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Level 3 AAQ National Extended Certificate in Human Biology

Level 1 Diploma

Course Location

College

Marple College

Location

Marple College

Further Details

Age

College 16-18

Department

A Levels

Course Start Date

Monday 1st September 2025

Course Duration

Full-time, 1 Year

Course Time

Course Fee

£ 1080.00
You may be eligible for support with your tuition fees - please visit the college website - funding and finance page for further information

Course Code

MFQ-ML3S-1101

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Course Overview

Through a combination of theoretical study and hands-on experience, you will develop the necessary knowledge and skills that can support progression to higher education human biology study. In the examined units, you will study key knowledge and understanding relevant to human biology. In the non-examined assessment (NEA) units, you will demonstrate knowledge and skills you learn by completing an applied or practical assignment.

You might be interested in this qualification if you want a small qualification that builds applied or practical skills, to take alongside and enhance your A Levels or other Level 3 qualifications.

The qualification will also help you develop independence and confidence in using skills that are relevant to the medical science sector and that prepare you for progressing to university courses where independent study skills are needed.
It will develop knowledge, understanding and skills that will help prepare you for progression to undergraduate study when taken alongside other qualifications and are relevant to the medical science sector.

If you are a full-time student, it will be part of your studies along with your A Levels and/or other Level 3 qualifications.

Course Requirements

Standard A Level entry requirements: 5 x GCSE grade 5’s or above, must include Maths, English Language and Biology.

What you will Learn

You will have the opportunity to apply what you learn to real-life contexts, such as:
– Researching human biology fundamentals.
– Creating and delivering presentations to help patients and health care professionals.
– Planning and performing laboratory investigations involving biomedical techniques.

You will develop the following transferable skills that can be used in both higher education and other life and work situations:
– Researching topic areas and recording research sources, then using them to interpret findings and present evidence.
– Problem solving when matching and analysing data.
– Communicating effectively with individuals or groups.

Assessment

For this qualification, students must complete six units:
– Two mandatory externally assessed units
– Fundamentals of human biology
– Health and disease

– Two mandatory NEA units
– Genetics
– Biomedical techniques

– Two optional NEA units

Progression

For students aiming to go on to employment, often via the stepping stone of higher education degree courses or a degree apprenticeship.
Students develop the transferable and higher order skills which are valued by higher education providers and employers. The qualification will also help you develop independence and confidence in using skills that are relevant to the medical science and that prepare you for progressing to university courses where independent study skills are needed. You will develop the following transferable skills that can be used in both higher education and other life and work situations
– Communicating effectively with individuals or groups.
– Researching topic areas and recording research sources, then using them to interpret findings and present evidence.
– Presenting information, this will involve managing time and identifying aims, purpose, resources, methods.
– Problem solving when matching and analysing data.

The qualification can be taken as part of an A level programme. It can also give context to subjects which would benefit from some scientific background. This will depend on the combination of qualifications chosen. For example, taken alongside:
– A Level Biology
– A Level Chemistry
– A Level Psychology
– A Level Sociology

Students should always check the entry requirements for degree programmes with specific higher education providers

Career Options

Both the subject-specific knowledge, understanding and skills, and broader transferable skills developed in this qualification will help you progress to further study in related areas such as:
– Biological Sciences degree
– Human Biology degree
– Life Sciences degree
– Biomedical Science degree

Mandatory Units

Examined:
Fundamentals of human biology
Health and disease

NEA units:
Genetics
Biomedical techniques

Contact Details

For further information please contact T: 0161 886 7070 or E: info@trafford.ac.uk

Extra Costs Involved

Exam Validation Body

Hours Per Week

How Long To Complete

Programme Structure

Contact Details

Disclaimer

Although every care has been taken to ensure that the information contained within this document is accurate, there may be changes to this programme and provision. We will endeavour to keep prospective and current students updated where appropriate and when the information becomes available.

READY TO begin your journey?