Medical Science - BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate

Applications Open: 3 November 2025 at 9.00am

Applications Close: 31 January 2026 at 5.00pm

Entry Requirements: At least five GCSE's at grade 4 or above. In addition, you will need to achieve specific subject entry requirements for all subjects.

How to Apply - September 2026 entry

Applications will open on Applicaa on 3 November 2025. Please refer to our Course Guide which lists subjects available along with entry criteria - this can be found on our website under Sixth Form Admissions along with our Admissions Policy. Please note our Course Guide for 2025 entry is currently displayed, Course Guide for 2026 will be available shortly.

If you need advice on Sixth Form courses or completing an application, please email sixthformadmissions@sgschool.org.uk or phone 01892 527444.

When applying students MUST enter three subject choices PLUS a reserve - in preference order - one being first choice and four being the reserve.
Please do not enter a fifth choice. Please note some subjects cannot be studied together - these are indicated on the relevant subject page and also in the Course Guide.

Internal Applicants to Sixth Form (current St Gregory’s students)

Our current students will join a Sixth Form Taster Day in September 2025, this is an opportunity to experience Sixth Form subjects and lessons.

All students will receive ongoing support and guidance with the online application process through discussions with dedicated members of staff, subject leaders and members of the Sixth Form team. Students will also receive a session with an external Careers Advisor.

External Applicants to Sixth Form

External applicants will be required to submit their applications via Applicaa using the link provided on the school website on 3 November 2026.

External applicants will also need to complete a Sixth Form Supplementary Information Form (SIF) if they are Catholic or 'Looked After' children. This can be found on the school website under Learn/Sixth Form/Sixth Form Admissions - Supplementary Information Form 2025-26. This must be returned to sixthformadmissions@sgschool.org.uk by the closing date.

Prospective students may be invited into school for a meeting with the Sixth Form team.

The Pearson Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification BTEC National in Medical Science (Extended Certificate) enables students to study the principles and applications of medical science through mandatory units, and further explore other areas in more detail via an optional unit. Students will also learn practical and investigation skills that build on this fundamental knowledge.

Independent study commitment:

Five hours per week minimum.

The mandatory units cover the following areas:

• Human anatomy, physiology and pathology

• Health issues and scientific reporting

• Practical microbiology and infectious diseases

The optional units provide opportunity for students to choose one of the following specific specialist area in which they wish to develop their knowledge and skills:

• Diseases, disorders, treatments and therapies

• Biomedical science

• Human reproduction and fertility.

Assessment This course comprises of four units of which three units are mandatory and two are external. Mandatory content (83%) External Assessment (58%)

GCSE: 4 in Science

Why study Medical Science?

The Extended Certificate is for students who are interested in learning about the medical science sector alongside other fields of study, with a view to progressing to a wide range of higher education courses, not necessarily in medical science-related subjects. It is designed to be taken as part of a programme of study that includes A Levels. Where can it lead? Medical Science allows students to access degrees in the medical field such as midwifery or radiology. It is also useful for forensics and pharmacology.

Where can it lead?

Medical Science allows students to access degrees in the medical field such as midwifery or radiology. It is also useful for forensics and pharmacology.

What does it combine well with:

This qualification can link to A Level subjects such as Physical Education and Sport, Criminology, Chemistry and Psychology. It is intended for students that wish to progress into higher education as a pathway to employment.