Qualifications
Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Applied Sciences (603/4570/6)
Overview
This one-year, full-time course will offer you a wide range of sector knowledge specific to applied sciences. The course consists of units, supporting the acquisition of skills and experience through specialist pathways and occupationally relevant topics. You will be assessed through practical laboratory work and written assignments.
You will study a range of core and specialist units including
Fundamentals of Laboratory Techniques
Scientific Data Handling Approaches and Techniques
Regulation and Quality in the Applied Sciences
Cell Biology
Fundamentals of Chemistry
Anatomy and Human Physiology
Principles of Ecology and their Applications
Microbiological Techniques
In addition to the higher education tuition fee, an additional fee of £50 is required to defray expenses associated with residential field trips*.
A minimum of 64 UCAS points to include a science subject at Level 3 (e.g. A-level Biology or Extended Diploma in Applied Science) plus GCSE Mathematics and English Grade C or equivalent (e.g. Essential Skills). Applicants without formal qualifications but with demonstrable experience may be able to gain admission through the Accreditation of Prior Experience & Learning (APEL).
Fees:
Academic period 2026*:
HE Tuition Fee = £3235.00
Fees are payable annually.
*The fees have not been finalised and may be subject to change.
International students - International fees apply, fees refer to our website for further details International Fees (belfastmet.ac.uk)
The course consists of units, supporting the acquisition of skills and experience through specialist pathways and occupationally relevant topics. You will be assessed through practical laboratory work and written/oral assignments.
Careers
Progression
Following successful completion of the HNC in Applied Sciences progression to HND Applied Sciences may be possible, subject to HNC performance and sufficient interest. An alternative route of academic progression would be to a BSc (Hons) program (dependent on university entrance requirements).
Career prospects
Research Technician. Northern Ireland has a growing science industry, with many entrepreneurs starting their own science-based businesses and seeking Research Technicians to support their business growth. The work may include duties such as planning and preparing investigations, working with customers or clients to devise analyses, performing laboratory work involving complex instrumentation and presenting findings.
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