Medical Science

Students should ensure that they meet the entry requirements for the courses they are applying for (available on subject pages) as well as the overall entry requirements (5 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, including Grade 4 Maths, plus Grade 5 English Language. A Grade 5 in English Literature can be accepted instead where a Grade 4 has been achieved in English Language.)

Students need to choose a minimum of three subjects to study, with a maximum of one subject per option block. Please note that all of our BTEC courses are single BTEC's and equivalent to one A Level, you will need to choose two further subjects if choosing a BTEC course.

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The course covers key areas such as human physiology, anatomy, and pathology, while also building secondary research skills, including data collection, interpretation, and drawing reasoned conclusions.

Students gain practical experience in microbiology and its role in diagnosing disease, alongside developing critical thinking, personal responsibility, and independent learning.

The course is assessed using a mixture of coursework and examination and there is a large focus on practical skills. It is a vocational course that links directly to scientific careers e.g. healthcare, lab work, environmental science etc. It’s also suitable for students who aim to progress to higher education and is equivalent in size to one A-level.

The course gives you a broad understanding of biological principles including cells, tissues, biological molecules, genetics, immunology, pathology and practical skills in microbiology as well as diseases, diagnostic techniques and treatments. You will learn how to carry out investigations using a variety of tests and techniques essential to laboratory practice. You will complete a range of written reports, projects, practical assessments and presentations.

External Assessment: 58% (January of Y12 and Y13)

Coursework: 42% (Y13)

Everyone taking this qualification will study four units, covering the following content areas:

Externally Assessed Unit 1: Human Physiology, Anatomy and Pathology – Human body systems, cell biology, biochemistry and homeostasis.

Externally Assessed Unit 2: Health Issues and Scientific Reporting – The immune system, its dysfunction and genetic technologies; the validity and reliability of information used in health science reporting.

Internally Assessed Unit 3: Practical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases – Methods of pathogenicity and infectious agents, growth of microorganisms and health and safety in a laboratory environment.

Internally Assessed Unit 4: Diseases, Disorders, Treatments and Therapies- Biological molecules in the body, physiological diseases and disorders and drug discovery and development

• Grade 5 or above in GCSE Biology or Grade 5-5 or above in GCSE Combined Science
• Grade 5 or above in GCSE English Language or Literature
• Grade 5 or above in GCSE Maths

You need to be predicted and achieve all the grades listed above in order to undertake this subject.

Paired with another subject such as Psychology, PE, Health & Social Care or Sociology, students completing the BTEC Medical Science course can go on to study many courses. Due to course similarity, it would be unsuitable to study biology alongside.

This qualification is an excellent preparation for many careers such as Nursing, Sports Science, Midwifery, Occupational Health and Health & Social Care. In addition, the course can lead to progression into a range of allied health professions such as diagnostic and therapeutic radiography, paramedicine, dietetics and many other routes.