02 Mar 2021
Key Facts
Qualification purpose
Prepare for further learning or training and/or develop knowledge and/or skills in a subject area
Qualification Grading Type
Pass/Merit/Distinction
Assessment Methods
Why choose this qualification?
The Level 2 Certificate in Science and Technology is intended to give learners the knowledge, understanding and skills that will enable them to progress to qualifications in a science or technology related area at a higher level or to employment in a science or technology related area.
The qualification has been developed in conjunction with further education colleges. It is intended primarily for learners post 16 who are interested in Science and Technology but have not studied Science or Technology at Key Stage 4 or who have not achieved higher grade GCSEs in these subjects.
The qualification is intended to give learners the knowledge, understanding and skills that will enable them to progress to qualifications in a science or technology or other related area at a higher level and that could be used within the 16-19 Programmes of Study.
This qualification is graded at unit and qualification level.
Rules of Combination
Learners must complete a total of 33 credits. Learners must achieve 9 credits from the Mandatory Group (M) and 24 credits from the Optional Group (O).
Units
Learners must achieve 9 credits from this group.
Carrying Out a Science or Technology Project
Effective Communication in the Workplace
Learners must achieve 24 credits from this group.
Chemistry and Our Earth
Electronic Devices and Communications Applications
Electronics in Action
Energy and Our Universe
The Living Body
What is the purpose of this qualification?
This qualification is suitable for learners of any age who need a broad level 2 science and technology qualification. It has been developed primarily for post-16 learners who are interested in science and technology, and who plan to progress to Level 3 courses in science and technology and related areas for example health sciences. It also offers progression to Access to Higher Education Diplomas.
What skills, knowledge, or understanding does this qualification develop?
The qualification includes a range of units relating to different aspects of applied biology, chemistry, physics and electronics. Learners must take the following mandatory units:
• Carrying out a Science or Technology Project
• Effective Communication in the Workplace
Learners must then choose 4 of the 5 units below
• Chemistry and our earth
• Electronics in action.
• Electronic Devices and Communications Applications
• The Living Body
• Energy and our universe
The project will give learners the opportunity an area of personal interest in science or technology.
How is this qualification different from other, similar qualifications?
Learners will be on a specific programme for 17+ learners who also need time to develop English and maths skills.
This qualification is linked to a suite of Applied Science and Technology qualifications. Learners wishing to take further units at level 2 before progressing to a Level 3 could take the Level 3 Diploma in Applied Science and Technology.
Which sector does this qualification support?
The primary purpose of this qualification is to support progression to further learning, but for some learners it could lead to an entry-level job role in a science or technology setting such as a laboratory assistant, or to a role as an apprentice, e.g. a science technician, electronic service technician or process operative.
What are the progression options?
Units that learners will study will give them underpinning knowledge and understanding to progress to science and technology qualifications at a higher level.
Learners can progress to a level 3 qualification, which could be a general science, a healthcare qualification and/or technology qualification such as a Level 3 Diploma in Applied Science. The qualification could help them move on to an Access to Higher Education Diploma. Learners could also progress to a related Intermediate or Advanced Apprenticeship in Science or Technology in any of the available pathways. It is recommended that they also have maths skills at level 2 before moving on to Level 3 qualifications.
What are the English and maths progression options?
Particular focus in the programme on English and maths =unit within qualification also focuses on English skills development.
Progression & entry requirements
Learners do not need any prior qualifications or a specific level of attainment to take this qualification. However, they will benefit from having English and maths skills at level 1.Funding information
Learning Aims Search
The Hub provides a Learning Aims Search which you can use to check the funding status of any qualification or unit.
View this qualification on the ESFA’s Hub website
From 1st July 2021, the Hub will be replaced by a new Find a learning aim (FALA) service. This service is currently in BETA so if you experience any issues with finding funding details, please double check on the Hub above, or contact your account manager.
View this qualification on the ESFA’s Find a learning aim website
How to find a learning aim
If you’re not sure how to use the new find a learning aim website, we’ve created a handy walkthrough to help you:
How to Use: Find a learning Aim
We have done our best to collate and summarise the key information, and wherever possible we alert our providers to changes in funding policy.
This funding information is provided in good faith and it is always advisable to check directly with the funding agencies before committing to delivery.
The following support materials will help you to deliver this qualification.
Special Considerations and Reasonable Adjustment Forms