Your browser is unsupported and may have security vulnerabilities! Upgrade to a newer browser to experience this site in all it's glory.
Skip to main content
Warrington & Vale Royal College Logo
  • 16-18 Year Olds
  • Adults
  • View all Courses
  • Subject Areas
  • Employers
  • Work with Us
  • About Us
  • Campus & Facilities
  • College Life
  • Events & News
  • Parents & Carers
  • Contact Us
Back

HNC in Applied Science (Biology)

Subject Area

Health, Social Care & Life Sciences

Student Type

Students aged 16-18 | Adults

Study Mode

Part Time

Course Type

Higher Education

What is the course about?

The qualification prepares you for employment in the applied science sector or further study at university. If you are already employed in the science sector you will be able to study for a qualification that will support your career progression.

The programme can be studied full time in one year. Alternatively, this course can be studied part time over two years, please check the website for further details.

Why should I choose the course?

The programme works closely with employers to deliver a current and industry relevant curriculum offering a very high-quality education for higher education students. Higher Education students have access to specialist facilities, generated through the Institute of Technology (IOT) where resources, laboratory spaces and equipment has been sourced to support their programme of study as well as designated learning spaces to support independent study.

The course uses a range of assessment methods, including reports, presentations, academic essays, work-related projects, please note there are no exams during this course. Various industry-based software packages and test equipment are used to enhance practical and employability skills.

What will I learn?

The HNC consists of the following units:

Core Units

  • Fundamentals of Lab Technician
  • Scientific data handling approaches and techniques
  • Regulation and Quality in Applied Science

Specialist Unit

  • Cell Biology
  • Fundamentals of Biology
  • Anatomy and Human Physiology
  • Ecology and applications
  • Fundamentals of Biochemistry

Please note that modules listed are indicative and may be subject to change. We do not guarantee that a specialist unit will always run in any given academic year as options may be dependent on student numbers, sector requirements, and staff expertise.

What will the course lead on to?

On completion of the course you could progress onto a related university degree (you would need to check university entry requirements). Alternatively, entry into employment as a scientist/technician in a wide variety of industries, or career development prospects if already employed in industry.

Are there any links with industry and university?

We have close links with a number of employers and organisations who share their own industry experience with students and work with us to deliver workshops and presentations. These employer relationships have been developed over a number of years by our staff to ensure that the information and knowledge shared with students is directly relevant to their chosen course of study.

What support is available?

We have a team of staff dedicated to providing learning support if it is required and a welfare team that are on hand to offer guidance, support and help when needed. For further information on HE student support please visit https://wvr.ac.uk/adults/higher-education/higher-education-student-support/ Additionally, eligible students can access a wide range of finance and funding support to help them during their time at college. For further information on HE funding support please visit: https://wvr.ac.uk/adults/higher-education

Why should I choose to study the course at Warrington & Vale Royal College?

The college offers a very high-quality education for higher education students. Student feedback is strong and highly complementary of their learning experience. Higher education students have access to specialist facilities and resources to support their programme of study as well as designated learning spaces to support independent study.

Here at Warrington & Vale Royal College we have a team of dedicated, experienced staff who can share their extensive knowledge and skills with you. Learning in a friendly and inclusive environment, you will be fully supported to achieve your goals.

What are the entry requirements?

You will typically have one of the following:

  • A BTEC level 3 or other level 3 qualification in a related subject, minimum MPP or MM
  • T Level with overall grade Pass
  • A minimum of two A-Levels (A2) with one in a related subject at grade C or above
  • Access to HE with relevant options

AND

  • A* to C grade and/or 9 to 4 in GCSE English (language or literature)
  • A* to C grade and/or 9 to 4 in GCSE Maths

Non-native English speakers who have not undertaken their final two years of schooling in English need to demonstrate capability in English at a standard equivalent to the levels identified below. This is necessary before being recruited to the programme, as the programme is both taught and assessed in English:

  • Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) level B2
  • IELTS 5.5; reading and writing must be 5.5.

We welcome applications from mature students who have appropriate work experience in a related sector or role and/or have professional qualifications in a related industry.

All HNC/HND programmes require the completion of a personal statement prior to an admissions interview being offered. You will also be required to provide a reference from one of the following options:

  • A previous course leader/teacher (if progressing from a recently attended further or higher education course)
  • A recent or current employer
  • An appropriate professional who can provide a character reference (if you have not been in recent education or employment).

What are my funding options?

Students applying to study on a Higher Education course can apply for a HE student loan at www.gov.uk/student-finance

For further Finance support and enquiries please visit https://wvr.ac.uk/adults/higher-education

Are there any additional costs associated with the course?

Students will require their own lab coat and safety spectacles and course text book. Cost approximately £100.

Careers Information

Course options

06/01/2025

Duration
33 Weeks
Class Times
09:00 - 17:00
Location
Winsford Campus
Day(s)
Mon
Adult Fee
2,997
16-18 Fee
2,997 per year

Starts Sep 2025

Duration
33 Weeks
Class Times
TBC
Location
Winsford Campus
Day(s)
TBC
Adult Fee
2,997 per year
16-18 Fee
2,997 per year

Starts Sep 2025

Duration
33 Weeks
Class Times
TBC
Location
Warrington Campus
Day(s)
TBC
Adult Fee
2,997 per year
16-18 Fee
2,997 per year

Course Enquiry

Please complete this form if you would like any other information about this course

Other similar courses

These courses may be more suited to your interests or needs

Student and tutor in simulation hospital ward (health thumbnail image)
T Level Health: Supporting the Mental Health Team
Health, Social Care & Life Sciences
Students aged 16-18
Full Time
T Level
Student and tutor in simulation hospital ward (health thumbnail image)
T Level Healthcare Science: Assisting with Healthcare Science
Health, Social Care & Life Sciences
Students aged 16-18
Full Time
T Level
Student and tutor in simulation hospital ward (health thumbnail image)
Level 2 Certificate Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care
Health, Social Care & Life Sciences
Adults
Part Time
Adult Further Education
Student and tutor in simulation hospital ward (health thumbnail image)
Introduction to Working with Individuals with Learning Difficulties and Disabilities
Health, Social Care & Life Sciences
Adults
Part Time
Community Learning
Student and tutor in simulation hospital ward (health thumbnail image)
Level 3 Award in Mental Health First Aid
Health, Social Care & Life Sciences
Adults
Part Time
Adult Further Education
Student and tutor in simulation hospital ward (health thumbnail image)
Level 3 Certificate Social Prescribing
Health, Social Care & Life Sciences
Adults
Part Time
Adult Further Education
Science subject area
HNC in Applied Science (Biology)
Health, Social Care & Life Sciences
Students aged 16-18
Part Time
Higher Education
Science subject area
HNC Applied Science (Biology)
Health, Social Care & Life Sciences
Students aged 16-18
Full Time
Higher Education
Student and tutor in simulation hospital ward (health thumbnail image)
Level 3 Health & Social Care
Health, Social Care & Life Sciences
Students aged 16-18
Full Time
Technical
Science student holding beaker
T Level Science: Laboratory Sciences
Health, Social Care & Life Sciences
Students aged 16-18
Full Time
T Level
Science subject area
T Level Foundation Year: Health & Science
Health, Social Care & Life Sciences
Students aged 16-18
Full Time
T Level
Student and tutor in simulation hospital ward (health thumbnail image)
Level 3 Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship
Health, Social Care & Life Sciences
Students aged 16-18
Part Time
Apprenticeship
Student and tutor in simulation hospital ward (health thumbnail image)
T Level Health: Adult Nursing
Health, Social Care & Life Sciences
Students aged 16-18
Full Time
T Level
Student and tutor in simulation hospital ward (health thumbnail image)
Level 2 Health & Social Care
Health, Social Care & Life Sciences
Students aged 16-18
Full Time
Technical
Student and tutor in simulation hospital ward (health thumbnail image)
Level 1 Health, Social & Childcare
Health, Social Care & Life Sciences
Students aged 16-18
Full Time
Technical