BSc Medical Sciences

The emphasis is on understanding the normal functioning of the human body, from enzymes through to whole biological systems. Without this core knowledge of how the body works, it would be impossible for us, as scientists, to devise the new diagnostic tests, drugs or treatments that will best benefit patients. Modules cover human physiology, biochemistry and genetics, and microbiology and cells.

You will focus more on the scientific basis of important diseases, beginning with some fundamental insights into the ways in which human biology goes awry in disease. This knowledge is then used to explore how cutting-edge scientific technologies can be exploited to advance disease diagnosis and treatment. Modules cover disease, diagnostics and therapeutics, medical research, immunopathology and specialisms for the pathways.

Professional training year

Study abroad

In your final year you have opportunities to study and undertake research to help improve current medical knowledge and practice. In addition to the core modules, you can select from a range of optional specialist advanced modules, enabling you to tailor your degree to match your own specific interests and career ambitions.

You will complete the same first year regardless of whether you choose Medical Sciences or if you choose to undertake one of our four Medical Sciences pathways. Our programme is designed to be flexible so that you can change between specialisms, or onto a pathway at the end of year one.

Our specialisms are:

• Health Research
• Human Genomics
• Neuroscience
• Pharmacology and Therapeutics

By studying one of our pathways, you will come away with a named specialism after your degree title, eg BSc Medical Sciences (Health Research).

You will receive advice about the pathways once you’re at Exeter so you don’t need to make any decisions in advance.

UCAS code: B101

You can choose to, and we actively support and encourage you to, undertake a Professional Training Year (PTY). The PTY provides you with an excellent opportunity to gain invaluable experience of working as part of a leading research team. This gives you the chance to discover what it is like to work in a real research environment or a health intervention setting and will enhance your career prospects. You will contribute to a medical or health related project, and may have the opportunity to attend a national or international science conference to present your research data, or co-author a research paper.

If you choose a PTY, it will take place after your second year of study, and your degree will take four years to complete.

Why choose a Professional Training Year?

Undertaking a PTY placement will enhance your professionalism, independence and confidence; increase your subject knowledge and research skills; improve your problem-solving, team-working, leadership, communication and project management skills; and prepare you for working in a professional work environment.

How is the PTY organised?

You apply for a PTY during your second year of study and are supported to apply for positions with guidance from our staff. During your PTY you are closely support by both your workplace supervisor and visiting PTY tutor.

How do I apply?

You can apply directly to one of these options using the UCAS codes below, or you can apply to the standard BSc Medical Sciences course and transfer onto the PTY option at the end of your first year.

How does it affect my tuition fee?

If, as part of your four-year degree programme, you spend a full academic year studying or working abroad you will pay a reduced fee of £1,350 (or 15 per cent of the maximum fee for that year). If you spend a full year on a work placement (in the UK) you will pay a reduced fee of £1,800 (or 20 per cent of the maximum fee).

Why study abroad?

Scientific careers of almost every description take place in the international arena, where collaboration with colleagues around the globe are valuable for professional success. Spending a year abroad is an opportunity to gain knowledge of medicine beyond national borders, valuable lived experience and a global professional network. 

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?

We have links with major universities in Australia, Hong Kong, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Portugal, the USA, Canada and Spain. You can find a complete list of International Exchange partner universities on the Study Abroad website.

Does it count towards my degree?

Yes: the Study Abroad option allows you to study at an overseas university in your third year, earning credits towards your final degree while also gaining vital experience and employability skills.

All assessments during the year abroad are undertaken at the host university and count towards your final degree.

Upon return to the University of Exeter, you will then complete the final year of your degree in a fourth year.

How does it affect my tuition fee?

If you spend a full academic year studying abroad you will pay a reduced fee for that year. You can find out more information in the fees section.

How do I apply?

There is no need to apply direct to this programme: apply via UCAS for BSc Medical Sciences, and you can transfer onto the four-year programme with Study Abroad once you are at Exeter. You will need to achieve a grade average of 60% or above in year 1 of your course to be eligible to study abroad.

Further information

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