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Applied Sciences

  • Higher National Certificate
  • 1 Years
  • Full-Time
  • September 2027
  • Undergraduate
Main Site
Awarded by:
Pearson Education Ltd
More about Solihull College & University Centre

Course options

2025-20262026-20272027-2028
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Course summary

This one-year, full time course aims to equip students with the skills, knowledge and understanding necessary for success in the Applied Sciences environment. After completing a Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate (HNC), 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 skills offered as part of the Pearson Level 4 HNC can provide graduates with the opportunity to work in many different areas of the Applied Sciences sector.

Modules

Course Modules

The Higher National Certificate (HNC) is a Level 4 qualification made up of 120 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
Unit 1, Fundamentals of Laboratory Techniques (15 credits)
Unit 2, Scientific Data Handling Approaches and Techniques (15 credits)
Unit 3, Regulation and Quality in the Applied Sciences (15 credits)
Unit 4, Cell Biology (15 credits)
Unit 5, Fundamentals of Chemistry (15 credits)
Unit 6, Anatomy and Human Physiology (15 credits)

The following are the specialist units

Unit 17, Fundamentals of Biochemistry (15 credits)
Unit 18, Microbiological Techniques (15 credits)

https://www.solihull.ac.uk/demographic/university-level-learner/category/science/course/hnc-in-applied-sciences/

Assessment method

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.

Continued Professional Development (CPD)

This course offers Continued Professional Development. CPD courses allow you to develop your skills and knowledge relevant to your career path.

This course is not accepting applications for deferred entry.

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Main Site

Study options

  • Higher National Certificate • Full-Time • 1 Years

Start dates

  • September 2027

Apply by
13 January 2027

This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.

Application codes

Course code:
AS01
Institution code:
S26
Campus name:
Main Site
Points of Entry:
Year 1

Solihull College & University Centre has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?

How to apply

Apply by
13 January 2027

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
AS01
Institution code:
S26
Campus name:
Main Site

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Entry requirements

Typical qualification requirements

Additional entry requirements

Other
Equal consideration is given to applicants who are currently in relevant work and wish to apply to Solihull College & University Centre. To apply, they must have a minimum of 3 years’ relevant work experience, demonstrating technical, management or supervisory duties. Any application must also include a reference from their line manager which supports entry to higher education.
Institutions Own Test (IOT)
Applicants who do not meet the standard entry criteria but can demonstrate appropriate industry or life experience will have their prior learning and skills taken into consideration during the admissions process. They may also be required to complete an aptitude assessment, which will be discussed and confirmed at interview. Equal consideration is also given to applicants who are currently in relevant employment and wish to study at Solihull College & University Centre. To be eligible, applicants should normally have a minimum of three years’ relevant work experience that demonstrates technical, managerial, or supervisory responsibilities. All applications must also be supported by a reference from the applicant’s line manager confirming their suitability for higher‑level study.

English language requirements

Students who are non-native English speakers, or who have not studied the final two years of school in English, but can demonstrate capability in English at a standard commensurate to IELTS 6.0, with a minimum of 5.5 being awarded on individual sections for a level 4, 5 or 6 qualification, will be considered as eligible to apply for the programme/course.

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

Solihull College & University Centre is committed to widening participation and ensuring fair access to higher education for all learners, regardless of their background. We are committed to recruiting a student body from a diverse background with a wide range of lived experiences, to create a rich learning environment

Learn more on the Solihull College & University Centre website

International entry requirements

Solihull College & University Centre are not a licenced student sponsor institution for UK student visas; therefore, we are unable to accept applications from students that require a student visa to enter the UK.

Historical entry grades data

This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course with (learn more).

It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place.

Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Per year tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
England, Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland£6701*

* This is a provisional fee and subject to change.

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.

Sponsorship information

Scholarships and Bursaries 1

Solihull College & University Centre offer a Higher Education Bursary.

https://www.solihull.ac.uk/about-us/student-services/

Related courses

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