Biomedical Sciences

Study mode:On campus Study type:Full-time Languages: English
Local:$ 11.7 k / Year(s) Foreign:$ 32.1 k / Year(s) Deadline: Oct 15, 2025
1 place StudyQA ranking:2508 Duration:3 years

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Biomedical scientists focus on how cells, organs and systems function in the human body; an exciting and dynamic area that is highly relevant to the understanding and treatment of human diseases. This course does not provide a medical training.

Oxford is a highly respected and internationally recognised centre for biomedical research and, on this interdisciplinary course, students will receive the benefit of tuition from leading experts working within a variety of non-clinical and clinical departments.

This course provides students with an intellectually stimulating education in modern molecular, cellular and systems biology and neuroscience. The course has been designed so that students first acquire an integrated understanding of biomedical science that allows them to shape their subsequent studies towards the topics that interest them the most.

As the course progresses, increasing emphasis is placed on relating knowledge to scientific research. That emphasis is demonstrated by the opportunity for all students to obtain first-hand experience of laboratory research in the later stages of the course. Students choose their own project and the possible areas for research within the University are wide ranging.

On the basis of the specialisation initiated by the selection of second-year modules and confirmed by the choice of third-year options, students will be awarded a degree in Neuroscience or Cell and Systems Biology.

Biomedical Careers

This course provides a strong foundation to pursue academic research, work in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors, or apply for an accelerated graduate entry course in medicine.

The Biomedical Sciences course at the University of Oxford is a full-time, basic science degree course, offering education in cell and systems physiology and neuroscience. It is not accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science.

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

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