Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification (Applied Qualification) in Medical Science (Extended Certificate)

Medical scientists are at the forefront of healthcare services, and are vital in the diagnosis of disease, determining the effectiveness of treatments and searching for new cures.

Our Alternative Academic Qualification (Applied Qualification) in Medical Science (Extended Certificate) equips learners with knowledge, understanding and practical skills to support progress to higher education. Learners will study key topic areas of health, physiology, and disease, as well as pharmacology, physiological measurement, clinical testing, and medical research.

The Alternative Academic Qualification (Applied Qualification)  in Medical Science (Extended Certificate) is equivalent in size to an A Level (360glh) and has been approved by the DfE for teaching from September 2025.

A new Level 3 Applied Qualification in Medical Science (Certificate), equivalent in size to half an A Level (180glh), is also available for teaching from September 2025.  This qualification has not been approved as an Alternative Academic Qualification and therefore, under the current Level 3 post-16 reform policy, this qualification will not be funded or contribute to school performance tables.  The qualification will however remain available to schools or institutions not controlled by either an LA or the Secretary of State, e.g. independent schools.