Applied Medical Sciences BSc

London, Hampstead (Royal Free Hospital)
Applied Medical Sciences BSc (2024)

This programme bridges the gap between science and medicine, enabling graduates to understand science in the context of mechanisms of disease and treatment. By fusing science with medicine, our graduates will be ideally placed to translate scientific advances into clinical practice, and to work at a high level within the biomedical sciences.

UK students International students
Study mode
Full-time
Duration
3 academic years
UK tuition fees (2023/24)
£9,250
Overseas tuition fees (2023/24)
£32,100
Programme starts
September 2023
Application deadline
25 Jan 2023
UCAS course code
9N53

Entry requirements

Grades
AAB
Subjects
Biology grade A required, plus one from Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics.
GCSEs
English Language and Mathematics at grade B or 6.

Contextual offer information

Grades
BCC more about contextual offers
Subjects
Biology and either Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics with Biology at grade B.
GCSEs
English Language and Mathematics at grade C or 5.
Points
36
Subjects
A total of 17 points in three higher level subjects including 6 in Biology and either Mathematics, Physics or Chemistry, with no higher level score below 5. For Mathematics, the programme will accept either 'Analysis and Approaches' or 'Applications and Interpretation' at higher level.

Contextual offer

Points
30 more about contextual offers
Subjects
A total of 15 points in three higher level subjects including Biology plus one from Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics, with no higher level score below 5. For Mathematics, the programme will accept either 'Analysis and Approaches' or 'Applications and Interpretation' at higher level.

UK applicants qualifications

For entry requirements with other UK qualifications accepted by UCL, choose your qualification from the list below:

Equivalent qualification

BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (QCF) or BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (RQF - teaching from 2016) with Distinction, Distinction, Distinction to include Distinction in Biology plus one from Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics.

Pass in Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 30 credits at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit, all from Level 3 units. Please note, where subject specific requirements are stipulated at A level we may review your Access to HE syllabus to ensure you meet the subject specific requirements prior to a final decision being communicated.

Successful completion of the WBQ Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate plus 2 GCE A levels at grades AAB. Biology required at grade A, plus one from Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics.

A,A,B at Advanced Highers (or A,A at Advanced Higher and B,B,B at Higher), including Biology at grade A plus one from Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics at Advanced Higher.

D3,D3,M1 in three Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects. Biology at D3 required, plus one from Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics.

Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.

Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.

Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.

International applications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.

Access and widening participation

UCL is committed to widening access to higher education. If you are eligible for Access UCL you do not need to do anything in addition to the standard UCAS application. Your application will be automatically flagged when we receive it.

Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates

The Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates (UPC) prepare international students for a UCL undergraduate degree who don’t have the qualifications to enter directly. These intensive one-year foundation courses are taught on our central London campus.

Typical UPC students will be high achievers in a 12-year school system which does not meet the standard required for direct entry to UCL.

For more information see: ucl.ac.uk/upc.

English language requirements

The English language level for this programme is: Level 2

Information about the evidence required, acceptable qualifications and test providers can be found on our English language requirements page.

A variety of English language programmes are offered at the UCL Centre for Languages & International Education.

Course overview

Year one is challenging, covering the foundations of human biology and medicine. The core modules provide an understanding of how the body works, what goes wrong in disease and how to treat it. You will be mostly based at UCL's Royal Free campus in Hampstead, North London, and taught by world-leading scientists and clinicians. The programme is designed not just around individual excellence, but also around all-important team skills. As an example, you will be assigned to a small group for weekly teaching sessions where you work together on creative tasks.

In year two, you will take five compulsory modules. There are a wide range of optional modules, of which you will select three. This flexibility enables you to choose your own route within the biomedical sciences, including areas such as biomedical entrepreneurship, clinical trials, the study of infection, regenerative medicine and nanotechnology.

Year three follows a similar pattern, with modules built around a solid applied medical science core. You can tailor a programme to suit your needs and aspirations, while the core skills will give you the grounding to pursue a career you enjoy. You will also have the option of undertaking a self-organised one-month professional placement and will be engaged on a six-month research project.

What this course will give you

You will gain a solid foundation in medicine and biomedical sciences through exposure to a variety of different disciplines together with laboratory skills. 

You will attain the skills required for employment in biomedical research or in sectors including the pharmaceutical industry, biotechnology, clinical trials, hospital management, public health and nutrition. It will also equip you for success in further study, including Master's degrees, PhD and Medicine.

You will have the benefit of sessions specifically designed to enhance creativity and inventiveness; to develop team-working skills; to enhance employability; and to provide careers advice.

You will be taught by world-leading clinicians and basic scientists who actively practice medicine and research. This fusion of science and medicine will give graduates a competitive advantage in careers at the interface of these two disciplines.

Teaching and learning

In each year of your degree you will take a number of individual modules, normally valued at 15 or 30 credits, adding up to a total of 120 credits for the year. Modules are assessed in the academic year in which they are taken. The balance of compulsory and optional modules varies from programme to programme and year to year. A 30-credit module is considered equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).

Upon successful completion of 360 credits, you will be awarded a BSc (Hons) in Applied Medical Sciences.

Modules

Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability are subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

Year one is challenging, covering the foundations of human biology and medicine. The compulsory modules provide an understanding as to how the body works, what goes wrong in disease and how to treat it. It consists of seven compulsory modules covering the foundations of human health and disease and includes topics such as Cardiovascular & Respiratory Function, Gut, Liver Kidneys, Musculoskeletal Systems and Infection, Inflammation & Repair. You will be mostly based at UCL’s Royal Free campus in Hampstead, North London, and taught by world-leading scientists and clinicians. 

In Year 2 you will take five compulsory modules covering topics such as Molecular Basis of Disease  and Techniques in Molecular Medicine. You can choose three from seven optional modules, taught by the Division of Medicine as well as other departments, covering topics such as Tissue Engineering & Regenerative Medicine, Introduction to Clinical Trials, Biomedical Entrepreneur and Cancer Biology.

In Year 3 there are two compulsory modules: one is a project; the other is in research methods. In addition, you will select four from a range of modules taught by the Division of Medicine and other departments.

Throughout the programme, specific vocation/career associated routes have been included: infection, regenerative medicine and nanotechnology, clinical trials and biomedical entrepreneur.

Your learning

Our innovative online teaching system allows you to learn at your own pace and explore topics in greater depth. The face-to-face teaching which follows offers more intensive, creative sessions of problem solving and learning in small groups. Practicals and a research project support your training in laboratory skills. Combining online and face-to-face teaching means you take greater control of your academic development.

Assessment

Formative and summative assessment methods include: online and written examinations (some of which are multiple-choice or short-answer question format); coursework; poster presentations; practical skills assessments. In year three you will be required to write a project dissertation and, should you choose the professional experience module, a reflective diary on your placement.

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support & Wellbeing team.

UCL Main Campus, Gower St, London WC1E 6AE, UK - Open day

UCL Undergraduate Open Days

Join us on Friday 30 June or Saturday 01 July and experience was it is like to study at UCL. The in-person Open Days are an opportunity to tour our campus, accommodation and facilities. You can learn more about the programmes of study and the wide range of support services available and meet academics and students to help you decide if UCL is the place for you.

The foundation of your career

The top destinations of Applied Medical Sciences graduates are further study at Master's and PhD level and Medical School. Graduates also go on to employment in diverse and vibrant sectors ranging from science publishing, teaching and public health to consultancy, clinical trials and dentistry.

We expect all of our graduates to be able to work in any of the biomedical sciences as a highly-skilled scientist or in diverse healthcare/science-related roles. They should be able to apply their skills to any area where a knowledge of science and medicine is pivotal. Key areas include nanotechnology, drug design and regenerative medicine.

Employability

Applied Medical Sciences differs from most biomedical science degrees insofar as students develop a very strong understanding of the foundations of medicine, with an emphasis on fusing science with medicine. The programme aims to develop your appreciation of how science helps us to understand and treat various diseases.

Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students
Fee description Full-time
Tuition fees (2023/24) £9,250
Tuition fees (2023/24) £32,100

The fees indicated are for undergraduate entry in the 2023/24 academic year. The UK fees shown are for the first year of the programme at UCL only. Fees for future years may be subject to an inflationary increase. The Overseas fees shown are the fees that will be charged to 2023/24 entrants for each year of study on the programme, unless otherwise indicated below.

Full details of UCL's tuition fees, tuition fee policy and potential increases to fees can be found on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/undergraduate/funding-your-studies.

Additional costs

For students who undertake the professional experience module, additional costs may include travel and accommodation.

A guide including rough estimates for these and other living expenses is included on the UCL Fees and funding pages. If you are concerned by potential additional costs for books, equipment, etc., please get in touch with the relevant departmental contact (details given on this page).

Funding your studies

Various funding options are available, including student loans, scholarships and bursaries. UK students whose household income falls below a certain level may also be eligible for a non-repayable bursary or for certain scholarships. Please see the Fees and funding pages for more details.

Scholarships

The Scholarships and Funding website lists scholarships and funding schemes available to UCL students. These may be open to all students, or restricted to specific nationalities, regions or academic department.

Next steps

How to apply

Application for admission should be made through UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). Applicants currently at school or college will be provided with advice on the process; however, applicants who have left school or who are based outside the United Kingdom may obtain information directly from UCAS.

Selection

For further information on UCL's selection process see: How we assess your application.

We will use your predicted or achieved academic qualifications, your personal statement and your reference to decide whether to offer you a place.

Got questions? Get in touch

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