The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority is carrying out a feasibility study for a Diploma in applied science.
Some scientists feel it could place an unnecessary extra burden on an already overstretched system, and will be targeted at lower ability students.
As well as the latest revisions, ministers are also promising that all youngsters will be able to study separate GCSEs in physics, chemistry and biology if they wish to.
There is already a vocational GCSE in applied science, which is worth two GCSEs, a BTec First in applied science, and an Alevel in applied science.
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