Study

BTEC HND in Applied Sciences
(three pathways available: Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Sustainability)
240 credits

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

Whittingham Campus or Coombswood Campus

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

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.

Full time, one year*
Part time, two years*

*If you have studied the HNC beforehand.  If not, the length of the course may be extended.

All HND pathways 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 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 

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 Sustainability  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 credit

Full time and part time, from September 2020:

• You will attend College two days per week full time, or one day per week part time 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 higher education, and provide advice and guidance.
• A wide range of resources, including books and online journals from the Learning Resource Centre on Campus, as well as online 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 Apply, using the appropriate UCAS code:

Biology: H415
Chemistry: H417

Click here to watch a video on how to use UCAS Apply 2020

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

*Please note the Environmental Sustainability pathway can only be studied part time, over four years (which includes the HNC in Environmental Science)

If your qualification(s) are not listed, please contact Halesowen College’s Admissions Team for further guidance on 0121 602 7888.

Applicants have typically achieved the HNC programme prior to progressing to the Level 5 HND. 

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 2020

2020 course timetable to be confirmed.

2020 course timetable to be confirmed.

£4880

If you would like to study this programme as part of an apprenticeship, please contact Admissions on 0121 602 7888.

Applied Science Biology H70017A
Applied Science Chemistry H70040C
Applied Science Environmental – Coming soon!

Available to study full time and part time.

*Please note the Environmental Sustainability pathway can only be studied part time, over two years.