Medical Biosciences
Assess the critical challenges facing human health and develop your management potential.
Address the critical challenges facing human health in this research-intensive, laboratory-focused course
Benefit from a blended active learning approach offering a mix of online and face-to-face teaching
Examine a global health problem in depth on an intensive research project or placement
Course key facts
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Qualification
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BSc
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Duration
3 years
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Start date
October 2025
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UCAS course code
B101
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Study mode
Full-time
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Fees
£9,535 per year Home
£43,300 per year Overseas
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Delivered by
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Location
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Hammersmith
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South Kensington
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Applications: places
7 : 1 (2023)
Minimum entry standard
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AAA (A-level)
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38 points (International Baccalaureate)
Course overview
Examine the science underpinning human health and its related fields on this interdisciplinary course.
You'll explore the principles of biomedical science, and how they are applied in research, policy and industry.
This course is designed to build your potential towards becoming a science leader. You'll develop your ability to think like a scientist through a research-intensive, laboratory-focused curriculum. You'll also build key skills in science communication and ethics.
You'll have access to the latest developments in the field on a programme that taps into the cutting-edge research being conducted by internationally recognised experts at Imperial.
The first two years will develop your understanding of fundamental human biology and the molecular basis of human disease. You'll also work on real-life research questions in a learning environment that mirrors an authentic research laboratory.
In your final year you will have your own research project to run and the option to specialise across a range of optional modules.
This provides an opportunity to explore a biomedical science-related issue in detail, and can be carried out as an external placement.
Students also have the chance to apply for an exclusive MRes scholarship, open only to BMB students and generously funded by our key industry partner AstraZeneca. The Medical Biosciences Master Scholarship allows students to continue their training in any postgraduate course at the Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College.
Structure
This page is updated regularly to reflect the latest version of the curriculum. However, this information is subject to change.
Find out more about potential course changes.
Please note: it may not always be possible to take specific combinations of modules due to timetabling conflicts. For confirmation, please check with the relevant department.
You’ll study the following core modules during your first year.
Core modules
Investigate the role that chemicals and macromolecules play at the cellular, molecular, and system levels, using examples to illustrate their real-world implications.
Learn how the nervous system controls and regulates the functioning of the body, and the fundamentals of the musculoskeletal system.
Explore real scientific questions in a supportive, yet challenging environment, modelled after an active research lab, and experience the excitement of performing scientific research.
Gain a thorough understanding of molecular biology and cellular biology in order to comprehend the impact of these disciplines on human health.
Learn how to explore data sets and undertake rigorous statistical analysis.
You’ll take the following core modules, and choose four optional modules.
Core modules
Find out how DNA differs between and within individuals, and how genetic linkage mapping and DNA sequencing detect these differences.
Test your own hypotheses in teams based on an individual research problem.
Your I-Explore module offers you choices from a range of subjects hosted outside of the department.
You will be taught alongside students from other courses with options including business, management and many more.
Optional modules
Explore how microbiota influence human health and disease and become familiar with the key platforms and methods that characterise the microbiome.
Analyse the concepts that underpin pharmacology and toxicology and evaluate the pharmacological and toxicological responses of key therapeutic agents.
Obtain an understanding of stem cell biology from embryonic and adult stem cells, including aspects of mammalian development and reproduction, and how these cells can be used in basic research, disease modelling, and in regenerative medicine.
Learn about basic carcinogenesis, tumour biology, and personalised medicine.
Analyse the basic physiology of the heart and lungs and begin to understand how genetics and the environment contribute to heart and lung disease.
Get a deeper understanding of the physiology of the immune system, including how it functions, develops, and interacts with pathogens.
Examine nervous system function and dysfunction, from molecules to disease, using case studies to create a real-life context for the knowledge acquired.
Core project modules
You will undertake a project from three possible options
Compulsory modules
These modules are compulsory if you are allocated a Literature Based Research Project or Work Placement Based Project.
Optional modules
You will choose three out of twelve optional modules. Students allocated a Literature Based or Work Placement Based Research Project cannot select the short module Science Communication and Public Engagement, and will thus choose among eleven optional modules.
MRes scholarship for BMB students
Students also have the chance to apply for an exclusive MRes scholarship, open only to BMB students and generously funded by our key industry partner AstraZeneca. The Medical Biosciences Master Scholarship allows students to continue their training in any postgraduate course at the Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College.
Core project modules
Conduct five months of research in a 'wet' or 'dry' lab, in areas such as cell biology, stem cells, regeneration, clinical, data science, or computational research among many others.
Research a topic of your interest within or related to biomedical sciences in depth or analyse a relevant major health issue, focusing on associated theories and developments.
Gain real-world experience and apply theoretical skills by working in a relevant organisation in the public, private or third sector.
Compulsory project modules
Develop skills in creative reflection to think critically about your learning experiences to date and explore new creative activities with professional guest artists.
Understand the social contexts that underpin communication of biomedical sciences and apply this to practical, public focused communications in a variety of media.
Optional project modules
Develop analytical and data evaluation skills, and learn how ageing and genetics impact neurodegenerative disorders.
Evaluate which machine learning algorithms are appropriate for different research questions, analyse the outputs of these algorithms on large biomedical datasets, and visualise the results.
Learn how drugs are developed from chemists and industry professionals, who will give you insight into their own career paths and patient involvement.
Evaluate which machine learning algorithms are appropriate for different research questions, analyse the outputs of these algorithms on large biomedical datasets, and visualise the results.
Look at global disease trends from a public health, political, ethical, and epidemiological perspective.
Understand the steps needed to establish research-led thinking to the development of transformational medical technologies and devices.
Learn how biomaterials and nanomaterials are used in biomedical research, clinical trials, and treatments.
Deepen your understanding of obesity prevalence, diabetes medications, appetite control, bariatric surgery, and genetics.
Examine regenerative medicine strategies to repair and rebuild organs including stem cells, endogenous repair and biomaterials.
Evaluate the major resources and analyses available for large-scale biological data; compare “big data” and “precision medicine” approaches.
Learn practical skills for communicating biomedical sciences to a range of non-expert audiences.
Analyse how antimicrobial drugs work, how bacteria develop resistance to them, and what consequences this has for patients.
Teaching and assessment
Teaching and learning methods
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Flipped classroom
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Virtual learning environment
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Lab pods
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Tutorials
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Seminars
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Practical classes and field work
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Lectures and guest lectures
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Project work
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Placement
Assessment methods
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Reports
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Written examinations
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Computer-based exams
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Online tests
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Essays and creative writing
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Business case
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Scientific paper
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Grant applications
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Research preparation plan
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Multiple-choice questionnaires
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Peer assessment
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Oral presentations
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Poster presentations
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Digital storytelling
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Laboratory work and practicals
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Group reports
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Lab work, lab books and experiment write-ups
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Dissertation
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Placement report
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Data handling
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Presentations
Entry requirements
We consider all applicants on an individual basis, welcoming students from all over the world.
How to apply
Apply via UCAS
You can now submit your application via UCAS Hub. There you can add this course as one of your choices and track your application.
UCAS institution code: I50
Application deadlines – 29 January 2025 at 18.00 (UK time)
This department does not use a test as part of its selection process.
Predicted grades and scores in your application are important, but it’s not the only thing that drives the decision.
Our selectors will also consider things like your personal statement and your references to understand whether there is a good match between you and your chosen subject and department at Imperial.
You can read more about our selection process, including tips on writing a personal statement, in our How to apply section.
Assessing your application
Admissions to Medical Biosciences at Imperial is highly competitive.
We use a range of criteria to assess candidates, using your UCAS application. This includes a rigorous review of your educational history and qualifications, your personal statement and your reference. The admissions team will carefully review other key information to gain a complete picture of your circumstances, such as taking into account factors such as your economic, social and educational background.
Your application is marked against a five point assessment scale by at least one assessor. These decisions are ratified by the Admissions Tutor. Some applicants may be set lower offers and some more challenging ones. Offers are usually made between January and March.
Please be aware that students under the age of 18 will be required to fill in Imperial’s minor policy. Careful consideration is always taken to applicants below the age of 17.
An ATAS certificate is not required for students applying for this course.
You can transfer between our two Medical Biosciences courses up to the Easter of your third year. There is no benefit in applying to more than one Medical Biosciences course so you should only apply for one course.
If you are an international student, transferring to a different course could have an impact on your student visa.
Please visit our International Student Support webpage for further information.
Transfer from our Medical Biosciences courses to our MBBS/BSc Medicine course is not possible.
Mitigating circumstances are unforeseen, unpreventable circumstances that significantly disrupt your academic performance, such as an illness or bereavement.
If you feel you have mitigating circumstances that should be taken into consideration when we make decisions about your exam results, we would recommend contacting us as soon as possible, ideally through your school or GP. You must submit this by Friday 19 July 2024 to Medicine UG Admissions medicine.ug.admissions@imperial.ac.uk and Medical Biosciences Enquiries medicalbiosciences.enquiries@imperial.ac.uk.
You must provide appropriate, supportive and independent evidence, not a letter from a family member or friend. The evidence must explain:
- What the circumstance is
- Exactly how it affected you in relation to your studies/assessment
- Precisely when it occurred (i.e. identifying which assessments were affected)
It is essential that you apply for mitigating circumstances as soon as you are aware of the problem.
Late claims will not be considered without clear supporting evidence of why an application was not made on or before the deadline.
Tuition fees
Home fee
2025 entry
£9,535 per year
Important update for 2025 entry
The UK government has announced that, starting in April 2025, maximum tuition fees for Home undergraduate students in England will increase from £9,250 per year to £9,535. Find out more.
Your fee is based on the year you enter the university, not your year of study. This means that if you repeat a year or resume your studies after an interruption, your fees will only increase by the amount linked to inflation.
Find out more about our tuition fees payment terms, including how inflationary increases are applied to your tuition fees in subsequent years of study.
Whether you pay the Home or Overseas fee depends on your fee status. This is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status. Find out how we assess your fee status.
If you're a Home student, you can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan from the UK government to cover the entire cost of tuition for every year of your course.
The loan is paid directly to the university.
You will start repaying it only after you leave your course, have a job, and are earning above a certain amount.
Once the repayments start, the amount you pay each month depends on how much you earn, not on how much you owe in total.
The Imperial Bursary is available to all Home undergraduate students with a household income below £70,000 per year.
The amount awarded is based on your household income, with up to £5,000/year available for students from the lowest income households.
It's money which you don't need to pay back, and it's paid on top of any government funding you may also receive.
It is available for each year of your course, as long as your annual household income remains below £70,000.
Home students can apply for a means-tested Maintenance Loan to help with their living costs.
In November 2024, the UK government announced a 3.1% increase in English Maintenance Loans for 2025-26.
How you apply for student finance depends on whether you have studied before and where you’re from or normally live. Find out more on the UK government's website.
Students also have the chance to apply for an exclusive MRes scholarship, open only to BMB students and generously funded by our key industry partner AstraZeneca. The Medical Biosciences Master Scholarship allows students to continue their training in any postgraduate course at the Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College.
You might need to budget for additional costs related to your course that aren't covered by your tuition fees – like field trips, books and protective clothing.
Our extra costs page outlines the additional costs related to courses in each of our departments. It's not an exhaustive list and any additional costs you could incur will be determined by the course and modules you choose.
Overseas fee
2025 entry
£43,300 per year
Your fee is based on the year you enter the university, not your year of study. This means that if you repeat a year or resume your studies after an interruption, your fees will only increase by the amount linked to inflation.
Find out more about our tuition fees payment terms, including how inflationary increases are applied to your tuition fees in subsequent years of study.
Whether you pay the Home or Overseas fee depends on your fee status. This is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status. Find out how we assess your fee status.
Students also have the chance to apply for an exclusive MRes scholarship, open only to BMB students and generously funded by our key industry partner AstraZeneca. The Medical Biosciences Master Scholarship allows students to continue their training in any postgraduate course at the Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College.
You might need to budget for additional costs related to your course that aren't covered by your tuition fees – like field trips, books and protective clothing.
Our extra costs page outlines the additional costs related to courses in each of our departments. It's not an exhaustive list and any additional costs you could incur will be determined by the course and modules you choose.
How will studying at Imperial help my career?
99% Of Imperial Medicine graduates in work or further study*
- 99% Of Imperial Medicine graduates in work or further study*
- 1%
97% Of Imperial Medicine graduates in highly skilled work or further study*
- 97% Of Imperial Medicine graduates in highly skilled work or further study*
- 3%
*2021-22 graduate outcomes data, published by HESA in 2024
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Gain transferable, analytical, and research skills relevant to a career in medical biosciences or similar fields.
With specialised knowledge, you'll be highly sought after in a range of sectors.
Scientific research laboratories, the pharmaceutical industry, or technical consultancy are just some of your options.
Other potential career paths could include non-profits, banking, and communications.
Further links
Contact the department
- Telephone: +44 (0)20 7594 7259
- Email: medicine.ug.admissions@imperial.ac.uk
Visit the School of Medicine website
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Request info
Learn more about studying at Imperial. Receive useful information about our life in our undergraduate community and download our latest Study Guide.
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Events, tasters and talks
Meet us and find out more about studying at Imperial.
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Course data
Terms and conditions
There are some important pieces of information you should be aware of when applying to Imperial. These include key information about your tuition fees, funding, visas, accommodation and more.
You can find further information about your course, including degree classifications, regulations, progression and awards in the programme specification for your course.
Programme specifications