Course Overview
This is a practical course designed for anyone who is interested in medical science.
You will learn about a variety of science and medical techniques, including physiology, microbiology, genetics and other areas of science related to medicine.
The course provides good preparation for anyone wanting to progress to careers in professions such as radiography, pharmacy, healthcare science and the pharmaceutical industries.
The College has a brand new state-of-the-art laboratory and highly qualified and experienced staff. The department organises a variety of trips, for example, visits to university departments (e.g. Sports Science, Biomedical Science) and international visits to Geneva.
This course will develop your laboratory, numeracy, communication and team working skills.
This course usually takes place over 3 days per week for two years. You complete the National Foundation Diploma in the first year and the National Extended Diploma in the second year. The two-year course is equivalent to 3 A-Levels and is worth up to 168 UCAS points (Triple Distinction*) or 144 UCAS points (Triple Distinction). UCAS have recently changed the UCAS Tariff from September 2017 so they could include more qualifications. The new Tariff points are lower than the original Tariff points but the value remains the same, as universities will just use lower Tariff numbers in their entry requirements than in previous years.
All of our learners will be given support with their English and Maths skills where relevant to their main course. Those students who have not yet achieved a Grade 4 (or C) at GCSE in these subjects will continue to work towards these important qualifications at a level suited to them. However, students will still have to achieve the stated Entry Requirements before they start the course.
The course gives you the opportunity to study a number of specialist units including:
- Principles and Applications of Science
- Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques
- Science Investigation Skills
- Laboratory Techniques and their Application
- Investigative Project
- Physiology of Human Body Systems
- Diseases and infections
- Practical Chemical Analysis
Teaching will include a mix of theory and practical sessions.
The majority of assessment is achieved through assignments (including essays, practical reports, posters and oral presentations) and there are two exams and two externally assessed units. Class tests may also occasionally be used. Learners should expect 3-5 assignments per unit.
Entry Requirements
5 GCSEs Grade 4 or above (old grade C) with English, Maths and Science.
More mature learners may present a more varied profile of achievement that is likely to include experience of paid and/ or unpaid employment.
NB: Enrolment on this course is dependent on meeting the Entry Requirements stated above.
After Your Course
On completion, you can go on to study a range of medically-related degree courses, such as, Applied Biology, Biomedical Science, Pharmacology, Radiography, Nursing and Midwifery.
If you would prefer to go straight into employment following this course you could work for example in a hospital laboratory, a research laboratory, a laboratory in a school or college or a quality control laboratory.
Fees
£2882.00
The fee displayed is the course fee. Course fees are per year for full-time courses and per course for part-time courses.
There may be other costs associated with this course e.g. kit, equipment, books, trips etc. Financial support may be available to support you with these. See the Student Money pages for more information.
Courses Fees
The current full-time & degree-level fee information is related to the 2022/23 academic year.
Level 3-6 Courses
Advanced Learning Loans are available for students aged 19 or over and studying an eligible Level 3/4/5 and 6 Course. If you are on an Access course, the loan will be written off if you complete a degree.
You may qualify for financial support to cover the cost of a Level 3 qualification if you do not already have a Level 3 qualification (this will depend on the course & your age on 31/08/22).
Please speak to Student Services for more information on course fees.
A-Levels
The fees displayed are for the 1-year AS-Level course. If you would like to progress onto the full A-Level, please contact us for the cost of the second year as it will be different.
16-18 year olds
There are no course fees if you were aged 16-18 on 31/08/22, and are not studying at another institution.
