Biomedical Sciences BSc
London, Bloomsbury
Combine a broad base of biomedical knowledge and skills with one of five specialisms, at one of the world’s most prestigious centres for biomedical research and learning. With this flexible interdisciplinary BSc, you’ll be ready to pursue careers and postgraduate opportunities across the fields of healthcare, biomedical sciences and biotech.
Study mode
Duration
UK tuition fees (2026/27)
Overseas tuition fees (2026/27)
Programme starts
September 2026Application deadline
14 Jan 2026UCAS course code
Entry requirements
- Grades
- AAA
- Subjects
- Biology and Chemistry required, plus Mathematics preferred.
- GCSEs
- English Language and Mathematics at grade B or 6.
Contextual offer information
- 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.
- 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 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
- 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.
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. Access UCL is our contextual offer scheme for applicants from groups that are underrepresented at UCL. We assess your eligibility for Access UCL based on the information contained within your UCAS application. We review and update our Access UCL eligibility criteria and datasets every year, so please check the requirements for the year you plan to apply.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 4
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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
This three-year BSc gives you the unique opportunity to acquire a comprehensive understanding across a wide range of medical sciences, then develop your own specialism alongside Nobel Prize-winning academics at the largest biomedical research cluster in Europe.
In your first year, you’ll build the broad foundations of your biomedical expertise, studying physiology, genetics, anatomy, pharmacology and more.
From your second year onwards, you’ll be asked to select one of five study streams to shape your learning around specialisms in areas like developmental biology, molecular and cell biology, or control systems and neuroscience.
In your final year, you’ll focus on your own research project. Working with one of UCL’s world-leading research groups, you’ll design, implement and report back on a research question in line with your chosen specialist stream, chosen in consultation with your dedicated project tutor.
The flexibility of this degree makes it the ideal launchpad for a broad range of careers in healthcare, medicine or the biomedical industries. You’ll graduate with a biomedical specialism, and a set of technical and professional skills that are highly valued across a great number of fields and sectors.
What this course will give you
- Study at the UCL Faculty of Life Sciences, which over its history has been associated with multiple Nobel Prizes.
- Gain first-hand insight into globally significant developments in this field, such as translation research that’s translating scientific discoveries from lab bench to bedside.
- Develop entrepreneurial skills and explore the possibilities of launching a start-up through UCL Innovation and Enterprise (with over 300 start-ups launched since 2010, securing over £280 million in investment).
- Build the programme around the aspects of biomedical science that most interest you, pursuing specialisms in areas like neuroscience, pharmacology and physiology.
- Immerse yourself in research culture, and enjoy opportunities to work with prestigious research groups, using the world-class facilities at institutes such as UCL’s Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research (WIBR).
- Leave well equipped to pursue a PhD, or to take any number of highly-skilled roles or internships in the healthcare, biotech or pharmaceutical industries.
- Study in the heart of London at UCL’s Bloomsbury campus, a district famous for its cultural and educational institutions.
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 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. 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.
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In Year 1, you’ll take seven compulsory biomedical science modules.
In Year 2, you choose to either stay on the generalist biomedical sciences study stream, or transfer to one of the following streams:
- BSc Biomedical Sciences: Organs and Systems
- BSc Biomedical Sciences: Control Systems
- BSc Biomedical Sciences: Developmental Biology
- BSc Biomedical Sciences: Drug Mechanisms
- BSc Biomedical Sciences: Cells and Molecules
In Year 2, each of these streams consists of four compulsory modules, along with three or four optional modules.
If you find that your interest becomes focused on one specific subject area after your first year, you may transfer to a more specialised degree programme within the biomedical sciences. Please note that places on these courses are limited, and applications will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
In Year 3, your final year, you’ll complete either a laboratory-based research project (45 credits) or a literature-based research project (30 credits). You’ll also choose optional modules (to the value of either 75 or 90 credits depending on your chosen project).
Compulsory modules
Compulsory module(s)
- Introduction to Cell Biology
- Biochemistry 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
Not applicable. All first year modules are compulsory.
Compulsory modules
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
The list below shows some of the compulsory and optional modules for each stream of the Biomedical Sciences programme.
Stream 1: Organs and Systems
Compulsory
ANAT0005 Human Anatomy and Embryology (Thorax, Abdomen and Pelvis) and/or ANAT0006 Human Anatomy and Embryology (Head and Limbs)
PHOL0003 Animal and Human Physiology: Integrative Physiology
BIOS0006 Essential Protein Structure and Function
STAT0021 Introductory Statistical Methods and Computing
Sample optional modules:
PHOL0005 Structure and Function of Nervous Systems
INIM0007 Infection
BIOC0007 Essential Molecular Biology
Stream 2: Control Systems
Compulsory
PHOL0004 Systems Neuroscience
PHOL0005 Structure and Function of Nervous Systems
BIOS0006 Writing and Presenting Bioscience
STAT0021 Introductory Statistical Methods and Computing
Sample optional modules:
BIOC0007 Essential Molecular Biology
INIM0005 Immunology
ANAT0003 Human Neuroanatomy
Stream 3: Developmental Biology
Compulsory
CELL0008 Introduction to Cell Biology
CELL0023 Intermediate Cell Biology: Cell Biology of Development
BIOL0013 The Biology of Development
STAT0021 Introductory Statistical Methods and Computing
Sample optional modules:
ANAT0002 Developmental Neurobiology
CELL0010 Integrative Cell Biology (Cell Signalling and Regulation)
BIOL0009 Experimental Genetics and Model Systems
Stream 4: Drug Mechanisms
Compulsory
PHAR0009 Intermediate Pharmacology or PHAR0007 Introductory Pharmacology
PHAR0006 or PHAR0008 Practical Pharmacology
BIOC0006 Writing and Presenting Bioscience or BIOC0007 Essential Molecular Biology
STAT0021 Introductory Statistical Methods and Computing
Sample optional modules:
BIOS0006 Writing and Presenting Bioscience
INIM0005 Immunology
PHOL0005 Structure and Function of Nervous Systems
Stream 5: Cells and Molecules
Compulsory
BIOC0005 Molecular Biology or BIOC0007 Essential Molecular Biology
CELL0009 Integrative Cell Biology (Cell Structure and Function)
CELL0010 Integrative Cell Biology (Cell Signalling and Regulation)
STAT0021 Introductory Statistical Methods and Computing
Optional modules:
BIOL0009 Experimental Genetics and Model Systems
BIOL0010 Introduction to Human Genetics
BIOS0030 Introduction to Coding for Bioscience Research (Python)
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 modules
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
You’ll build your knowledge and skills through a varied range of teaching, including lectures, lab sessions, tutorials, computer workshops and project work.
Your typical contact hours vary between 8-16 hours per week, depending on module choice, and include lectures, seminars and e-learning activities.
You’ll also need to demonstrate a level of independent study (5-15 hours per week).
Your independent studies will increase in the third year to approximately 30-40 hours per week, due to the greater emphasis on research. Third year contact hours vary between 12-20 hours per week (excluding project time).
Assessment
Your progress and achievements will typically be assessed through a combination of examinations and coursework. You’ll need to meet (or exceed) a range of academic criteria throughout the programme.
Assessment methods used may vary, depending on the optional and elective modules you choose.
Accessibility
The department will endeavour to make reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities, including those with long-term health conditions, neurodivergence, learning differences and mental health conditions. This list is not exhaustive. If you're unsure of your eligibility for reasonable adjustments at UCL, please contact Student Support and Wellbeing Services.
Reasonable adjustments are implemented on a case-by-case basis. With the student's consent, reasonable adjustments are considered by UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services, and where required, in collaboration with the respective department.
Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information about support available can be obtained from UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services.
For more information about the department and accessibility arrangements for your course, please contact the department.
Visit us
Online - Open day
Virtual Open Event: Biomedical Sciences BSc Q&A
Find out about UCL's Biomedical Sciences BSc by attending our online event. You'll have the opportunity to meet the course leader, learn about the structure and content of the programme, and ask any questions you might have about the course, application process, and life at UCL.
The foundation of your career
After graduating, your skills will be in high demand across a wide range of industries and organisations in both the public and private sectors. Around 80% of our students are in employment or further study 15 months after graduation, with many in highly skilled roles at organisations such as the NHS, Deloitte, Cambridge Healthcare Research, and GlaxoSmithKline (Graduate Outcomes Surveys 2018-2021).
The programme’s flexibility and interdisciplinarity will give you the ideal launchpad if you’re looking to develop your own enterprise projects or start-up.
Alternatively, you could explore an academic or medical research career through postgraduate and doctoral studies.
Employability
With extensive research skills, and a broad base of scientific knowledge that includes anatomy, physiology and pharmacology, you’ll be well placed to succeed in R&D or product development projects in the healthcare, biotech and pharmaceutical industries.
You’ll also be able to develop data analysis and database skills, analysing global health data to extract important information and identify crucial areas of research.
Fees and funding
Fees for this course
| Fee description | Full-time |
|---|---|
| Tuition fees (2026/27) | £9,790 |
| Tuition fees (2026/27) | £42,700 |
UK undergraduate fees for 2026/27 are subject to parliamentary approval and are for the first year only. Fees for subsequent years may be subject to increase: Student Terms and Conditions. UK fees are in line with the Government announcement on fee cap increases.
International undergraduate students benefit from a cohort guarantee unless indicated below, meaning that their tuition fees will not increase during the course of the programme, but UCL reserves the right to increase tuition fees to reflect any sums (including levies, taxes, or similar financial charges) that UCL is required to pay any governmental authority in connection with tuition fees.
International fees shown are the fees that will be charged to 2026/27 entrants.
Full details of UCL's tuition fees, tuition fee policy and potential increases to fees can be found on the UCL Students website.
Additional costs
Students will need to purchase a lab coat. This will cost approximately £10-£20.
For in-person teaching, UCL’s main teaching locations are in zones 1 (Bloomsbury) and zones 2/3 (UCL East). The cost of a monthly 18+ Oyster travel card for zones 1–2 is £114.50. This price was published by TfL in 2024. For more information on additional costs for prospective students and the cost of living in London, please view our estimated cost of essential expenditure at UCL's cost of living guide. 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
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 and 2026/27 entry.
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Shephard-Phillips Scholarship
Deadline: 6 July 2026Value: £18,000 per year (3 years)Criteria Based on financial needEligibility: UK
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
Your application
We’re looking for applicants with a deep interest and curiosity in both biology and chemistry. You’ll be expected to apply quantitative approaches (often involving mathematical or data analysis processes) to address biomedical problems and explore the molecular basis of disease in the body.
From day one, you should also be ready to acquire a wide range of new research and professional skills.
Your application must show how you’ve developed your interest in biomedical science, and the steps you’ve already taken toward becoming a biomedical researcher.
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.
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.
Got questions? Get in touch
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