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Undergraduate Study

BSc Biomedical Sciences - 2025 entry

Please note: The below is for 2025 entries. Click here for 2024 entries.
UCAS code B111
Duration 3 years
Entry year 2025
Campus St Luke's Campus
Discipline Biomedical and Medical Sciences
Contact

Web: Enquire online
Phone: 0300 555 6060 (UK callers) 
+44 (0)1392 723044 (EU/International callers)

Typical offer

View full entry requirements

A-Level: ABB
IB: 32/655
BTEC: DDM

Contextual offers

A-Level: ABC
IB: 28/554
BTEC: DMM

Overview

  • Biomedical Science is at the heart of healthcare, underpinning much of modern medicine. Study a degree where you can help shape the future of health and the next generation of treatments.
  • Tailor your degree to your interests and career aspirations with our bespoke suite of modules developed in collaboration with biomedical sciences researchers.
  • Benefit from research-led teaching by academics and researchers at the forefront of their field.
  • Explore the way research transforms into progress in clinical practice by gaining hands-on experience in our specialised facilities and cutting-edge laboratories.
  • Benefit from the opportunity to undertake a professional placement or spend a year studying abroad. Gain knowledge of medicine beyond national borders, develop valuable lived experience and expand your professional network.

View 2024 Entry

Request a prospectus

Open Days and visiting us

How to apply

Contact

Web: Enquire online

Phone: +44 (0)1392 72 72 72

Biomedical Sciences begins in 2025/26, replacing our long-established Medical Sciences degree. It will retain all the high-quality core teaching values of the former programme but will adapt some of the modules to simplify course pathways and allow more flexibility for students.

Top 20 icon

Top 20 in the UK for Biomedical Sciences

20th in the Complete University Guide 2025

Lab Flask icon

State-of-the-art laboratories and specialised facilities

Hands-on practical laboratory work forms an essential part of the course

An image of a globe on a stand, depicted through a line drawing, showcasing the continents and countries of the world.

Spend a year studying abroad or on a professional placement

Entry requirements (typical offer)

Qualification Typical offer Required subjects
A-Level ABB A and B in Biology and another Science subject*
IB 32/655 HL 6 and HL 5 in Biology and another Science subject
BTEC DDM Applicants studying a BTEC Extended Diploma will also require one grade A and one grade B in GCE A-Level science subjects, one of which must be Biology.
GCSE C or 4 Grade C or 4 in English Language
Access to HE 24 L3 credits at Distinction Grade and 21 L3 credits at Merit Grade 15 L3 Credits at Distinction Grade and 12 L3 Credits at Merit Grade in Biology and another suitable science subject area.
T-Level T-Levels not accepted N/A
Contextual Offer

A-Level: ABC
IB: 28/554
BTEC: DMM

Specific subject requirements must still be achieved where stated above. Find out more about contextual offers.

Other accepted qualifications

View other accepted qualifications

English language requirements

International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B2. Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country.

NB General Studies is not included in any offer.

Grades advertised on each programme webpage are the typical level at which our offers are made and provide information on any specific subjects an applicant will need to have studied in order to be considered for a place on the programme. However, if we receive a large number of applications for the programme we may not be able to make an offer to all those who are predicted to achieve/have achieved grades which are in line with our typical offer. For more information on how applications are assessed and when decisions are released, please see: After you apply

*GCE A level/AS science includes: Biology/Human Biology^; Chemistry; Computing; Design and Technology; Electronics; Environmental Science; Environmental Studies; Geography; Geology; Maths/Pure Maths/Further Maths^; Life and Health Sciences; Physical Education; Physics; Psychology; Science (applied); Statistics; IB Higher Level Sport Science. ^If more than one of these is taken they would only count as one ‘science’.

Course content

The interdisciplinary nature of the BSc Biomedical Sciences course at Exeter means that you will explore a range of areas such as biochemistry, genetics, cell biology, physiology, immunology and infection, neuroscience and diabetes. 

In the first year, you’ll gain a wide-ranging insight into how the human body normally works. We study this through small-group sessions, lectures and hands-on laboratory practicals.

As the course progresses, we build upon this foundation to see how things can go wrong in the body due to disease and trauma and how normal function might be restored. We are keen that you develop a holistic understanding of human health. You will then specialise in the area that interests you most, tailoring your degree to match your specific career ambitions.

The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.

Stage 1: 120 credits of compulsory modules

Compulsory modules

CodeModule Credits
CSC1013 Skills for Biomedical Sciences 15
CSC1011 Experimental Design and Analysis 15
CSC1012 Fundamentals of Pharmacology 15
CSC1010 Cardiorespiratory Physiology 15
BIO1332 Biochemistry 15
BIO1334 Genetics 15
BIO1337 Microbiology 15
BIO1339 Cells 15

Stage 2: 45 credits of compulsory modules, 60 credits taken from a set of constrained optional modules (see notes below) and 15 credits from the list of options.

Compulsory modules

CodeModule Credits
CSC2034 Statistics for Biomedical Sciences 15
CSC2033 Research Skills and Data Analysis 15
CSC2032 Neuroendocrine Physiology 15

Optional modules

aYou must select either CSC2035 Immunology of Infectious Diseases or BIO2101 Advanced Microbiology
bYou must select either CSC2026 The Biology of Cancer or BIO2088 Advanced Cell Biology
cYou must select either CSC2004 Medical Genetics or BIO2089 Molecular Biology of the Gene
dYou must select either CSC2027 Experimental Pharmacology or CSC2037 Introduction to Toxicology

CodeModule Credits
CSC2035 Immunology of Infectious Diseases (a)15
BIO2101 Advanced Microbiology (a)15
CSC2026 The Biology of Cancer (b)15
BIO2088 Advanced Cell Biology (b)15
CSC2004 Medical Genetics (c)15
BIO2089 Molecular Biology of the Gene (c)15
CSC2027 Experimental Pharmacology (d)15
CSC2037 Introduction to Toxicology (d)15
CSC2030 Coding for Biomedical Scientists 15
BIO2092 Genomics and Introductory Bioinformatics 15
NEU1006 Introduction to Neuroscience 15
CSC2031 Diabetes - Genes to Environment 15
CSC2029 Biomedical Entrepreneurship 15

Find out more about placement and study abroad options under Course variants.

with Professional Placement

Stage 3: 120-credit professional placement module

Compulsory modules

CodeModule Credits
CSC3003 Professional Training Year 120

with Study Abroad

Stage 3: 120-credit study-abroad module

Compulsory modules

CodeModule Credits
CSC3032 Medical Sciences Study Abroad 120

Stage 3: 15 credits of compulsory modules, 45 constrained optional modules (see note below) and 60 credits of optional modules.

Compulsory modules

aYou must select either Research Project in Biomedical Sciences or Capstone Project

CodeModule Credits
CSC3037 Research Project in Biomedical Sciences (a)45
CSC3036 Capstone Project (a)45
CSC3038 Analytical Thinking for Biomedical Sciences Research 15

Optional modules

CodeModule Credits
CSC3009 Pharmacogenomics 15
CSC3010 Rational Drug Design 15
CSC3011 Medical Genomics 15
CSC3018 Health Economics 15
CSC3030 New Therapeutic Targets in Cancer 15
CSC3031 Applied Data Science 15
BIO3086 Cell Biology of Disease 15
BIO3078 Cellular Basis of Immunity 15
BIO3092 Bioinformatics 15
BIO3058 Beyond the Frontiers of Medical Mycology 15
BIO3059 Molecular Biology of Bacterial Infection 15
NEU2019 Neuropharmacology 15
NEU3030 Neuroimmunology 15
NEU3028 Science Communication 15
CSC3034 Immunopathology 15
CSC3035 Tropical Medicine 15
CSC3033 Diabetes Research 15

Course variants

UCAS code: B112

Why choose a professional placement year?

The ‘with professional placement’ degree course accommodates an industrial placement year during the third year of your degree, making a four-year degree overall.

You’ll spend a year working on a research project in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical sectors, gaining valuable experience, improving personal and transferable skills, making new contacts and enhancing your employability.

Where can I do my placement?

We have established collaborations with local, national and multinational companies, and have successfully placed students within multinational organisations.

Previous placement destinations include:

  • Abbott Diabetes
  • Astra Zeneca
  • Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL)
  • GlaxoSmithKline
  • Jansen Pharmaceuticals
  • Johnson and Johnson
  • Merck Sharp & Dohme
  • Pfizer
  • PricewaterhouseCoopers
  • Shell
  • Vertex Pharmaceuticals

What support is available during my placement?

During your placement you are paid by the company and take two modules: Learning from Industrial Experience and Industrial Placement and Report. You will have regular contact with an academic supervisor in addition to an industrial supervisor at the company.

Is the placement paid?

It is your responsibility to decide which placements will be suitable for you financially. We present ideas of paid placements and those that have a stipend and/or accommodation.

How does it affect my tuition fee?

If you spend a full year on a work placement (in the UK or abroad) you will pay a reduced fee. Find out more information.

How do I apply?

You can apply to BSc Biomedical Sciences with Professional Placement directly through UCAS using the code above. Once at Exeter, progression to the Industrial Experience year is dependent upon successful completion of your Year 1 studies, with an average mark of at least 60%.

How are the placements organised?

The placements are sought during the second year of study and commence the following October. You are responsible for applying for positions, with direct guidance from the Industrial Placements Co-ordinator.

UCAS code: B113

Why study abroad?

Students who have studied abroad demonstrate initiative, independence, motivation and, depending on where they stay, may also have gained a working knowledge of another language – all qualities employers are looking for.

Where can I study abroad?

If you choose to take the four-year ‘with Study Abroad’ degree, you have the option to spend your third year abroad, studying in a university with which we have established links. We have over 30 partner institutions around the globe; you can find a complete list of International Exchange partner universities on the Study Abroad website.

What will I study whilst I am abroad?

All of our study abroad partners offer approved training in relevant subjects and also include new opportunities (e.g. palaeontology), programmes with specialisms (e.g. natural sciences) and courses with local expertise (e.g. shark biology). Students are also encouraged to choose subjects outside science for a (programme-specific) fraction of each term. Scuba diving, comparative theology, photography and astronomy are a few recent choices by Exeter students.

Does it count towards my degree?

Credit for academic work during your year abroad is arranged by agreement between the University of Exeter and the host institution. These marks are then translated back into your degree at Exeter.

Transferring to a Study Abroad programme

If you are not sure about studying abroad when you apply for your degree, it may be possible to apply to transfer to a four-year programme at the end of the first year of a three-year programme. Permission to take part in Study Abroad in all cases will depend on your academic progress and the places available in your chosen country.

How does it affect my tuition fee?

If you spend a full academic year studying abroad you will pay a reduced fee. Find out more information.

How do I apply?

You can apply to BSc Biomedical Sciences with Study Abroad directly through UCAS using the code above. Once at Exeter, progression to the Study Abroad year is dependent upon successful completion of your Year 1 studies, with an average mark of at least 60%.

Further information

For further information on where you can go and all the issues surrounding study abroad, see the Study Abroad website.

Integrated Masters: MSci Biomedical Sciences (Human Genomics)

Genomics DNA

You can potentially transfer to our four-year MSci Biomedical Sciences (Human Genomics) course at the end of your second year (subject to performance).

The MSci Masters-level course is designed to offer improved preparation for working in cross-sectional imaging. It will broaden your understanding of medical imaging technologies, allowing greater specialisation and career advancement in the future.

If you transfer to the MSci, you will study the 3 years of BSc modules, plus an additional fourth year which includes a 10-week specialist placement.

MSci Biomedical Sciences (Human Genomics) modules

Stage 1: 120 credits of compulsory modules

Compulsory modules

CodeModule Credits
CSC1013 Skills for Biomedical Sciences 15
CSC1011 Experimental Design and Analysis 15
CSC1012 Fundamentals of Pharmacology 15
CSC1010 Cardiorespiratory Physiology 15
BIO1332 Biochemistry 15
BIO1334 Genetics 15
BIO1337 Microbiology 15
BIO1339 Cells 15

Stage 2: 45 credits of compulsory modules, 30 credits of optional modules.

If you wish to transfer to the MSci Biomedical Sciences (Human Genomics) programme after Stage 2, you must take 45 credits of optional modules, at least 15 credits of which must be from the Biosciences options (and 30 credits of Biosciences must be taken in total in second and final year).

In order to be eligible to graduate with an MSci Biomedical Sciences (Human Genomics), you must have passed (not condoned) at least 90 credits in the discipline optional modules. Students for whom this is not the case will still be able to graduate with BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences, provided that the required number of overall credits (including condoned modules) is met. Specialist designation of all modules, projects, dissertations etc. will be confirmed by the University of Exeter Medical School and may be granted, withdrawn or amended by accordingly.

Compulsory modules

CodeModule Credits
CSC2034 Statistics for Biomedical Sciences 15
CSC2033 Research Skills and Data Analysis 15

Optional modules

aYou must select either CSC2035 Immunology of Infectious Diseases or BIO2101 Advanced Microbiology
bYou must select either CSC2026 The Biology of Cancer or BIO2088 Advanced Cell Biology
cYou must select either CSC2004 Medical Genetics or BIO2089 Molecular Biology of the Gene
dYou must select either CSC2027 Experimental Pharmacology or BIO2090 Analytical Techniques in Biochemistry

CodeModule Credits
CSC2035 Immunology of Infectious Diseases (a)15
BIO2101 Advanced Microbiology (a)15
CSC2026 The Biology of Cancer (b)15
BIO2088 Advanced Cell Biology (b)15
CSC2004 Medical Genetics (c)15
BIO2089 Molecular Biology of the Gene (c)15
CSC2027 Experimental Pharmacology (d)15
BIO2090 Analytical Techniques in Biochemistry (d)15
CSC2030 Coding for Biomedical Scientists 15
BIO2092 Genomics and Introductory Bioinformatics 15
NEU1006 Introduction to Neuroscience 15
CSC2031 Diabetes - Genes to Environment 15
CSC2032 Neuroendocrine Physiology 15
CSC2029 Biomedical Entrepreneurship 15

Stage 3: 75 credits of compulsory modules, 45 credits of optional modules.

To transfer and progress to Stage 3 you must achieve a credit-weighted stage average of at least 60% in Stage 2, otherwise you will be required to continue on the relevant three year BSc programme.
If you wish to continue on the MSci Biomedical Sciences (Human Genomics) programme, you are required to complete 120 credits at Stage 3, made up of 75 credits of compulsory modules, including the 15 credit compulsory pathway module CSC3011 (Medical Genomics); you must also select at least 15 credits from the pathway-specific optional modules CSC3009 (Pharmacogenomics) and BIO3092 (Bioinformatics). The remaining 15 credits may be chosen from the optional modules from the table.

Compulsory modules

CodeModule Credits
CSC3038 Analytical Thinking for Biomedical Sciences Research 15
CSC3011 Medical Genomics 15
CSC3038 Analytical Thinking for Biomedical Sciences Research 15

Optional modules

aYou must select either Research Project in Biomedical Sciences or Capstone Project

CodeModule Credits
CSC3037 Research Project in Biomedical Sciences (a)45
CSC3036 Capstone Project (a)45
CSC3009 Pharmacogenomics 15
CSC3010 Rational Drug Design 15
CSC3018 Health Economics 15
CSC3030 New Therapeutic Targets in Cancer 15
CSC3031 Applied Data Science 15
BIO3079 Molecular Basis of Infection 15
BIO3086 Cell Biology of Disease 15
BIO3078 Cellular Basis of Immunity 15
BIO3092 Bioinformatics 15
NEU2019 Neuropharmacology 15
NEU3030 Neuroimmunology 15
NEU3028 Science Communication 15
CSC3034 Immunopathology 15
CSC3035 Tropical Medicine 15
CSC3033 Diabetes Research 15

Year 4 (Stage 4)
In Year 4 (Stage 4) students must take 120 credits from the modules listed below including either HPDM042 Research Project (60 credits) or HPDM043 Research Project (Literature) (30 credits). Where students have done a literature review as their Research Project at Stage 3 we recommend they opt for HPDM042 at Stage 4.

Compulsory modules

CodeModule Credits
HPDM036 Omics Techniques and their Application to Genomic Medicine 15
HPDM041 Bioinformatics, Interpretation and Data Quality Assurance in Genome Analysis 15
HPDM037 Genomics of Common and Rare Inherited Diseases 15

Optional modules

aStudents who have taken CSC3009 Pharmacogenomics in Year 3 (Stage 3) may not take the module HPDM039 Pharmacogenomics in Year 4 (Stage 4).
bStudents selecting this module must also do HPDM044

CodeModule Credits
HPDM042 Research Project - Data 60
HPDM043 Research Project - Literature 30
BIOM567 Application of Genomics in Infectious Disease 15
HPDM038 Molecular Pathology of Cancer and Application in Cancer Diagnosis, Screening and Treatment 15
HPDM039 Pharmacogenomics and Stratified Healthcare (a)15
HPDM045 Counselling Skills for Genomics (b)15
HPDM044 Ethical, Legal and Social Issues in Applied Genomics 15
HPDM046 Advanced Bioinformatics 15
HPDM088 Health Economic Evaluation in Genomics 15
HPDM049 Epigenetics in Human Health and Diseases 15

Fees

Tuition fees for 2025 entry

UK students: £9,250 per year
International students: £30,900 per year

Year Abroad and Professional Placement

If, as part of your four-year, full-time degree programme, you spend a full academic year studying abroad, you will pay a reduced fee of 15 per cent of the maximum fee for that year. If you spend a full year on a work placement (in the UK or abroad) you will pay a reduced fee of 20 per cent of the maximum fee for that year.

Scholarships

The University of Exeter has many different scholarships available to support your education, including £5 million in scholarships for international students, such as our Global Excellence Scholarships*. Financial support is also available for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, lower income households and other under-represented groups to help them access, succeed and progress through higher education.

* Terms and conditions apply. See online for details.

Find out more about tuition fees and scholarships

Learning and teaching

Throughout the programme, you'll benefit from a careful blend of innovative and traditional teaching methods employed by both the Medical School and the Biosciences department. A variety of stimulating, cutting-edge resources are also available to support your learning. 

Structured small-group learning sessions 

In tutor-led groups of 8-12 students you will investigate key scientific concepts and systems presented in the form of triggers. The style of trigger varies week by week but will include patient-based clinical case studies, current media-worthy medical science breakthroughs and extracts from research papers. 

Life Sciences Resource Centre activities 

You’ll be supported in your exploration of the human biomedical science that is presented in your small group sessions by the rich variety of state-of-the-art resources available in the Life Sciences Resource Centre. These resources include anatomical models, multimedia and IT resources, and a well-stocked library. Tutor-led activities will drive your engagement with selected resources in order to increase your understanding of the small group triggers. 

Lectures and seminars

Large group lectures and cutting-edge research seminars delivered by academics as well as external speakers will complement your studies. Lectures may contain students from a variety of different programmes for which the lecture content is relevant. 

Practical laboratory sessions 

You will develop your laboratory skills in the biosciences teaching laboratory on the Streatham Campus and the new teaching lab at the St Luke’s Campus, which are equipped with instruments for observational, experimental and numerical aspects of biosciences including a range of biochemical, molecular, physiological and electronic apparatus. 

Online learning 

Your learning will be supported by the University’s virtual learning environment. You will have individual access to electronic journals, content-rich study guides, and interactive online learning materials covering various science disciplines, formative online assessments and group discussion forums. 

Assessment 

Regular assessment is used to help provide you with frequent feedback, enabling you to identify your strengths, as well as areas for improvement. Feedback is provided in a number of different ways including online written feedback and self, peer, tutor or small group feedback.

Assessment formats include multiple-choice tests, essays, structured practical exams, reflective essays, oral and poster presentations, scientific report writing, short-answer question tests and independent project work. 

Optional modules outside of this course

Each year, if you have optional modules available, you can take up to 30 credits in a subject outside of your course. This can increase your employability and widen your intellectual horizons.

Proficiency in a second subject

If you complete 60 credits of modules in one of the subjects below, you may have the words 'with proficiency in [e.g. Social Data Science]' added to your degree title when you graduate.

  • A Foreign Language
  • Data Science
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Innovation
  • Law
  • Leadership
  • Management
  • Social Data Science

Find out more about proficiency options

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Your future

BSc Biomedical Sciences has been developed in consultation with industry employers, the NHS and academia and provides a firm foundation in biomedical science, alongside an insight into medical practice and the biotechnologies used to prevent, test and diagnose disorders and treat patients. 

You’ll develop an integrated, scientific knowledge that you can put into practice in a clinical setting and robust research skills, plus creative and inquisitive communication, leadership, critical appraisal and problem-solving skills.

These key skills will prepare you for a career helping to progress scientific discovery into clinical and medical practice, ultimately to improve human health. 

Career paths

Future career pathways include:

  • postgraduate study, either at a university or with the NHS;
  • employment in knowledge industries, such as pharmaceuticals or medical technology (with roles in research and development, clinical trials, or sales and marketing);
  • training and employment to become a Scientific Officer in the Civil Service;
  • NHS management; postgraduate training for the NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP);
  • or graduate entry to professional degrees such as medicine, radiotherapy or other accredited healthcare programmes. 

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