Frequently Asked Questions

Students must study three units:

• Unit 1: Developing Scientific Skills;
• Unit 2: Science for the Needs of Society; and
• Unit 3: Science at Work.

Yes, GCSE Applied Science (Double Award) is available at Higher Tier and Foundation Tier. Students of the Higher Tier can achieve grades A*A*-DD(EE). Students of the Foundation Tier can achieve grades CC-GG.

Yes, students must complete one written exam. The exam is tiered but both the Foundation and Higher Tier papers last 1 ½ hours. Students must answer short questions on Unit 2: Science for the Needs of Society. The exam is worth 33.3 percent of the final award.

For more information on the exam, go to the Exams section.

Yes, students must produce two portfolios of coursework for GCSE Applied Science (Double Award). Each portfolio is worth 33.3 percent of the final award. The coursework portfolios assess students on their knowledge and understanding of Unit 1: Developing Scientific Skills and Unit 3: Science at Work.

For more information on the coursework requirements, go to the Coursework section.

While there are no formal pre-requisites, we recommend that students have a general educational equivalent to Level 3 of the Northern Ireland Curriculum or Entry Level 3 in the National Qualifications Framework. Students also need the following skills:

• basic proficiency in literacy;
• basic proficiency in numeracy;
• some aptitude for computers; and
• some motivation to work independently.

This qualification helps students progress into further education, training and/or employment. Many students with a qualification in Applied Science go on to study GCE, VCE, GNVQ's and BTEC (Firsts and Nationals) in science and science-related subjects. Other students go on to undertake modern apprenticeships or an NVQ in:

• Laboratory and Associated Technical Activities;
• Laboratory Technicians: Working in Education; and/ or
• Clinical Laboratory Support.

Yes, this specification has significant overlap with the content of Foundation and Intermediate Level GNVQ in Science and GCSE Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Students entered for this award may not, in the same series, enter for the following qualifications:

• Foundation or Intermediate GNVQ’s in Science; and /or
• GCSEs in other science subjects.

The national classification code for this specification is 0008.

Yes, students can re-sit each assessment component prior to certification. The best result will count towards the final award. Students can also retake the whole qualification more than once