Overview
Healthcare Science (T Level )The T Level in Health Care Science is a Level 3 technical qualification designed to equip post-16 students with the knowledge, understanding, and practical skills required for a successful career in the healthcare science sector. As part of the new T Level study programme, it provides a clear route into skilled employment, higher apprenticeships, or higher education. The qualification is structured into two main components: a core component, covering the underpinning knowledge, theories, and principles of healthcare science alongside essential sector skills, and an occupational specialism, which allows students to develop in-depth expertise in areas such as Optical Care Services or Assisting with Healthcare Science. Assessment is through written examinations, an employer-set project, and synoptic assignments, ensuring students demonstrate both theoretical understanding and applied competence. The T Level attracts UCAS tariff points, making it a strong progression pathway into higher education, and is also eligible for performance points. With no mandatory prior knowledge required, it is accessible to a wide range of learners, though Level 2 study may be beneficial. On completion, students will be well-prepared for employment opportunities such as healthcare science assistants, as well as for further study and training in this vital and growing sector.
Studying a T Level in Healthcare Science is an excellent choice for students who want to combine classroom learning with real industry experience and build a strong foundation for a career in the healthcare sector. This qualification not only develops core knowledge of healthcare science principles but also equips learners with practical, hands-on skills through occupational specialisms such as Optical Care Services or Assisting with Healthcare Science. One of the key advantages of the T Level is its balance between academic study and workplace experience, preparing students for both employment and further education. It also carries UCAS points, meaning it can support progression to university, as well as higher apprenticeships or direct entry into healthcare roles. With growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals, the T Level offers a clear route into a rewarding sector where students can make a real difference to people’s lives, while also keeping doors open to a wide range of future career opportunities.
Applications coming soon
Course information
Need to know
Entry requirements
TBC
Qualification gained
T Level Technical Qualification in Healthcare Science (Level 3).
Assessment methods
The T Level in Healthcare Science is assessed through a combination of methods to test both knowledge and practical skills:
- Core Component
1. Written examinations (Paper A and Paper B): These assess understanding of key concepts, theories, and principles of healthcare science.
2. Employer-set project: A practical task set in collaboration with employers, designed to test core skills in real-world scenarios. - Occupational Specialism Component
Synoptic assignments: These assess applied knowledge and skills in the chosen specialism (Assisting with Healthcare Science), requiring students to demonstrate competence in tasks they would carry out in the workplace.
To successfully achieve the qualification, students must pass both the core component and the occupational specialism component.
Industry Placement
As part of the T Level in Healthcare Science, every student is required to complete an industry placement of at least 315 hours (around 45 days) in a real healthcare setting. This placement is a key part of the qualification and is designed to give learners first-hand experience of the workplace, allowing them to apply the knowledge and skills developed in the classroom to real-life healthcare environments.
During the placement, students will work alongside professionals, develop practical skills, and gain insight into the day-to-day responsibilities of roles such as healthcare science assistants. The placement also helps students build confidence, teamwork, and communication skills, while providing valuable experience that employers and universities look for. This combination of classroom learning and industry experience ensures students are well-prepared for employment, higher apprenticeships, or further study after completing the T Level.
Course content
You will study:
On the T Level in Healthcare Science, you will study a mix of core knowledge, key skills, and specialist content to prepare you for employment or further study in the healthcare sector. The course is structured into two main parts:
- 1. Core Component
This develops your broad understanding of the healthcare science sector and covers: - The science behind healthcare, including biology, chemistry, and physics relevant to medical settings.
- Concepts, theories, and principles of healthcare science.
- Infection prevention and control.
- Good scientific and clinical practice.
- Professional standards, values, and ethics in healthcare.
- Health, safety, and environmental regulations.
- Working with patients and maintaining confidentiality.
- Teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills.
2. Occupational Specialism
• Assisting with Healthcare Science – supporting diagnostic, monitoring, and treatment procedures such as physiological measurements, sample collection, and analysis.
3. Industry Placement
You will also complete a minimum of 315 hours (around 45 days) of work placement in a healthcare setting, applying what you learn in class to real-world practice.
By the end of the course, you’ll have both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed for a career in healthcare science or progression to higher education and apprenticeships.
Next steps
Course progression:
Students can progress to:
- Employment: Entry-level roles in the healthcare science sector, such as a Healthcare Science Assistant (e.g., supporting with physiological measurements, sample collection, and laboratory analysis).
- Higher Education: University study in healthcare-related subjects, such as biomedical science, nursing, radiography, or other health and life sciences.
- Higher or Degree Apprenticeships: Specialist training routes within healthcare science, allowing students to earn while they continue developing advanced skills.
- Or Level 4/5- Higher national certificate/ Diploma in applied science- Biology at college itself
Career progressions:
Possible career progression includes:
- Entry-Level Roles (after completing the T Level)
- Healthcare Science Assistant – working in areas such as physiological measurements, sample collection, and laboratory testing.
With Further Study or Training - Healthcare Science Associate or Technician – specialising in areas like cardiology, respiratory care, or medical physics.
- Nursing, Radiography, or Biomedical Science – via higher education or apprenticeships.
- Higher or Degree Apprenticeships – leading to advanced roles within healthcare science.
- Long-Term Career Opportunities
With continued training, experience, or higher education, students could progress to professional roles such as: - Biomedical Scientist
- Clinical Scientist
- Specialist Practitioner (e.g., cardiology, audiology, or ophthalmology)
- Healthcare Manager or Team Lead
Any questions?
If you would like to find out more about this or other courses, please use our Livechat below, or contact info@bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk.
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Disclaimer
Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information on the Website is correct, some details may be subject to change. The Bedford College Group reserves the right to make amendments to the courses, dates, fees or other details, and to make cancellations or changes if numbers are insufficient. In the unfortunate situation that we have to cancel a course we will refund your fees in full, but we regret we are not able to offer any refund if you withdraw from your course or fail to start, and you will be liable to pay any outstanding fees that may be due.
Additional Learning Support
If you have a specific learning difficulty or disability, are deaf or hearing impaired, our Additional Learning Support team are on hand to give you assistance whenever you need it. Email: ALSteam@bedford.ac.uk or call us on 01234 291333.
Financial Support
For information regarding financial support, please visit the Financial Support section to see the support you may be entitled to apply for.
Accessibility
We have access arrangements in place to help students with disabilities or any other particular needs. Call us on 01234 291000 or 01536 413123 for more information.
Any questions?
If you would like to find out more about this or other courses, please use our Livechat below, email info@bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk or call us on 0345 658 8990.