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Free Level 3 Human Biology Course in Bristol – St Brendan’s Sixth Form College

CostFREE
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start2 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyOCR awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Free Level 3 Human Biology Course in Bristol. Classes run at St Brendan's Sixth Form College, full-time during the day over two years. This free human biology course is funded for 16 to 18 year olds through the Education and Training funding. You'll study fundamentals of human biology, health and disease, genetics, and biomedical techniques. Two optional units are also chosen from areas such as nutrition, the brain, drug development, and human reproduction. The course takes a practical approach to human biology, building knowledge suited to employment or higher education.

Who this course is for

Biology is one of the most popular subjects in the country, attracting students studying a wide range of other subjects or considering a future in a health-related field.

The OCR Human Biology AAQ was first introduced at St Brendan’s Sixth Form College for students joining in 2025, and is designed to provide learners with a more practical, real-world approach to learning human biology.

Over the two years of this course, you will gain access to specialist knowledge on topics such Health and disease, genetics, biomedical techniques and more to build skills to prepare you for employment or higher education.

Entry requirements

You will need five GCSE passes at grade 4 or equivalent including GCSE English Language, Maths and 2 Sciences. (Including Biology if studied separately)

What you will learn

  • You'll study the fundamentals of human biology, covering core biological systems and processes.
  • You'll explore health and disease, including how the body responds to illness and infection.
  • You'll examine genetics, looking at inheritance, variation, and genetic conditions.
  • You'll develop skills in biomedical techniques used in scientific and healthcare settings.
  • You'll investigate at least two optional topics from nutrition and metabolism, human reproduction, the brain, or drug development.
  • You'll build practical and analytical skills through coursework-based units.

How you will learn

You'll be assessed through a mix of exams and coursework. Coursework units make up 56% of the total marks, covering four of the six units studied. The remaining marks come from two exam units: Fundamentals of Human Biology and Health and Disease. Classes are classroom-based and delivered full-time during the day.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. St Brendan's Sixth Form College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Healthcare assistant: support patients in hospitals or community settings.
  • Medical laboratory assistant: carry out tests and support scientific staff.
  • Pharmacy assistant: help dispense medicines and advise customers.
  • Biomedical science technician: assist with laboratory analysis and research.
  • Health screening technician: conduct routine health checks and record results.
  • Care assistant: support people with daily living in care settings.

What you could study next

  • BSc Human Biology or Biomedical Science: a university degree that builds directly on this qualification, suited to careers in healthcare, research, or diagnostics.
  • BSc Nursing or Midwifery: a degree-level route into registered nursing or midwifery practice.
  • A Level Biology or Chemistry: if you want to combine this with traditional A Level study for university entry.
  • Higher Apprenticeship in Healthcare Science: a work-based route into NHS laboratory or clinical roles.
Apply on stbrn.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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