Skip navigation
You are viewing our beta course page.

Biomedical Sciences

Course details
  • BSc (Hons)
  • 3 Years
  • Full-time
  • 14/09/2026
  • Undergraduate
Course location
Main Site - Highfield Campus

Course summary

About this course
Study the mechanisms of life and the underlying causes of human disease. You'll explore how the Biomedical sciences are making a difference today in a number of vital areas including investigating potential treatments for Alzheimer’s disease, finding the causes of cystic fibrosis, and improving our understanding and treatment of cancer.

You'll benefit from a flexibility that will expose you to the breadth of the discipline and gain in-depth training across the Biomedical Sciences, with a focus on the science driving forward modern clinical practice. You'll graduate be ready to start your career in fields like medicine, healthcare, the clinical professions, and in research.

Key features of the course:

  • Develop a breadth of knowledge in all areas of human physiology and combine this with your interests in biochemistry, physiology, neuroscience, cell biology, genetics, microbiology, and pharmacology

  • Study in our multi-million pound Life Sciences building, surrounded by researchers who shape the programme with their world-chaning research

  • Develop your biomedical laboratory and research skills under the guidance of staff who are actively researching in the Biomedical Sciences, operating at the cutting-edge of modern advanncements that are actively shaping the world around us.

  • Join a University where 96% of Biological Sciences graduates were in employment or further study 15 months after graduating (Graduate Outcomes 2022/23, published 2025).

Student support
From day one, you'll join a welcoming and supportive Biological Sciences community home to researchers who are paving the way for advancements in science and eager to share their findings with their peers and our student community. You'll be supported by your personal academic tutor and guided throughout your degree to ensure you graduate primed and ready for your future career in industry, in research, or in further study.

Further information
Biological Sciences programmes at Southampton are accredited by the Royal Biological Society, meaning you'll graduate from a course commended across the sector.

Modules

Throughout this course you'll explore the breadth of the discipline, with a mixture of compulsory and optional modules that offer you the flexibility to tailor your degree to your interests and ambitions.
Year 1: Fundamentals of biomedical sciences integrated with the development of scientific writing skills.
Year 2: Study of concepts spanning pharmacology, biochemistry, physiology and immunology with varied options to choose from including neuroscience, microbiology, bioinformatics and developmental biology.
Year 3: Tailoring your biomedical sciences degree to your interests, with the opportunity to choose a project combining your scientific understanding with either laboratory research, education, business or communication.

For full list of all modules available, please visit the course page.

Assessment method

You'll learn, and be assessed, through a range of methods designed to equip you with the skills you need for success after graduating.

The learning activities include lectures, classes and tutorials, coursework, individual and group projects, and independent learning.

The assessment methods include coursework, laboratory reports and essays, individual and group projects, oral presentations, written and practical exams.

How to apply

Apply by
14 January

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:
B940
Institution code:
S27
Campus name:
Main Site - Highfield Campus
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Open days

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff - Not accepted

A level - ABB

ABB to include Biology or Chemistry and one further science subject. Science practical components must be passed where applicable. A level science subjects considered include Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Psychology, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Geography and Geology. Where this offer is satisfied by including grades achieved in either Biology, Chemistry or Physics, a Pass in the practical science assessment is additionally required. General Studies, Critical Thinking and Use of Mathematics are excluded for entry.

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

We accept the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in suitable science subjects

Access to HE Diploma - D: 30 credits M: 15 credits

60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3 of which 30 credits must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit. A core science Access to HE Diploma must be studied.

Scottish Higher

We normally consider applicants who offer at least 1 Advanced Higher. Applicants presenting with only Highers will be considered on a case by case basis. Where Highers are taken over two years it might be expected that higher grades are achieved, particularly in any specific subjects required. For example, S5 – S6 (2 years): AABBB (A in specific subject) or S6 (1 year): ABBBB (A in specific subject). Unless a more advanced level (Higher or Advanced Higher) is specified in the stated entry requirements, all applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at Standard Grade, Grade 3 or National 5, Grade C, the equivalent of GCSE Grade C/ Grade 4" We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DD

We accept the BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in suitable science subjects or in conjunction with one A-level in either Biology or Chemistry. If you are studying this qualification a typical offer would be DD + B at A-Level to include either Biology or Chemistry and one further science subject. Science practical components must be passed

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016) - D

D + AB at A-Level to include Biology or Chemistry and one further science subject. Science practical components must be passed where applicable.

Scottish Advanced Higher

Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education. Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information. Applicants are also required to have achieved a pass in Maths and English at Standard Grade Grade 3 or National 5 Grade C, the equivalent of GCSE Grade C/Grade 4.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 32 points

Pass with overall score of 32 points, with 16 points required at higher level, including 5 and 6 points at Higher Level in Chemistry or Biology and one further science subject. Science subjects considered include Biology, Physics, Maths (Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation) , Psychology, Environmental Studies, Geography and Geology. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP): The University of Southampton accepts the IBCP for entry to their degree programmes, recognising the value of combining academic skills with practical skills, providing a solid preparation for university level work. Offers will be made on the individual components of the IBCP. Applicants not taking the full IBCP but presenting with a combination of a Level 3 vocational qualification and IB Certificates may still be considered. Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.

WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales - B

AB from two A levels including Biology or Chemistry and one further a science subject and B from the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales. Science practical components must be passed where applicable

Extended Project - A

BBB in 3 A-levels to include Chemistry or Biology and one further science subject plus Grade A in EPQ. Science practical components must be passed where applicable.

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H2, H2, H3, H3, H3, H3

H2, H2, H3, H3, H3, H3 to include Biology or Chemistry and one further science subject. Science subjects considered include Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Physics, Psychology, Environmental Studies, Geography and Geology. Applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at ILC Grade C or 04, the equivalent of GCSE grade C/grade 4.

Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal - D3, M2, M2

D3, M2, M2 to include Biology or Chemistry and one further science subject. Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A Levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer, where D3 can be used in lieu of A Level grade A or grade M2 can be used in lieu of grade B.

Applicants must hold GCSE English Language (or GCSE English), Mathematics and Science (minimum grade C/4).

Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6.5Band C: 6.5 with 6.0 in each component
All programmes at the University of Southampton are taught and assessed in the medium of English (other than those in modern foreign languages). Therefore, all applicants must demonstrate they possess at least a minimum standard of English language proficiency.

Find out more about the University’s English Language requirements https://www.southampton.ac.uk/studentadmin/admissions/admissions-policies/language.page

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.

Most of the students who previously enrolled on this course joined us with grades lower than our published entry criteria. After receiving their grades, we carefully considered each students’ individual circumstances before confirming their place on their chosen course.

We encourage everyone with the potential to succeed to apply, regardless of their background. Applicants who qualify for contextual admissions will be made an offer lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Learn more on the University of Southampton website

Historical entry grades data BETA

This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted 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.

Data from:
This course
Date range:
2022-2024

Offer rate for UK school & college leavers

97% Students aged 17/18 who applied to this course were offered a place.

This course has a required grade that may not be listed in the data. Check the entry requirements for the full qualification requirements.

How do you compare?

See how students with your grades have been accepted onto this course in the past.

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students

90 Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)

100 Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
England£9535*Year 1
Northern Ireland£9535*Year 1
Scotland£9535*Year 1
Wales£9535*Year 1
Channel Islands£9535*Year 1
Republic of Ireland£9535*Year 1
EU£32000Year 1
International£32000Year 1

* This is a provisional fee and subject to change.

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

Please see our website for further details and updates: www.southampton.ac.uk/uni-life/fees-funding.page

Like this page