Medical Science (AAQ) - Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification

Applications Open: 21st November 2025 (9.00am)

Applications Close: 13th February 2026 (4.00pm)

How to apply:

- All INTERNAL applicants MUST apply via Applicaa using this link (coming soon!)

- All EXTERNAL applicants MUST apply via Kent Choices using this link https://www.kentprospectus.co.uk/login

- All correspondence between learners and the school after an application is made will be via Applicaa.

- All applicants (internal and external) will be invited in for a 1-1 guidance meeting.

- Those who have a successful guidance meeting will be offered a place to study at St John's Sixth Form from September 2026.

The qualification has three mandatory units covering the following topics:

• Human Physiology, Anatomy and Pathology − Human body systems, cell ultrastructure, and how substances are transported

• Health Issues and Scientific Reporting − The immune system, its dysfunction and genetic technologies. The validity and reliability of information used in health science reporting

• Practical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases − Methods of pathogenicity and infectious agents, growth of microorganisms and health and safety in a laboratory environment.

The optional units provide opportunity for students to study one of the following specific specialist area in order to develop their knowledge and skills:

• Diseases, disorders, treatments and therapies- Principles of physiological diseases and disorders and their associated drug and medicine development

• Biomedical science- Biomedical science techniques and their clinical application

• Human reproduction and fertility- Reproductive science including causes of infertility and associated impacts on health and well-being.

Modules Studied

Students will study three mandatory units:

• Unit 1: Principles and Applications of Biology (External)

• Unit 2: Health Issues and Scientific Reporting (External)

• Unit 3: Practical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (Internal)

Plus one optional unit chosen by staff

Students will be assessed through examinations, assignments and tasks set by the exam board. The exams will be sat in either January or May and content is of the A-Level standard.

A minimum of 5 subjects at GCSE Grade 4/BTEC Level 2 Pass or higher:

Including

• Grade 5-4 in GCSE Combined Science or 5-4-4 in GCSE triple Science (Biology/Chemistry/Physics)

• Grade 4 in GCSE English Language or Literature.

What further learning will this qualification lead to?

This qualification can lead to progression to the following degrees:

• BSc (Hons) Nursing (Adult Health/Child Health/Mental Health)

• BSc (Hons) Psychology

• BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy