Vocational Academy - Science
Opportunities in the North West
The North West is a great place to start a career in science. Did you know it was here that major breakthroughs such as the first test tube baby and the splitting of the atom came from? Today, with one of the largest concentrations of universities in Europe, over 50 research institutes and 3 of the top 10 UK companies carrying out Research and Development activities here, it’s one of the strongest research bases in Europe.
What Course Should You Do
Entry Level/Level 1
If you have not completed a GCSE programme
Level 2
If you have 4 or more GCSEs at grade D or above
- Applied Science - First Certificate
Level 3
If you have 5 GCSEs at grade C or above (including English, Maths and Science) or A merit grade at First Diploma (eg BTEC)
- Forensic Science - National Diploma
- Medical Science - National Diploma
- A levels in; Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Environmental Studies and Mathematics, Further Mathematics
Career Low-Down
| Job title | What they do | How much they earn | What you need |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmacist | Prepare and dispense medicines. | £21,000 up to £79,000 a year for a consultant. | A degree in Pharmacy followed by a year’s on-the-job training then an exam. |
| Paramedic | Respond to medical emergencies. Treat and stabilise patients before transporting them to hospital by ambulance. | £20,710 to £33,436 a year. | Either on-the-job training as a student paramedic or a higher education programme in paramedic science. |
| Zoologist | Study animal behaviour. Also concerned with conservation, disease and pest control. | From around £17,000 to £45,000 or more a year. | A degree in a relevant subject. Some jobs require a postgraduate qualification. |
| Assistant Practitioner (Medical Lab) | Analyse samples of body tissue and fluids taken from hospital patients to assist in diagnosis and treatment. | From £13,232 to around £21,318 a year (NHS). | A Level 3 qualification will put you at an advantage when applying for posts. |
| Forensic Psychologist | Apply psychology to the criminal justice system and develop treatment programmes for offenders. | From around £27,000 a year for a newly qualified forensic psychologist to £60,000 or more at senior levels. | A degree in psychology. |
Meet the Learner
Name: Tyla Bensonclark
Age: 16
High school: St George’s
Course: BTEC National Diploma Forensic Science
Why College?
I always wanted to go to College and I like that you have your independence here.
My course:
I’ve always liked science and I’m good at it so this course jumped out at me. I love it when we investigate mock crime scenes.
What’s good?
Everyone gets on well and the teachers are great – they’re always there for you.
What’s next?
I want to go to uni and study Crime Scene Investigation then eventually I’d like to become a Forensic Investigator. I think the assignments and environment at College is helping me prepare for that next step.
Final thought:
I’m the first in my family to go through college or uni so I didn’t really know what to expect but it’s great.
