:

  • Northumbria University
  • Teesside University
  • The University of Sunderland
  • New College Durham
  • Cumbria University

We also work closely with the NHS, Primary Care, our engineering department and business development team to support work experience opportunities for learners including guest speakers and visits.

Student on the course can make use of facilities at the Baltic campus including our libraries, laboratories and classroom environments.

You will also have access to our Careers and Guidance team to help you with your application to university and to help you prepare for interviews and assessments.

After completing this qualification, you could progress to a Level 3 Science qualification or a range of other Level 3 courses such as Health or Science T Level, A Level or engineering for example.

The standard entry requirements for this course are 4 GCSEs grade 3 and above including English and/or maths.

Come along to an enrolment event to discuss this further.

To get your application started, complete our short online form.

We’ll then be in touch to invite you in to one of our Enrolment Events to find out more about the course.

The tutors will then invite you along to the assessment events.

At these events you will find out if you have a place on the course.

Whatever support you need, we’re here for you and will make sure you get the most out of your time at college.

We have expert teams in place to look after every single one of our students.

Our specialist teams can help with:

  • Learning difficulties
  • Physical and sensory disabilities
  • Dyslexia, dyspraxia, neurodiversity or other specific learning difficulties
  • Mental health and well being
  • Exam access arrangements
  • Money, finance and bursary advice
  • Careers advice, job and university applications

See here for more information, pop into one of our enrolment events, call us on 0191 490 4627.

WHAT CAN I DO WITH A QUALIFICATION IN LEVEL 2 FIRST EXTENDED CERTIFICATE IN APPLIED SCIENCE?

  • Physical Scientists
  • Biochemists and Biomedical Scientists
  • Biological Scientists
  • Chemical Scientists
  • Laboratory Technicians

Knowledge

Mathematics: Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Physics: Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub- atomic structures and processes.

Geography: Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.

Computers and Electronics: Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Engineering and Technology: Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

Median Salary
£52,409

Average Qualifications
Honours, Bachelor's degree

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Knowledge

Biology: Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.

Chemistry: Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.

English Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Engineering and Technology: Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

Education and Training: Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Median Salary
£37,706

Average Qualifications
Honours, Bachelor's degree

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Knowledge

Biology: Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.

English Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Chemistry: Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.

Law and Government: Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.

Computers and Electronics: Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Median Salary
£43,177

Average Qualifications
Honours, Bachelor's degree

Find Out More

Knowledge

Chemistry: Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.

Mathematics: Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

English Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Computers and Electronics: Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Education and Training: Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Median Salary
£53,656

Average Qualifications
Honours, Bachelor's degree

Find Out More

Knowledge

Chemistry: Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.

Mathematics: Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

English Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Computers and Electronics: Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Mechanical: Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

Median Salary
£26,317

Average Qualifications
Level 4 NVQ; Intermediate, DipHE, DipFE

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Pathways

Natural Sciences
People in these occupations observe the natural order, formulate theories, run tests, and conduct experiments.

Skills

Science
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Mathematics
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Learning
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Learning Strategies
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

Skills

Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Science
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Active Learning
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Learning Strategies
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Mathematics
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Skills

Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Learning
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Science
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Mathematics
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Learning Strategies
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

Skills

Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Science
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Active Learning
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Mathematics
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Learning Strategies
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

Skills

Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Learning
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Science
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Mathematics
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Learning Strategies
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
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