Why Study Medical Science?
Medical Science is an Alternative Academic Qualification (AAQ) designed for post-16 students with an interest in medical sciences and aiming to progress into higher education and then graduate level employment. The curriculum has been developed with input from the medical industry and higher education institutions. This qualification reflects the demands of medical science and provides the foundation of knowledge and skills required for progression into further study at degree level or employment in the industry. Students will study core principles such as human anatomy, physiology, and microbiology and apply this to medical science through study of health issues, pathology, and treatments and therapies. Students will also learn practical and investigative skills that build on this fundamental knowledge.
Medical Science is designed to be taken alongside A Levels such as Physical Education, Sociology, Chemistry and Psychology or Applied courses such as Sport or Food Science and Nutrition. The course is modular which means assessment will be a mixture of externally marked exams and internally marked coursework, some of which will be completed and assessed in the first year of study. Because of the holistic nature of the course content teaching and assessments will be synoptically linked, for example when learning about how a disease causes certain symptoms (taught in one module) you will need to understand the function of the immune system (taught in another module).
Core mandatory modules include:
- Principles of Human Physiology, Anatomy and Pathology
- Health Issues and Scientific Reporting
- Practical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
Why Study Medical Science at Worcester Sixth Form College?
This exciting new qualification is being offered in response to an increasing interest in progression into medical sciences in place of traditional academic routes into medicine. At WSFC we want to be the first to act on local and national employment sector demands and provide you with the skills and qualifications you need for a successful career and future post-college.
Your lessons will be delivered in modern and well-equipped teaching laboratories in the new Science building and the functional hospital room (complete with model patients to practice on!). The curriculum will be delivered by a highly qualified team via a number of lessons each week ranging from practical investigations to theory-based sessions. Learning will be hands-on and you can expect to take part in dissections, laboratory experiments, data collection and many more activities using models, specimens and equipment such as microscopes. You will be supported with your independent learning with regular revision exercises and coursework drafting. You will have access to a comprehensive virtual learning environment (Microsoft Teams) which is accessible anywhere at any time. This is updated with all learning resources used in lessons along with additional supportive materials and links, such as interesting careers information or revision aids.
We have identified potential informative and exciting trip and visit opportunities which will support your learning and help embed your knowledge in real world situations such as a specialist medical museum. You will also be supported in identifying and completing relevant work experience in the sector. Finally, to help you build a wealth of skills we have a number of relevant enrichment opportunities such as medics academy and clinical skills as well as academic enrichments such as biology journal club.
Progression Opportunities
This exciting new qualification is being offered in response to an increasing interest in progression into medical sciences in place of traditional academic routes into medicine. At WSFC we want to be the first to act on local and national employment sector demands and provide you with the skills and qualifications you need for a successful career and future post-college.
Your lessons will be delivered in modern and well-equipped teaching laboratories in the new Science building and the functional hospital room (complete with model patients to practice on!). The curriculum will be delivered by a highly qualified team via a number of lessons each week ranging from practical investigations to theory-based sessions. Learning will be hands-on and you can expect to take part in dissections, laboratory experiments, data collection and many more activities using models, specimens and equipment such as microscopes. You will be supported with your independent learning with regular revision exercises and coursework drafting. You will have access to a comprehensive virtual learning environment (Microsoft Teams) which is accessible anywhere at any time. This is updated with all learning resources used in lessons along with additional supportive materials and links, such as interesting careers information or revision aids.
We have identified potential informative and exciting trip and visit opportunities which will support your learning and help embed your knowledge in real world situations such as a specialist medical museum. You will also be supported in identifying and completing relevant work experience in the sector. Finally, to help you build a wealth of skills we have a number of relevant enrichment opportunities such as medics academy and clinical skills as well as academic enrichments such as biology journal club.
Course Specifics / Entry Requirements
| Qualification Name | Maths GCSE Req. | English GCSE Req. | Other Req. | Desirable Qualifications | Skills & Attributes Required for Success | Guidance on Costs or Commitments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medical Science | 5 | 4 | Grade 5 or above in Combined Science or grade 5 or above in GCSE Biology. | Critical thinking, independence for research, keen interest in practical science and resilience to cope with coursework and deadlines. | Commitment to taking part in practicals including dissections. |
What are Alternative Academic Qualifications?
These qualifications will run from 2025 and will provide students with accredited, meaningful and practical learning widely recognised by higher education and industry. AAQs are accessible and future focused, meaning they provide students the opportunity to learn in relatable practical ways designed to help develop critical knowledge and transferable skills for a range of progression opportunities. The BTEC transferable skills framework will help you: manage yourself (developing responsibility and resilience); solve problems (developing creativity and critical thinking); demonstrate interpersonal skills (developing teamwork and social intelligence); become an effective learner (developing research skills).
Related Courses / Activities
Maths Academy
Professional Programmes
Science and Engineering Academy
Chemistry A Level
Further Mathematics A Level
Geography A Level
Mathematics A Level
