Program Overview

Biomedical Sciences BSc Honours

Overview

This accredited Biomedical Sciences degree explores the human body’s function in health and disease. It equips students with specialist knowledge about how diseases occur, and how researchers and clinicians develop new treatments.

Quality and Ranking

• 17th in the UK – The Complete University Guide 2026 (Biomedical Sciences category)
• 12th in the UK – The Guardian University Guide 2026 (Anatomy and Physiology category)
• Global Top 140 University – QS World University Rankings 2026
• Top 100 for Anatomy and Physiology - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025
• 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
• 42% of research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
• 12th in the UK – Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026 (Anatomy and Physiology category)
• Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024
• Top 125 for Life Sciences – Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025
• Global Top 160 University - Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025

Professional Accreditation and Recognition

This degree has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology (RSB). Accreditation by the RSB recognises academic excellence in the biosciences that educates the research and development leaders and innovators of the future.

Modules and Learning

The programme is divided into stages, with each stage lasting one academic year. Students complete modules totalling 120 credits by the end of each stage.

Stage 1

• Compulsory modules:
  • Molecules of Life
  • Infectious Threats: past, present and future
  • Core Skills in Biosciences
  • Core Concepts in Biosciences
  • Therapeutic Mechanisms
  • Cells to Systems
• Teaching methods: lectures, practical laboratory classes, and small group seminars
• Assessment methods: written exams, practical exams, coursework

Stage 2

• Compulsory modules:
  • Skills for Bioscientists: Techniques, Tools, and Applications
  • Genomics and Gene expression in Disease
  • Anatomy and Cellular Systems
• Optional modules (choose one from each list):
  • List 1A: Control of Physiological Systems, Factors affecting Pharmacokinetics and Drug Disposition, Neuroscience: Essentials and Beyond, Microbial Mechanisms of Human Pathogenesis, Proteins: Structure, Function and Biochemistry
  • List 2A: Chromosome Biology in Development and Disease, Bacterial Cell and Molecular Biology, Human Reproduction and Fertility, Introduction to Population and Public Health, Mitochondrial Biology and Function, Sensory Motor, and Cognitive Neuroscience, Principles of Cancer, Biochemistry of Gene Expression
  • List 2B: Bioinformatics for Biosciences, Cell Signalling in Health and Disease, Immunology of Health and Disease, Microbial Genomics and Genome Mining, Nature's Tinkerer: Mechanisms of Evolutionary Change, Protein Trafficking: Mechanisms and Roles in Disease, Business Enterprise for Bioscientists, Respiration and Digestion: Global challenges in Health and Disease
• Teaching methods: lectures, practical laboratory classes, and small group seminars
• Assessment methods: written exams, coursework

Stage 3

• Compulsory modules:
  • Becoming a Bioscientist: Skills for Research and Beyond
• Choose one of the following compulsory modules:
  • Research Project
  • Research Project Overseas
• Optional modules (choose one from each list):
  • List A: Rare diseases genetic variants to physiological function and therapies, Microbiota and Pathogens in Fundamental Research and the Clinic, In vivo Research, Neurodegenerative and Neurological Disorders of the Nervous System, Evolutionary Genomics in Fundamental Research and the Clinic, The Application of Bioinformatics Techniques to Biomedical Data, The Science of Ageing: From Biological Mechanisms to Societal Impact, Therapeutic Applications of Cell Signalling, Applied Technologies for Biosciences
  • List B: Biomedical Engineering & Biotechnology, Cancer Biology and Therapy, Antimicrobials – Mode of action, Discovery, and Resistance, Clinical Movement, Balance and Mobility Analysis, Bioethics and the Biosciences, Molecular Pathology, Molecular Oncology and Cancer Therapeutics, Neuropharmacology, Cardiovascular development and disease, Biochemistry of Disease
  • List C: Advanced Research Topics in Neuroscience, Human Disease Genetics, Mitochondrial dysfunction: A driver of rare and common disease, Omics and AI for emerging and future biomedicine, Patterns and Determinants of Disease in Human Populations, Precision Medicine, Genomics and Informatics, Translational Bioscience Research, Applied Biochemistry for Drug Discovery
• Teaching methods: lectures, practical laboratory classes, and small group seminars
• Assessment methods: written exams, coursework

Opportunities

• Study abroad: spend up to a year studying at a partner institution overseas
• Work placement: apply to spend 9 to 12 months working in any organisation in the world
• Research project: complete a research project in an area linked to the degree that interests you
• Professional skills: boost your professional skills in a relevant employment area

Facilities and Environment

• Based in the School of Biomedical, Nutritional and Sport Sciences in the Faculty of Medical Sciences
• Access to a dedicated medical library, spacious modern teaching laboratories, hi-tech computer clusters, and study spaces
• Opportunities to engage with industry through site visits, guest lectures, employability fairs, industrial placements, and internships

Your Future

• Career paths: clinical specialist, laboratory analyst, research technician, clinical data associate, trainee clinical scientist, research PhD student, medical writer
• Sectors employing bioscientists: pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, education, healthcare, chemical, cosmetics and toiletries, food and drink, scientific writing, research and development, patent law, business analysis, software engineering, clinical trials management

Entry Requirements

• A-Level: AAB including Biology or Chemistry, plus at least one from: Mathematics or Further Mathematics; Physics; Psychology; Biology; or Chemistry
• International Baccalaureate: 34 points with Biology or Chemistry and another science at Higher Level grade 5 or above
• Other UK and the Republic of Ireland qualifications: see website for details
• English Language requirements: see website for details

Tuition Fees and Scholarships

• Home students: £9,535 (maximum fee for 2025, subject to change)
• International students: £30,900 (2026 entry)
• Scholarships: available for EU and international students, including Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships

Open Days and Events

• UK open days: opportunities to meet staff and students, explore the campus, and find out about the university
• Worldwide events: opportunities to meet staff and students in your region
• Online events: virtual open days and events

How to Apply

• Apply through UCAS: use the online application system managed by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service
• Apply through an agent: international students can apply through an agent
• Contact us: for more information, contact the university using the contact details provided.