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Undergraduate Study

MSci Medical Sciences (Human Genomics) - 2024 entry

Please note: The below is for 2024 entries. Click here for 2025 entries.
UCAS code B200
Duration 4 years
Entry year 2024
Campus

Streatham / St Luke’s

Discipline Medical Sciences
Contact

Web: Enquire online
Phone: +44 (0)1392 725500

Typical offer

View full entry requirements

A levels: AAB
IB: 34/665
BTEC: DDD

Contextual offers

Overview

PLEASE NOTE: this programme is available to current students only. Please apply via iExeter 

  • Study genes, their action and how they are passed on through generations
  • Learn how powerful technologies in genomics allow us to sequence a person’s entire genetic code: the genome, giving insight into the mechanisms of normal and pathological states, as well as the identification, diagnosis
  • You’ll learn through interdisciplinary small group learning, teaching you independent thinking, collaboration, team-work and communication 
  • Help contribute to the latest research in human / medical genomics and gain higher level insight into bioinformatics, ethics and counselling, new generation sequencing, genetics of cancer and infectious diseases, and epigenetics

View 2025 Entry

Request a prospectus

Open Days and visiting us

Contact

Web: Enquire online

Phone: +44 (0)1392 72 72 72

Group icon

Small group learning

independent learning, team work, collaboration, and communication

Microscope icon

Contribute to the latest research

in specific aspects of human genomics

A stack of three cubes on a white background.

Beyond biomedical sciences

includes populations, clinical trials, public health, and health economics, and more

Entry requirements (typical offer)

Qualification Typical offer Required subjects
A-Level AAB At least one grade A and one grade B in GCE AL science subjects, one of which must be Biology. GCE AL/AS science includes: Biology/Human Biology*; Chemistry; Computing; Design and Technology; Electronics; Environmental Studies; Geography; Geology; Maths/Pure Maths/Further Maths*; Physical Education; Physics; Psychology; Science (applied); Statistics. *If more than one of these is taken they would only count as one ‘science’.
IB 34/665 At least one HL6 and one HL5 in IB science subjects, one of which must be Biology.
BTEC DDD Applicants studying a BTEC Extended Diploma will also require one grade A and one grade B in GCE AL science subjects, one of which must be Biology.
GCSE C or 4 English Language
Access to HE N/A N/A
T-Level N/A
Contextual Offer

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

Other accepted qualifications

View other accepted qualifications

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

Students joining the three-year programme may have the option to transfer to the four-year programme, and vice versa.

Will there be an interview?

No – we don’t interview for this programme.

What happens next?

If you receive an offer from us, you’ll be invited to an offer-holder visit day where you can find out more about the Medical Sciences programme from our current students and meet the academics who will be teaching you.

Read more

Course content

Our Medical Sciences degree prioritises the science that underpins medicine and clinical practice, preparing you to translate scientific discoveries and technological advances into improved healthcare. To achieve this, the first part of the programme gives you a wide-ranging insight into how the human body normally works. We study this through small-group sessions, lectures and hands-on laboratory practicals.

We then 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.

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.

Year 1 (Stage 1)

In your first year you will explore the science that underpins the advancement of modern medical practice. 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.

Alongside traditional lectures, tutorials and laboratory practicals, you will engage in small group work where you are given the freedom to explore a scientific topic under the expert guidance of one of our tutors (in the Integrated Human Physiology module). Your core laboratory skills will be developed through laboratory-based practicals that run alongside and support your other sessions. Some sessions also involve a doctor, scientist and patient to explore key clinical cases from three different perspectives.

You will begin to compile your Personal Development and Professionalism Portfolio, in which you chart your progress from a new student to a professional individual ready for the world of employment. You will do this by analysing your academic performance and the frequent feedback offered by the school to identify opportunities for personal and professional development to help you achieve your career goals. Support for your academic progress and career planning is provided by your Personal Tutor and through various workshops and training sessions.

Support for your academic progress and career planning is provided by your Academic Tutor. Additionally, training and support is provided through various workshops and seminars organised by the Programme’s Academic Lead for Careers and Employability within the compulsory core module, Fundamental Skills for Medical Scientists (CSC1004, 30 credits) and the non-credit-bearing modules, Academic Tutor Group and Employability (CSC1909 and CSC1905). Some of these sessions are delivered by the dedicated Careers Consultant assigned to the Faculty. At this level, you will begin to compile your Personal Development and Professionalism portfolio, a collection of work and feedback that documents your development into a highly employable, skilled graduate.

Please note that successful completion of the University’s training on Academic Honesty and Plagiarism, within the CSC1004 module, is compulsory in order for you to progress to Stage 2 of study. In order to pass, you must achieve at least 80% on the assessment, but you may attempt the assessment as many times as is necessary.

You will also receive lectures and information during Stage 1 to preview different specialist pathways available to inform your choice in Year 2 if you decide to study a topic in more depth.

Compulsory modules

CodeModule Credits
CSC1005 Integrated Human Physiology 30
CSC1004 Fundamental Skills for Medical Scientists 30
BIO1332 Biochemistry 15
BIO1334 Genetics 15
BIO1337 Microbiology 15
BIO1339 Cells 15

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.

Year 2 (Stage 2)

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 research methods and its design and setting 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.

If you wish to pursue the BSc (Hons) Medical Sciences (Human Genomics) Pathway and be able to transfer on to the MSci Medical Sciences (Human Genomics) at the end of Stage 2, you are required to take 75 credits of compulsory modules, tabulated below.

Compulsory modules

CodeModule Credits
CSC2012 Disease, Diagnostics and Therapeutics 30
CSC2023 Experimental Design and Statistics 30
CSC2004 Medical Genetics 15

Optional modules

If you wish to transfer to the MSci Medical 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 Medical Sciences (Human Genomics), you must have passed (not condoned) at least 90 credits in the discipline, including those optional modules required for 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.

If you wish to enhance the depth of your knowledge and skills in the specialism of Medical Genetics, you may wish to consider optional modules BIO2089 (Molecular Biology of the Gene) and/or BIO2092 (Genomics and Introductory Bioinformatics) at Stage Two.

Additional notes:

 a You may only take one of these three optional modules: CSC2025 Decolonising Medicine, CSC2020 Coding for Medical Scientists and BIO2089 Molecular Biology of the Gene.  

b You may only take one of these three optional modules: NEU1006 Introduction to Neuroscience, BIO2088 Advance Cell Biology and CSC2026 The Biology of Cancer. 

c You may only take one of these two optional modules: CSC2005 Introduction to Pharmacology and BIO2101 Advance Microbiology. 

d You may only take one of these two optional modules: CSC2027 Experimental Pharmacology and BIO2092 Genomics and Introductory Bioinformatics.

CodeModule Credits
BIO2088 Advanced Cell Biology (see note b)15
BIO2089 Molecular Biology of the Gene (see note a)15
BIO2092 Genomics and Introductory Bioinformatics (see note d)15
BIO2101 Advanced Microbiology (see note c)15
CSC2005 Introduction to Pharmacology (see note c)15
CSC2020 Coding for Medical Scientists (see note a)15
CSC2025 Decolonising Medicine, An Introduction (see note a)15
NEU1006 Introduction to Neuroscience (see note b)15
CSC2026 The Biology of Cancer (see note b)15
CSC2027 Experimental Pharmacology (see note d)15
NEU1006 Introduction to Neuroscience (see note b)15
CSC2026 The Biology of Cancer (see note a)15
CSC2027 Experimental Pharmacology (see note b)15

In year 3 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.

Year 3 (Stage 3)

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.

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 look at authentic and complex clinical case scenarios and, working as a team, apply evidence-based scientific theory and explore emerging new health technologies to help improve patient health. During this year, you will undertake a clinical/medical research project, closely supervised by an expert research professional.

You will complete your Personal Development and Professionalism Portfolio. Support will be provided to help you consider your career options and help consolidate your CV and interview technique.

If you wish to continue on the MSci Medical Sciences (Human Genomics) programme, you are required to complete 120 credits at Stage 3, made up of 45 credits of compulsory modules, including the 15 credit compulsory pathway module CSC3011 (Medical Genomics); you must take 45 credits from CSC3029, and at least 15 credits must be selected 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 below, and those developed and advertised annually on the Medical Sciences webpages. Enrolment on optional modules will be conditional on your having completed any required prerequisite modules at Stages Two.

Compulsory modules

CodeModule Credits
CSC3019 Translational Medical Science 30
CSC3011 Medical Genomics 15
CSC3029 Medical Sciences Research Project 45

Optional modules

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

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

c You may only take one of these two optional modules: CSC3010 Rational Drug Design and BIO3092 Bioinformatics.

CodeModule Credits
CSC3009 Pharmacogenomics (see note b)15
BIO3092 Bioinformatics (see note c)15
BIO3041 Pharmacology and Medicinal Chemistry 15
BIO3078 Cellular Basis of Immunity (see note b)15
BIO3086 Cell Biology of Disease (see note a)15
CSC3018 Health Economics (see note a)15
CSC3010 Rational Drug Design (see note c)15
CSC3031 Applied Data Science 15
NEU3028 Science Communication 15
CSC3031 Applied Data Science 15

The final year provides the opportunity to work at Masters level, accruing 120 credits. You may be permitted to work in the same area of research at Masters level in year 4, as you do in the 3rd year.

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

Additional notes:

Students who have taken CSC3009 Pharmacogenomics in Year 3 (Stage 3) may not take the module HPDM039 Pharmacogenomics in Year 4 (Stage 4)

b Students 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 (see note a)15
HPDM045 Counselling Skills for Genomics (see note b)15
HPDM044 Ethical, Legal and Social Issues in Applied Genomics 15
HPDM049 Epigenetics in Human Health and Diseases 15
HPDM046 Advanced Bioinformatics 15
HPDM088 Health Economic Evaluation in Genomics 15

Fees

Tuition fees for 2025 entry

UK students: £9,250 per year; £4,625 per year part-time
International students: £30,900 per 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 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

Medical Sciences has been developed in consultation with industry employers, the NHS and academia and provides a firm foundation in the core biomedical and biomolecular sciences, 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.

Recent graduates have gone on to*:

  • Postgraduate Medicine or Dentistry
  • NHS Scientist Training Programme
  • NHS Graduate Management Scheme
  • Finance and Banking graduate training schemes

Recent graduates are now working for*:

  • Universities, pharmaceutical and biotech companies, and other knowledge industries
  • National Health Service
  • BMI Healthcare
  • KPMG 

* This information has been taken from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) Student Record 2016/17 and Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education (DLHE) Survey 2016/17. Please note that, due to data protection, the job titles and organisations are listed independently and do not necessarily correspond.

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