Birkbeck, University of London has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework.These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
Course summary
Our Life Sciences for Subjects Allied to Medicine Certificate in Higher Education will help you gain the knowledge and skills you need to progress to degree study in the life sciences and subjects allied to medicine. This intensive course also includes modules to help develop your study and research skills and to assist with your personal development and planning of applications for further study. You will gain an overview of the biological, cellular and molecular worlds, raising fascinating questions about their underlying chemical functions. 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, with a research environment supporting world-leading and internationally excellent research.
- You will be taught by internationally distinguished experts, who work with governments and institutions around the globe to extend the boundaries of knowledge.
- On successful completion, you may progress to the first year of a variety of degrees, including biology, chemistry, environmental science, geology and all health-related areas, such as radiography (requires biology with physics), pharmacy, osteopathic medicine, nutrition and dietetics, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, veterinary science, herbal medicine, clinical sciences, biomedicine and biomedical sciences. Students who already have a good first degree in another area and achieve high marks in their Certificate of Higher Education studies may also be accepted by some medical schools.
- Students who pass this certificate are guaranteed a place on our BSc Biomedicine.
- microbiologist
- research scientist
- analytical chemist
- healthcare scientist.
Modules
For information about course structure and the moules you will be studying, please visit Birkbeck’s online prospectus.
Assessment method
Parts 1 and 2 of each subject are assessed by coursework and tests only, with some assignments completed in class and some at home. Part 3 includes both coursework and a final examination (in early June). The Saturday modules are assessed by coursework (Pass/Fail) only.
How to apply
To apply for this course you will be taken to the provider's website, where you can find out more information and make an application.
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
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
A level
We welcome applicants without traditional entry qualifications as we base decisions on our own assessment of qualifications, knowledge and previous work experience as presented in your application, and on interview. You will need to demonstrate a good level of numeracy and English language skills, as well as a keen interest in the life sciences. Applicants are advised that this is a very intensive course, which requires a high level of commitment. All applicants for this course first have to complete a short, self-assessment exercise at home in biology, chemistry and numeracy (or physics if appropriate) and then attend for interview with course lecturers or the course director. Those offered a place may be required to attend a summer top-up course or complete set pre-coursework to revise and improve their numerical and/or science skills before the start of the modules in September.
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
There is no data available for this course. For further information visit 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 | £6935 | Year 1 |
Additional fee information
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.
Provider information
Birkbeck, University of London
Malet Street
Bloomsbury
London
WC1E 7HX
Course contact details
Visit our course pageBirkbeck Student Advice Service
0203 907 0700