BSc (Hons) Medical Sciences at University of Plymouth

Programme overview

BSc (Hons) Medical Sciences is a three-year full-time degree covering the molecular, cellular, physiological and psychological processes that underpin human health and disease. It combines laboratory practicals with study of genetics, immunology, microbiology and clinical science, with an optional placement year in research or industry.

Faculty: Faculty of Health | Department: School of Biomedical Sciences | Duration: 3 years (plus optional placement year) | Study mode: full-time | Location: Plymouth, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Year 1 covers biomedical investigation, human anatomy and physiology, human metabolism, human disease, and infection and immunity, with an introduction to psychology. Year 2 includes genetic continuity and diversity, cell biology in health and disease, and systems physiology, with optional modules such as clinical haematology and biochemistry. The final year centres on a 40-credit personal research project plus options including clinical microbiology, cellular basis of immunity, neurobiology, reproductive science and clinical genetics and bioinformatics.

Career pathways

Graduates work in biomedical and public health laboratories, clinical science, pharmaceutical sales and marketing, health product development, environmental agencies, food quality control and scientific publishing, as well as the scientific civil service and teaching. Some graduates enter medicine or dentistry through graduate entry programmes, or progress to MSc or PhD study.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Typical offer 104 UCAS points (contextual offers typically 8 points lower). GCSE Maths and English grade C/4 or above. A levels: 104 points from a minimum of 3 A levels, including grade B in Biology/Human Biology and grade C in a relevant second science (Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Applied Science, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Geology, Geography or Psychology); General Studies excluded. BTEC National Extended Diploma: DMM depending on units studied. Access to HE Diploma: pass with at least 33 credits at Merit/Distinction, including 15 credits in Biology and 18 in Chemistry, Maths and Physics. T level: Merit (Health or Science pathway preferred). International Baccalaureate: 26 points including 5 at Higher Level Biology and 4 at Higher Level in a second science; English and Maths at Higher Level 4 or Standard Level 5. International applicants need a suitable English language qualification.

Domestic applicants: GBP 9,790 a year (2026/27). Full-time UK students; optional placement year charged separately Source

International applicants: GBP 19,200 a year (2026/27). Full-time international students; optional placement year charged separately Source

Duration: 3 years

Health Sciences