Course summary
Infectious diseases shape our world, representing hugely complex global challenges not only to healthcare, but also economically and societally. Infectious diseases result from a complex interplay between pathogens and their hosts, for which a wide spectrum of pathogens (viruses, bacteria, nematodes, protozoa, fungi and other agents) cause hundreds of different diseases in humans and animals. During the programme you will study the main classes of pathogens and how they interact with their hosts to cause disease. By studying a range of interdisciplinary courses, you will explore how modern and innovative research into host-pathogen interactions, from the molecular to the population level, can lead to improved diagnostics, therapeutics, vaccines and other interventions, so that we can more effectively detect, control and cure infectious diseases. Programme benefits
- You will join an interdisciplinary programme that provides the knowledge, skills, personal and professional development appropriate for globally competitive graduates of our key disciplines.
- You will have the opportunity to undertake projects with our leading biomedical researchers addressing major global biomedical challenges.
How to apply
This course is not open to application until the 13th May 2025.
15Jan
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- C590
- Institution code:
- E56
- Campus name:
- Central area campus
- Campus code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
- Year 2
Entry requirements
Standard Qualification Requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - AAB
Scottish Higher - AABB
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 34 points
Direct entry to second year is available; see our website for entry requirements. There are a limited number of places for second year entry each year. Achieving the required grades does not guarantee an offer for direct entry into second year. You will not be considered for second year entry where you: * are applying with resit qualifications * have taken your final examinations over more than one academic year * have a gap in study since completing your eligible high school qualifications To be considered for direct entry to Year 2, you will need to meet all the requirements listed. Apply for only one Biomedical Sciences degree. If you apply for multiple degrees within the Biomedical Sciences suite only one application will be taken forward for consideration with the remaining applications being processed as unsuccessful. You will have the opportunity to switch between degrees in later years provided the required courses have been passed. Detailed entry requirements, including typical offer levels, and information about other qualifications we accept, are available on the University of Edinburgh’s website. You’ll also find important information on how to apply. You must submit a fully completed UCAS application that includes details of the qualifications you are taking, including full predicted grades for qualifications not yet completed, your personal statement and your reference.
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
Minimum Qualification Requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - ABB
Scottish Higher - ABBB
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 32 points
Please click the following link to find out more about minimum qualification requirements for this course
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | total 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements. |
| TOEFL (iBT) | 92 | total 92 with at least 23 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements. |
| Cambridge English Advanced | total 176 with at least 169 in each component. | |
| Cambridge English Proficiency | total 176 with at least 169 in each component. | |
| Trinity ISE | ISE II with distinctions in all four components. |
You must prove that you can read, write, listen and speak in the English language at a level that will allow you to succeed in your studies. This is the case for all applicants, including UK nationals. You can meet our English language requirements with qualifications from school or an English language test. We accept any of the following, at the specified grade or higher: SQA National 5: English at C; GCSE: English at C or 4; Level 2 Certificate: English at C; International Baccalaureate (IB) Standard Level: English at 5 (English ab initio is not accepted for entry). Before you apply, check the required subjects for this programme, as you may need a higher English grade to meet the academic requirements. We also accept other qualifications from around the world. If you don’t have school qualifications that meet our requirements, we accept any of the English language tests, at the specified grade or higher, as detailed above. Qualifications from the following English language tests must be no more than two years old from the start date of your programme, regardless of your nationality: IELTS, TOEFL, Oxford ELLT. All other types of English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of your programme. If you are a national of a majority English-speaking country or region, as defined by UKVI, there is no time limit on how old these other types of English language qualifications can be.
Full details of our English language requirements can be found on our website:
https://study.ed.ac.uk/undergraduate/entry-requirements/english-language
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
Go onto work and study
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Scotland | £1820* | Year 1 |
| England | £9535* | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9535* | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9535* | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9535* | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £9535* | Year 1 |
| EU | £38900 | Year 1 |
| International | £38900 | Year 1 |
*This is a provisional fee and subject to change.
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Scottish students must apply to the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) for payment of their tuition fees.
Please note the 2026-27 fee rate is yet to be confirmed by the Scottish Government.
England/Wales/Northern Ireland - The Rest of UK (RUK) rate is yet to be confirmed. The fee for 2025 entry was £9,535.
For 2026 entry this may increase in line with inflation and will be subject to government limits
.
EU On 9th July 2020 the decision was made by the Scottish Government to end free university tuition for European Union (EU) students starting in 2021-22. Funding policy for EU nationals and associated groups starting a course of study in academic year 2022-23 or later will be in line with international fees.
Full time international and EU students will pay a fixed annual fee rate for the duration of their programme
Provider information
The University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh
Old College
South Bridge
Edinburgh
EH8 9YL