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Biomedicine

BSc (Hons)

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Key information

Key information for 2026-27

Start date:
October 2026
Study route:

  • Three years full-time, on campus


    UCAS code: C900

  • Four years part-time, on campus

  • Six years part-time, on campus

  • Four years full-time, on campus with Foundation Year


    UCAS code: C190
Status:
Fully approved
Location:
Birkbeck Campus, Central London
Awarding body:
University of London
Study options:
Full-time | Part-time | On campus | with Foundation Year

Key information for 2027-28

Start date:
October 2027
Study route:

  • Three years full-time, on campus


    UCAS code: C900

  • Four years part-time, on campus

  • Six years part-time, on campus

  • Four years full-time, on campus with Foundation Year


    UCAS code: C190
Status:
Fully approved
Location:
Birkbeck Campus, Central London
Awarding body:
University of London
Study options:
Full-time | Part-time | On campus | with Foundation Year

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 will I 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 will I 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.

    You can study this course full- or part-time. You can also choose your own timetable for the core/compulsory modules selecting whether to study them in the daytime or in the evening. Find out more about choosing your own timetable.

  • How often will I attend classes?

    Full-time: Usually two to three afternoons or evenings a week October to July, plus a daytime laboratory week prior to starting the final year.

    Part-time: Usually two afternoons or evenings a week October to July, plus a daytime laboratory week prior to starting the final year.

  • 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.

    Once you successfully complete your Foundation Year studies, you will automatically advance onto the main full-time degree. 

  • Pathways for BSc Biomedicine

    This course has additional Pathways to offer you the chance to specialise depending on your interests and career goals.

    MSCI Biomedicine with Advanced Pathways

  • Course disclaimer

    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 How will I learn? section.

More Highlights

  • 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.

Modules and Teaching

School of Natural Sciences

The school provides a stimulating learning experience in state-of-the-art facilities, with academic staff involved in active research projects.

Visit the school

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.

  • Full-time study - how many UCAS points do I need?
    • Three 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.)
    • Four years full-time with Foundation Year: 48 points with some evidence of study in a science-related subject

    For full-time study on this course, you apply via UCAS. The UCAS tariff score applies 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.

  • Part-time study

    For part-time study our standard requirements are a minimum of two A-levels or equivalent.

  • What GCSEs do I need?

    Three years full-time or four 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).

  • Alternative entry routes

    Three years full-time or four 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.

    Three years full-time: Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma - DMM

  • What are the 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 about 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.

  • What are the 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 to study on our courses full-time 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 to study part-time courses at Birkbeck (with the exception of some modules).

    As a Student visa student, you should also apply to study on campus only, as online and flexible options of study (if they are available for your course) may affect the conditions of your visa.

    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. It may be possible to transfer these from your previous study to Birkbeck or another institution.

Clearing for 2026 is open
Apply now

Fees

Three years full-time, on campus

Academic year 2026-27, starting in October 2026

Full-time home students: £9,790 per year
Full-time international students: £18,500 per year

Academic year 2027-28, starting in October 2027

Full-time home students: £10,050 per year
Full-time international students: £19,320 per year

Four years part-time, on campus

Academic year 2026-27, starting in October 2026

Part-time home students: £7,335 per year
Part-time international students: £13,875 per year

Academic year 2027-28, starting in October 2027

Part-time home students: £7,530 per year
Part-time international students: £14,490 per year

Six years part-time, on campus

Academic year 2026-27, starting in October 2026

Part-time home students: £4,895 per year
Part-time international students: £9,250 per year

Academic year 2027-28, starting in October 2027

Part-time home students: £5,025 per year
Part-time international students: £9,660 per year

Four years full-time, with Foundation Year, on campus

Academic year 2026-27, starting in October 2026

Full-time home students, Year 1: £7,335 per year
Full-time international students, Year 1: £18,500 per year
Full-time home students, Year 2+: £9,790 per year
Full-time international students, Year 2+: £18,500 per year

Academic year 2027-28, starting in October 2027

Full-time home students, Year 1: £7,530 per year
Full-time international students, Year 1: £19,320 per year
Full-time home students, Year 2+: £10,050 per year
Full-time international students, Year 2+: £19,320 per year

Students are charged a tuition fee in each year of their course. Tuition fees for students continuing their course may be subject to annual inflationary increases. For more information, please see our Fees Policy.

Birkbeck's campus is located in the historic and vibrant Bloomsbury area of central London - named one of the best places to live in London 2025 by The Times.

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.

Student Support

Birkbeck offers study, learning and wellbeing support to undergraduate and postgraduate students to help them succeed.

Our Learning Development Service provides a lively programme of free weekly workshops building essential academic skills - from writing and critical thinking to maths and referencing - offering flexible sessions, practical tips, and online resources to boost your skills and confidence.

Our Disability and Mental Health Service can support you if you have disabilities, specific learning differences, mental health conditions or neurodivergence, by providing practical support to help you achieve your academic potential.

Our Counselling Service aims to support you with any emotional and psychological difficulties that are affecting your experience and engagement with your studies at university. It is a free, non-judgemental and confidential service which consists of a consultation process followed by time limited counselling contact.

Find out more about the full range of student services we offer at Birkbeck.

How to Apply

You apply via UCAS for our full-time undergraduate courses or directly to Birkbeck for our part-time undergraduate courses. For more detailed, step-by-step guidance on how to apply, visit our How to apply page.

  • How do I apply to study full-time (UCAS entry)?

    If you are applying for a full-time undergraduate course at Birkbeck you apply through UCAS. Use the Apply now button on this course page which will direct you to UCAS. There you will be prompted to sign in and create an account. You will have to give 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.

  • How do I apply to study part-time?

    If you are applying for a part-time undergraduate course (usually four or six years), you apply directly to Birkbeck online by using the Apply now button. You will need to prove your identity when you apply.

    Please note that online application opens in September.

  • When should I apply?

    You are strongly advised to apply now, to ensure there are still places left, 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.

  • How can I get help with my 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.

  • International agents

    If you are an international agent applying to Birkbeck on behalf of an international student, please use Birkbeck's agent portal.

Related courses

Study routes for Biomedicine (BSc (Hons))

Please select a study route below to continue your application.

Please note that international students who require a Student visa to study in the UK can only apply for full-time, on campus routes.

Important: Applications to study part-time in 2027/28 will open in October 2026.

2026-27

Full-time

Part-time

2027-28

Full-time