Medical Science AAQ BTEC National Extended Certificate Level 3

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AAQ BTEC National in Medical Science (Extended Certificate) Course Outline

Advanced Level 3
Awarding Body: Pearson (AAQ)

This course is equivalent to 1 A Level

Study Medical Science

A Blend of Theory and Practice

The BTEC National in Medical Science is a Alternative Academic Qualification (AAQ) that is equivalent to one A-level. This course enables you to study the principles and applications of medical science with a different, more applied approach than a traditional A-level. You'll gain knowledge of human physiology, anatomy, and pathology, and you'll explore the factors that affect human health, including disease and diagnostic techniques.

You will learn practical and investigational skills that are directly applicable to higher education and science-based careers. The course is designed to be studied alongside two other Level 3 qualifications, such as A-levels in Chemistry, Psychology, or Physical Education.

Entry Requirements

The General entry requirements for Advanced Vocational Programme courses are five GCSEs at grade 4 and above (4-9), including English Language.

55 in Double Science or (or Equivalent), 5 in English and 4 in Maths.

Content

The Four Units

This qualification consists of four units: three are mandatory and one is an optional specialist unit. You will learn about:

Human Anatomy, Physiology 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, and the validity and reliability of scientific information.

Practical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases: Methods of pathogenicity and infectious agents, and health and safety in a laboratory environment.

For the optional unit, the school will select from a choice of specialist topics, which could include:

Diseases, Disorders, Treatments and Therapies

Biomedical Science

Human Reproduction and Fertility

Assessment

Your Path to Success

This course is assessed through a combination of external examinations and internally assessed assignments. The assessments are a mix of practical work, written reports, and formal exams.

External Assessment (58% of the qualification):

This is typically assessed through two formal examinations, one in your first year of study and one in your second year.

These exams include a range of short- and long-answer questions.

Internal Assessment (42% of the qualification):

This is assessed through assignments, including practical tasks carried out under controlled conditions.

These assignments allow you to develop research skills and analyse scientific sources.

You can find the full course specification at this link: https://qualifications.pearson.com/content/dam/pdf/btec-aaqs/medical-science/2025/specification-and-sample-assessments/btec-l3-medical-science-aaq-spec.pdf

Progression

University Degrees and Careers

Completing the BTEC National in Medical Science is a direct pathway to both higher education and employment.

Academic Progression (University Courses):

This qualification is intended for students who wish to progress into higher education as a route to graduate-level employment. It is an excellent preparation for degrees such as:

BSc (Hons) Nursing (Adult Health, Child Health, Mental Health)

BSc (Hons) Psychology

BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy

Career Pathways:

The skills developed on this course, such as analytical thinking, independent working, and critical thinking, are highly valued in a wide range of medical and science-related jobs, including:

  • Nursing and Midwifery
  • Laboratory Technicians
  • Physiotherapy
  • Veterinary Assistants

Extra Curricular

This course is delivered through a mix of theory and hands-on practical sessions in well-equipped laboratories. You'll develop essential laboratory skills, including microbiological techniques like culturing bacteria, which gives you valuable experience.

Department Staff

Our team of experienced teachers, such as Mrs. Khan, will help you build a secure knowledge of scientific concepts and procedures, guiding you to interpret and analyse both qualitative and quantitative data. They teach the subject through a mix of theory and applied learning, helping you connect classroom principles to real-world medical practice.

For more information on the course, please contact:

Mr Cernuschi, Head of STEM: cce@stcharles.ac.uk 

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