Biomedical Sciences

The BSc Biomedical Sciences programme at the University of Essex offers students a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the biological principles underlying human health and disease. Designed to provide a strong foundation in the core concepts of biology, chemistry, and physiology, this course equips students with the knowledge and practical skills necessary for careers in healthcare, research, and biomedical industries. Throughout the programme, students explore a wide range of topics including molecular biology, genetics, microbiology, human anatomy and physiology, biochemistry, and cell biology. The curriculum is structured to foster critical thinking, scientific inquiry, and laboratory competence, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the demands of professional roles or further academic qualifications.

Students have access to modern laboratory facilities and enjoy opportunities for hands-on research, which enhances learning and prepares them for careers in biomedical research, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, and related fields. The programme includes a combination of lectures, tutorials, laboratory work, and independent study, encouraging active engagement and autonomous learning. Additionally, students benefit from the university's strong links with industry and healthcare providers, offering valuable work placements and networking opportunities that can facilitate seamless transition into employment or postgraduate study.

The course also emphasizes the importance of scientific communication, ethics, and current developments in biomedical sciences, ensuring graduates are not only knowledgeable scientists but also responsible professionals. The programme is suitable for students passionate about understanding the scientific basis of health and disease, and who aspire to contribute to advancements in medicine and healthcare. With flexible options for optional modules, students can tailor their degree to align with specific interests such as clinical sciences, genetics, or microbiology. Graduates of the BSc Biomedical Sciences programme will have the skills, knowledge, and confidence to excel in diverse biomedical careers or to pursue postgraduate research and professional qualifications.

Detailed Course Facts

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 13950 Year (Non-EEA)

• English

Course Content

Our courses are based on flexibility and choice, so that you can tailor your degree to your interests. In your first year you usually take four or five pre-requisite modules for your course allowing you flexibility to try subjects you have not come across before.
With a small number of exceptions, once you successfully complete the first year of your BSc, you qualify to enter the second year not only of that course but also of a range of other courses. This means you can change your course, providing you have taken the appropriate pre-requisites and places are available.
We continue to offer a range of optional modules in your second and final-years and most courses allow you to undertake a final-year project. The research project enables you to work in one of our research laboratories alongside our internationally reputed scientists, studying real science in a real scientific environment. Some of our science courses offer an optional extra year of an industrial placement.
We operate a credit framework for our awards, which is based on principles widely used across the UK university sector. Each module has a credit rating attached and our standard three-year course consists of 360 credits (120 credits in your first year, and 240 credits across your second and final years).
Please note that module information on our course finder provides a guide to course content and may be subject to review on an annual basis.

Year 1
Molecular Cell Biology;
Genetics and Evolution;
Microbiology;
Biochemistry of Macromolecules;
General and Organic Chemistry;
Introduction to Biomedical Science; and
Life Science Key Skills (double module)

Year 2
Molecular Medicine and Drug Design;
Disease Mechanisms and Therapeutics;
Immunity in Health and Disease;
Proteins and Regulation of Human Metabolism;
Biomedical Sciences I;
Biomedical Sciences II;
Hospital Experience and Skills Training; and
one from: Genome Science or Cell Biology

Year 3
Research Project (triple module);
Issues in Biomedical Science;
Molecular Mechanisms of Disease and Molecular Medicine;
Drug Design and Pharmacology;
Spectroscopic Investigations of Disease; and
one from: Molecular Virology, Molecular and Developmental Immunology, Human Genetics, Medical Microbiology, and Cancer Biology

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

A-levels: ABB-BBB, including Chemistry or Biology and a second science or equivalent
GCSE Mathematics: C
GCSE English: C
IB: 32-30 points, including Higher Chemistry and a second science or Mathematics grade 5, plus Standard Mathematics grade 4 or above (if not taken at Higher Level, we consider IB certificates at the Higher level on a case-by-case basis)
English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall with minimum 5.5 in each component (or equivalent). Different requirements apply for second year entry.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of Essex.

Funding

For up-to-date information on funding opportunities at the University of Essex please visit: www.essex.ac.uk/funding.

You can also view some of our videos on student finance at www.youtube.com/Uni Essex.

Biomedical Sciences at the University of Essex offers a comprehensive undergraduate programme designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the biological and medical sciences that underpin human health and disease. The degree combines core principles of biology, chemistry, and medicine with practical laboratory skills, equipping students with the knowledge needed to contribute to advancements in healthcare, research, and biomedical industries. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics including human anatomy, physiology, molecular biology, genetics, microbiology, pharmacology, and immunology. Students have the opportunity to engage in hands-on laboratory work, exploring experimental methods and developing critical analytical skills, which are essential for careers in biomedical research, clinical settings, or further academic study.

The university emphasizes a student-centered approach, providing support through dedicated academic advisors and state-of-the-art facilities, including well-equipped laboratories and research centers. Throughout the course, students are encouraged to participate in research projects, internships, and placements to gain real-world experience and enhance their employability. The programme also offers pathways into postgraduate study, such as MSc programmes or professional qualifications, to further specialize in areas like biomedical research, healthcare sciences, or biomedical industry roles.

Graduates of the Biomedical Sciences program at Essex are well-prepared for careers in biomedical research, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, and biotechnology. They benefit from the university’s connections with industry partners and research institutions, which facilitate networking and employment opportunities after graduation. The course structure is designed to foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation—skills highly valued in the rapidly evolving biomedical sector. Students graduate with a solid foundation in scientific principles, laboratory expertise, and an awareness of ethical issues in biomedical research, positioning them for successful careers or further study in the biomedical and healthcare fields.