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Medical Sciences

Course details
  • BSc (Hons)
  • 3 Years
  • Full-time
  • 21/09/2026
  • Undergraduate
Course location
Pontypridd
Awarded by:
University of South Wales (Prifysgol De Cymru)

Course summary

The Medical Sciences course is designed primarily for students who want to become medical doctors. It is part of the graduate entry feeder scheme to medicine at Cardiff University (A101) and our graduates are also able to progress to postgraduate medicine at other universities. The teaching of all subject areas, which range from anatomy and physiology to clinical skills and health policy, is reinforced by applying theoretical knowledge to clinical scenarios. Throughout the programme, you will gain valuable, hands-on clinical training and research experience.

Every year, there are ten places available on the A101 programme for suitably qualified graduates of this course. For details, please refer to the published admissions policy for A101 at Cardiff University.

As well as being a strong scientific qualification, a key feature of the Medical Sciences degree is the application of scientific knowledge to clinical scenarios using clinical simulation.

You will gain experience from intensive work placements in local NHS facilities. These provide first-hand experience of medicine and healthcare in a range of departments and disciplines.

From studying topics as diverse as tropical medicine, clinical practice or biological anthropology, to potentially being selected to take part in human dissection, you will gain robust scientific knowledge and skills during this course. When you graduate, you'll be able to decide which area of healthcare is suitable for you and be in a very strong position for an application to postgraduate medicine. Many of our graduates progress to medicine and most now work in the healthcare sector.

The Medical Sciences degree is based on our Glyntaff campus. Glyntaff is surrounded by green open spaces. Our students say they love the relaxed atmosphere and beautiful views.

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:
B901
Institution code:
W01
Campus name:
Pontypridd
Campus Code:
A

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Open days

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff - 120 points

Biology is required. General Studies is excluded.

A level - BBB

Biology is required. General Studies is excluded. We take all aspects of an application into consideration. Combinations with other listed qualifications are acceptable and others not listed may also be acceptable – please contact enquiries@southwales.ac.uk. Please note that A Level Chemistry is also required if you are considering applying to Cardiff Medical School after studying at USW

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

A relevant subject is required which includes Biology modules.

Access to HE Diploma - D: 24 credits M: 18 credits P: 3 credits

An Access to Science or Mathematics is required with 18 distinctions to come from Biology modules. We take all aspects of an application into consideration. Combinations of credits amounting to the same tariff points are acceptable – if you have any questions please contact enquiries@southwales.ac.uk.

Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024) - A* - B

We accept the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Diploma in lieu of a third subject. Biology is required. General Studies is excluded.

T Level - M

Passing the T Level with Merit (C or above in the Core), providing Biology subject content meets A Level criteria. Chemistry is required if applicant intends to apply to Cardiff Medical School after USW and current T Levels do not cover sufficient Chemistry.

GCSEs: For entry to this course the University normally requires a minimum 5 GCSEs including Mathematics/Numeracy and English at Grade C or Grade 4 or above, or their equivalent, but consideration is given to individual circumstances.

and

However, if looking to progress to graduate entry medicine at university after completing your degree with us, we would advise you to check their entry criteria as the GCSE/IELTS requirement could be higher and you would be expected to meet these requirements irrespective of your degree or any level 3 qualifications/results you have achieved.

Other: You will also need an enhanced DBS check.

Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.

Additional entry requirements

Criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland)
A satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check is required (additional cost applies). Applicants who have identified that they have a conviction will, in the first instance, be contacted by the University to complete a self-disclosure form. Applicants who are successful in their application and who are offered a place which they then accept, will be contacted three months prior to enrolment (where possible) with details of the University’s online DBS service. Full details are available on the University website and, if applicants have any questions regarding their DBS, they should contact the Enquiries and Admissions Team at dbsenquiries@southwales.ac.uk.
Interview
An interview is required for this course. Those applying will be provided with further details if successful at the initial selection stage. All interviews take place at our Glyntaff Campus.

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.

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

LocationFeeYear
EU£9790Year 1
England£9790Year 1
Northern Ireland£9790Year 1
Scotland£9790Year 1
Wales£9790Year 1
International£16200Year 1

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

Students have access to a wide range of resources including textbooks, publications, and computers in the University’s library and via online resources. In most cases they are more than sufficient to complete a course of study. Where there are additional costs, either obligatory or optional, these are detailed on the University website (on individual course pages). Of course students may choose to purchase their own additional personal resources/tools over and above those listed to support their studies at their own expense. All stationery and printing costs are at a student’s own expense.

Students from Wales and the EU may be eligible for a means-tested Welsh Government Learning Grant. Please visit the University website for full details.

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