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Key details

Course area
Science
Student type
16 - 18 courses
Course type
Full-time Further Education course
Course level
Level 2
Start date
Tuesday 1st September 2026
Location
City Hub 111 Canal Street, Nottingham, NG1 7HB
Course code
Parent course code:C043216 Child course code: Q043217
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Course introduction

This course is perfect if you enjoy all things science, have a passion for problem solving and investigation and a good eye for detail.

You’ll learn the principles of science and study all three sciences, including chemistry and our earth; energy and our universe; and biology and our environment. You will also have the opportunity to develop your skills in maths and English.

You can expect hands-on practical learning combined with gaining a good grasp of theory. You will study in our specialist laboratories and be taught by highly skilled and experienced tutors. You’ll get a great insight into the career paths available across a range of scientific careers.

A student working in a science laboratory.

You will be encouraged to undertake a work placement of 30+ hours while you are studying.

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Course information

1 year

  • Pearson Edexcel Level 2 Application of Science
  • Pearson Edexcel Level 2 Principles of Applied Science

You’ll need 4 GCSEs at grades 9-3, including English Language and Maths – one of English Language or Maths must be grade 9-4 or have completed Level 1 diploma in science and have GCSE English language or maths at grade 4. Functional Skills Level 1 can be used as equivalent to GCSE grade 3 and Functional Skills Level 2 can be used as equivalent to GCSE grade 4 or above.

This course is for students aged 16-18.

Assessment is mainly by portfolio building and based on the continual assessment of assignments throughout the year and two externally assessed exams

Choose to follow with further study at Nottingham College with our Level 3 Applied Science programme or with one of our other science-related Level 3 options. Career paths in the future include jobs such as: forensics investigator, scene of crime officer, laboratory scientist or other biology-related disciplines.

Students aged 16-18 don't have to pay tuition fees.

If you are an EU/EEA or Swiss National, please visit our EU Settled Status scheme page for more information.

Meet Brian, one of our Science lecturers!
Meet university level science student Louise
Meet Rose - a Science student at Nottingham College.
Student support at Nottingham College

Careers related to this course

Select career:

Laboratory Technicians

Potential Earnings

£39,497.99

Average Earnings

£25,043.99

Source: Office for National Statistics' Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).

Pathways

Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing

People in these occupations diagnose, assess, and treat health problems, operate medical technology, and care for patients.

Natural Sciences

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

Engineering

People in these occupations use scientific principles to solve practical problems across a variety of engineering disciplines: civil, chemical, mechanical, etc.

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.
View more about this career

Economic data for careers is provided by Lightcast and also available through our Career Coach app. Job postings, employment and earnings information is represented at the regional level for the East Midlands.

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