Study

BTEC HND in Applied Sciences (4 pathways available)
240 credits

These qualifications can form the off the job training for an Apprenticeship programme

Whittingham Campus or Coombswood Campus

This course comprises sixteen modules of study – eight at Level 4 and eight at Level 5 – all carrying 15 credits.

Students have the option of studying full time over two years or part time (usually as part of an apprenticeship programme) over three or four years.

Students undertake the HNC programme of modules at Level 4 (see HNC entry), before progressing to level 5.

Between two and four years

All HND pathways all contain the following two level 5 compulsory modules:

• Applied Sciences Research Project – 30 credits
• Analysis of Scientific Data and Information – 15 credits

Specific additional compulsory modules at Level 5 are required for each pathway, together with optional modules to make up a credit attainment of 240. 

Please note that every effort will be made to accommodate individual choices of optional modules, but the College cannot guarantee that every option will always be available.

For the Chemistry pathway, there are three additional compulsory modules at level 5:

• Analytical Chemistry –  15 credits
• Aromatic & Carbonyl Compounds – 15 credits
• Solid State and Transition Metal Chemistry – 15 credits

Two optional Level 5 modules are also chosen from the following:

• Science Laboratory Management – 15 credits
• Nanomaterials & their Technology – 15 credits
• Materials Life Cycle & the Circular Economy – 15 credits
• Biochemistry of Macromolecules & Metabolic Pathways – 15 credits

For the Environmental Science  pathway, there are three additional Level 5 compulsory modules:

• Environmental Monitoring & Analysis – 15 credits
• Conservation & Biodiversity – 15 credits
• Materials Life Cycle & the Circular Economy – 15 credits

Two optional modules at Level 5 are also chosen from the following:

• Science Laboratory Management – 15 credits        
• Nanomaterials & their Technology – 15 credits
• Renewable Energy Resources & Technology – 15 credits

For the Polymer Science & Technology pathway, there are three additional Level 5 compulsory modules:

• Polymer Processing & Manufacture – 15 credits
• Polymer Materials and Properties – 15 credits
• Polymer Testing – 15 credits

Two optional modules at Level 5 are also chosen from the following:

• Science Laboratory Management –  15 credits
• Nanomaterials & their Technology – 15 credits
• Materials Life Cycle & the Circular Economy – 15 credits

For the Biology pathway, there are three additional Level 5 compulsory modules:

• Immunology – 15 credits
• Molecular Biology & Genetics –  15 credits
• Biochemistry of Macromolecules & Metabolic Pathways – 15 credits

Two optional modules at Level 5 are also chosen from the following:

• Science Laboratory Management – 15 credits
• Environmental Monitoring & Analysis – 15 credits
• Infectious Diseases & their Diagnosis – 15 credits
• Nanomaterials & their Technology – 15 credits 

• Full Time or Part Time course
• You will attend College one day per week during term time and participate in a range of activities including lectures, workshops, practical activities, tutorials and presentations.
• You will be allocated a Personal Tutor to support you in the transition to studying on a higher education programme, and also to give advice and guidance.
• A wide range of resources, including books and on line journals from the Learning Resource Centre on Campus, as well as on line learning materials will be available.

You will engage in a range of learning and assessment activities and be encouraged to become effective and independent  in researching and presenting work.

Assessment is through practical and theoretical assignment activities, where there are between two and four assignments set per module of study.

All assignment work is both assessed and quality assured within College, as well as being subject to quality assurance sampling by the Awarding Body.

Full-time students should apply via UCAS, using the UCAS code:

Applied Biology – H415
Applied Chemistry – H417
Applied Environmental – coming soon!
Applied Polymer Science and Technology – coming soon!

Part-time applicants should apply via the ‘Apply’ link on the Halesowen College website.

If you would like more information, please contact Halesowen College’s Admissions Team for further guidance on 0121 602 7888.

English and Maths GCSE grades C/4 or above 
A related Level 3 qualification.

Mature learners may present a more varied profile of achievement that is likely to include extensive work experience and/or achievement of a range of professional qualifications in their work sector.

Applicants who have been out of education for several years and/or have not studied Maths and Science above GCSE level should seek advice via Admissions regarding preparative study.

September 2019 and January 2020

Varies depending on pathway choice.  Please contact Admissions for further guidance on 0121 602 7888.

Varies depending on pathway choice.  Please contact Admissions for further guidance on 0121 602 7888.

Full Time: £4880
Part Time: £2440

If you would like to study this programme as part of an apprenticeship, please contact the Director of Apprenticeships, Penny Riddle, on 0121 602 770, or email priddle@halesowen.ac.uk

Full Time

Applied Science Biology – H40015A
Applied Science Chemistry – H40017A
Applied Science Environmental – Coming soon!
Applied Science Polymer Science & Technology – Coming soon!

Part Time

Applied Science Biology H70017A
Applied Science Chemistry H70040C
Applied Science Environmental – Coming soon!
Applied Science Polymer Science & Technology – Coming soon!

Full Time and Part Time