Free Level 3 Medical Science Course in Bristol. Classes run full-time at The Castle School, covering two years of daytime study. This medical science qualification explores health, physiology and disease, showing how biology and chemistry principles apply in healthcare and laboratory settings. To join, you'll need 7 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including grade 5 in two Science GCSEs (or 55 in Combined Science) and grade 5 in English and Maths. The course typically takes 24 months.
Who this course is for
Medical Science is the science of dealing with the maintenance of health and the prevention and treatment of disease. This qualification is designed for students who are interested in careers related to healthcare, medical research or laboratory work. The qualification covers key topic areas in health, physiology and disease, and will help students understand how scientific principles - especially from Biology and Chemistry - are applied in real scenarios. The Level 3 Extended Certificate in Medical Science is equivalent to a full A-level, and is completed over 2 years.
Entry requirements
7 GCSEs at grade 4 or above including grade 5 in two Sciences GCSEs or 55 in Combined Science and grade 5 in English and Maths. Students are advised to study a level 3 Maths qualification alongside this course.
What you will learn
You'll study the science of health maintenance and disease prevention and treatment.
You'll explore human physiology and how body systems function.
You'll apply biological and chemical principles to real healthcare scenarios.
You'll examine how diseases develop and how medical science responds to them.
You'll develop understanding of laboratory techniques and medical research methods.
You'll build the scientific knowledge needed for further study in healthcare or life sciences.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom-based lessons at The Castle School, combining theory with applied scientific study. Assessment is through a mix of coursework and examinations set by WJEC. The Extended Certificate format means a significant portion of your grade comes from assessed units completed throughout the two years, alongside final exams.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. The Castle School will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Healthcare science assistant: support laboratory or clinical teams in NHS settings.
Medical laboratory technician: process and analyse samples in a lab.
Pharmacy assistant: support pharmacists in dispensing and patient advice.
Healthcare support worker: assist clinical staff in hospitals or GP surgeries.
Research assistant: support medical or life sciences research projects.
Biomedical science technician: work in diagnostic or research laboratories.
What you could study next
A Level Biology or Chemistry: deepen subject knowledge for university entry.
BTEC Level 3 Applied Science Diploma: a broader applied science route into higher education.
BSc Biomedical Science: university degree leading to roles in NHS laboratory services or research.
BSc Nursing or Midwifery: degree-level entry into registered healthcare professions.
Foundation Year in Medicine or Dentistry: a stepping stone toward medical school for those building their qualifications.
