Medical Science
The Medical Science BTEC helps you develop a deep appreciation for the human body and the wide range of professions that study and care for it. Our understanding of the body and its treatment is constantly evolving, and this qualification offers a modern look at current medical understanding and advances, preparing you for progression into higher education and health-related careers.
Year 12
In the early stages of the course you focus on human anatomy, physiology and pathology. You will study human body systems, cell ultrastructure and how substances are transported around the body, building a strong scientific foundation.
You also explore health issues and scientific reporting, looking at the immune system, what happens when it malfunctions and how genetic technologies are used in modern medicine. Alongside this, you learn to judge the validity and reliability of information used in health science reporting, an essential skill in an age of rapidly changing medical news.
Year 13
Later in the course you develop your practical laboratory skills through practical microbiology and infectious diseases. You will investigate methods of pathogenicity and infectious agents, the growth of microorganisms and health and safety in a laboratory environment.
In addition to the compulsory content, you will study one further specialist unit, choosing from areas such as Diseases, Disorders, Treatments and Therapies, Biomedical Science or Human Reproduction and Fertility, allowing you to tailor the course towards your own interests and aspirations.
Assessment Components
Component 1
Component 2
Assessment combines two external written examinations with two internal research and practical coursework units. Together, these assess both your theoretical understanding and your ability to apply scientific skills in realistic medical science contexts.
Opportunities
Medical Science is an excellent choice alongside A Levels such as PE and Sport, Sociology, Chemistry or Psychology, particularly for students aiming for a career in the medical sector.
The qualification supports progression into degree courses and careers in areas such as physiotherapy, sports science, nursing, midwifery and medicinal chemistry, as well as a wide range of biomedical and health-related professions.
Entrance Requirements
Essential Grade 44 in Combined Science.
Desirable Grade 4 in Maths.
Medical Science (BTEC Level 3)
The Medical Science BTEC allows students to develop a strong appreciation of the human body and the many professions that study and care for it. Our understanding of the body and its treatment is constantly evolving, and this qualification offers a modern view of current medical knowledge and advances, preparing students for progression into higher education and medical or health-related careers.
Compulsory Content
Students study human anatomy, physiology and pathology, including human body systems, cell ultrastructure and how substances are transported.
They explore health issues and scientific reporting, focusing on the immune system, its dysfunction and genetic technologies, and consider the validity and reliability of information used in health science reporting.
They also complete practical microbiology and infectious diseases, learning about methods of pathogenicity and infectious agents, the growth of microorganisms and health and safety in a laboratory environment.
In addition, students take one further specialist unit from options such as Diseases, Disorders, Treatments and Therapies, Biomedical Science or Human Reproduction and Fertility.
Assessment
Assessment includes two external examinations (1.5 hours and 2 hours) and two internal assessments based on research and practical coursework.
Opportunities
Medical Science combines well with subjects such as PE and Sport, Sociology, Chemistry and Psychology. It is particularly suitable for students who wish to pursue careers in physiotherapy, sports science, nursing, midwifery, medicinal chemistry and other medical or health-related sectors.
Entrance Requirements
Essential: Grade 44 in Combined Science.
Desirable: Grade 4 in Maths.
Specific requirements