What is Medical science?
This qualification provides learners with a solid grounding in medical science principles, practical laboratory techniques, and scientific investigation. It is designed to be studied alongside A levels or other applied qualifications and supports progression to degrees in Nursing, Psychology, Physiotherapy, and other biomedical or healthcare pathways. It offers a modern, hands-on approach, combining theory with practical experience, and helps you build transferable skills valued by universities and employers while allowing flexible subject combinations.
Why study Medical science?
Studying medical science helps you understand the human body and disease while building key skills in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and health science. You’ll develop practical lab skills, research and data analysis abilities, as well as critical thinking, problem solving, independent learning, important digital and sustainability skills. This course supports progression to degrees such as Nursing, Biomedical Science, Midwifery, Paramedic Science, Psychology, and Physiotherapy, it also prepares you for apprenticeships or careers in healthcare, laboratory science, and research.
Is Medical science right for you?
An ideal Medical science student is curious about the human body, analytical, and committed to learning, with an interest in healthcare or research. They should have at least a Grade 5 in GCSE Science and benefit from prior knowledge and practical lab experience.
What will you study?
- Principles of human physiology, anatomy and pathology
The biological principles of human body systems, cell structure and pathology - Practical microbiology and infectious diseases
Internal assessment. Laboratory skills in microbiology, including the study of microorganisms, infection control and safe lab practice - Health issues and scientific reporting
The immune system, genetics, and how scientific research and data are used in health science reporting - Diseases, disorders, treatments and therapies
Internal assessment. The causes and effects of physiological diseases and disorders, and how medicines and treatments are developed to manage them
What happens outside lessons?
Students can take part in trips to hospitals, universities, and labs, with guest speakers from healthcare and research sharing real-world insights.
“Our teacher is amazing , she explains everything so clearly and always makes lessons interesting. I’ve really enjoyed learning about the human body and feel much more confident about pursuing a career in healthcare because of this course.”.”
Student
Where can Medical science take you?
A Medical science course can lead to careers in healthcare such as nursing, paramedicine, physiotherapy, or medicine, as well as roles in biomedical science and laboratory work. It can also progress to university degrees or apprenticeships in areas like healthcare, research, pharmacy, or sports science.
What subjects go well with Medical science?
This course combines well with Biology, Chemistry, Psychology, Sociology, and BTECs such as Health and social care, PE, and Applied science to support careers in healthcare, sport, or research.
What are the entry requirements?
- General requirements: Five GCSEs at grade 4 or above.
- Subject specific: Grade 44 in GCSE science. An average GCSE score of 4.5.
- Maths requirement: Grade 4 in GCSE maths.