Medical Science BSc Honours

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Course Overview

Attendance

UK Fees £9,250 *
International Fees £15,400 *
Duration 3 or 4 years

* Price per academic year

Course summary

Our Medical Science BSc Honours is a standalone three-year Bachelor’s degree open to UK Nationals only, which also acts as a pre-clinical 'feeder' course offering graduates a transfer directly into the third year of the Doctor of Medicine and Surgery (MD) degree at our overseas partner, the University of Malta.

The University of Malta has a long history of medical education with their MD programme being recognised in the UK for over 100 years. All teaching at the University of Malta is in English and the university has a diverse, international student body with students from over 90 different countries.

Transfer to the MD programme at the University of Malta is conditional on the successful completion of the Medical Science BSc Honours with a minimum classification of lower second-class honours (2:2). Graduates wishing to progress must also have attended the anatomy and Medical Maltese Summer School and passed the Certificate in Medical Maltese Proficiency. Further details about Malta, the University of Malta and their MD programme can be found on the Studying Medicine at the University of Malta page.

The Medical Science BSc Honours comprises a detailed study of the human body in health and disease, with emphasis on the diagnosis and understanding of disease states and the mechanisms involved. It prepares you for a range of life science careers, but also fully equips you for transfer to the University of Malta MD programme. Teaching on the course is through a variety of methods and includes tutorials, lectures and seminars, practical laboratory work and group activities along with the use of learning technology and electronic resources. Assessment is through a combination of exams and coursework, including essays, practical work, group work, presentations and reports.

This course also offers, at additional cost (see the Fees and Funding section below), a Human Anatomy Summer School based at the University of Malta, and a Medical Maltese language programme, both of which are compulsory for students planning to progress to the MD degree on completion of the BSc. More details of these can be found on the Studying Medicine at the University of Malta page.

 

Course structure

The following subjects are indicative of what you will study on this course.

In Year 1 you will study the important fundamental sciences underlying modern medicine including human anatomy and physiology, biochemistry and cell biology along with the basics of pharmacology and drug discovery, all supported with a critical skills module. You will build on this in Years 2 and 3 to develop your understanding of normal human physiology and disease processes.

Subjects of study include:

  • Biochemistry
  • Cell Biology
  • Functional Anatomy
  • Fundamentals of Pharmacology
  • Human Physiology
  • Professional Development in Science (PRoDS)

Credit Level 4

Year 2 focuses on the integration of body systems, the roles and responses of those systems to external factors and the underlying influence of genetics on individual heath. There is also a module focusing on research methods to prepare you for your final year research project.

Subjects of study include:

  • Infection and Immunity
  • Medical Genetics and Genomics
  • Medical Physiology
  • Metabolic Biochemistry
  • Physiological Networks
  • Research Methods

Credit Level 5

Professional experience or study abroad year

Between Years 2 and 3, you’ll have the opportunity to undertake a professional placement year in industry. Completing the placement year will lead to the final award Bachelor of Science with Honours – Medical Science with Professional Experience.

Alternatively, you can undertake a period of study abroad at one of Westminster’s partner institutions. Successful completion will lead to the final award Bachelor of Science with Honours – Medical Science with International Experience.

Year 3 builds on the theme of body system integration, homeostasis and the adaptation of individual systems and the human body as a whole to the external environment. Alongside this you will explore the pathology, investigation and treatment of selected disease states including cancer, cardiovascular disease, infectious diseases and those resulting from abnormal immune responses. You will also undertake a research project, which will enable you to develop the skills, ethos and understanding for medical research including an appreciation of research ethics and governance.

Subjects of study include:

  • Applied Medical Sciences
  • Cancer Biology
  • Clinical Immunology and Immunohaematology
  • Human Physiological Adaptations
  • Final Year Project in Life Sciences

Credit Level 6

Professional Accreditation

This course is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of meeting in part the academic and experience requirement for the Membership and Chartered Biologist (CBiol).

This programme has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology following an independent and rigorous assessment. Accredited degree programmes 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 from accredited programmes meet defined sets of learning outcomes, including subject knowledge, technical ability and transferable skills.

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Programme specification

For more details on course structure, modules, teaching and assessment Download the programme specification (PDF).

To request an accessible version please email [email protected]

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Get in touch

Contact us for general course enquiries:

+44 (0)20 7911 5000 EXT 65511
(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm BST)

[email protected]

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(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm BST)

Open days

Join us at an open day online or on campus. Get a feel for student life at the University of Westminster and talk to course leaders and our support teams.

Careers

This course has been designed to prepare students for progression on to the MD programme at our overseas partner, the University of Malta, with the ultimate goal of a career in medicine and potential specialisation in one of the many medical disciplines. It is expected that the vast majority of students enrolling on the Medical Science BSc Honours will follow this career pathway.

Kickstart your career in medicine

On graduation, you have the option of a transfer into the third year of the MD degree at the University of Malta.

Work experience opportunities

You'll be encouraged to undertake practice-based work experience, and studying in central London, you'll be perfectly placed to access placements within biomedical laboratories and elsewhere.

3,000

Employers around the world

The University’s Careers and Employability Service has built up a network of over 3,000 employers around the world, helping all our students explore and connect with exciting opportunities and careers.

Progression on to the MD qualification and a career in medicine

An MD qualification from the University of Malta entitles graduates to apply for Provisional Registration with Licence to Practice from the UK General Medical Council (GMC) without the requirement to take the Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) test. Once graduates are registered with the GMC they are then eligible to apply for the UK Foundation Programme. They may also be able to apply for the Malta Foundation Programme which is regulated by the Malta Public Service Commission.

The Foundation Programme is the next phase of a doctor’s training after the completion of a medical degree at university and precedes specialist training in medicine or surgery. The Foundation Programme comprises a two year series of rotations in different specialities within hospitals or in the community and after successful completion of the first year, you will be able to apply for full registration with the GMC. As a result of the accreditation of the Malta MD Degree by AMSE and ASIIN, University of Malta medical graduates have more opportunities for mobility and lifelong learning at an international level. For further information, see the Studying Medicine at the University of Malta page.

Alternative career paths

If you decide not to progress onto graduate entry medicine at the end of your studies at the University of Westminster, there are a variety of other career paths open to Medical Science BSc (Hons) graduates including:

  • Clinical trials
  • Government departments
  • Other institutions (eg Medical Research Council)
  • Pharmaceutical companies
  • Scientific/pharmaceutical/diagnostics sales
  • Scientific research 
  • Scientific writing/publishing
  • Technical support roles in scientific/pharmaceutical/diagnostics industry
  • Teaching
  • University laboratories (possibly as part of a PhD)

You may also choose to continue your studies to obtain a postgraduate qualification, eg an MSc, MRes or PhD.

International Opportunities

Many of our courses offer international study and work experiences, and the University provides other global opportunities that all students can apply for - so whatever you're studying, you'll have the chance to go abroad.

Opportunities could include:

  • Taking part in semester or year-long exchanges at institutions around the world
  • Attending an international summer school or field trip
  • Developing your CV through volunteering or work placements abroad

International experience broadens horizons, boosts self-confidence, and improves global understanding, alongside being fantastic for your career.

Find out more about our international opportunities, including funding options and where you can go.

Students working and studying internationally

Course Leaders

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Join us on our exciting new degree and pursue a recognised pathway into medicine!"

Dr Ian Locke

Assistant Head of School

After completing a degree in Biomedical Sciences, and a PhD focusing on wound healing at the University of Portsmouth, Ian moved to University College London (UCL) Medical School in 1994 as a post-doctoral researcher in the Centre for Rheumatology and the Department of Molecular Pathology working on autoimmune rheumatic diseases and the regulation of gene expression by transcription factors.  

Ian moved to the University of Westminster in 1999 as a Senior Lecturer in Biomedical Science and set up a research lab focused on the role of cell death in connective tissue disease and repair, and in particular in degenerative rheumatic diseases such as osteoarthritis and related conditions. Ian's main specialism is immunology, which he teaches to a variety of students at all levels.

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Dr Hassan Morad

Lecturer

Hassan studied for a Bachelor of Science with Honours (BSc (Hons)) in Biological and Medicinal Chemistry and a Master of Science by Research (MbyRes) in Biological Sciences at the University of Exeter, before continuing his education at King’s College London, where he studied for a Master of Research (MRes) in Biomedical and Translational Science and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Neuroimmunology.

He is a Lecturer in Immunology, Co-Course Leader for Medical Sciences BSc and Medical Science BSc and Module Leader for Clinical Immunology and Immunohaematology.

Hassan’s research focusses on preventing the damaging roles of neutrophils in the pathophysiology of inflammatory conditions, such as sepsis and COVID-19. He is investigating compounds with the potential to prevent neutrophil chemotaxis in vitro, which can then be tested for efficacy in in vivo mouse models of inflammatory conditions. Hassan is particularly interested in the neutrophil-mediated organ damage that occurs during septic shock and the potential for pharmacological intervention to prevent this.

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Our course offers students a robust education in Medical Sciences and a unique opportunity to directly enter Medical School upon completion"

Why study this course?

Fantastic London location

You'll be based in the heart of central London, just a five-minute walk from Oxford Street and Tottenham Court Road.

A pathway into medicine

Our course acts as a pre-clinical 'feeder' course offering graduates a transfer into the third year of the MD degree at the University of Malta.

Inspiring facilities

Our Cavendish Campus offers state-of-the-art science and psychology labs and refurbished computer suites.

Entry Requirements

  • A Levels – ABB (128 UCAS Tariff points) with 2 science subjects from Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Maths
  • T levels – 128 UCAS Tariff points
  • International Baccalaureate – 128 UCAS Tariff points from the IB including 6 at HL in 2 science subjects from Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Maths
  • BTEC Extended Diploma – D*DD in a science-related subject area
  • BTEC Diploma – not accepted on its own
  • Access – not accepted on its own

In addition to one of the above, you should have:

  • GCSE English Language grade 4/C - IB grade 4 Higher level; GCSE Maths grade 4/C - IB grade 4; GCSE Science grade 4/C - IB grade 4

If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with 6.0 in writing and 5.5 in the other components.

Applicants may also be asked to attend an interview, either in person or via Skype. Applicants are considered as a gathered field. If you apply by 15th January, selection will be made by 31st March. Applications received after that date will be advised of their decision date at the point of application.

We also welcome applications from students who are taking a combination of qualifications listed above. For further information, please contact Course Enquiries.

View more information about our entry requirements and the application process

This course is open to UK nationals only. International students can apply for our Medical Sciences BSc course.

Learn new skills

Learn a new language

From Arabic to Spanish, you can learn a new language alongside your degree with our Polylang programme

Develop your entrepreneurial skills

Our award-winning Creative Enterprise Centre offers industry networking events, workshops, one-to-one business advice and support for your startup projects. 

Gain extra qualifications

We provide access to free online courses in Adobe and Microsoft Office applications, as well as thousands of specialist courses on LinkedIn Learning.

Fees and Funding

UK tuition fee: £9,250 (Price per academic year)

When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.

Find out how we set our tuition fees.

Funding

As well as tuition fee loans, there is a range of funding available to help you fund your studies.

Find out about undergraduate student funding options.

Scholarships

The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible undergraduate students, which cover all or part of your tuition fees.

Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.

Additional costs

There will be an additional fee, payable to the University of Malta, for the Anatomy and Medical Maltese Summer School. The cost of these additional courses is currently £5,000 but may rise due to inflation and exchange rate fluctuation (information accurate at the time of publishing, January 2020).

Applicants will also need to budget for their accommodation and living expenses during the summer school and the cost of a return airfare to Malta (we suggest approximately £2,000).

See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.

International tuition fee: £15,400 (Price per academic year)

When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.

Find out how we set our tuition fees.

EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme

If you are an international student accepted on an undergraduate programme starting in September 2024 or September 2025 at level 3 (Foundation) or level 4 (first year) on the basis of an eligible EU qualification only, you will be awarded a tuition fee reduction which will align your fee more closely to the one for UK students. For more information, see the EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme.

International student funding

Find out about funding for international students.

This course is open to UK nationals only. International students can apply for our Medical Sciences BSc course.

Teaching and Assessment

Below you will find how learning time and assessment types are distributed on this course. The graphs below give an indication of what you can expect through approximate percentages, taken either from the experience of previous cohorts, or based on the standard module diet where historic course data is unavailable.  Changes to the division of learning time and assessment may be made in response to feedback and in accordance with our terms and conditions.

How you'll be taught

Teaching methods across all our undergraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application. Learning typically falls into three broad categories:

  • Scheduled hours: examples include lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops, supervised time in a studio
  • Placement: placement hours normally include placement opportunities, but may also include live projects or virtual activity involving employers
  • Independent study: non-scheduled time in which students are expected to study independently. This may include preparation for scheduled sessions, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks, or revision
Year
1
28%72%
2
25%75%
P
1%53%46%
3
33%67%
Scheduled hoursIndependent studyPlacement

How you'll be assessed

Our undergraduate courses include a wide variety of assessments.

Assessments typically fall into three broad categories:

  • Practical: examples include presentations, videos, podcasts, lab work, creating artefacts  
  • Written exams: end of semester exams 
  • Coursework: examples include essays, reports, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation
     
Year
1
17%83%
2
17%83%
P
50%50%
3
16%84%
Written examsPracticalCoursework

Data from the academic year 2023/24

Supporting you

Our Student Hub is where you’ll find out about the services and support we offer, helping you get the best out of your time with us.

  • Study support — workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills
  • Personal tutors — support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential
  • Student advice team — provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas
  • Extra-curricular activities — volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more

Visit our student hub

Course Location

With state-of-the-art science and psychology labs and refurbished computer suites, our Cavendish Campus offers our science and technology students a range of learning spaces that are both dynamic and inspiring.

Located in central London, our Cavendish Campus is just a five-minute walk from Oxford Street and Tottenham Court Road.

For more details, visit our  Cavendish Campus page.

Summer School: see Studying Medicine at the University of Malta.

Contact us

Call our dedicated team on:

+44 (0)20 7911 5000 ext 65511

Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday

[email protected]

Start live chat

Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday

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