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Medical Sciences

Course details
  • 2 Study options
  • Undergraduate
Course location
Main Site

Course summary

Develop an understanding of how fundamental molecular, cellular, physiological and psychological processes affect human health and biology, and how advances in these areas of contemporary science impact on society.

Make a difference
Work with leading academics on groundbreaking biomedical research, contributing to advancements in areas such as cancer biology, immunology, and molecular medicine.

Solid foundation in biosciences
A strong foundation in a broad range of bioscience disciplines, underpinned by a biomolecular knowledge base relevant to human biology and pathology.

Real-world experience
From summer research experience to full year industry placements, take the opportunity to develop your employability.

This course is for you if...

  • you are interested in learning more about human microbiology, health and disease

  • you seek hands-on laboratory experience to develop practical skills

  • you're eager to learn from internationally recognised researchers and NHS professionals

  • you aim to pursue a career in biomedical research or healthcare industries.

Modules

Course Modules

Year 1
Develops students’ abilities in core areas such as molecular and cell biology, genetics, physiology, anatomy, biochemistry, and microbiology. An introduction to psychology is also included at stage 1. The course offers flexibility allowing students to follow their own interests within the field.

Year 2
During stage 2, the foundations of the above subjects are developed further in core modules, which are combined with optional modules in biochemistry or psychology. This consequently provides a focus for student choice in the final year where students study related themes in health and disease from a variety of research-informed modules that discuss current hot topics in biosciences.

Optional placement year
Enrich your experience and boost your career prospects by taking an optional work placement for a minimum six months full time (or part-time equivalent). Once completed, you’ll receive the Certificate of Work Experience as valuable evidence for future employers.

Final year
In the final year, all students also undertake a research module enabling them to apply the skills they have developed over the course in an area of major interest to them.

How to apply

Application codes

Institution code:
P60

This course may be available at alternative locations, please check if other course options are available.

Course options

Entry requirements

Typical qualification requirements

A level

104 Tariff points including a minimum of 3 A Levels. Including Grade B in Biology/ Human Biology, and Grade C in a second Science.
Suitable second Science subjects are Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Psychology, Geography, Geology, and Applied Science.

T Level

Accepted – preference pathways would be Health or Science. Typical offer will be confirmed once an application is received

UCAS Tariff
Offer: 104

Including a minimum of 3 A Levels. Including Grade B in Biology/ Human Biology, and Grade C in a second Science.
Suitable second Science subjects are Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Psychology, Geography, Geology, and Applied Science.

Scottish Higher

Considered in combination with Advanced Highers.

AS

Considered in combination.

Access to HE Diploma

Pass a named Access to HE Diploma (Science based) with at least 33 credits at Merit and/ or Distinction, to include 15 credits in Biology and 18 credits in further Science subjects at Merit and/ or Distinction. Suitable second Science subjects are Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Psychology, Geography, Geology, and Applied Science.

Scottish Advanced Higher

104 UCAS Tariff points, including a minimum of 2 Advanced Highers. Including Grade B in Biology/ Human Biology, and Grade C in a second Science.
Suitable second Science subjects are Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Psychology, Geography, Geology, and Applied Science.
English and Mathematics accepted within as GCSE equivalent.

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

Considered in combination

Extended Project

Considered in combination.

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

Considered in combination

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Offer: 28

To include Grade 5 in Biology at Higher Level and Grade 4 in a second Science at Higher Level. Suitable second Science subjects are Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Psychology, Geography, Geology, and Applied Science. English and Mathematics accepted within as GCSE equivalent.

WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
C

This would be accepted in combination of other level 3 qualifications

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

Including at least six specialist subject units in Biology, Chemistry or Physics.

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

104 UCAS Tariff points points to include Biology and a second Science subject. Suitable second Science subjects are Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Psychology, Geography, Geology, and Applied Science.
English and Mathematics accepted within as GCSE equivalent.

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

Considered in combination

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

Considered in combination

Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)
C

This would be accepted in combination of other level 3 qualifications

GCSE Maths and English at Grade C/ 4 or above are required for this course.

Applicants should be aware that only a limited number of students that enrol on this course are able to progress onto the following pathways: BMBS Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery and BDS Bachelor of Dental Surgery. Number of students progressing to these pathways vary every year and subject to fulfilling the entry requirements.

Please note that undertaking the BSc (Hons) Medical Sciences regardless of academic achievement on the course does not guarantee progression to any other course including BMBS/BDS.
For further information regarding admissions and interviews please contact us at admissions@plymouth.ac.uk

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6with 5.5 in all elements.

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.

At the University of Plymouth, we believe in building a welcoming and inclusive community that supports every student to achieve their full potential.

With our contextual offer scheme, we may extend offers below our standard entry criteria to those applicants whose circumstances and experiences could have impacted their education and academic performance. You can check your eligibility for a contextual offer using our online postcode checker.

Learn more on the University of Plymouth 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.

This course may have Historical entry grades data available, please select a course option to view.

Course options

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

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 all information about tuition fees, please visit our fees and funding pages at www.plymouth.ac.uk/study/fees

  • Fees are correct at the time of publication and may be subject to change.
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