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Medical Science with Foundation

  • Bachelor of Science (with Honours)
  • 4 Years
  • Full-Time
  • October 2027
  • Undergraduate
Main Site
More about University of Reading

Course options

2026-20272027-2028
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Course summary

Train to work at the forefront of modern medicine with our BSc Medical Science with Foundation course.

This four-year programme includes a foundation year that leads directly into the three-year course.

Foundation Year

Our Foundation Year programmes are designed to set students up for success. They offer a broad, immersive learning experience and ease the transition to university life.

They also aim to:

  • prepare you to study your chosen subject at undergraduate level

  • embed core academic skills and build your confidence within authentic, subject-relevant contexts

  • spark engagement and curiosity through meaningful learning experiences and enquiry-led approaches

  • foster a sense of identity, connection and belonging in your chosen discipline, and across the wider University community.

What you'll study

You'll focus on the science that underpins medicine, and how medical science can lead to new ways of diagnosing and treating disease. This course covers topics such as biomedical laboratory research and frontline clinical care in order to improve patients’ lives.

Led by the School of Biological Sciences, You will be taught by academics whose research is aimed at understanding disease mechanisms, improving diagnoses, developing new therapies and advancing clinical practice. Everyone who teaches you has on-the-ground experience.

98% of students in the School of Biological Sciences said our teaching staff were good or very good at explaining things. (National Student Survey, 2023).

For more information, please visit our course page: https://www.reading.ac.uk/ready-to-study/study/subject-area/medical-sciences-ug/bsc-medical-science-with-foundation

Modules

Course Modules

Modules may include:

  • Foundation Biology

  • Health, Disease and Society

  • Cellular and Molecular Principles of Life

  • Anatomy and Physiology

  • Human Pathology

  • Medical Genetics.

*Please note that all modules are subject to change. Check our website for more details about the course structure.

https://www.reading.ac.uk/ready-to-study/study/subject-area/medical-sciences-ug/bsc-medical-science-with-foundation

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Main Site

Study options

  • Bachelor of Science (with Honours) • Full-Time • 4 Years

Start dates

  • October 2027

Apply by
13 January 2027

This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.

Application codes

Course code:
C751
Institution code:
R12
Campus name:
Main Site
Points of Entry:
Foundation

University of Reading has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?

How to apply

Apply by
13 January 2027

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
C751
Institution code:
R12
Campus name:
Main Site

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Foundation

Entry requirements

Typical qualification requirements

A level
CCC-BBB

CCC with Biology and a second science.
Or
BBB without Biology and a second science.

Acceptable second science subjects: Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Further Maths, Statistics, Psychology, Geography, Environmental Science/Studies, Applied Science, Geology, Computer Science.

Students taking Science subjects at A Level are encouraged to consider entry to the BSc without Foundation option.

T Level
M

Minimum grade C in the Core Component.

UCAS Tariff
Not accepted

Scottish Higher
BBBCC-ABBBB

BBBCC with Biology and a second science.
Or
ABBBB without Biology and a second science.

Acceptable second science subjects: Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Further Maths, Statistics, Psychology, Geography, Environmental Science/Studies, Applied Science, Geology, Computer Science.

Students taking Science subjects at A Level are encouraged to consider entry to the BSc without Foundation option.

Access to HE Diploma
Distinction: 18 Merit: 27

Students taking Science subjects are encouraged to consider entry to the BSc without Foundation option.

GCSE/National 4/National 5

GCSE Maths C (or 4), English Language or English Literature C (or 4), Science C (or 4)

Extended Project
B

In recognition of the excellent preparation that the Extended Project Qualification provides to students for University study, we now include achievement in the EPQ as part of a formal offer.  Eligible applicants would receive two offers,  our usual offer plus an alternative offer of a B in the EPQ and one grade lower in their A level subjects

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
24-30

30 points without higher level Biology and a second science.
Or
24 points with higher level Biology and a second science.

Acceptable second science subjects: Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Further Maths, Statistics, Psychology, Geography, Environmental Science/Studies, Applied Science, Geology, Computer Science.

Students taking Science subjects at A Level are encouraged to consider entry to the BSc without Foundation option.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DMM

Students taking Science subjects are encouraged to consider entry to the BSc without Foundation option.

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6.5We require a minimum score of 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each element of the test (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing).
TOEFL (iBT)88We require a minimum score of 88 overall with no less than 17 in Listening and Writing, 18 in Reading and 20 in Speaking.
Cambridge English AdvancedBWe require a grade B or a score of 176 overall with no element less than 162.
Cambridge English ProficiencyCWe require a grade C or a score of 176 overall with no element less than 162.
PTE Academic69We require a minimum score of 69 overall with at least 59 in each element of the test (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing).
Institution's Own Test6.5Test of English for Educational Purposes (TEEP). We require a minimum score of 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each element of the test (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing).
Trinity ISEMeritWe require a Merit in each element from ISE II. If you take ISE III or ISE IV, we require a Pass in each element.

http://www.reading.ac.uk/ad-EnglishTests.aspx

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

We issue offers to best fit the different circumstances and experiences of our applicants. We take a tailored and holistic approach, considering extenuating circumstances on a case-by-case basis. We recognise that some students are more likely than others to face barriers to fulfilling their academic potential at school, through no fault of their own. More information on our supportive offer making approaches can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/ready-to-study/study/what-offer-will-i-get

Learn more on the University of Reading website

Historical entry grades data

This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course with (learn more).

It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place.

Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Per year tuition fees

LocationFeeYear

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

For Home students: The University will charge undergraduate home tuition fees at the upper limit set by the UK Government for the relevant academic year. The University will increase tuition fees for Home Undergraduate Students at the start of each academic year, in line with this and the new fee will be communicated to you.

For EU and International students: The University will increase Tuition Fees for International Undergraduate and Integrated Foundation Year Programme Students at the start of each academic year (September). The new fee for each academic year of your Programme will be communicated to you.

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