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  • Life Sciences for Subjects Allied to Medicine (Certificate of Higher Education)
  • 2012/2013 entry
  • Contact us
  • Assessment

    • Parts 1 and 2 of each subject are assessed by coursework and tests only, with some assignments completed in class and some at home. Part 3 includes both coursework and a final examination (in early June). The Saturday modules are assessed by coursework (Pass/Fail) only.

  • Attendance
      • Two evenings or afternoons a week for 30 weeks; or one evening or afternoon a week if you aim to complete the certificate over two years. 
      • Three Saturdays each for the Study and Research Skills for Science and Mathematics and the Personal Progress and Development Planning modules.
  • Duration

    • One year of part-time intensive study, October–June; or two years if you decide to take only one subject per year.

  • Entry requirements

    • You will need to demonstrate a good level of numeracy and English language skills, as well as a keen interest in the life sciences. Applicants are advised that this is a very intensive course, which requires a high level of commitment.

  • Fees and funding

    • Fee for one-year option 

      • Home/EU students: £4600 pa
      • Overseas students: £4600 pa

      Fee for two-year option 

      • Home/EU students: £2300 pa 
      • Overseas students: £2300 pa

      If you are a new student starting on a course in autumn 2012, you may be able to get a student loan to cover your fees and other Birkbeck financial support. Check if you're eligible.

    • Talk to us about fees and funding
  • Financial support
      • If you are a new student starting on a course in autumn 2012, you may be able to get a student loan to cover your fees and other Birkbeck financial support. Check if you're eligible.
      • If you are already studying with us and continuing on a course that you started before autumn 2012, find out about financial support and see if you are eligible.
      • Not sure if you are a new or a continuing student? See here for more information.
  • Location
    • Central London, Stratford and Kingston.
  • Teaching

    • Our team of lecturers, demonstrators and technicians are dedicated to providing a wide range of opportunities for adult learners interested in the life sciences and their application to subjects allied to medicine. A variety of teaching methods are used in class, including lectures, presentations, demonstrations, discussions, group work and problem-solving. The biology and chemistry modules also involve carrying out a number of laboratory experiments, either individually or in small groups. All modules are supported by online learning material. You will also need to do about 12 hours of home study.

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Study at Birkbeck  | Certificates and short courses  | Certificates and short courses, 2012/2013 entry: browse by subject (A-Z) | Life Sciences for Subjects Allied to Medicine (Certificate of Higher Education)

Life Sciences for Subjects Allied to Medicine (Certificate of Higher Education) - 2012/2013 entry


  • Overview
      • Gain a University of London qualification – expand your knowledge and enhance your CV.
      • Intensive programme to prepare you for science or health-related degrees, such as pharmacy, physiotherapy, biochemistry, nutrition or nursing.
      • Includes study skills support and help with your application for degree study.
      • Guaranteed interview for Birkbeck's science degrees on completion.
  • Why study this course at Birkbeck?

    • This intensive programme will help you gain the knowledge and skills you need to progress to degree study in the life sciences and subjects allied to medicine. It also includes modules to help develop your study and research skills, and to assist with your personal development and planning of applications for further study.

      You will gain an overview of the biological, cellular and molecular worlds, raising fascinating questions about their underlying chemical structures. The programme gives you a sound framework and body of knowledge to aid your understanding of the ideas and methodology associated with the subject area, and the opportunity to enhance your problem-solving and laboratory skills in order to answer these questions.

      Find out more about the programme.

  • Course structure and modules
  • Further study opportunities

    • On successful completion of the Certificate of Higher Education, you may progress to the first year of a variety of degrees, including biology, chemistry, environmental science, geology and all health-related areas, such as radiography (requires biology with physics), pharmacy, osteopathic medicine, nutrition and dietetics, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, herbal medicine, clinical sciences, biomedicine and biomedical sciences. Students who already have a good first degree in another area and achieve high marks in their Certificate of Higher Education studies may also be accepted by some medical schools.

      Students who are awarded the Certificate of Higher Education are guaranteed an interview for related part-time BSc degrees at Birkbeck. The programme is also recognised by other colleges of the University of London, as well as other higher education institutions offering full-time degrees. 

      We also offer guidance with your UCAS application, should you decide to continue your studies outside Birkbeck.

  • How to apply/enrol

    • PA (programme application): you must complete an application form and must apply for the whole programme. You are advised to apply early, as demand for places is high.

      You may be asked to attend an interview, where you will receive guidance from our lecturers on your chosen subject areas and how you can plan your study and career progression effectively. Before attending the interview, you will need to complete a supplementary exercise pack to bring with you.

      You may be advised to attend our preparation weeks, which are taught in July and prior to the start of the programme in October.

      Submit your application

      You cannot currently apply online for this programme. Please contact us for more information.