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. See below ('What can I do after this course?') for some examples of job roles this qualification could lead to.
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
The following are the specialist units
The Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Applied Sciences at Solihull College and University Centre is studied full-time over one year each. Attendance at college is a maximum of 3 days per week, plus an expectation of 5-10 hours independent study per week.
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:
Some examples of activities which can contribute to guided learning may include any of the following:
Pearson BTEC HNC Applied Sciences (Biology) - 120 credits.
All modules must be successfully passed to be awarded the qualification.
Assessments are through a range of different coursework designed to develop academic and employability skills.
Examples of assessment may include any of the following:
All full-time applications are to be submitted via UCAS using the following codes:
Course Code AS01
Institution Code S26
Campus: Main - Blossomfield Campus
Standard offer: 80 UCAS Tariff Points or MMP profile in a related subject area
A Levels: BB in a related subject area
T-Levels: Pass (C or above on the core) profile in a related subject area
BTEC: MMP or DM
UCAS Tariff: 80 UCAS Tariff Points profile in a related subject area
Access to Higher Education: 60 Credits overall with 45 Credits at level 3 with a minimum of 80 UCAS Tariff Points profile in a related subject area
Level 3 Apprenticeship: Please see notes below
GCSE/IGCSE English Language grades 9-4/A*-C or recognised equivalent. GCSE/IGCSE Maths grades 9-4/A*-C or recognised equivalent.
GCSE/IGCSE Science grades 9-4/A*-C or recognised equivalent.
Plus, two other GCSEs at grades 9-4/A*-C or recognised equivalent.
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 qualifications may be considered as eligible to apply for the programme.
Contextual Offer
Standard offer: 64 UCAS Tariff Points or MPP profile in a related subject area
A Levels: CC in a related subject area
T-Levels: Pass (D or E on the core) profile in a related subject area
BTEC: MPP or MM
UCAS Tariff: 64 UCAS Tariff Points profile in a related subject area
Access to Higher Education: 60 Credits overall with 45 Credits at level 3 with a minimum of 64 UCAS Tariff Points profile in a related subject area.
UCAS Tariff Calculator https://www.ucas.com/applying/before-you-apply/what-and-where-to-study/entry-requirements/calculate-your-ucas-tariff-points
Work-based: e.g.
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
Applications for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) are welcomed in accordance with the Solihull College Admissions Policy. Any student wishing to apply for RPL or RPEL should first speak to the Programme Coordinator and provide a full transcript of the work to be considered. The Programme Coordinator will then map the learning outcomes for the previously completed study to those of the programme and make a recommendation to the APL/APEL Committee.
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).
After completing a Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate 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.
Upon achievement of a Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Applied Science, students may wish to progress onto the Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Applied Sciences, or advanced entry onto a BSc scientific degree. Students should not assume advance entry onto a BSc is guaranteed and should liaise with individual institutions as to their entry requirements and accreditation of prior learning policies and processes.
Blossomfield Campus
Sept-2026
Various
TBC
£6701
SCBAE021BCF0
Full Time
