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 qualifications in Applied Science and Technology are part of a coherent suite of qualifications that Gateway Qualifications has developed in Science, Technology and Engineering.
The qualifications are 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 and could be used within the 16-19 Programmes of Study.
They have been developed in conjunction with further education colleges, adult and community learning and private training providers. They are 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. They can also be used with learners pre 16 who require an alternative more applied approach to GCSE science qualifications. They include core units in Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Electronics and a range of optional units.
The Gateway Qualifications Applied Science and Technology qualifications cover some of the material in the Science National Curriculum.
Rules of Combination
The learner must achieve a total of 27 credits. At least 12 credits must be achieved from Mandatory Group (M) and 3 credits from group O1 Science and Technology. The remaining 12 credits can be achieved from Group M or Group O1.
Units
Learners must achieve at least 12 credits from this group.
Biology and Our Environment
Chemistry and Our Earth
Electronics in Action
Energy and Our Universe
Learners must achieve at least 3 credits from this group.
Applications of Chemical Substances
Applications of Physical Science
Carrying Out a Science or Technology Project
Chemical Analysis and Detection
Effective Communication in the Workplace
Electronic Devices and Communications Applications
Environmental Science
Healthy Living
Investigating Human Behaviour
Investigating a Crime Scene
Science in Medicine
Science in the World
The Living Body
Using ICT in the Workplace
Using Mathematical Tools in Science and Technology
Working in Science and Technology
What is the purpose of this qualification?
This qualification is suitable for learners of any age who need an extended 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 science and technology courses, including 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. The learners must take at least two of the following units:
• Chemistry and our earth
• Energy and our universe
• Biology and our environment
• Electronics in action.
Optional units include areas such as environmental science, science in medicine, electronic devices and communications applications, as well as effective use of communication and ICT in the workplace.
How is this qualification different from other, similar qualifications?
This qualification is part of a suite which includes an Award, Certificate, Extended Certificate and Diploma. The learners should take the Extended Certificate if they need to cover a broad range of different aspects of science or technology at level 2 before progressing to a level 3 qualification, an apprenticeship or employment (with further training where possible).
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?
The learners can progress to a level 3 qualification, which could be a general science and/or technology qualification such as a Level 3 Diploma in Applied Science or a more specific qualification such as a Level 3 Certificate in Metallurgy. The qualification can provide learners with a stepping-stone to an Access to Higher Education Diploma.
The learners could progress to a related Apprenticeship in Science or Technology in any of the available pathways. It is recommended that learners also have maths skills at level 2 before moving on to Level 3 qualifications.
Progression & entry requirements
The learners do not need any prior qualifications or a specific level of attainment to take this qualification. However, the learners will benefit from having English and maths skills at level 1. The qualification is available to learners of any age.Funding information
There are now two main sources for funding information, a straightforward ESFA Qualification Search and the more detailed Find a Learning Aim website.
The new Find a learning aim (FALA) service provides a search tool that you can use to check the funding status of any qualification, framework, unit, standard or T Level:
View this qualification on the ESFA’s Find a learning aim website
The Education and Skills Funding Agency search provides funding information on qualifications. It does not provide funding information for units, non-regulated activity and work placements, for this information please use Find a learning aim (FALA).
View this qualification on the ESFA Qualification Funding Search
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
Mapped to Functional Skills
Units within the qualifications have been mapped to Functional Skills in an exercise supported by Cogent on behalf of the Science Industry Partnership, allowing learners to demonstrate their progress towards the Functional Skills standards in a practical context.
Related Qualifications
- Gateway Qualifications Level 2 Diploma In Applied Science and Technology
- Gateway Qualifications Level 2 Certificate In Applied Science and Technology
- Gateway Qualifications Level 2 Award In Applied Science and Technology
- Gateway Qualifications Level 1 Extended Certificate in Applied Science and Technology
- Access to HE Diploma (Science for Technology)