Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Introduction

The BSc in Gastroenterology and Hepatology allows a science-based study of the physiology, cell biology, pathology and pharmacology of the gastrointestinal tract and liver in health and disease. Gene-environmental interactions, including metabolic, genetic and nutritional disorders, principles underlying diagnosis and therapy, with the emphasis on the science underlying imaging and neoplasia, and infective, immunological and inflammatory mechanisms as applied to the gastrointestinal tract and liver will be studied.

The Course Director is Professor Julian Marchesi (j.marchesi@imperial.ac.uk).

Aims and objectives

The course aims to give a firm grounding in the scientific basis of gastroenterology and hepatology. Students will acquire a wider, more generally applicable knowledge of genetics, immunology, metabolism, infectious disease and pathology.

After taking this course students will have:

• A broad knowledge of the physiology of the GI tract and liver in health, and the pathophysiological mechanisms which lead to disease
• An appreciation of various genetic and environmental influences on disease including nutritional science and metabolism
• A knowledge of the scientific principles underlying diagnostic techniques and modern therapies
• Familiarity with epidemiology, mechanisms and treatment of neoplasia in the GI tract and liver
• An understanding of immunological, infective and inflammatory mechanisms in general and in specific GI and liver diseases
• Specific Skills
• Students will gain a practical knowledge of gastrointestinal investigation. Students will have a more general understanding of scientific method and experience in literature searches, assessment of publications and presentation of scientific reviews will be gained

Eligibility

This is a one-year intercalated BSc. To be eligible to apply you must:

• Be registered on a recognised Medical, Dental or Veterinary course at a UK or Irish university.
• Have completed at least one year of that course before you apply to Imperial. i.e. you must be at least in Year 2 in 2024/25.
• Have at least one year of your degree left when you return to your home institution after completing your intercalated BSc.

Application Process

You can apply online now for 2025-26 entry. The application deadline will be 4pm on Friday 28th February.

Selection is based on your application form and the supporting documents you will upload with your application. Please find further information about the application process in the Imperial College London Intercalated BSc Guide for 2025-26 (PDF).

The term dates can be found in the Provisional BSc Dates and Course Structure 2025-26 (PDF).

The BSc in Medical Sciences with Gastroenterology and Hepatology will run from Monday 22 September 2025 until Friday 22 May 2026. 

If you have any queries about the application process, please email the Faculty Education Office (BSc Team) at feo.bsc@imperial.ac.uk.

Second Round of Applications

Unsuccessful or wait-listed applicants will be given the opportunity to make a second round application to any BSc course with space remaining.

Please contact feo.bsc@imperial.ac.uk if you have any queries.