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Biomedical Sciences BSc

2022 entry | 2021 entry

This BSc is designed to introduce students to a variety of scientific disciplines across the biosciences. The interdisciplinary nature of the programme means that the areas covered include anatomy, cell biology, developmental biology, genetics, immunology and infection, neuroscience, pharmacology, physiology and psychology.

Key Information

Programme starts

September 2022
UCAS code
B990
Duration
Full-time: 3 years
Application deadline
26 January 2022
Location
London, Bloomsbury

Entry requirements

A Levels

Grades
AAA
Subjects
Biology and Chemistry required, plus Mathematics preferred.
GCSEs
English Language and Mathematics at grade B or 6.

Contextual offer

Grades
AAB (more about contextual offers)
Subjects
AA in Biology and Chemistry required, plus Mathematics preferred.
GCSEs
English Language and Mathematics at grade B or 6.

IB Diploma

Points
38
Subjects
A total of 18 points in three higher level subjects to include 6 in both Biology and Chemistry, plus Mathematics preferred, with no score below 5. For Mathematics, the programme will accept either 'Analysis and Approaches' or 'Applications and Interpretation' at higher level.

Contextual offer

Points
36 (more about contextual offers)
Subjects
A total of 17 points in three higher level subjects including 6 in both Biology and Chemistry required, plus Mathematics preferred. No 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

Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.

Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.

D3,D3,D3 in three Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects. Biology and Chemistry required, plus Mathematics preferred.

A,A,A at Advanced Highers (or A,A at Advanced Higher and A,A,A at Higher ) including AA in Biology and Chemistry required at Advanced Higher. Plus Mathematics at Advanced Higher (or Higher) preferred.

Successful completion of the WBQ Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate plus 2 GCE A levels at grades AAA. Biology and Chemistry required at A level, plus Mathematics preferred.

International applications

In addition to A level and International Baccalaureate, UCL considers a wide range of international qualifications for entry to its undergraduate degree programmes.

Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates

UCL Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates (UPCs) are intensive one-year foundation courses for international students of high academic potential who are aiming to gain access to undergraduate degree programmes at UCL and other top UK universities.

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

If your education has not been conducted in the English language, you will be expected to demonstrate evidence of an adequate level of English proficiency. Information about the evidence required, acceptable qualifications and test providers can be found on our English language requirements page.

The English language level for this programme is: Good

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

Degree benefits

  • National Student Survey 2020 Statistics

    • Cells and Molecules Staff are good at explaining things 94%
    • Control Systems - Overall Satisfaction 93%
    • Drug Mechanisms - Overall Satisfaction 93%
    • Organs and Systems - Overall Satisfaction 93%

  • Our core first year ensures all students receive a strong grounding in scientific disciplines as well the opportunity to explore multiple areas of science. This enables students to make an informed decision as to whether they would like to specialise and if so in which area.  

  • Transfer to one of nine specific degree programmes from the second year, Cell Biology, Genetics, Human Genetics, Immunology and Infection, Molecular Biology, Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Physiology or continue with the customisable Biomedical Sciences programme.

  • You will learn from experts who are currently conducting world leading research in these specialist areas, and will also discover how the subjects overlap and interact. This will give your studies both breadth and depth.

Degree structure

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).

In the first year all modules are mandatory and are designed to give you a firm foundation on the basis of which you can make an informed choice for later years. The modules cover topics in, e.g., anatomy, cellular and molecular biology, chemistry, genetics, pharmacology and physiology.

If you find that your interest becomes focused on one specific subject area after your first year, then you can apply to transfer to a specialist degree programme.

If you wish to remain with the Biomedical Sciences programme, the second year offers five streams of study.

In your third year, you will undertake a research project under the supervision of a staff member in conjunction with a research group in one of the faculty's departments or within UCL's biomedical institutes. You will also select from an extensive range of options in your chosen stream of study.

You can apply to transfer to any of the following specialist degree programmes after year one:
Cell Biology
Genetics
Human Genetics
Immunology and Infection
Molecular Biology
Neuroscience
Pharmacology
Physiology
Physiology and Pharmacology

Upon successful completion of 360 credits, you will be awarded a BSc (Hons) in Biomedical 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 is subject to change.

Compulsory module(s)

Cellular and Molecular Biology
Chemistry for Biology Students
Introduction to Genetics
Introduction to Human Anatomy
An Introduction to the Mechanisms of Drug Action
Mammalian Physiology

Optional modules

All first year modules are compulsory.

Biomedical Sciences programme

The second year offers five streams of study:

Stream 1: Organs and Systems
Stream 2: Control Systems
Stream 3: Developmental Biology
Stream 4: Drug Mechanisms
Stream 5: Cells and Molecules

Pathways options

You can remain on the Biomedical Sciences BSc degree or apply to transfer to a specialist degree programme:
Genetics
Human Genetics
Immunology and Infection
Molecular Biology
Neuroscience
Pharmacology
Physiology
Physiology and Pharmacology

Compulsory module(s)

Either a Laboratory-based Research Project (45 credits) or a Literature-based Research Project (30 credits).

Optional modules

You will select from a wide range of optional modules in your chosen stream of study and from other approved disciplines within UCL, to the value of either 75 or 90 credits depending on your chosen project.


Your learning

Teaching across the UCL Faculty of Life Sciences involves a mixture of lectures, practical classes, seminars, tutorials and computer-based exercises. The small-group settings for practical and tutorial work provide opportunities for informal discussion. The first year is predominantly taught through lectures and laboratory classes.

Assessment

Modules will be assessed through a combination of coursework, practical reports, web-based exercises, tests and oral presentations. Written examinations will take place at the end of each academic year. Your success in your first-year examination results will be used to assess your eligibility for entry into the specialist degree programmes.

Detailed module descriptions are available on the department website: Biomedical Sciences BSc.

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.

Careers

You will develop the critical and analytical skills necessary to confront complex problems, equipping you for further study, research, or for a wide variety of careers such as those associated with medical research. The training in skills such as logical thinking and decision-making will be valuable in many fields.

A degree in biomedical sciences opens doors to many career possibilities. Graduates may enter the broad biomedical science field - such as within healthcare or the pharmaceutical industry - or use their skills in careers like scientific journalism or management. The degree also provides an excellent preparation for postgraduate research.

UCL is committed to helping you get the best start after graduation. Read more about how UCL Careers and UCL Innovation and Enterprise can help you find employment or learn about entrepreneurship.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

The fees indicated are for undergraduate entry in the 2021/22 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 2021/22 entrants for each year of study on the programme, unless otherwise indicated below. Fees for the 2022/23 academic year will be advertised as soon as they are available.

UK students
£9,250 (2021/22)
Overseas students
£28,500 (2021/22)

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/students/fees.

Additional costs

Students will need to purchase a lab coat.

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

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.

Departmental scholarships

Funding opportunities relevant to the department may appear in this section when they are available. Please check carefully or confirm with the programme contact to ensure they apply to this degree programme.

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.

Application and next steps

Your application

In addition to checking whether you meet or are expected to meet our academic entry requirements, we will be seeking evidence in your application of your interest in science, for example, through extracurricular activities or reading scientific books and journals. We will also be interested to find out what it is about the study of biomedical subjects that excites and motivates you.

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.

Application deadline: 26 January 2022



Selection

If we have made you an offer, you will be invited to attend an offer-holder event. This may include talks from staff about the programme and the department. It could also include a research presentation, tours of UCL and the department, and a visit to a laboratory facility.

For further information on UCL's selection process see: Selection of students.


UCL is regulated by the Office for Students.


Page last modified on 7 June 2021


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