Medical Sciences MBiol, BSc

View our course information for 2022 start.

Studying medical sciences at the University of Leeds will equip you for a wide range of medical and science-related careers. You’ll explore core biomedical subjects such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology and neuroscience, with teaching from expert researchers in world-class facilities.

In this degree you'll gain an integrated knowledge of the human body; how it works in health and disease and of current biomedical science techniques and methodologies.

Our integrated Masters (MBiol) offers you an additional year of specialist training, to study advanced research topics and undertake your own extended research project.

You will be able to make an impact with this degree as medical sciences studies the science of human beings, from the level of molecular activity inside cells to the holistic behaviour of individuals. This informs medical challenges such as dementia, the complexities of managing chronic pain and the impacts of a sedentary lifestyle on health.

This provides a solid foundation for a career in laboratory-based science, whether in the field of research or clinical healthcare or as the foundation for further study in medical fields.

Course highlights:

• Designed to give a broad scientific foundation for those interested in Biomedical Sciences.

• Develop your skills through practical training in specialised laboratories, including hands-on anatomy. Experimental Skills module identifies the effects of drugs acting on the cardiac and respiratory systems.

• A wide range of research-led optional modules includes principles of drug discovery, molecular neuroscience, cellular cardiology and neuropharmacology.

• Carry out an independant research project under the supervision of a field-leading academic, further developing the transferable skills that will set you apart in the graduate job market.

• Current global challenges that are relevant to medical sciences include dementia, complexities of managing chronic pain, sedentary lifestyle impacts on health.

Flexible degrees

All our degrees are flexible, meaning there is the opportunity to transfer onto degree courses in neuroscience, pharmacology and human physiology. Additional degree courses may be available depending on your academic background.

Accreditation

This programme has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology. Advanced Degree Accreditation by the Society recognises academic excellence in the biosciences, and highlights degrees that educate the research and development leaders and innovators of the future. The Advanced Accreditation criteria require evidence that graduates from the programme meet defined sets of learning outcomes, including gaining a substantial period of research experience.

This accreditation is applicable to the following course variants: BSc Medical Sciences (Industrial); MBiol Medical Sciences; MBiol Medical Sciences (Industrial); MBiol Medical Sciences (International).

Year 1

This course equips you with a wide range of knowledge and transferable skills. It is a sensible choice if you know you are interested in biomedical subjects but do not want to decide on specialisation, at least in the first year.

Introduction to the range of topics making up the medical sciences, including essential anatomy, physiology, microbiology and pharmacology, as well as endocrinology and neuroscience.

You’ll also develop the fundamental pracitcal laboratory skills and techniques that will underpin the rest of your studies.

At the end of year 1, our flexible degree structure offers you the opportunity to transfer from medical sciences to another degree course such as pharmacology, neuroscience and human physiology.

Year 2

Gain a more detailed exposure to the systems of the body through core modules that will build on your knowledge.

Modules are taught in an integrated way that brings together normal structure and function with changes in disease and treatment. You’ll have a range of optional modules to choose from, including human diseases, toxicology and bioinformatics, and develop your understanding of research methods and experimental skills. You will further develop your critical reasoning skills, and learn how to apply your knowledge to evaluate scientific evidence.

Choose one area to specialise in from:

• Pharmacology

• Neuroscience

• Physiology and medical sciences more broadly – a pair of modules will allow you to study this area in greater depth and gain specific experimental skills.

At the end of year 2 you will have the opportunity to complete an industrial work placement, study abroad, or combined study and work abroad. This will add an additional year of study to your degree.

Year 3

The focal point for year 3 is an independent research project that you’ll carry out under the supervision of a field-leading academic, further developing the transferable skills that will set you apart in the graduate job market. Here you will be able to select from a wide range of project types to focus on a subject of your interest and the graduate skills that you aim to develop.

Examples of previous projects are:

• Biocompatibility evaluation of novel regenerative devices: in vitro cytotoxicity testing.

• Rapid point-of-care tests for disease diagnosis or management.

• Systematic Review of ‘metabolic disorders: a modern epidemic’.

Alongside this, choose research-centred modules that build on topics that interested you in earlier years. Advanced topic modules, in particular, allow you to choose from a menu of different research topics so you can focus more on your areas of interest. You can also choose specialist modules such as cancer biology or biomedical nanotechnology.

Integrated Masters (MBiol)

Our integrated Masters MBiol programme shares the same year 1 and 2 studying with our BSc programme, providing a foundation knowledge and skills.

Year 4 (MBiol)

Your extended research project will focus on an original, cutting-edge topic specific to your area of interest that will equip you with the skills necessary for a career in research as well as setting you apart in the general graduate job market. These projects are often linked to the on-going research programmes of academics in our department, thus allowing students to be involved in the active work of their research groups.

Examples of previous research projects include:

• The ANO1-activated channel represents a mechanism of amplifying pain signals.

• Upregulating Kv4.2 ion channel complexes: a novel therapeutic strategy for dementia.

• Investigating modulation of postnatal neurogenesis in the mouse spinal cord.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

Discovery modules

Throughout your degree you will benefit from a range of opportunities to expand your intellectual horizons outside or within your subject area.

This course gives you the opportunity to choose from a range of discovery modules. They’re a great way to tailor your study around your interests or career aspirations and help you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Find out more about discovery modules on our Broadening webpages.

Learning and teaching

You’ll have access to the very best learning resources and academic support during your studies. We’ve been awarded a Gold rating in the latest Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF, 2017), demonstrating our commitment to delivering consistently outstanding teaching, learning and outcomes for our students.

You’ll experience a wide range of teaching methods including lectures, tutorials and practicals. Your first and second years will focus on these three teaching methods, building your skills, understanding and knowledge in preparation for your final year research project, which will see you take on independent research and learning with the guidance of leading experts.

Across all years, additional workshop and seminar sessions will complement your lectures and lab practicals, and you will also undertake private study.

As a guide, a typical week in your first year includes nine to twelve hours of lectures, three to six hours of practical sessions in the laboratory, tutorials, workshop and seminar sessions, plus private study.

Independent study and research are also crucial to every year of the course. We have excellent library and computing facilities to support your learning, and the University Library offers training to help you make the most of them.

On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

We use a variety of assessment methods to help you develop a broad range of skills. These include practical work, data handling and problem-solving exercises, multiple-choice tests, group work, online and face-to-face discussion groups, computer-based simulations, essays, posters and oral presentations.

Entry requirements

A-level: AAA - AAB

BSc:
A-level: AAA - AAB

MBiol:
A-level: AAA

Including Biology or Chemistry, plus another science or science-related subject. Critical Thinking and General Studies excluded.

We accept the following:

• Science subjects: biology, human biology, chemistry, mathematics, PE and physics.

• Science-related subjects: geography, psychology, use of maths and statistics.

Applicants taking a Science A-level (in England) will be required to achieve a pass in the practical element in addition to the standard A-level grade requirement.

When an applicant is taking the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) or the Cambridge International Project Qualification (Cambridge IPQ) this can be considered alongside A-levels and may attract an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer. If you are taking A-levels, this would be ABB at A-level and grade A in the EPQ (BSc applicants) or AAB and grade A in the EPQ (MBiol applicants).

GCSE: Grade 6 (B) or above at GCSE Maths and Grade 4 (C) or above at GCSE English.

• Access to HE Diploma

  BSc:
  Pass 60 credits overall with 45 credits at Level 3, graded at D45M0P0 to D39M6P0 including distinctions in Biology and Mathematics or Chemistry. Accept Access courses in Applied Science and Science.
  Will also consider (depending on subject content):

  • Biochemical Sciences

  • Biological and Health Science

  • Biological Sciences

  • Biosciences

  • Combined Sciences

  • Life and Biological Science

  • Physical Sciences

  MBiol:
  We do not accept Access to HE.

• BTEC

  BSc:
  BTEC extended diploma entry requirements: DDM plus A/B in A-level Biology or Chemistry. The preferred BTEC qualification subject is Applied Science (other subjects may be accepted).

  BTEC diploma entry requirements: DD plus A/B in A-level Biology or Chemistry. The preferred BTEC qualification subject is Applied Science (other subjects may be accepted).

  Applicants with BTEC Subsidiary Diploma qualifications must normally have at least 2 A-levels and at least one of these should be Biology or Chemistry (plus another science or science-related subject depending on the BTEC subject).

  MBiol:
  We do not accept BTEC qualifications.

• Cambridge Pre-U

  BSc:
  D3/D3/D3-D3/D3/M1 including D3 in Biology or Chemistry plus another science or science-related subject. Global Perspectives excluded.

  MBiol:
  D3/D3/D3 including D3 in Biology or Chemistry plus another science or science-related subject. Global Perspectives excluded.

  When an applicant is taking Global Perspectives this can be considered alongside Pre-U subjects and may attract an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer. This would be D3/M1/M1 and grade D3 in Global Perspectives (BSc applicants) or D3/D3/M1 and grade D3 in Global Perspectives (MBiol applicants).

• International Baccalaureate

  BSc:
  35-34 (with 18-17 at higher level) including 6 in higher level Biology or Chemistry and another science or science-related subject at higher level.

  MBiol:
  35 (with 18 at higher level) including 6 in higher level Biology or Chemistry, and another science or science-related subject at higher level.

• Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)

  BSc:
  H2,H2,H2,H2,H2,H2 - H2,H2,H2,H2,H3,H3 including H2 in Biology or Chemistry, and another science or science related subject at higher level.

  MBiol:
  H2,H2,H2,H2,H2,H2 including Biology or Chemistry, and another science or science-related at higher level.

• Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers

  BSc:

  Advanced Higher: 5 x Highers AABBB, with AA-AB in 2 Advanced Highers including Biology and another science or science-related subject. General Studies and Critical Thinking excluded.

  MBiol:

  Advanced Higher: 5 x Highers AABBB, with AA in 2 Advanced Highers including Biology and another science or science-related subject. General Studies and Critical Thinking excluded.

  We accept the following:

  • Science subjects: biology, human biology, chemistry, mathematics and physics.

  • Science-related subjects: geography, PE, psychology, use of maths and statistics.

  Scottish Higher: Scottish Highers not accepted on their own.

Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.

Alternative entry

We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.

Access to Leeds is a contextual admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.

Find out more about Access to Leeds and contextual admissions.

Typical Access to Leeds offer

BSc – A level: BBB

MBiol – A Level: ABB

Specific A Level subjects required – see entry requirement section above.

GCSE: Grade 6 (B) or above at GCSE Maths and Grade 4 (C) or above at GCSE English.

Access to Leeds: Pass

International Foundation Year

International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in any component.. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

How to apply

Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.

We welcome applications from mature students. We welcome applications from mature students from all backgrounds onto both full-time and part-time programmes.

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy 2024

Fees

UK: See fees section below

International: £24,500 (per year)

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2024/25
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will be £9,250 for students starting in 2024/25.

The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation only, as a consequence of future changes in Government legislation and as permitted by law.

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2025/26 have not yet been confirmed by the UK government. When the fee is available we will update individual course pages.

Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2024/25 and 2025/26
Tuition fees for international students for 2024/25 are available on individual course pages. Fees for students starting in 2025/26 will be available from September 2024.

Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.

Read more about paying fees and charges.

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.

The Faculty of Biological Sciences offer a range of scholarships for UK, EU and International students. Find out more about our scholarships

As well as providing you with subject-specific knowledge, we aim to equip you with the best possible skills for a variety of future careers. All of our degrees have a strong emphasis on practical based teaching, small group teaching, online learning and problem solving.

Throughout the degree, you’ll gain a wide range of transferable skills which are highly valued by employers. Supported by the faculty student opportunity team, Leeds for Life scheme and your academic and personal tutor, you’ll be ideally placed to focus on your personal development and make the most of your time at university.

Studying medical sciences at the University of Leeds will equip you for a wide range of medical and science-related careers. It could open up a career in laboratory-based science, whether in the field of research or clinical healthcare or as the foundation for further study in medical fields.

Typical graduate careers include:

• Academic Researcher

• Biomedical Scientist

• Clinical Research Associate

• Clinical Scientist

• Physician Associate

• Medical communications

Examples of recent graduate destinations include:

• Clinical support worker

• PhD Breast Cancer Research

• MSc Physiotherapy

• Graduate medicine

• Research technician

• Scientific copy editor

Careers support

We have a dedicated student opportunity team in the Faculty of Biological Sciences who work closely with the University’s Careers Centre.

We offer a host of additional opportunities beyond core course content, including volunteering and placements. These include our annual student-alumni networking event, where graduates are invited back to talk about their work and network with our students, and our STEM Careers Fair, which gives you the chance to meet bioscience employers, such as AstraZeneca, Covance, GSK, Nuffield NHS Ecological consultancies, speak to alumni, attend workshops and get masses of information.

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.

The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more about Careers support.

Study abroad

On this course you have the opportunity to apply to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year. We have over 300 University partners worldwide and popular destinations for our students include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and Latin America. 

Find out more at the Study Abroad website.

If you choose to undertake a study abroad option, you will spend the third year of the your course studying abroad. This will extend your studies by 12 months.

Work placements

Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.

Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.

Industrial placements are taken after your second year. This will extend your studies by 12 months. For your work placement in industry, the staff at Leeds will help you with your CV and recruitment process and provide details of organisations.

Placements abroad are possible. We work together with your industrial supervisors to make sure you get the most out of this year. A year working in industry gives you an excellent opportunity to get used to the demands of the world of work, to develop new skills and to augment your CV.

Combined study and working abroad

Our new module allows you to combine both a study abroad and industrial work placement into one additional year of study. Over the year you will study for a semester at one of our partner universities and complete an industrial work placement for 6 months abroad or in the UK.

Find out more about Combined study and work abroad.