This pathway has been developed in response to national changes to Level 3 qualifications, including the defunding of the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Applied Science. We want to ensure that students who prefer a vocational and applied approach to science continue to have access to a programme that supports progression into medical, healthcare, biomedical and life science-related degrees and careers.
You will study the BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Applied Science alongside A Level Biology (OCR). Within the Diploma, you will study specialist optional units in Biochemistry and Biochemical Techniques and Medical Physics Applications, providing a programme with a strong focus on the science underpinning human health, medicine and disease.
Combined with the academic depth of A Level Biology, this pathway develops your biological knowledge, laboratory skills, scientific understanding and analytical skills.
BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Applied Science
You will study a broad range of Biology, Chemistry and Physics through a combination of scientific theory, practical laboratory work, examinations and assignments. Alongside the core units, you will study specialist units in Biochemistry and Biochemical Techniques and Medical Physics Applications, helping you understand how scientific principles and laboratory techniques are applied within medical, healthcare and biomedical settings.
A Level Biology – OCR
Alongside the Diploma, you will develop an in-depth understanding of Biology, including cells, biological molecules, exchange and transport, biodiversity, disease, genetics, communication, homeostasis and ecosystems. Practical work is embedded throughout the course, developing your laboratory, investigative, analytical and data-handling skills.
You will need 5 GCSEs at grade 5 or above, including English Language, Maths and Science.
As this pathway includes A Level Biology, you should have a strong interest in Biology and be prepared for a combination of academic study, practical laboratory work and vocational assessment across the two qualifications.
You will be assessed through a combination of external examinations, internally assessed assignments and practical laboratory work.
The BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Applied Science includes both externally and internally assessed units. You will complete written examinations, practical scientific investigations and coursework-based assignments, allowing you to demonstrate your skills in a range of different ways.
A Level Biology (OCR) is assessed through written examinations at the end of the course, alongside a Practical Endorsement, which assesses your practical laboratory skills throughout your studies.
On successful completion of this pathway, you will achieve qualifications equivalent in size to three A Levels – the BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Applied Science is equivalent in size to two A Levels, alongside your A Level Biology.
This pathway can provide a wide range of progression opportunities within medical, healthcare, biomedical and life sciences, including:
The combination of vocational Applied Science and A Level Biology provides a broad foundation, giving you flexibility to progress through university, Higher Education, an apprenticeship or directly into employment.
This is a set programme of study. By enrolling onto the Pathway to Medical & Healthcare Sciences, you are signing up to study both the BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Applied Science and A Level Biology (OCR).
The two qualifications are designed to complement each other and are studied together as a complete two-year programme. Students will be expected to fully engage with all elements of both qualifications.
Curriculum Director: Amy Lewis
Email: alewis@halesowen.ac.uk
Level: 2
Study mode: Full time
Level: 3
Study mode: Full time
Level: 3
Study mode: Full time
Level: 3
Study mode: Full time
Level: 3
Study mode: Full time
Level: 3
Study mode: Full time
Level: 3
Study mode: Full time
Level: 3
Study mode: Full time
Level: 3
Study mode: Full time
Level: 3
Study mode: Full time
Whittingham Road
Halesowen
B63 3NA
Tel: 0121 602 7777
New Road
Halesowen
B63 3HY
Tel: 0121 602 8500
Dudley Road
Halesowen
B63 3NT
Tel: 0121 602 7654
Coombs Wood Business Park
Coombs Road
B62 8BB
Tel: 0121 602 7770
