Course Overview
Course summary
Our Medical Sciences BSc Honours is a standalone three-year Bachelor’s degree which also acts as a pre-clinical 'feeder' course offering graduates a transfer directly into the third year of the Doctor of Medicine and Surgery (MD) degree at our overseas partner, the University of Malta.
The University of Malta has a long history of medical education with their MD programme being recognised in the UK for over 100 years. All teaching at the University of Malta is in English and the university has a diverse, international student body with students from over 90 different countries.
Transfer to the MD programme at the University of Malta is conditional on the successful completion of the Medical Sciences BSc Honours with a minimum classification of lower second-class honours (2:2). Graduates wishing to progress must also have attended the anatomy and Medical Maltese Summer School and passed the Certificate in Medical Maltese Proficiency. Further details about Malta, the University of Malta and their MD programme can be found on the Studying Medicine at the University of Malta page.
The Medical Sciences BSc Honours comprises a detailed study of the human body in health and disease, with emphasis on the diagnosis and understanding of disease states and the mechanisms involved. It prepares you for a range of life science careers, but also fully equips you for transfer to the University of Malta MD programme. Teaching on the course is through a variety of methods and includes tutorials, lectures and seminars, practical laboratory work and group activities along with the use of learning technology and electronic resources. Assessment is through a combination of exams and coursework, including essays, practical work, group work, presentations and reports.
This course also offers, at additional cost (see the Fees and Funding section below), a Human Anatomy Summer School based at the University of Malta, and a Medical Maltese language programme, both of which are compulsory for students planning to progress to the MD degree on completion of the BSc. More details of these can be found on the Studying Medicine at the University of Malta page.
Top reasons to study with us
- A pathway into medicine – Our course offers you, on graduation, a transfer into the third year of the MD degree at the University of Malta
- Summer school and language programme – Our course offers, at additional cost, a Human Anatomy Summer School based at the University of Malta, and a Medical Maltese language programme
- Keep your career path open – If you decide not to progress on to the MD programme at the end of the course, the Medical Sciences BSc also equips you for a variety of careers in the life sciences
Course structure
The following subjects are indicative of what you will study on this course.
In Year 1 you will study the important fundamental sciences underlying modern medicine including human anatomy and physiology, biochemistry and cell biology along with the basics of pharmacology and drug discovery, all supported with a critical skills module. You will build on this in Years 2 and 3 to develop your understanding of normal human physiology and disease processes.
Subjects of study include:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Critical skills for the Biomedical Sciences
- Functional Anatomy
- Fundamentals of Pharmacology
- Human Physiology
Level 4
Year 2 focuses on the integration of body systems, the roles and responses of those systems to external factors and the underlying influence of genetics on individual heath. There is also a module focusing on research methods to prepare you for your final year research project.
Subjects of study include:
- Infection and Immunity
- Medical Genetics and Genomics
- Medical Physiology
- Metabolic Biochemistry
- Physiological Networks
- Research Methods
Summer school attendance is required between Years 2 and 3 for students intending to progress to the University of Malta MD programme.
Level 5
Year 3 builds on the theme of body system integration, homeostasis and the adaptation of individual systems and the human body as a whole to the external environment. Alongside this you will explore the pathology, investigation and treatment of selected disease states including cancer, cardiovascular disease, infectious diseases and those resulting from abnormal immune responses. You will also undertake a research project, which will enable you to develop the skills, ethos and understanding for medical research including an appreciation of research ethics and governance.
Subjects of study include:
- Applied Medical Science
- Cancer Biology
- Clinical Immunology and Immunohaematology
- Human Physiological Adaptations
- UG Research Project
Level 6
Programme Specification
For more details on course structure and modules, and how you will be taught and assessed, see the programme specification.
Careers
This course has been designed to prepare students for progression on to the MD programme at our overseas partner, the University of Malta, with the ultimate goal of a career in medicine and potential specialisation in one of the many medical disciplines. It is expected that the vast majority of students enrolling on the Medical Sciences BSc Honours will follow this career pathway.
Kickstart your career in medicine
On graduation, you have the option of a transfer into the third year of the MD degree at the University of Malta.
Work experience opportunities
You'll be encouraged to undertake practice-based work experience, and studying in central London, you'll be perfectly placed to access placements within biomedical laboratories and elsewhere.
3,000
Employers around the world
The University’s Careers and Employability Service has built up a network of over 3,000 employers around the world, helping all our students explore and connect with exciting opportunities and careers.
Progression on to the MD qualification and a career in medicine
An MD qualification from the University of Malta entitles graduates to apply for Provisional Registration with Licence to Practice from the UK General Medical Council (GMC) without the requirement to take the Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) test. Once graduates are registered with the GMC they are then eligible to apply for the UK Foundation Programme. They may also be able to apply for the Malta Foundation Programme which is regulated by the Malta Public Service Commission.
The Foundation Programme is the next phase of a doctor’s training after the completion of a medical degree at university and precedes specialist training in medicine or surgery. The Foundation Programme comprises a two year series of rotations in different specialities within hospitals or in the community and after successful completion of the first year, you will be able to apply for full registration with the GMC.
As a result of the accreditation of the Malta MD Degree by AMSE and ASIIN, University of Malta medical graduates have more opportunities for mobility and lifelong learning at an international level. For further information, see the Studying Medicine at the University of Malta page.
Alternative career paths
If you decide not to progress on to the MD programme at the end of your studies at the University of Westminster, there are a variety of other career paths open to Medical Sciences BSc (Hons) graduates including:
- Clinical trials
- Government departments
- Other institutions (eg Medical Research Council)
- Pharmaceutical companies
- Scientific/pharmaceutical/diagnostics sales
- Scientific research
- Scientific writing/publishing
- Technical support roles in scientific/pharmaceutical/diagnostics industry
- Teaching
- University laboratories (possibly as part of a PhD)
You may also choose to continue your studies to obtain a postgraduate qualification, eg an MSc, MRes or PhD.
International Opportunities
Many of our courses offer international study and work experiences, and the University provides other global opportunities that all students can apply for - so whatever you're studying, you'll have the chance to go abroad.
Opportunities could include:
- Taking part in semester or year-long exchanges at institutions around the world
- Attending an international summer school or field trip
- Developing your CV through volunteering or work placements abroad
International experience broadens horizons, boosts self-confidence, and improves global understanding, alongside being fantastic for your career.
Find out more about our international opportunities, including funding options and where you can go.
Course Leader
Dr Ian Locke
Principal Lecturer
After completing a degree in Biomedical Sciences, and a PhD focusing on wound healing at the University of Portsmouth, Ian moved to University College London (UCL) Medical School in 1994 as a post-doctoral researcher in the Centre for Rheumatology and the Department of Molecular Pathology working on autoimmune rheumatic diseases and the regulation of gene expression by transcription factors.
Ian moved to the University of Westminster in 1999 as a Senior Lecturer in Biomedical Science and set up a research lab focused on the role of cell death in connective tissue disease and repair, and in particular in degenerative rheumatic diseases such as osteoarthritis and related conditions. Ian's main specialism is immunology, which he teaches to a variety of students at all levels.
Join us on our exciting new degree and pursue a recognised pathway into medicine!"
Course Team
Why study this course?
Fantastic London location
You'll be based in the heart of central London, just a five-minute walk from Oxford Street and Tottenham Court Road.
A pathway into medicine
Our course acts as a pre-clinical 'feeder' course offering graduates a transfer into the third year of the MD degree at the University of Malta.
Inspiring facilities
Our Cavendish Campus offers state-of-the-art science and psychology labs and refurbished computer suites.
Online open days
Join us at an online open day or information session and get a feel for student life at the University of Westminster.
You'll get a chance to:
- Speak to our academic staff
- Take a virtual reality tour of our student halls
- Ask us any questions you may have about student finance and accommodation
Entry Requirements
- A Levels – ABB to AAB with 2 science subjects from Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Maths
- International Baccalaureate – 128 to 136 UCAS Tariff points from thed IB including 6 at HL in 2 science subjects from Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Maths
- BTEC Extended Diploma – D*DD to D*D*D in a science related subject area
- BTEC Diploma – not accepted on its own
- Access – not accepted on its own
In addition to one of the above, you should have:
- GCSE English Language grade 4/C - IB grade 4 Higher level; GCSE Maths grade 4/C - IB grade 4; GCSE Science grade 4/C - IB grade 4
If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with 6.0 in writing and 5.5 in the other components.
Applicants may also be asked to attend an interview, either in person or via Skype. Applicants are considered as a gathered field. If you apply by 15th January, selection will be made by 31st March. Applications received after that date will be advised or their decision date at the point of application.
We also welcome applications from students who are taking a combination of qualifications listed above. For further information, please contact Course Enquiries.
View more information about our entry requirements and the application process
- International Baccalaureate – 128 to 136 UCAS Tariff points from thed IB including 6 at HL in 2 science subjects from Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Maths
If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with 6.0 in writing and 5.5 in the other components
Applicants may also be asked to attend an interview, either in person or via Skype. Applicants are considered as a gathered field. If you apply by the 15th January, selection will be made by 31st March. Applications received after that date will be advised or their decision date at the point of application.
More information
Learn new skills
Learn a new language
From Arabic to Spanish, you can learn a new language alongside your degree with our Polylang programme.
Develop your entrepreneurial skills
Our award-winning Creative Enterprise Centre offers industry networking events, workshops, one-to-one business advice and support for your startup projects.
Gain extra qualifications
We provide access to free online courses in Adobe and Microsoft Office applications, as well as thousands of specialist courses on LinkedIn Learning.
Fees and Funding
UK tuition fee: £9,250
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
Funding
As well as tuition fee loans, there is a range of funding available to help you fund your studies.
Find out about undergraduate student funding options.
Scholarships
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible undergraduate students, which cover all or part of your tuition fees.
Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.
Additional costs
There will be an additional fee, payable to the University of Malta, for the Anatomy and Medical Maltese Summer School. The cost of these additional courses is currently £5,000 but may rise due to inflation and exchange rate fluctuation (information accurate at the time of publishing, January 2020).
Applicants will also need to budget for their accommodation and living expenses during the summer school and the cost of a return airfare to Malta (we suggest approximately £2,000).
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
International tuition fee: £14,400
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
International student funding
Find out about funding for international students.
Scholarships
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible undergraduate students, which cover all or part of your tuition fees.
Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.
Additional costs
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
Teaching and Assessment
How you'll be taught
Teaching methods across all our undergraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application. Learning typically falls into three broad categories:
- Scheduled hours: examples include lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops, supervised time in a studio
- Placement: placement hours normally include placement opportunities, but may also include live projects or virtual activity involving employers
- Independent study: non-scheduled time in which students are expected to study independently. This may include preparation for scheduled sessions, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks, or revision
How you'll be assessed
Our undergraduate courses include a wide variety of assessments.
Assessments typically fall into three broad categories:
- Practical: examples include presentations, videos, podcasts, lab work, creating artefacts
- Written exams: end of semester exams
- Coursework: examples include essays, reports, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation
Supporting you
Our Student Hub is where you’ll find out about the services and support we offer, helping you get the best out of your time with us.
- Study support — workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills
- Personal tutors — support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential
- Student advice team — provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas
- Extra-curricular activities — volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more
Course Location
With state-of-the-art science and psychology labs and refurbished computer suites, our Cavendish Campus offers our science and technology students a range of learning spaces that are both dynamic and inspiring.
Located in central London, our Cavendish Campus is just a five-minute walk from Oxford Street and Tottenham Court Road.
For more details, visit our Cavendish Campus page.
Summer School: see Studying Medicine at the University of Malta.
Contact us
We have an FAQs page if you are applying this year.
Or you can contact the Course Enquiries Team:
Opening hours (GMT): 9am–4pm Monday to Friday
More information
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