Program Overview

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MSci Physiological Science (B122)

2026 entry

Course summary

The MSci Physiological Science is focused on an extended research project, which provides the opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of how to plan and perform experimental research in a specialised subject area. The course provides valuable day-to-day experience of what it is like to be a researcher and develops the skills required to embark on a career in research.

The first three years follow the BSc Physiological Science. During years one and two you will learn how the major organ systems in the body function together to maintain health. Alongside physiology, you will have the opportunity to study complementary subjects, including pharmacology, anatomy and psychology, broadening your knowledge of the biomedical sciences.

By the third year, you will be getting to grips with the latest cutting-edge research on topics such as neurological and psychiatric disorders and the heart in health and disease, taught by staff who are internationally recognised in their research area.

The majority of your fourth year will focus on an extended research project in a research laboratory environment. Alongside this, you will develop valuable skills in communicating science to the public and will develop a portfolio of public engagement activities. You will also learn how to work effectively in groups and how to create and develop ideas to solve specific scientific challenges.

This final year will instil a range of skills essential for understanding how to plan and conduct research projects; these skills are widely applicable to future employment and benefit those considering future PhD training.

Graduates in MSci Physiological Science are ideally equipped to embark on a career in research and have skills that are suitable for a wide variety of careers, including education, healthcare and management.

Overview

Typical offer

• A-level standard offer: AAB
• A-level contextual offer: BBB

Programme duration

• 4 year(s) full-time.
• Part-time study is not available for this course

Application method

• UCAS (Code: B122)

Location

• Clifton campus

Fees

• £9,535 per year, home students
• £32500 per year, international students

Course structure

Full details about the course structure and units for this course can be viewed in the programme catalogue.

Entry requirements

We accept a wide variety of qualifications and welcome applications from students of all backgrounds. Below is a guide to the typical offers for this course.

A-level standard offer

• AAB including two core science/mathematics subjects. Core science/mathematics subjects include: Biology (or Human Biology), Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics (or Further Mathematics), Psychology, Physical Education.

A-level contextual offer

• BBB including two core science/mathematics subjects. Core science/mathematics subjects include: Biology (or Human Biology), Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics (or Further Mathematics), Psychology, Physical Education.

BTEC

• DDD in Applied Science BTEC National Level 3 Extended Diploma

International Baccalaureate Diploma

• 34 points overall with 17 at Higher Level, including 6, 5 at Higher Level in two of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics (either Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretations), Psychology

International Baccalaureate Diploma contextual offer

• 31 points overall with 15 at Higher Level, including 5, 5 at Higher Level in two of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics (either Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretations), Psychology

European Baccalaureate

• 80% overall, with 8.5, 8.0 in two of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics or Advanced Mathematics

Scottish Qualifications Authority

• Advanced Higher: AB in two of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Mathematics of Mechanics or Psychology, and Standard Higher: AAABB

Access to HE Diploma

• Access to HE Diploma in Science, Biomedical/Medical/Health Science or Psychology (or similar titles). The 45 graded Level 3 credits must include: 24 credits at Distinction and 21 at Merit or above; and at least 12 credits (with 9 at Distinction) each in two of: Biology or Human Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, or Psychology.

Welsh Baccalaureate

• Requirements are as for A-levels, where you can substitute a non-subject specific grade for the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales or the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate at that grade.

Cambridge Pre-U

• Requirements for principal subjects are as for A-level, where D1/D2 is A*, D3 is A, M1/M2 is B, and M3 is C.

International qualifications

• The University of Bristol welcomes applications from international students, and we accept a wide range of qualifications for undergraduate and postgraduate study.

GCSE profile requirements

• No specific subjects required.

English language requirements

• If English is not your first language, you need to have one of the following:
  • IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.0 in all skills
  • GCSE English Language grade C or 4
  • an alternative qualification outlined in our Profile level E.

Selection process

• Regulations and codes of conduct we abide by to create a positive environment for learning and achievement are found in the University admissions policies and procedures.
• If applying with extenuating circumstances please see our policy.
• Full information about our selection processes for Physiological Science can be found in the Admissions Statement.

Related courses

• BSc Physiological Science
• BSc Physiological Science with Study in Industry

Related Subjects

• Biological Sciences
• Biomedical Sciences
• Applied Anatomy