(Full time) 2020 start
Medical Sciences MBiol, BSc

Overview
Studying Medical Science 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.
On this undergraduate 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 offers you an additional year of specialist training. You’ll undertake an extended research project and study advanced medical sciences topics.
Make an Impact
Medical Sciences studies the science of human beings, from the level of molecular activity inside cells to the holistic behaviour of individuals.
Course highlights:
If you’re undecided about which degree to study, but know you're interested in Biomedical Sciences, our Medical Sciences degree is designed to give you a broad foundation as a scientist.
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.
Current global challenges that are relevant to Medical Sciences include dementia, complexities of managing chronic pain, sedentary lifestyle impacts on health.
Accreditation
Our BSc with Industrial Placement Year and MBiol courses have been awarded Full Advanced Accreditation by the Royal Society of Biology. Degree accreditation by the Royal Society of Biology acknowledges academic excellence in the biosciences, and highlights degrees that educate the research and development leaders and innovators of the future. The accreditation criteria require evidence that graduates have met defined learning outcomes, including gaining substantial research experience.
Course content
This course equips you with a wide range of knowledge and also transferable skills. It’s a sensible choice if you know you’re interested in biomedical subjects but do not want to decide on specialisation, at least in the first year.
In Year 1, you’ll be introduced to the range of topics making up the medical sciences. This will include basic anatomy, physiology, microbiology and pharmacology, as well as endocrinology and neuroscience.
You’ll also develop the fundamental laboratory skills and techniques that will underpin the rest of your studies.
It may be possible to transfer to Pharmacology, Neuroscience or Human Physiology after Year 1 (subject to academic approval).
In Year 2, you will receive more detailed exposure to the systems of the body. You’ll study core modules that will build on your knowledge. These 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.
You’ll also 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.
The degree offers the opportunity to apply for an industrial placement or study abroad year at the end of Year 2, which will help broaden your experience, enhance your skills and improve your employment prospects.
In Year 3, you’ll choose research-centered modules that build on topics that interested you in earlier years. ‘Advanced Topics’ 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.
Much of the year will be focused on your own research project. Your research will concentrate on a completely original topic in the subject which will allow you to explore our latest research breakthroughs with leading academics in our specialised laboratories. For those whose career path is not into laboratory-based biosciences, a variety of different project types is available to help you to develop professionally-relevant skills.
Integrated Masters (MBiol)
Years 1 and 2 are the same as for the BSc and provide you with a foundation in the subject.
In Year 3 you’ll study compulsory and optional modules, a literature research project and a research preparation module that will underpin your final-year research project.
In Year 4 you’ll undertake an extended research project in an original topic while exploring specialised research topics and skills. Examples of previous research projects include:
Biocompatibility evaluation of novel regenerative devices: in vitro cytotoxicity testing
Pharmacology of “legal highs”
Rapid point-of-care tests for disease diagnosis or management
Heart and skeletal muscle function in health and disease
Systematic Review of ‘metabolic disorders: a modern epidemic’
3D reconstruction of pregnant and post-partum human uterus
Find out more about choosing between an integrated Masters and a BSc degree
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.
Modules
Year 1
Compulsory modules
- Basic Laboratory and Scientific Skills 20 credits
- Biology of the Mind 10 credits
- Introduction to Pharmacology 10 credits
- Basic Laboratory and Scientific Skills 2 20 credits
- Human Endocrinology 10 credits
- Introduction to Physiology 20 credits
- The Basis of Life 20 credits
- The Microbial World 10 credits
Year 2
Compulsory modules
- Cardio-respiratory Physiology and Pharmacology 20 credits
- Experimental Skills 10 credits
- Scientific Skills 10 credits
- Physiology of Absorption and Excretion 10 credits
Year 3
Compulsory modules
- Research Project in Biomedical Sciences (BSc only) 40 credits
- Inherited Disorders 10 credits
- Advanced Scientific Skills 20 credits
- Practical Research Skills (MBiol only) 20 credits
- Extended Research Project Preparation (MBiol only) 20 credits
Year 4
Compulsory modules
- Advanced Research Topics 30 credits
- Extended Research Project 90 credits
Broadening your academic horizons
At Leeds we want you to benefit from the depth and breadth of the University's expertise, to prepare you for success in an ever-changing and challenging world. On this course you broaden your learning through core and/or optional modules. Find out more on the 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 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.
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, fees and applying
Entry requirements
A-level: AAA - AAB
BSc:
A-level: AAA - AAB
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.
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: GCSE: Grade 6 (B) or above at GCSE Maths and Grade 4 (C) or above at GCSE English.
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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:
Applicants with BTEC qualifications (Diploma or Extended Diploma) are required to have A2 level Biology (Maths, Chemistry and Physics may be acceptable alternatives depending on the BTEC subject). Distinctions in the BTEC subject and an A or B grade (BTEC subject dependent) for the A-level subject are required. Applicants with BTEC Subsidiary Diploma qualifications must have at least 2 A2 levels and at least one of these must be in BiologyMBiol:
We do not accept BTEC qualifications. -
Cambridge Pre-U
BSc:
D3/D3/D3-D3/D3/M1 including D3 in Biology or Chemistry plus one other science or science-related subject. Global Perspectives excluded.MBiol:
D3/D3/D3 including D3 in Biology or Chemistry plus one other science or science-related subject. Global Perspectives excluded.Applicants offering the Cambridge Pre-U Global Perspectives qualification are eligible to receive a standard offer, as shown above, plus an alternative offer. The alternative offer would be D3/M1/M1 including Biology or Chemistry and another science subject plus D3 in Global Perspectives.
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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 Highers (Leaving Certificate)
BSc:
H2,H2,H2,H2,H2,H2 - H2,H2,H2,H2,H3,H3 including H2 in Biology or Chemistry, and another science at higher level.MBiol:
H2,H2,H2,H2,H2,H2 including H2 in Biology or Chemistry, and another science 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.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.
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.
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Welsh Baccalaureate
BSc:
AAA-AAB including Biology/Human Biology, or Chemistry plus another science or science-related subject. General Studies, Critical Thinking and Advanced Skills 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.MBiol:
AAA including Biology/Human 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 and physics. Science-related subjects: geography, PE, psychology, use of maths and statistics.
Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the Schools Undergraduate Admissions Team.
Alternative entry
Were committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.
Access to Leeds is an alternative 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 alternative admissions.
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. The institution code for the University of Leeds is L23. 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/EU 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
Faculty of Biological Sciences Undergraduate Admissions Policy 2020
Fees
UK/EU: See fees section below
International: £23,750 (per year)
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.
Visit our Brexit page for the latest information on the effect of the UK's planned exit from the EU on current students and applicants to the University.
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 about additional costs
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
Career opportunities
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 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.
Many students go on to postgraduate entry medical or dental courses, while other graduates further develop their research skills by doing a PhD. The Medical Sciences degree is also attractive to those who envisage careers related to healthcare or medical research.
Examples include laboratory or clinical research, management in healthcare organisations and diagnostic roles (including the NHS Scientist Training Programme). Within the pharmaceutical industry, our graduates are involved in roles ranging from research and development of new drugs to clinical trials and medicines safety.
With a strong focus on wider skills such as data handling, problem-solving and communication skills, our graduates are also well equipped for a range of other careers.
Careers support
Dedicated employability team
We have a dedicated employability team in the Faculty of Biological Sciences who work closely with the University’s Careers Centre to support your development.
We offer a host of additional opportunities beyond core course content, including volunteering and placements. These include our annual Faculty Graduate Panel, 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 Health, speak to alumni, attend workshops and get masses of information.
We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. Thats 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 at the Careers website.
Study abroad and work placements
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 typically taken between your second and final year. If you choose to undertake a placement year, this will extend your studies by 12 months. For your work placement, staff at Leeds will help you with your CV and application letters and provide a list of organisations which may offer industrial placements.
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.