Medical Sciences BSc Honours - Courses | University of Westminster, London

Course Overview

UK Fees £9,250 *

International Fees £15,400 *

Duration 3 or 4 years

* Price per academic year

Course summary

Our Medical Sciences BSc Honours is a standalone three-year Bachelor’s degree which is designed to act as a pre-clinical course for students wishing to progress to graduate entry medicine.

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 graduate entry medicine but also a range of life science careers. 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.

Top reasons to study with us

A pathway into medicine – Our course is designed to equip you with the pre-clinical knowledge and skills that will enable you to apply to graduate entry medicine programmes on the completion of your degree.
Professional Placement or Study Abroad options - Between Years 2 and 3, you’ll have the opportunity to undertake either a professional placement year in industry or a period of study abroad at one of Westminster’s partner institutions.
Keep your career path open – If you decide not to apply to graduate entry medicine 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
Functional Anatomy
Fundamentals of Pharmacology
Human Physiology
Professional Development in Science (PRoDS)

Credit 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

Credit Level 5

Professional experience or study abroad year

Between Years 2 and 3, you’ll have the opportunity to undertake a professional placement year in industry. Completing the placement year will lead to the final award Bachelor of Science with Honours – Medical Sciences with Professional Experience.

Alternatively, you can undertake a period of study abroad at one of Westminster’s partner institutions. Successful completion will lead to the final award Bachelor of Science with Honours – Medical Sciences with International Experience.

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 Sciences
Cancer Biology
Clinical Immunology and Immunohaematology
Human Physiological Adaptations
Final Year Project in Life Sciences

Credit Level 6

Professional Accreditation

This course is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of meeting in part the academic and experience requirement for the Membership and Chartered Biologist (CBiol).

This programme has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology following an independent and rigorous assessment. Accredited degree programmes contain a solid academic foundation in biological knowledge and key skills, and prepare graduates to address the needs of employers. The accreditation criteria require evidence that graduates from accredited programmes meet defined sets of learning outcomes, including subject knowledge, technical ability and transferable skills.

Programme specification

For more details on course structure, modules, teaching and assessment Download the programme specification (PDF).

To request an accessible version please email [email protected]

Prospectus

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Get in touch

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Join us at an open day online or on campus. Get a feel for student life at the University of Westminster and talk to course leaders and our support teams.

Next open day

Saturday 15 June On campus

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Careers

This course has been designed to prepare students for progression on to graduate entry medicine programmes with the ultimate goal of a career in medicine and potential specialisation in one of the many medical disciplines. It also equips graduates for a variety of life sciences careers.

Kickstart your career in medicine

Course content specially designed to prepare you for studying medicine

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 onto graduate entry medicine programmes and a career in medicine

Once you have completed your medical sciences degree from the University of Westminster you will be able to apply for graduate entry medicine degrees in the UK or abroad to continue your education towards becoming a doctor. Graduate entry medicine degrees are generally 'accelerated' medical programmes which are of a shorter duration than undergraduate medicine programmes. The length of a graduate entry medicine degree varies between universities and most (but not all) will also require you to take an aptitude test as part of the application process. For UK institutions this is generally the UCAT or GAMSAT tests, whilst for overseas institutions this is generally GAMSAT or MCAT.

Once you have completed your medical degree you are able to apply for provisional registration with the GMC and the next phase of a doctor's training in the UK is then the Foundation Programme which is followed by 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.

Alternative career paths

If you decide not to progress onto graduate entry medicine 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.

Students working and studying internationally

Course Leaders

Join us on our exciting new degree and pursue a recognised pathway into medicine!"

Dr Ian Locke

Assistant Head of School

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.

See full profile

Dr Hassan Morad

Lecturer

Hassan studied for a Bachelor of Science with Honours (BSc (Hons)) in Biological and Medicinal Chemistry and a Master of Science by Research (MbyRes) in Biological Sciences at the University of Exeter, before continuing his education at King’s College London, where he studied for a Master of Research (MRes) in Biomedical and Translational Science and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Neuroimmunology.

He is a Lecturer in Immunology, Co-Course Leader for Medical Sciences BSc and Medical Science BSc and Module Leader for Clinical Immunology and Immunohaematology.

Hassan’s research focusses on preventing the damaging roles of neutrophils in the pathophysiology of inflammatory conditions, such as sepsis and COVID-19. He is investigating compounds with the potential to prevent neutrophil chemotaxis in vitro, which can then be tested for efficacy in in vivo mouse models of inflammatory conditions. Hassan is particularly interested in the neutrophil-mediated organ damage that occurs during septic shock and the potential for pharmacological intervention to prevent this.

See full profile

Our course offers students a robust education in Medical Sciences and a unique opportunity to directly enter Medical School upon completion"

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 a is a pre-clinical programme designed to equip graduates to apply for graduate entry
medicine programmes.

Inspiring facilities

Our Cavendish Campus offers state-of-the-art science and psychology labs and refurbished computer suites.

A Levels – ABB (128 UCAS Tariff points) with 2 science subjects from Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Maths
T levels – 128 UCAS Tariff points
International Baccalaureate – 128 UCAS Tariff points from the IB including 6 at HL in 2 science subjects from Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Maths
BTEC Extended Diploma – D*DD 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 of 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 UCAS Tariff points from the 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 15 January, selection will be made by 31 March. Applications received after that date will be advised of their decision date at the point of application.

More information

Learn new skills

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Develop your entrepreneurial skills

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Fees and Funding

UK
INTERNATIONAL

UK tuition fee: £9,250 (Price per academic year)

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

See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.

International tuition fee: £15,400 (Price per academic year)

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.

EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme

If you are an international student accepted on an undergraduate programme starting in September 2024 or September 2025 at level 3 (Foundation) or level 4 (first year) on the basis of an eligible EU qualification only, you will be awarded a tuition fee reduction which will align your fee more closely to the one for UK students. For more information, see the EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme.

International student funding

Find out about funding for international students.

Additional costs

See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.

Teaching and Assessment

Below you will find how learning time and assessment types are distributed on this course. The graphs below give an indication of what you can expect through approximate percentages, taken either from the experience of previous cohorts, or based on the standard module diet where historic course data is unavailable. Changes to the division of learning time and assessment may be made in response to feedback and in accordance with our terms and conditions.

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

Year

27%73%

24%76%

1%53%46%

30%70%

Scheduled hoursIndependent studyPlacement

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

Year

33%16%51%

18%2%80%

25%75%

16%84%

Written examsPracticalCoursework

Data from the academic year 2022/23

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

Visit our student hub

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.