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Biomedicine with Foundation Year at Birkbeck, University of London - UCAS

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2025 - 2026
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Birkbeck, University of London has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

Course summary

The BSc Biomedicine focuses on the vital link between basic science and advances in the understanding and treatment of human health and disease. 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. You will be 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 opportunities for paid internships.
  • Taught by internationally recognised researchers, you will gain an academic grounding in modern medicine and 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 workplace.
  • By choosing certain modules, you can finish with a BSc Biomedicine and Public Health.
What you will 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, with emphasis on how these relate to public health. Whilst enabling development of 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 you will 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. This course is available to study full- or part-time. It has a daytime and an evening timetable, so we will contact you nearer to enrolment to confirm your preference of study. 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. 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.
Careers and employability On successfully graduating from this BSc Biomedicine, you will have developed an array of transferable skills, including:
  • 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
  • team-building and creativity to drive scientific innovation
  • oral and written communication skills to communicate with a wide range of audiences.
Studying this course will prepare you for roles in a range of fields, including:
  • academia
  • laboratory-based research
  • healthcare-related roles
  • microbiology
  • clinical coding.

Modules

For information about course structure and the modules you will be studying, please visit Birkbeck’s online prospectus.

Assessment method

This programme uses a range of assessment methods, including short-answer tests in class, computer-based tests (accessed remotely or in class), practical reports, essays, problem-solving and data analysis assignments, oral communication and poster presentations, internet surveys, and unseen, or open-book, written examinations.

Professional bodies

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

  • Royal Society of Biology

How to apply

29Jan

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:
C190
Institution code:
B24
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Foundation

International applicants

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.

Entry requirements

Qualification 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.

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students
40%
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
75%
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

England £6935 Year 1
Northern Ireland £6935 Year 1
Scotland £6935 Year 1
Wales £6935 Year 1
International £18060 Year 1

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

Home students: Year 1: £6,935 per year Year 2+: £9,250 per year International students: Year 1: £18,060 per year Year 2+: £18,060 per year Students are charged a tuition fee in each year of their course. Tuition fees for students continuing on their course in following years may be subject to annual inflationary increases.
Biomedicine with Foundation Year at Birkbeck, University of London - UCAS