Medical Science BTEC National Extended Certificate (Level 3) AAQ

Applications Open: - 1st October 2025

Interviews: From January 2026

Entry Requirements: 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English or maths. Please check specific courses for their entry requirements.

How to Apply: Please apply via KentChoices

For any other information & enquiries please contact Miss Moore on rmoore@wrotham.kent.sch.uk and/or Mr Elphick on relphick@wrotham.kent.sch.uk

This is a two year course which will result in a single level 3 vocational qualification (equivalent to one A level). This can be taken in a combination with other level 3 courses (including A level and vocational).

If taken, students will need to choose two other level 3 qualifications and will be requested to do our mandatory enrichment programme. This programme covers a range of different employment skills, other qualifications and experiences that students can use for their post 18 destinations.

The BTEC Medical Science course is structured to address the current needs in healthcare, ensuring students are well-prepared for both further study and employment. It emphasizes essential skills, such as critical thinking, research, problem-solving, and time management, which are crucial for careers in medical and scientific fields. Students gain hands-on experience with tasks and assignments that mirror real-world applications, enhancing their readiness for the demands of the healthcare industry.

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.

CONTENT:

In this course you will complete four units that cover a range of scientific skills and knowledge.

Unit 1: Principles of Human Physiology, Anatomy and Pathology - Exploring the biological principles that underpin medical science.

Unit 2 Health Issues and Scientific Reporting - Developing students’ understanding of medical science through learning about contemporary health issues, alongside developing knowledge about scientific analysis, evaluation and reporting

Unit 3 Practical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases - Investigating the effect of antimicrobial agents on the growth of microorganisms, by selecting and applying knowledge of microorganisms and infectious diseases. They will draw on their wider scientific understanding and skills to plan and carry out a range of practical techniques.

Optional units – one from the following

Unit 4 Diseases, Disorders, Treatments and Therapies – Exploring biological molecules and pathways, and their relevance to diseases, disorders, treatments and therapies.

Unit 5 Biomedical Science - Understanding the role biomedical scientists play in identifying the causes of disease and in helping medical personnel to offer suitable treatments.

Unit 6 Human Reproduction and Fertility - Understanding human reproduction and its control by hormones, and examining causes of infertility and possible treatments.

52% external assessment (examinations)

48% internal assessment (coursework)

Grade 4 in Science and English at GCSE

The core and specialist medical science knowledge, understanding and skills that students develop create a good foundation for transition to medical and scientific careers and apprenticeships or related degrees. Skills such as critical thinking and independent learning help students to be better prepared for the self-directed learning approach used in higher education and become more open minded to learning. Research skills, in combination with the other transferable skills, create a strong foundation for academic success.

The following subjects are particularly well suited to studying alongside this qualification:

• Psychology • Sociology • Chemistry • Physical Education and Sport.

This qualification can lead to progression to any number of degrees (either at university or through apprenticeships), and it is especially suitable for:

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