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Medical Innovation and Enterprise BSc

London, Bloomsbury and London, Hampstead (Royal Free Hospital)
Medical Innovation and Enterprise BSc (2024)

This degree offers a specialised combination of medical science and business skills, designed to equip you with the entrepreneurial mindset needed to create companies and identify emerging medical opportunities that can benefit patients and society. Learn how to translate cutting-edge research into innovative products and services that will transform the way we diagnose and treat disease.

UK students International students
Study mode
Full-time
Duration
3 academic years
UK tuition fees (2024/25)
£9,250
Overseas tuition fees (2024/25)
£34,400
Programme starts
September 2025
Application deadline
29 Jan 2025
UCAS course code
B980
Apply via UCAS

Entry requirements

A levels IB Diploma Other qualifications
Grades
AAA
Subjects
Biology and either Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics required.
GCSEs
English Language and Mathematics at grade B or 6.

Contextual offer information

Contextual offers are typically one to two grades lower than the standard offer. Grade and subject requirements for contextual offers for this programme will be published in Summer 2024.

Points
38
Subjects
A total of 18 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

Contextual offers are typically one to two grade boundaries (equivalent to A levels) lower than the standard offer. IB Diploma grade and subject requirements for contextual offers for this programme will be published in Summer 2024.

UK applicants qualifications

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

Equivalent qualification

Pass in Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 33 credits at Distinction and 12 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.

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.

D3,D3,D3 in three Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects. Biology and either Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics required.

A,A,A at Advanced Highers (or A,A at Advanced Higher and A,A,A at Higher), including Biology and either Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics at Advanced Higher.

Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.

Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.

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

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.
Check your Access UCL Scheme eligibility

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 3

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

Medical advances are changing the landscape of disease diagnosis and treatment. During your time with us, you’ll take a deep dive into human health and disease, innovative medical technologies, entrepreneurship, and business management.

Your first year provides you with a grounding in medical science. After this, you can choose from modules about specific medical technologies such as gene therapy, tissue engineering, stem cells or nanomedicine, or focus on the business aspects of medical science. In your final year you will join a research team investigating an area of medical innovation that interests you, allowing you a deep and critical understanding of research methodology and practice.

Our teaching is informed by world-leading research in regenerative medicine, biomaterials, 3D printing, tissue engineering, digital healthcare, gene therapy and medical technology / devices. You will be taught by experts from across UCL, including medicine, UCL Laws for property and innovation law, and the UCL School of Management for business and enterprise.

Based in London, an international hub of healthcare medical technology investment and industry, our Medical Innovation and Enterprise degree nurtures students' entrepreneurial drive, empowering them to identify and harness opportunities within medical science innovation, taking their ideas from inception to real-world application. You will have broad career prospects in biomedical science, biomedical business, medical science and the transfer of technology from an idea to real-world products.

We also offer a four-year integrated master's (MSci), which includes an industry-facing consultancy project, where you work with innovative companies that are creating new medical technologies.

What this course will give you

This programme offers you the following benefits and opportunities.

  • A pathway to become a brilliant medical scientist with ambitions to produce and translate cutting-edge research into products and services that will transform the way we diagnose and treat disease.
  • Broad career prospects in biomedical science, biomedical business and technology transfer.
  • This course will nurture your entrepreneurial spirit and scientific curiosity, which will enable you to recognise and capitalise on commercial opportunities in medical science.
  • The choice to focus more on medical innovations (such as nanomedicine) or develop more of a business focus.
  • Advanced skills, such as entrepreneurship, critical thinking and creativity, which are highly desired in the life science and business industries.
  • The opportunity to work in small groups to allow you to build the communication and teamwork capabilities to succeed in business and medical science environments.
  • Opportunities to interact with biomedical entrepreneurs/innovators and benefit from 'real-life' industry activities, such as creating your own business plan. This experience will be invaluable when it comes to building your network, setting up your future enterprise or joining an existing biomedical organisation.

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 Medical Innovation and Enterprise.

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.

Year one

In the first year, you will learn about the foundations of human health and disease, together with a programme specific module on 'Medical Innovation and Enterprise'. You will have the opportunity to learn in small groups and perform laboratory-based practical work. You will learn from leading biomedical scientists and practicing clinicians, providing you with real-world challenges to tackle.

Year two

In year two, you will have the opportunity to learn about innovative medical technologies (e.g., cancer biology, regenerative medicine, clinical trials and genomics) and business modules (e.g., understanding management and entrepreneurship theory and practice). There will be optional modules available allowing you to focus more on science or business, depending on your interests.

Year three

In year two, you will continue to learn about medical technologies (such as nanomedicine or stem cells), entrepreneurship, business management, and the translation of medical technology. You will also engage in an original research project and a medical translation business challenge.

Following this, you can exit with a BSc or continue to the MSci Medical Innovation and Enterprise in the fourth year, which includes a consultancy project. Year four allows you the flexibility to focus on enterprise or medical science and includes both an advanced research project and a consultancy project, which will enable you to get real-world experiences and build your network.

Year 1 Year 2 Year 3

Compulsory modules










Compulsory modules








Optional modules











Compulsory modules



Medical Innovation and Enterprise III



Optional modules




Stem Cell Therapies

Nanotechnology in Medicine






Your learning

Our degree ethos is to teach by doing, and to develop a deep critical understanding together with excellent communication skills. Online teaching systems allow you to learn at your own pace and explore topics in greater depth.

Tutorial-based problem-solving and small-group learning will encourage creativity. Hands-on practicals and industry exposure will support your understanding and enable you to relate learning to real-life scenarios.

In year one, you will have around 8-12 hours of face-to face teaching a week over a 22-week period (excluding reading weeks). You will also spend some time in self-study with online material before consolidating this knowledge in face-to-face sessions.

In year two, you will spend around 18 hours in face-to-face teaching a week.

In year three, you will have formal face-to-face teaching and a research project for much of your time. Likewise, during the optional work placement module, you will be immersed in the work placement for the duration of the month.

If you choose to continue on the MSci programme, your fourth year will focus on an advanced research project and a consultancy project. In addition, there are three taught modules, which you can choose from a variety of options in medical science and enterprise.

Assessment

Assessment methods include:

  • Online and written examinations
  • Critical reviews
  • Poster presentations
  • Practical skills assessment
  • Online participation 
  • A business plan for your medical innovation company in year three (following modules in years one and two to support this)
  • A research project dissertation in year three
  • A customer-facing consultancy report in year four (if you continue to the MSci).

Accessibility

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

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UCL is London's leading multidisciplinary university, voted University of the Year 2024 by the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide. With students from over 150 different countries, UCL is a diverse global community of world leading academics and students. Join us at our Virtual Open Days and discover why UCL might be the place for you! Check out our Open Days webpages where you can find out about the programmes on offer, student services and book live Q&A sessions to get your questions answered.

Online - Open day

Medical Innovation and Enterprise BSc - how can we address our society’s growing healthcare needs?

As a society, we are increasingly getting sicker across all age groups and health conditions. This session will discuss why we need new solutions to address our growing healthcare needs. We will review current developments in organ transplantation and treatment of neurological disease and cancer which are transforming the way we treat patients. This taster session will also feature a summary of the Medical Innovation and Enterprise programme and a Q&A with the Admissions Tutor and a current student.

Watch on demand event

The foundation of your career

Our graduates are equipped not only as scientists who produce the next generation of medical advances but also to develop and monetise those advances in the business world, generating the next generation of leaders in medical innovation and enterprise. The programme encourages creativity, critical thinking, enterprise, and outstanding communication - all key skills wanted by employers.

This programme will give you a competitive advantage in several fields including biomedical research, technology transfer, innovation and enterprise (e.g., company start-ups/university spin-out companies), as well as biomedical and life science consultancy.

Employability

As a Medical Innovation and Enterprise graduate, you could take on roles within medical technology companies, biopharma, business consultancy and the technology transfer industries. You could even become a leader in medical innovation translation. You will also be in a good position to create your own companies, become life science consultants, join medical research industries, or continue your studies at prestigious universities.

Health and social work is the biggest sector by employment in the UK (Statista, 2023) and our degree is designed with this in mind. Graduates will be uniquely placed to succeed in a competitive job market, with a suite of versatile skills, the ability to expertly communicate their work and a creative flair for business.

You will also benefit from UCL's global reputation and strong industry partnerships and will join alumni and academic staff already changing medical practice and innovating the industry.

Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students
Fee description Full-time
Tuition fees (2024/25) £9,250
Tuition fees (2024/25) £34,400

The fees indicated are for undergraduate entry in the 2024/25 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 2024/25 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.

Additional costs

The core textbooks for all modules are available in UCL Libraries (including the Royal Free library), and journal articles in your reading lists are available to download electronically. Some students prefer to purchase their own textbooks or to print course documents, for which we suggest allowing £200 per year.

As the course is taught across two locations, you may face some travel costs within London. Students will also need to pay for travel costs to project locations, depending upon the project they choose. Find out about the cost of travel within London at the TfL website.

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.

See all the ways you can fund your studies

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

Your application

We want to create future medical technology and life science leaders. We are looking for candidates who are interested in scientific research and enterprise. We want candidates who are motivated and who will take advantage of the opportunities offered on the course.

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.

Apply via UCAS
Application guidelines
Download prospectus

Got questions? Get in touch

Division of Surgery and Interventional Science
Division of Surgery and Interventional Science

dsis.mie@ucl.ac.uk

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