Biomedical Sciences

Study mode:On campus Study type:Full-time Languages: English
Local:$ 12.1 k / Year(s) Foreign:$ 33.4 k / Year(s) Deadline: Oct 15, 2026
1 place StudyQA ranking:4532 Duration:3 years

Photos of university / #oxford_uni

The Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Oxford offers an intensive and comprehensive education designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the fundamental principles underlying human health and disease. This program combines rigorous coursework with practical research opportunities, enabling students to explore the complex biological processes that sustain life and contribute to medical advancements. Throughout the course, students will engage with topics such as molecular biology, genetics, cell biology, physiology, biochemistry, and microbiology, gaining insight into the mechanisms that underpin human health, the development of diseases, and innovative therapeutic approaches. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and hands-on laboratory experience, fostering critical thinking, experimental skills, and scientific communication. Students will have the opportunity to participate in cutting-edge research projects within Oxford's world-renowned medical and biomedical research institutes, collaborating with leading scientists and clinicians. The program is designed to prepare graduates for a wide range of careers, including medical research, healthcare, biotechnology, and further postgraduate studies. Emphasizing an interdisciplinary approach, the Biomedical Sciences course encourages students to appreciate the interconnectedness of biological systems and their relevance to medicine and public health. The University of Oxford’s historic and stimulating academic environment, combined with access to state-of-the-art facilities, ensures that students receive a world-class education. Graduates of this program will be equipped with the knowledge, skills, and research experience necessary to make meaningful contributions to medical science and healthcare innovation, shaping the future of medicine and improving global health outcomes.

Terms 1–3 (1st year)

Courses

  • Numerical and scientific skills (Mathematics and Statistics, Chemistry and Physics)
  • Body, brain and behaviour
  • Cells, molecules and genes

Delivered by lectures, classes and practical sessions

Assessment

Examined by five written papers at the end of the year.

A satisfactory practical record is required for progression to Year 2.

Terms 4–5: Part 1 Finals
Courses

Students select courses totalling ten units from a wide range of subject areas, which currently include:

  • Psychological processes and disorders
  • Neurophysiology
  • Cellular and systems physiology
  • Intra- and intercellular signalling
  • Genetics and developmental biology
  • Pharmacology
  • Cellular pathology and immunology

The full list is available on our website

Assessment

Examined by two written papers at the start of Term 6. These papers contribute 20% to the final degree mark. An academic penalty will be applied for an unsatisfactory practical record.

Terms 6–9: Part 2 Finals

Term 6

Students work on their research project.

Terms 7–9

Options currently offered are:

  • Neuroscience (cellular and systems)
  • Molecular medicine
  • Cardiovascular, renal and respiratory biology
  • Infection and immunity
  • Cellular physiology and pharmacology
  • Experimental psychology

Cell and Systems Biology: students study two options from the first five above.

Neuroscience: students study the Neuroscience and Experimental psychology options.

Students select topics within an option to study in depth.

  • Attestat o Srednam Obrazovanii (Certificate of Secondary Education) would not be sufficient for candidates to make a competitive application. If your qualification is listed as being insufficient to make a competitive application to Oxford, then you will need to undertake further study if you wish to apply.You could take British A-levels (the British Council may know where you can take A-levels in your country), the International Baccalaureate (IB), or any other qualifications listed as acceptable on this page. The first year of a bachelor's degree from another university could also be an acceptable alternative.
  • IELTS: overall score of 7.0 (with at least 7.0 in each of the four components)
  • TOEFL (paper-based): overall score of 600 with a Test of Written English score of 5.5
  • TOEFL (internet-based): overall score of 110 with component scores of at least: Listening 22, Reading 24, Speaking 25, and Writing 24.
  • Cambridge English: Advanced, also known as the Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): grade A if taken before January 2015, or a score of at least 185.
  • Cambridge English: Proficiency, also known as the Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): grade B if taken before January 2015, or a score of at least 185.
  • English Language GCSE, or O-level: grade B (for IGCSE, please see below)
  • International Baccalaureate Standard Level (SL): score of 5 in English (as Language A or B)
  • European Baccalaureate: score of 70% in English.

Scholarships

Hill Foundation Scholarship

Russian nationals wishing to study for a second undergraduate degree. Application deadline: 12 noon (UK time) on 15 February 2017

Palgrave Brown Scholarship

Students must be ordinarily resident in and/or educated in the following countries:

Albania; Armenia; Azerbaijan; Belarus; Bosnia and Herzegovina; Bulgaria; Croatia; Czech Republic; Estonia; Georgia; Hungary; Kazakhstan; Kyrgyz Rep.; Latvia; Lithuania; Macedonia;  Moldova; Montenegro; Poland; Romania; Russia; Serbia; Slovakia; Slovenia; Tajikistan; Turkmenistan; Ukraine; Uzbekistan. Application deadline: 12 noon (UK time) on 15 February 2017

The University of Oxford offers a highly regarded Undergraduate Degree Programme in Biomedical Sciences, designed to provide students with a comprehensive foundation in the biological and medical sciences. The programme typically spans three years full-time, structured to equip students with a thorough understanding of the fundamental principles underlying human health and disease. It encompasses a broad curriculum that covers cellular and molecular biology, physiology, biochemistry, genetics, microbiology, and pharmacology, among other disciplines.

Throughout the course, students engage in a mixture of lectures, tutorials, and laboratory work, fostering both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. The programme emphasizes critical thinking, scientific investigation, and the ability to analyze complex biological data. Students have opportunities to participate in cutting-edge research projects, which may involve collaboration with leading scientists in the field.

The Biomedical Sciences degree at Oxford often provides a flexible curriculum, allowing students to tailor their studies according to their interests within the scope of the discipline. Specializations or pathways such as neurobiology, immunology, or molecular medicine may be available, giving students the chance to develop specialized expertise.

The campus facilities include state-of-the-art laboratories and research centers, enabling students to gain hands-on experience with modern biomedical techniques. The programme also aims to prepare graduates for various careers, including medical research, healthcare, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and further study in medicine or graduate research programmes.

Furthermore, Oxford's unique tutorial system offers personalized academic support and mentorship, encouraging independent learning and intellectual curiosity. The university's rich academic resources, combined with the vibrant academic community, foster an environment conducive to scientific discovery and innovation.

Admission to the programme is highly competitive and requires excellent academic achievements in science subjects such as biology and chemistry. The University of Oxford values diverse perspectives and experiences, and prospective students are often assessed on a combination of academic records, personal statements, and interviews.

Graduates of the Biomedical Sciences programme at Oxford are well-prepared for careers in biomedical research, healthcare, and academia, or for advanced graduate studies. The degree not only provides a strong scientific foundation but also cultivates transferable skills such as problem-solving, communication, and teamwork, which are highly valued in many professional contexts.

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