Biomedical Sciences, BSc

Biomedical Sciences, BSc

Introduction

The primary goal of Biomedical Science is to enhance understanding of human body function in health and disease.

Study Information

At a Glance

Learning Mode
On Campus Learning
Degree Qualification
BSc
Duration
48 months
Study Mode
Full Time
Start Month
September
Location of Study
Aberdeen
UCAS Code
B900

Our BSc Biomedical Sciences programme offers a comprehensive journey through the fascinating world of human biology and disease processes. This four-year degree provides a carefully structured progression from foundational sciences to cutting-edge research. As you advance, you'll develop a deep understanding of biomedical principles, critical thinking skills, and research expertise. Each year builds upon the last, offering increasing specialisation and hands-on learning opportunities, preparing you for a thriving career in this dynamic field

In your first year, you'll build a strong foundation in the basic sciences, diving into chemistry, cell biology, and gaining an introduction to medical sciences. This groundwork prepares you for more advanced studies in subsequent years.

Moving into your second year, you'll deepen your knowledge of human physiology and molecular biology. You'll also develop essential research skills for medical sciences, equipping you with the tools to engage in scientific inquiry.

Your third year, known as Junior Honours, sees you engaging with advanced topics in biomedical sciences. You'll explore areas such as neuroscience and molecular cell function, with options to specialise in fields like anatomy or pharmacology. This year allows you to start tailoring your degree to your specific interests.

In your final year, Senior Honours, you'll have the opportunity to conduct independent research projects and study specialized topics that align with your career aspirations. Alternatively, you may choose to undertake an industrial placement, gaining valuable hands-on experience in a professional setting.

Throughout the programme, you'll have the flexibility to shape your degree through a range of optional courses and specialisation pathways, ensuring your education aligns with your personal and professional goals.

Enhance your degree with a year-long industry placement, graduating with an 5-year MSci degree in Biomedical Sciences after five years.

What You'll Study

Compulsory Courses

We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.

How You'll Study

Assessment Methods

Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods:

  • coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course;
  • practical assessments of the skills and competencies they learn on the course; and
  • written examinations at the end of each course.

The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, years of study and individual courses.

Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.

Why Study Biomedical Sciences?

Why Biomedical Sciences

  • The programmes provide you with the scientific content of pre-clinical medicine plus the opportunity to study cellular processes from this whole-body perspective.
  • You will gain a thorough grounding in the core medical sciences and a specialism chosen from Anatomy, Developmental Biology, Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, Physiology.
  • Biomedical scientists in Aberdeen have made major medical advances, including co-discovery of insulin (receiving a Nobel Prize) and discovery of the brain's morphine-like chemicals.
  • You will acquire core skills and knowledge vital to the modern workplace which will also provide you with the ideal training for progress to graduate programmes in medical research, medicine, dentistry and other healthcare professions.
  • Modern teaching facilities and laboratories which will enhance your learning and provide you with an opportunity to experience working in a research focussed laboratory environment.
  • We are ranked 2nd in the UK for Anatomy and Physiology, The Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025.

Aberdeen Global Scholarship

The University of Aberdeen is delighted to offer eligible self-funded international on-campus undergraduate students a £6,000 scholarship for every year of their programme.

View the Aberdeen Global Scholarship

Entry Requirements

Qualifications

The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.


General Entry Requirements

SQA:

Applicants who achieve AAAB or better over S4 and S5 are likely to be made an offer of admission. This may be unconditional or it may be conditional, dependent upon academic profile. Good performance in additional Highers/Advanced Highers may be required.

Highers at AB from Chemistry and another Maths/Science subject required (Biology preferred)

Minimum: ABBB

Applicants who have achieved BBB at Higher, and who meet one of the widening participation criteria above are encouraged to apply and are guaranteed an adjusted conditional offer for BSc Biomedical Science.

We would expect to issue a conditional offer asking for one additional A grade at Higher. In exceptional circumstances we may need to ask for two additional Highers at AA. 

Adjusted: BBB

Applicants who have achieved BB at Higher, and who meet one of the widening participation criteria above are encouraged to apply and are guaranteed an adjusted conditional offer for MA, BSc and BEng degrees.

We would expect to issue a conditional offer asking for one additional C grade at Higher.

A Level:

A minimum of 3 A Levels at ABB.

A levels at AB from Chemistry and another Maths/Science subject required (Biology preferred)

International Baccalaureate:

A minimum of 34 points. 6 points at HL from Chemistry and another Maths/Science subject required (Biology preferred)

Irish Leaving Certificate:

Five subjects at Higher, with 4 at H2 and 1 at H3. H2 from Chemistry and another Maths/Science subject required (Biology preferred)

The information displayed in this section shows a shortened summary of our entry requirements. For more information, or for full entry requirements for Sciences degrees, see our detailed entry requirements section.


English Language Requirements

To study for an Undergraduate degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:

IELTS Academic:

OVERALL - 6.0 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0

TOEFL iBT:

OVERALL - 78 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21

PTE Academic:

OVERALL - 59 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59

Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency:

OVERALL - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169

Read more about specific English Language requirements here.

Fees and Funding

You will be classified as one of the fee categories below.

Fee information
Fee category Cost
EU / International students £24,800
Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year
Self-funded international students commencing eligible undergraduate programmes in 2025/26 will receive a £6,000 tuition waiver for every year of their programme - See full terms and conditions
Home Students £1,820
Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year
RUK £9,535
Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year

Additional Fees

  • In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips. Any additional fees for a course can be found in our Catalogue of Courses.
  • For more information about tuition fees for this programme, including payment plans and our refund policy, please visit our Tuition Fees page.

Scholarships and Funding

UK Scholarship

Students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland, who pay tuition fees may be eligible for specific scholarships allowing them to receive additional funding. These are designed to provide assistance to help students support themselves during their time at Aberdeen.

Aberdeen Global Scholarship

The University of Aberdeen is delighted to offer eligible self-funded international on-campus undergraduate students a £6,000 scholarship for every year of their programme. More about this funding opportunity.

Funding Database

View all funding options in our Funding Database.

Careers

he Biomedical Sciences degree primarily prepares you to follow a broad range of careers in science relating to medicine. In this respect, the quality of your training will permit you to take advantage of international career opportunities in research and development. The degree can also form the basis for an application to enter Medicine or Dentistry.

Our degree programmes are built to enhance your employability and three flagship options give our degrees a distinctively different flavour from many others. All our degrees offer:

  • A 10-week full-time research project in the final year which will provide you with valuable experience of working in a medical science research environment
  • The option of an industrial placement year and graduation with an undergraduate MSci
  • Highly relevant and sought after experience in bio-business aimed at giving you an understanding of the commercialisation of scientific ideas and an opportunity to learn about the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries

The BSc Biomedical Sciences degree is not accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Sciences (IBMS) and thus our graduates do not achieve their HPC registration at graduation, but instead, if they choose this career path, will gain it following an additional conversion course within hospital laboratories.

Our Experts

Programme Coordinator
Dr Ann Rajnicek
Other Experts
Professor Simon Parson
Dr Flora Groening

Information About Staff Changes

You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.

Facilities

Image for The Institute of Medical Sciences
The Institute of Medical Sciences

The Institute of Medical Sciences

Focused on developing future effective therapies, the Institute of Medical Sciences houses nearly 400 researchers and support staff working on cutting-edge biomedical subjects aimed at understanding the human body's response to infection and disease.

Image for Science Teaching Hub
Science Teaching Hub

Science Teaching Hub

Our state-of-the-art Science Teaching Hub provides students with a digitally focussed environment including advanced analytical tools, research-grade equipment and flexible laboratory spaces.

Find out more

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