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Where will this course lead?

After completing a Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma (HND), students can progress directly into employment and / or commit to progression routes to degree-level study.

The selected specialist pathways (Biology, Biotechnology) are designed to support progression into relevant occupational areas or on to degree-level study. The pathways are referenced against professional body standards and meet the mandatory qualification requirements of the Level 5 Technician Scientist Higher Apprenticeship standard, providing apprenticeship status and progression to direct employment.

The skills offered as part of the Pearson BTEC Level 5 HND can provide graduates with the opportunity to work in many different areas of the Applied Sciences sector. See below ('What can I do after this course?') for some examples of job roles this qualification could lead to.

What will I study?

The Higher National Diploma (HND) is a Level 4 and Level 5 qualification made up of 240 credits. Pearson BTEC Higher Nationals consist of core (mandatory), specialist (mandatory and optional), and generic (optional) units. Specialist units are designed to provide a specific occupational focus to the qualification and are aligned to professional body and/or higher apprenticeship standards.

The following are the core units taught in the first academic year (2023-2024):

- Unit 1, 'Fundamentals of Laboratory Techniques'.

- Unit 2, 'Scientific Data Handling Approaches and Techniques'.

- Unit 3, 'Regulation and Quality in the Applied Sciences'.

- Unit 4, 'Cell Biology'.

- Unit 5, 'Fundamentals of Chemistry'.

- Unit 6, 'Anatomy and Human Physiology'.

The following are the specialist units taught in the first academic year (2023-2024):

- Unit 17, 'Fundamentals of Biochemistry'.

- Unit 18, 'Microbiological Techniques'.

The following are the core units taught in the second academic year (2024-2025):

- Unit 27, 'Analysis of Scientific Data and Information'.BL, BT

- Unit 28, 'Applied Sciences Research Project'.BL, BT

- Unit 29, 'Biochemistry of Macromolecules and Metabolic Pathways'.BL, BT

- Unit 30, 'Molecular Biology and Genetics'.BL, BT

- Unit 31, 'Immunology'.BL

- Unit 32, 'Biotechnology Techniques'.BT

The following are the specialist units taught in the second academic year (2024-2025):

- Unit 41, 'Conservation and Biodiversity'.

- Unit 51, 'Specialist Scientific Techniques and Experimentation'.

Specialist pathway: Biology.

Specialist pathway: Biotechnology.

How will this course be delivered?

The Higher National Diploma (HND) in Applied Science at the Solihull College and University Centre is studied full-time over two years.

Lessons will be delivered on Tuesdays (9:00 - 16:15) and Thursday (9:00 - 16:15).

Lessons will comprise theoretical delivery, practical activities, formative and summative feedback.

Examples of activities which can contribute to the student's total qualification time may include any of the following:

  • Guided Learning.
  • Independent and unsupervised research/learning.
  • Unsupervised compilation of a portfolio of work experience.
  • Unsupervised e-learning.
  • Unsupervised e-assessment.
  • Unsupervised coursework.
  • Watching pre-recorded podcasts or webinars.
  • Unsupervised work-based learning.

Some examples of activities which can contribute to guided learning may include any of the following:

  • Classroom-based learning supervised by a tutor.
  • Work-based learning supervised by a tutor.
  • Live webinar or telephone tutorial with a tutor in real time.
  • E-learning supervised by a tutor in real time.
  • All forms of assessment which take place under the immediate guidance or supervision of a tutor.

What qualifications will I get?

Students will achieve a Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Applied Science.

Upon completion of the Year 1, students will also achieve a Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Applied Science.

How will I be assessed?

Assessments are through a range of different coursework designed to develop academic and employability skills.

Examples of assessment may include any of the following:

  • Unsupervised compilation of portfolios of scientific reports.
  • Unsupervised e-assessment.
  • Unsupervised coursework.
  • Supervised experimental work.

How do I get a place on the course?

All full-time applications are to be submitted via UCAS using the following codes:

Course Code AS01

Institution Code S26

Campus: Main - Blossomfield Campus

To gain a place on this course, applicants must meet the entry criteria and attend a formal interview at Solihull College & University Centre and may also be asked to complete a written and/or practical task as part of this process.

If you have a learning difficulty or disability, please let us know when you apply. You will be offered support in your interview. If you need help completing your application, we can help with this too. https://www.solihull.ac.uk/uni-level-learner/student-services.

What are the entry requirements?

Applicants should normally possess a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Applied Science (minimum grade: MMP), or a minimum of two A-levels (minimum grade: D), or an appropriate T-level, or other equivalent qualifications.

Applicants should also possess five passes at GCSE or equivalent (grades A-C / 9-4), or O-level (grades A-C / 9-4) normally including Mathematics, English Language and Science.

The above requirements are minimum requirements. Gaining a place on the course will also be subject to a successful interview, with an appropriate reference.

Other qualifications and combinations of qualifications will be considered and may be also acceptable (For any enquiry, please contact HE.Admissions@solihull.ac.uk).

Applicants with a minimum of two years' relevant work experience and a current role in an appropriate workplace setting, proven by a Line Manager's letter of support and recommendation, will also be considered.

What else do I need to know?

This course is a full-time programme, and you will be expected to attend 2 days per week, between the hours of 9:00 and 17:00. Timetables will be issued to successful applicants prior to induction and enrolment in September of the current Academic year.

There will also be additional costs for learning resources such as books, stationary and for the production of coursework (the cost of this will depend on the direction and ambition of your work but we suggest budgeting approximately £250 for materials and books). (There are no compulsory requirements to purchase books).

What can I do after this course?

After completing a Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Applied Science, students can progress directly into employment and / or commit to progression routes to degree-level study. Below are some examples of job roles this qualification could lead to.

  • Technician Scientist
  • Laboratory Technician
  • Research Technician
  • Quality Support Technician
  • Technologist
  • Development Technician
  • Manufacturing Technician
  • Science Technician

Upon achievement of a Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Applied Science, students may wish to progress onto an BSc in most of scientific degrees.

Location

Blossomfield Campus

Start Date

Sept-2025

Day

Various

Time

TBC

Course Fee(PA)

£6500

Course Code

SCBAE021BCF1

Study Mode

Full Time

HND in Applied Sciences

What’s Involved?

Predicted Employment

How much can I earn?

£17,680
NATIONAL AVERAGE

Employment by Region

The career paths provided are to give you an idea of the careers that you could progress onto in the future. However, for some, you may need to complete higher level qualifications and gain experience before your dream job becomes a reality. The information provided is to support further research and to generate some initial career ideas when choosing a course. Please check entry requirements to degree courses, apprenticeships, and jobs as this may vary from year to year and across providers. For further advice and guidance, please contact: careers@solihull.ac.uk.