Course summary
Deep insight into the functioning of living systems depends on a thorough knowledge of the chemical and physical principles that govern the structure and behaviour of biomolecules. Such understanding finds applications in numerous areas including basic biotechnology, diagnostics and forensics and drug discovery. This integrated Master’s course, comprising the three-year BSc Biomedicine and one year of Master’s-level study, will provide you with the knowledge, skills and hands-on research experience that will launch your career in these or other exciting areas of research science. Learning with internationally recognised researchers, this biomedicine course will provide you with an academic grounding in the science that underpins modern medicine. You will develop a sound knowledge of scientific principles across a range of disciplines, including biochemistry, cell biology, chemistry, drugs and drug discovery, genetics, immunology, microbiology, molecular biology and physiology, and will understand their applications. A key element of this biomedicine degree is practical laboratory experience. In combination with scientific understanding, you will develop practical and analytical skills that will support an evidence-based, critical approach to scientific discovery. You will also practise creativity and team-building that drive scientific innovation. In Year 4, you will undertake a project that will allow you to develop independent, advanced research and analytic skills, and will also deepen your understanding in a choice of areas selected from biochemical analysis, microbiology or structural biology. 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 modern workplace. Highlights
- In your penultimate year of this course, you will have the opportunity to gain the skills to work independently in a lab environment when all students attend a week-long daytime, practical course as part of the project module.
- 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.
- You will receive training in practical skills and lab work, including microscopy, DNA manipulation and protein handling.
- biomedical scientist
- healthcare scientist
- medical research scientist
- microbiologist.
Modules
For information about course structure and the modules you will be studying, please visit Birkbeck’s online prospectus.
Assessment method
Types of assessment include 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. Core technical laboratory skills are also assessed during lab-based modules.
How to apply
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:
- C702
- Institution code:
- B24
- Campus name:
- Main Site
- Campus code:
- -
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
UCAS Tariff - 112 points
A level - BBC
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DMM
GCSE/National 4/National 5
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
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 | £9250 | Year 1 |
Northern Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
Scotland | £9250 | Year 1 |
Wales | £9250 | 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
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