BSc Medical Sciences - 2025 entry

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.

Compulsory modules

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.

Compulsory modules

The second year focuses 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.

Within a variety of learning environments, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, laboratory practicals and small group learning, you will have opportunities to investigate and debate how disease develops and how healthcare can be improved. Key aspects of applied research are explored including clinical and medical research methods and its design and setting (including governance, ethics, funding, testable hypothesis development, data handling and communication) within healthcare environments. Your understanding of these areas develops through a variety of hands-on learning opportunities which enhance your practical research skills and knowledge of contemporary medical research issues.

When choosing modules for Stage 2, you will need to consider whether you will continue with the core programme, or if you intend to embark on a specialism pathway.  A specialism entails completing the core modules for the BSc (Hons) Medical Sciences, plus at least 90 Level 5 and Level 6 credits from specialist modules in a given area of medical science. Some of these specialist credits may reflect optional module choices, whereas other modules are compulsory for the pathway, and the 45-credit final year Project CSC3028 (Medical Sciences Literature Review) or CSC3029 (Medical Sciences Research Project) must explore a subject appropriate to the given specialism.

In order to be eligible to graduate with a pathway, you must have passed (not condoned) at least 90 credits in the discipline, including those deemed compulsory to the pathway. Students for whom this is not the case will still be able to graduate with BSc (Hons) Medical 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.

You are required to take a minimum of 30 credits of Bioscience modules across your second and final years of study. At least one module (15 credits) must be taken in Stage 2 as a prerequisite to be eligible for final year Biosciences modules.

If you wish to continue on the core programme, BSc (Hons) Medical Sciences, you are required to take 60 credits of compulsory modules and select 60 credits from optional modules, and those developed and advertised annually on the Medical Sciences webpages.

Please note that no more than 120 credits may be studied at Stage Two.

In addition to the core/optional modules, you will participate in a number of activities in the non-credit bearing modules, Academic Tutor Group and Employability (CSC2909 and CSC2905) to build your Personal Development and Professionalism portfolio.  You will receive dedicated careers support and advice from your Academic Tutor, the Faculty Careers Consultant and the Academic Lead for Careers and Employability.

Optional modules

^a You may only take one of these two optional modules: CSC2008 Immunopathology, CSC2009 Anatomical Sciences and CSC2004 Medical Genetics.

^bIf you take CSC2008 (Immunopathology), you will not be permitted to take BIO3078 (Cellular Basis of Immunity) in final year.

^c You may only take one of these three optional modules: CSC2007 Introduction to Health Research, CSC2025 Decolonising Medicine and BIO2089 Molecular Biology of the Gene

^d You may only take one of these four optional modules: CSC2020 Coding for Medical Scientists, CSC2022 Ethical Issues in Health Research, BIO2101 Advanced Microbiology and CSC2026 The Biology of  Cancer

^e You may only take one of these three optional modules: NEU1006 Introduction to Neuroscience, BIO2092 Genomics and Intro. Bioinformatics and CSC2027 Experimental Pharmacology

Professional training year

Compulsory modules

Study abroad

Compulsory modules

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.

Compulsory modules

Optional modules

^a You must take one of these modules. You will initially be allocated to CSC3028, then transferred onto CSC3029 if appropriate following the project allocation process.

^b  If you  took CSC2008 (Immunopathology) in second year are not permitted to take BIO3078 (Cellular Basis of Immunity) in final year.

^c You may only take one of these two optional modules: CSC3018 Health Economics and BIO3086 Cell Biology of Disease

^d You may only take one of these two optional modules: CSC3009 Pharmacogenomics and BIO3078 Cellular Basis of Immunity

^e You may only take one of these two optional modules: NEU2019 Neuropharmacology and BIO3079 Molecular Basis of Infection

^f You may only take one of these two optional modules: CSC3030 New Therapeutic Targets in Cancer and CSC3031 Applied Data Science

^g You may only take one of these two optional modules: NEU3003 Psychology Applied to Health and BIO3041 Pharmacology and Medicinal Chemistry

^h You may only take one of these three optional modules: CSC3010 Rational Drug Design, CSC3021 Rehabilitation Science and BIO3092 Bioinformatics

ⁱ You may only take one of these three optional modules: CSC3011 Medical Genomics, CSC3008 Clinical Trials and NEU3030 Neuroimmunology

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