This pathway has been developed in response to national changes to Level 3 qualifications, including the defunding of the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Applied Science. We want to ensure that students who prefer a vocational and applied approach to learning continue to have access to pathways that can support progression to Pharmacy, Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Science and other related degrees.
You will study the BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Applied Science alongside A Level Chemistry (OCR), combining practical, vocational science with the academic depth of A Level Chemistry.
The pathway develops your laboratory, analytical, problem-solving and scientific skills, providing a strong foundation for progression to university, higher apprenticeships and careers within the pharmaceutical, chemical and wider science industries.
BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Applied Science
You will study a broad range of Biology, Chemistry and Physics through practical laboratory work, examinations and assignments. Alongside the core units, you will study Biochemistry and Biochemical Techniques and Diseases and Infections as specialist units, providing additional knowledge relevant to pharmacy, pharmaceutical and chemical sciences.
A Level Chemistry – OCR
You will develop an in-depth understanding of physical, inorganic and organic chemistry, including atomic structure, bonding, energetics, rates of reaction, equilibria, organic compounds and analytical techniques. Practical work is embedded throughout the course, developing your laboratory, investigative and analytical skills.
You will need 5 GCSEs at grade 5 or above, including English Language, Maths and Science.
As this pathway includes A Level Chemistry, you should have a strong interest in Chemistry and be prepared for a combination of academic study, practical laboratory work and vocational assessment across the two qualifications.
You will be assessed through a combination of external examinations, internally assessed assignments and practical laboratory work.
The BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Applied Science includes both externally assessed units and internally assessed coursework, allowing you to demonstrate your knowledge through a mixture of exams, scientific investigations, practical activities and written assignments.
A Level Chemistry (OCR) is assessed through written examinations at the end of the course, alongside a Practical Endorsement, which assesses your practical laboratory skills throughout your studies.
On successful completion of this pathway, you will achieve qualifications equivalent in size to three A Levels – the BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Applied Science is equivalent in size to two A Levels, alongside your A Level Chemistry.
This pathway can open up a wide range of progression opportunities, including:
The combination of vocational scientific experience and A Level Chemistry gives you flexibility to choose the progression route that is right for you.
This is a set programme of study. By enrolling onto the Pathway to Pharmacy & Chemical Sciences, you are signing up to study both the BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Applied Science and A Level Chemistry (OCR) as a combined programme.
The qualifications within this pathway are designed to complement each other and are not intended to be selected or studied separately as part of this programme.
Students should be prepared for the different assessment methods across both qualifications, including examinations, coursework and practical laboratory work, and will be expected to fully engage with all elements of the pathway throughout the two years.
Level: 2
Study mode: Full time
Level: 3
Study mode: Full time
Level: 3
Study mode: Full time
Level: 3
Study mode: Full time
Level: 3
Study mode: Full time
Level: 3
Study mode: Full time
Level: 3
Study mode: Full time
Level: 3
Study mode: Full time
Level: 3
Study mode: Full time
Level: 3
Study mode: Full time
Whittingham Road
Halesowen
B63 3NA
Tel: 0121 602 7777
New Road
Halesowen
B63 3HY
Tel: 0121 602 8500
Dudley Road
Halesowen
B63 3NT
Tel: 0121 602 7654
Coombs Wood Business Park
Coombs Road
B62 8BB
Tel: 0121 602 7770
