Biomedicine
BSc (Hons)
Application options include:
Course Overview
The BSc Biomedicine focuses on the vital link between basic science and advances in the understanding and treatment of human health and disease. As a student on this course, you will complete a substantial research project in the areas of molecular, cell and integrative biology, and will be provided with in-depth knowledge of the theoretical background of these topics. Students graduating from this course are well equipped for a wide range of careers within the biological sciences and associated fields allied to medicine.
Why choose this course?
- The BSc Biomedicine is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology, a status recognised by employers and which brings additional benefits such as opportunities for paid internships.
- Taught by internationally recognised researchers, you will gain an academic grounding in the science that underpins modern medicine, and have the opportunity to explore biomedical research.
- You will develop the technical, intellectual and social skills needed for careers in research, medicine, teaching, and the wider application of scientific knowledge in the modern workplace.
- You can choose to specialise on this course by taking certain modules, so you can finish with the award of BSc Biomedicine and Public Health.
What you will learn
The BSc Biomedicine covers a range of disciplines including biochemistry, cell biology, chemistry, drugs and drug discovery, genetics, immunology, microbiology, molecular biology and physiology. There is also a considerable emphasis on how these relate to public health.
Whilst enabling the development of sound knowledge of the scientific principles that underpin these key subject areas, this course enables you to gain substantial practical and analytical skills through extensive laboratory experience. Both elements are highly sought after by employers in the biomedical and health sectors.
How you will learn
You will be taught in live face-to-face lectures and classroom activities combined with practical sessions, tutorials and problem-solving classes. The final year of the course is dedicated to the pursuit of a laboratory-based project providing an opportunity for novel research.
This course is available to study full- or part-time. It has a daytime and an evening timetable, so we will contact you nearer to enrolment to confirm your preference of study.
Foundation Year
If you opt for the Foundation Year route, this will fully prepare you for undergraduate study. It is ideal if you are returning to study after a gap, or if you have not previously studied the relevant subjects, or if you didn't achieve the grades you need for a place on your chosen undergraduate degree.
Discover the career opportunities available by taking Biomedicine (BSc (Hons)).
Key information and modules
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Biomedicine BSc (Hons): 3 years full-time, on campus, starting October 2025
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Biomedicine BSc (Hons): 4 years part-time, on campus, starting October 2025
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Biomedicine BSc (Hons): 6 years part-time, on campus, starting October 2025
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Biomedicine with Foundation Year BSc (Hons): 4 years full-time, on campus, starting October 2025
Pathways for Biomedicine (BSc (Hons))
This course has additional Pathways to offer you the chance to specialise depending on your interests and career goals.
Find another course:
Highlights
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Birkbeck provides state-of-the-art, specialist laboratories and facilities for studying biological sciences in the heart of academic London.
- In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF), in a joint submission with UCL, Biological Sciences at Birkbeck were ranked 11th in the UK.
- You will be taught by internationally distinguished experts who work with governments and institutions around the globe to extend the boundaries of knowledge.
- Working in close collaboration with the Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, a joint institute between Birkbeck and UCL, we are recognised for the excellence and international impact of our research.
- This course has full Royal Society of Biology accreditation, following an independent and rigorous assessment. Accredited degrees contain a solid academic foundation in biological knowledge and key skills, and prepare graduates to address the needs of employers. The accreditation criteria require evidence that graduates with accredited degrees meet defined sets of learning outcomes, including subject knowledge, technical ability and transferable skills.
Birkbeck makes all reasonable efforts to deliver educational services, modules and programmes of study as described on our website. In the event that there are material changes to our offering (for example, due to matters beyond our control), we will update applicant and student facing information as quickly as possible and offer alternatives to applicants, offer-holders and current students.
Most of our courses are taught in the evenings, however some of our courses offer a daytime timetable. Where there is an option to attend daytime teaching sessions, this is stated in the Key Information section under Attendance.
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Entry Requirements
We welcome applicants without traditional entry qualifications as we base decisions on our own assessment of qualifications, knowledge and previous work experience. We may waive formal entry requirements based on judgement of academic potential.
For part-time courses, standard requirements are a minimum of two A-levels or equivalent.
UCAS tariff points
- 3 years full-time: 112 points (e.g. A-levels BBC - including biology, chemistry and/or mathematics. A-levels in general studies and critical thinking not accepted. Applicants with only two full A-levels considered on an individual basis.)
- 4 years full-time: 48 points with some evidence of study in a science-related subject
The UCAS tariff score is applicable to you if you have recently studied a qualification that has a UCAS tariff equivalence. UCAS provides a tariff calculator for you to work out what your qualification is worth within the UCAS tariff.
GCSEs
3 years full-time or 4 years part-time: GCSEs (or equivalent) required at grade C or grade 4 or above in English, mathematics and double science (or two single sciences).
Foundation year degrees
Our 'with Foundation Year' route is full-time only and provides you with an additional year of supported study. This is an ideal route if you are returning to study after a gap, or if you have not previously studied this subject, or if you did not achieve the grades you need for a place on this degree.
Once you successfully complete your Foundation Year studies, you will automatically advance onto the main full-time degree.
Alternative entry routes
3 years full-time or 4 years part-time: Access to Higher Education Diploma with a minimum of 15 credits achieved at Merit or Distinction in science units. Successful completion of our science access programme Certificate of Higher Education in Life Sciences for Subjects Allied to Medicine provides entry into Year 1 of the BSc.
3 years full-time: Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma - DMM
English language requirements
If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests. We also accept other English language tests.
If you don’t meet the minimum English language requirements, please contact us or see our international study skills page for more details of how we can help.
Visit the International section of our website to find out more about our English language entry requirements and relevant requirements by country.
Visa and funding requirements
If you are not from the UK and you do not already have residency here, you may need to apply for a visa.
The visa you apply for varies according to the length of your course:
- Courses of more than six months' duration: Student visa
- Courses of less than six months' duration: Standard Visitor visa
International students who require a Student visa should apply for our full-time courses as these qualify for Student visa sponsorship. If you are living in the UK on a Student visa, you will not be eligible to enrol as a student on Birkbeck's part-time courses (with the exception of some modules).
For full information, read our visa information for international students page.
Please also visit the international section of our website to find out more about relevant visa and funding requirements by country.
Please note students receiving US Federal Aid are only able to apply for in-person, on-campus programmes which will have no elements of online study.
Credits and accredited prior learning (APL)
If you have studied at university (or have an HND or Foundation Degree), you may have accumulated credits through the modules you studied. It may be possible to transfer these credits from your previous study to Birkbeck or another institution.
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Fees
Biomedicine BSc (Hons): 3 years full-time, on campus, starting in academic year 2025-26
Academic year 2025–26, starting October 2025
Full-time home students: £9,250 per year
Full-time international students: £18,060 per yearBiomedicine BSc (Hons): 6 years part-time, on campus, starting in academic year 2025-26
Academic year 2025–26, starting October 2025
Part-time home students: £4,625 per year
Part-time international students: £9,030 per yearBiomedicine BSc (Hons): 4 years part-time, on campus, starting in academic year 2025-26
Academic year 2025–26, starting October 2025
Part-time home students: £6,935 per year
Part-time international students: £13,545 per yearBiomedicine with Foundation Year BSc (Hons): 4 years full-time, on campus, starting in academic year 2025-26
Academic year 2025–26, starting October 2025
Full-time home students, Year 1: £6,935 per year
Full-time international students, Year 1: £18,060 per year
Full-time home students, Year 2+: £9,250 per year
Full-time international students, Year 2+: £18,060 per yearStudents are charged a tuition fee in each year of their course. Tuition fees for students continuing on their course in following years may be subject to annual inflationary increases. For more information, please see the College Fees Policy.
If you’ve studied at Birkbeck before and successfully completed an award with us, take advantage of our Lifelong Learning Guarantee to gain a discount on the tuition fee of this course.
Already been to university? You can apply for a government tuition fee loan for the 4- and 6-year part-time routes even if you already have a degree or a qualification at an equivalent or higher level (ELQ).
Tuition fee and maintenance loans
Eligible full-time and part-time students from the UK don’t have to pay any tuition fees upfront, as government loans are available to cover them.
Maintenance loans are also available for eligible full-time and part-time UK students, to assist with covering living costs, such as accommodation, food, travel, books and study materials. The amount you receive is means-tested and depends on where you live and study and your household income.
Discover the financial support available to you to help with your studies at Birkbeck.
International scholarships
We provide a range of scholarships for eligible international students, including our Global Future Scholarship. Discover if you are eligible for a scholarship.
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Teaching
At Birkbeck, most of our courses are taught in the evening and all of our teaching is designed to support students who are juggling evening study with work and other commitments. We actively encourage innovative and engaging ways of teaching, to ensure our students have the best learning experience.
Teaching may include formal lectures, seminars, and practical classes and tutorials. Formal lectures are used in most degree programmes to give an overview of a particular field of study. They aim to provide the stimulus and the starting point for deeper exploration of the subject during your own personal reading. Seminars give you the chance to explore a specific aspect of your subject in depth and to discuss and exchange ideas with fellow students. They typically require preparatory study.
In addition, you will have access to pastoral support via a named Personal Tutor.
Methods of teaching on this course
Teaching is through a combination of lectures, laboratory sessions and computer exercises. Much of the module content is available online.
The Foundation Year is composed mainly of interactive, tutorial-style classes that support the development of knowledge, skills and confidence.
Teaching hours
Our evening hours are normally between 6pm and 9pm (6-7.30pm and 7.30-9pm). Some programmes also offer teaching during the day and this will be clearly signposted to you where it is available.
On our taught courses, you will have scheduled teaching and study sessions each year. Scheduled teaching sessions may include lectures, seminars, workshops or laboratory work. Depending on the modules you take, you may also have additional scheduled academic activities, such as tutorials, dissertation supervision, practical classes, visits and field trips. On our taught courses, the actual amount of time you spend in the classroom and in contact with your lecturers will depend on your course, the option modules you select and when you undertake your final-year project (if applicable).
Alongside your contact hours, you will also undertake assessment activities and independent learning outside of class. The amount of time you need to allocate to study both for taught sessions (this might include online sessions and/or in-person sessions) and personal study will depend on how much you are studying during the year and whether you are studying full time or part time.
Birkbeck’s courses are made up of modules and allocated ‘credit’. One credit is equivalent to ten hours of learning time. Modules are usually in 15, 30 or 60 credit units. A 15-credit module will mean around 150 hours of learning, including taught sessions and independent study or group work. This is spread out over the whole period of that module and includes the time you spend on any assessments, including in examinations, preparing and writing assessments or engaged in practical work as well as any study support sessions to help you in your learning.
On our distance-learning and blended-learning courses, discussion, collaboration and interaction with your lecturers and fellow students is encouraged and enabled through various learning technologies.
Timetables
Timetables are usually available from September onwards and you can access your personalised timetable via your My Birkbeck Profile online (if you have been invited to enrol).
Indicative class size
Class sizes vary, depending on your course, the module you are undertaking, and the method of teaching. For example, lectures are presented to larger groups, whereas seminars usually consist of small, interactive groups led by a tutor.
Independent learning
On our taught courses, much of your time outside of class will be spent on self-directed, independent learning, including preparing for classes and following up afterwards. This will usually include, but is not limited to, reading books and journal articles, undertaking research, working on coursework and assignments, and preparing for presentations and assessments.
Independent learning is absolutely vital to your success as a student. Everyone is different, and the study time required varies topic by topic, but, as a guide, expect to schedule up to five hours of self-study for each hour of teaching.
Study skills and additional support
Birkbeck offers study and learning support to undergraduate and postgraduate students to help them succeed. Our Learning Development Service can help you in the following areas:
- academic skills (including planning your workload, research, writing, exam preparation and writing a dissertation)
- written English (including structure, punctuation and grammar)
- numerical skills (basic mathematics and statistics).
Our Disability and Dyslexia Service can support you if you have additional learning needs resulting from a disability or from dyslexia.
Our Counselling Service can support you if you are struggling with emotional or psychological difficulties during your studies.
Our Mental Health Advisory Service can support you if you are experiencing short- or long-term mental health difficulties during your studies.
Assessment
Assessment is an integral part of your university studies and usually consists of a combination of coursework and examinations, although this will vary from course to course - on some of our courses, assessment is entirely by coursework. The methods of assessment on this course are specified below under 'Methods of assessment on this course'. You will need to allow time to complete coursework and prepare for exams.
Where a course has unseen written examinations, these may be held termly, but, on the majority of our courses, exams are usually taken in the Summer term, during May to June. Exams may be held at other times of the year as well. In most cases, exams are held during the day on a weekday - if you have daytime commitments, you will need to make arrangements for daytime attendance - but some exams are held in the evening. Exam timetables are published online.
Find out more about assessment at Birkbeck, including guidance on assessment, feedback and our assessment offences policy.
Methods of assessment on this course
Types of assessment include short-answer tests in class, computer-based tests (accessed remotely or in class), practical reports, essays, problem-solving and data analysis assignments, oral communication and poster presentations, internet surveys, and unseen, or open-book, written examinations.
Core technical laboratory skills are also assessed during lab-based modules.
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Careers and employability
On successfully graduating from this BSc Biomedicine, you will have developed an array of important transferable skills, including:
- a wide range of laboratory skills, including microscopy, DNA manipulation, protein handling, microbiology aseptic technique, developing mutagenesis and gene cloning pipelines
- the ability to analyse and critically evaluate data and complex ideas
- the ability to work independently in a laboratory environment, and develop and test hypotheses
- team-building and creativity to drive scientific innovation
- oral and written communication skills to communicate about current issues in health and disease to a wide range of audiences.
Studying this course will prepare you for roles in a range of fields, including:
- academia (higher degrees)
- laboratory-based research (medical and biosciences)
- healthcare-related roles (including managerial)
- microbiology
- clinical coding.
Some of our graduates from this course have gone on to be employed in a variety of organisations, including:
- UK and international universities
- healthcare providers, including the NHS
- pharmaceutical firms such as GlaxoSmithKline
- the civil service
- schools.
We offer a comprehensive careers service - Careers and Enterprise - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education and future ambitions.
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How to apply
You apply via UCAS for our full-time undergraduate courses or directly to Birkbeck for our part-time undergraduate courses.
Full-time (UCAS entry)
If you are applying for a full-time undergraduate course at Birkbeck, you have to apply through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). To apply, go to the UCAS website and click on ‘Sign in’. You will have to register, giving UCAS a few personal details, including your name, address and date of birth, and then you can start working on your application.
The first UCAS deadline is in January, and the majority of university applications through UCAS are made by then. Find the exact deadline date on the UCAS website. We welcome applications outside of the UCAS deadlines, so you can still apply through UCAS after the January deadline, depending on the availability of places. We also take late applications via the UCAS Clearing system in August.
Part-time
If you are applying for a part-time undergraduate course (4 or 6 year), you apply directly to Birkbeck by using the Apply now button. You will need to prove your identity when you apply - read more about suitable forms of identification.
You apply directly to Birkbeck for this course, using the online application link. Please note that online application will open in September.
When to apply
You are strongly advised to apply now, to ensure there are still places on your chosen course and to give you enough time to complete the admissions process, to arrange funding and to enrol.
You don't need to complete your current programme of study before you apply - Birkbeck can offer you a place that is conditional on your results.
You will also receive information about subject-specific induction sessions over the summer.
Help and advice with your application
Get all the information you need about the application, admission and enrolment process at Birkbeck.
Our online personal statement tool will guide you through every step of writing the personal statement part of your application.
Apply for your course
Apply for your course using the apply now button in the key information section.
Related courses
Pathways for Biomedicine (BSc (Hons))
Course structure
Course structure listing
Course structure and modules for Biomedicine BSc (Hons): 3 years full-time, on campus, starting October 2025
You must complete modules worth a total of 360 credits.
There are two pathways, one leading to BSc Biomedicine and one leading to BSc Biomedicine and Public Health.
BSc Biomedicine
- Years 1 and 2: eight compulsory modules in each year
- Year 3: a compulsory module, core specialist laboratory research project, and two or three option modules worth a total of 45 credits
BSc Biomedicine and Public Health
- Years 1 and 2: eight compulsory modules in each year
- Year 3: six compulsory modules, including a bioscience and health investigative project
All modules have online support via our online learning environment.
Year 1
- Cell Membranes and Bio-Energetics
- General Chemistry
- Introduction to Molecular Cell Biology
- Introduction to Nutrition and Metabolism
- Laboratory Skills in Biochemistry
- Organic and Biological Chemistry
- Practical Skills for the Biosciences
- Quantitative Skills and Experimental Design
Year 2
- Aspects of Human Physiology
- Drugs and Drug Discovery
- Evolution and Genetics
- Medical Microbiology and Immunology
- Metabolic Challenges in Health and Disease
- Molecular Biology
- Protein Structure and Function
- Research Methods in the Biosciences
Year 3: BSc Biomedicine pathway - compulsory and core modules
Year 3: BSc Biomedicine pathway - option modules
Year 3: BSc Biomedicine and Public Health pathway - compulsory modules
Course structure and modules for Biomedicine BSc (Hons): 6 years part-time, on campus, starting October 2025
You must complete compulsory modules worth a total of 360 credits.
There are two pathways, one leading to BSc Biomedicine and one leading to BSc Biomedicine and Public Health.
BSc Biomedicine
- Years 1, 2, 3 and 4: four compulsory modules in each year
- Year 5: a compulsory module and two or three option modules
- Year 6: a core specialist laboratory research project
BSc Biomedicine and Public Health
- Years 1, 2, 3 and 4: four compulsory modules in each year
- Year 5: three compulsory modules
- Year 6: three compulsory modules, including a bioscience and health investigative project
All modules have online support via our online learning environment.
Year 1
- Cell Membranes and Bio-Energetics
- General Chemistry
- Introduction to Molecular Cell Biology
- Organic and Biological Chemistry
Year 2
- Introduction to Nutrition and Metabolism
- Laboratory Skills in Biochemistry
- Practical Skills for the Biosciences
- Quantitative Skills and Experimental Design
Year 3
- Evolution and Genetics
- Metabolic Challenges in Health and Disease
- Molecular Biology
- Protein Structure and Function
Year 4
- Aspects of Human Physiology
- Drugs and Drug Discovery
- Medical Microbiology and Immunology
- Research Methods in the Biosciences
Year 5: BSc Biomedicine pathway - compulsory module
Year 5: BSc Biomedicine pathway - option modules
Year 5: BSc Biomedicine and Public Health pathway - compulsory modules
Year 6: BSc Biomedicine pathway - core project
Year 6: BSc Biomedicine and Public Health pathway - compulsory modules
Course structure and modules for Biomedicine BSc (Hons): 4 years part-time, on campus, starting October 2025
You must complete compulsory modules worth a total of 360 credits.
There are two pathways, one leading to BSc Biomedicine and one leading to BSc Biomedicine and Public Health.
BSc Biomedicine
- Years 1 and 2: six compulsory modules in each year
- Year 3: four compulsory modules and one or two option modules
- Year 4: a compulsory module, core specialist laboratory research project and one option module
BSc Biomedicine and Public Health
- Years 1 and 2: six compulsory modules in each year
- Year 3: five compulsory modules
- Year 4: five compulsory modules, including a bioscience and health investigative project
All modules have online support via our online learning environment.
Year 1
- Cell Membranes and Bio-Energetics
- Introduction to Molecular Cell Biology
- Introduction to Nutrition and Metabolism
- Laboratory Skills in Biochemistry
- Practical Skills for the Biosciences
- Quantitative Skills and Experimental Design
Year 2
- Aspects of Human Physiology
- Evolution and Genetics
- General Chemistry
- Metabolic Challenges in Health and Disease
- Molecular Biology
- Organic and Biological Chemistry
Year 3: BSc Biomedicine pathway - compulsory modules
- Aspects of Human Physiology
- Drugs and Drug Discovery
- Protein Structure and Function
- Research Methods in the Biosciences
Year 3: BSc Biomedicine and Public Health pathway - compulsory modules
- Advanced Cell Biology
- Aspects of Human Physiology
- Drugs and Drug Discovery
- Protein Structure and Function
- Research Methods in the Biosciences
Year 4: BSc Biomedicine pathway - compulsory and core modules
Year 4: BSc Biomedicine pathway - option modules
Year 4: BSc Biomedicine and Public Health pathway - compulsory modules
Course structure and modules for Biomedicine with Foundation Year BSc (Hons): 4 years full-time, on campus, starting October 2025
For the Foundation Year, you undertake one core module at Level 3 and six at Level 4 to a total of 120 credits.
If you successfully complete these modules, you will automatically advance on to the three-year full-time BSc Biomedicine.