Medical Sciences MBiol, BSc

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.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Medical Sciences MBiol, BSc in the course catalogue

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Medical Sciences BSc in the course catalogue

Modules

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

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.

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

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: 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:
  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 Biology

  MBiol:
  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.

• 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.

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 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 2021

Fees

UK/EU: See fees section below

International: £23,750 (per year)

Undergraduate tuition fees for 2020 entry 
For UK and non-UK EU full-time students starting in 2020, the fee for 2020/21 will be £9,250. 

The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation, and as permitted by law. Fees for UK and non-UK EU undergraduate students are decided by Government and may vary if policy changes.

The UK government has confirmed that non-UK EU students starting in the 2020/21 academic year will have home fee status and be eligible for UK government student loans for the duration of their course. The UK government has not confirmed the situation for future years, so keep checking our website for updates.

UK undergraduate tuition fees for 2021 entry 
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2021/22 have not yet been confirmed by the UK government. In other years, the government has confirmed fee levels in summer. When the fee is confirmed, we will publish an update on this website.

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.

Brexit 
Visit our Brexit page for the latest information on the effect of the UK's 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

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. 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 at the Careers website.

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.