BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences Bachelor's degree at Royal Holloway, University of London
BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences at RHUL. You'll move between core theory, research methods, and applied practice, working with specialist options and an independent project to build both depth and practical competence.
About this course
Gain a thorough grounding in the basis, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease. From the provider’s course page.
BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at RHUL, based in Egham Campus. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For Molecular biology, biophysics and biochemistry graduates from this provider, 85% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 55% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £26,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Medicine & Dentistry, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Limited evidence Published sample: 15; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 85% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 85% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Year 1 9 modules
- Becoming a BioscientistCore
Module details
Develop understanding of key scientific concepts and effective science communication. Learn to process and critique different forms of information, and communicate science to both scientific and non-scientific audiences using diverse media, forms and methods. Examine ethical issues surrounding research and intervention.
- Cell Biology and the Origin of LifeCore
Module details
Develop understanding of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell biology and key functions of structures and organelles. Study origin of life and principles of natural selection and evolution. Learn practical techniques in microscopy, including fixation techniques for cell ultrastructure analysis and aseptic techniques for bacterial culture.
- GeneticsCore
Module details
Develop understanding of genes and their behaviour in individual organisms, populations, and at molecular level. Study cellular genetics with respect to mitosis, meiosis, inheritance and recombination. Consider fundamentals of gene expression, control and DNA replication. Examine genome organisation, transcription and translation. Gain practical experience using microscopy techniques including chromosome observation.
- Chemistry of LifeCore
Module details
Develop understanding of fundamental chemistry of life processes and laboratory experiments. Study basics of biological chemistry, including chemical bonding and reactivity of biomolecules, intermolecular forces, 3D structure and isomerism. Analyse equilibria in acid/base biochemistry. Learn basic biochemical lab techniques and data analysis.
- Fundamental BiochemistryCore
Module details
Develop understanding of basics of biochemistry. Study key techniques for biochemical analysis including spectroscopy and fundamentals of protein structure. Examine structure/function relationships in myoglobin, hemoglobin and serine proteases. Learn to solve biochemical kinetic problems using Michaelis-Menten equation and thermodynamic problems including equilibrium constants.
- Protein Biochemistry and EnzymologyCore
Module details
Develop understanding of main concepts of classic protein biochemistry including protein purification, enzyme kinetics and enzyme structure. Study basic principles of protein purification techniques and enzyme kinetics using Michaelis-Menten equation. Examine biochemistry of analytical methods and applications in research and diagnostics. Gain practical experience in laboratory practicals. Analyse biochemical buffers and learn to make these from stock solutions.
- Introductory Animal PhysiologyCore
Module details
Develop understanding of fundamental physiological systems required to maintain complex multi-cellular animals, specifically those involved in communication, transport and homeostasis. Study how systems and specialised organs have evolved and interact to obtain oxygen while maintaining optimal internal conditions. Consider mechanisms, organisation, functions and integration of nervous and endocrine systems. Examine evolution of closed circulatory system and four-chambered heart essential for bod
- Introduction to Human PhysiologyCore
Module details
Explain function of organ systems in humans and consequences of disease on physiological function. Cover structure, organisation and function of key brain structures. Study how special sensory systems convert light, sound and position/movement into electrical signals. Explain function and regulation of mammalian kidney and lungs, and roles of adrenal gland. Cover basic haematology and skeletal muscle function and its neural regulation.
- Academic IntegrityCore
Module details
Describe key principles of academic integrity, focusing on university assignments. Describe plagiarism, collusion and commissioning as activities that undermine academic integrity and possible consequences. Provide activities with feedback to reflect and develop understanding of academic integrity principles.
Year 2 7 modules
- Human Physiology in Health and DiseaseCore
Module details
Develop understanding of function and integration of selected human physiological systems in normal physiology and disease. Study endocrine control in human body, specifically hypothalamo-pituitary axis and thyroid hormone function and regulation. Examine organisation and integration of nervous, cardiovascular and respiratory systems and principles of whole muscle physiology. Consider composition and functions of blood and haemostasis, and analysis and interpretation of physiological experiments
- Molecular BiologyCore
Module details
Develop understanding of chemical structure of DNA and RNA, and how genes are organised and expressed. Study gene characterisation using recombinant DNA technology and DNA as template for RNA synthesis. Become familiar with molecular biology techniques widely used in life sciences, including preparation and handling of purified DNA, restriction enzyme digestions and polymerase chain reaction.
- ImmunologyCore
Module details
Develop understanding of mammalian immune systems at cellular and molecular levels, determined by antibody structure and function, complement system and immunoglobulin genetics. Study role of T cells as effectors and regulators of immune responses, allergic reactions, transplant rejection and HIV virus pathogenesis of AIDS. Examine antibody antigen reaction techniques and consider isolation and purification of lymphocytes, their morphology and abundance.
- Neuronal and Cellular SignallingCore
Module details
Develop understanding of structure of nervous system, including main types of cells and transmission of signals within neuronal networks. Study process of synaptic transmission, including electrical and chemical synapses. Examine different types of neurotransmitters and receptors and mechanism of intracellular signaling, considering role of second messenger signaling pathways. Enhance practical skills such as isolating and characterising synaptosomes.
- Pharmacology and ToxicologyCore
Module details
Develop understanding of drug-receptor interactions and methods used to characterise drug action. Study factors that influence drug action and drug toxicity within the body, examining concepts of drug absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion. Consider pharmacology of major drug classes, including antihypertensives, antidepressants, analgesics, general and local anaesthetics and drugs affecting the autonomic system.
- MicrobiologyOptional
Module details
Develop understanding of key concepts in microbiology, including study of bacteria, viruses and eukaryotic microbes. Study how microbes are distinguished and classified, and discuss bacterial growth and differentiation. Examine importance of microorganisms in health and disease, including human welfare issues such as opportunistic infections and role of microorganisms in cancer.
- Cell Dynamics: Division and MovementOptional
Module details
Develop understanding of key methodologies used in cell biology, becoming familiar with modern microscopy techniques and live cell imaging studies. Study basic mechanisms that regulate cell cycle and regulatory mechanisms for DNA synthesis and mitosis. Examine mitochondria and chloroplast.
Year 3 2 modules
- Individual Research ProjectCore
Module details
Carry out individual laboratory or theoretical investigation supervised by appropriate member of staff. Apply knowledge and skills learned throughout studies and learn to organise data in logical, presentable and persuasive way. Produce report around 8,000 words in length and deliver oral presentation with summary of findings.
- Molecular Basis of Inherited DiseaseCore
Module details
Develop understanding of theory, technology and clinical practice of human molecular genetics. Study range of genetic disorders and inborn errors of metabolism such as muscular dystrophies, cystic fibrosis, haemophilia, lysosomal storage disorders, haemoglobinopathies, mitochondrial respiratory chain disorders, neurotransmitter synthesis disorders, lipoprotein diseases and primary immunodeficiencies. Examine concepts and significance of human inherited disease gene mapping and importance of huma
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
This course gives you a thorough grounding in the basis, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease. You'll usually begin with biomedical sciences core content, anatomy, physiology and pathology taught by body system, alongside clinical and communication skills from the start. Early modules also cover population health and ethics. As you progress, a course like this normally moves into clinical rotations in hospitals and general practice, with specialty attachments in areas such as paediatrics, psychiatry and obstetrics. You'll have opportunities to pursue student-selected components for deeper study, often involving research. In later stages, you may undertake an intercalation for focused research, clinical placements, or explore specialisations such as surgery and general practice before final exams and professional registration.
Who it's for
You're suited to this degree if you have a strong interest in how the human body works and what causes illness. You'll need to be comfortable with detailed scientific study and lab work, and willing to engage with both theory and hands-on application. If you enjoy problem-solving, can manage independent research projects, and want a career where your knowledge directly affects people's health or wellbeing, this course will feel purposeful. You should be prepared for rigorous study across biology, chemistry and medical science.
University & format
Royal Holloway, University of London is a higher education college located on the Egham Campus. This BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences course is studied full-time over 3 years, taught in English. The university is a recognised UK degree-awarding body, so your degree is nationally recognised. The course is accredited with a Silver rating for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Year in industry. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
Entry & how to get in
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 85% |
| another higher-education qualification | 5% |
| a Baccalaureate | 5% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Entry is set by the university and based on your offer. Use your predicted grades to see how you compare, then check the university's stated requirements.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course (code B990). One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).
Check fees at RHUL →For students who normally live in England
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.
National funding for this subject
- NHS Learning Support Fund: Eligible nursing, midwifery and allied-health students can receive a non-repayable training grant. Official guidance
We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What Medicine & Dentistry graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £26,000 | £24,000 – £28,000 | 15 |
| 3 years after | £27,500 | £24,000 – £36,000 | 75 |
| 5 years after | £36,000 | £28,500 – £46,000 | 85 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 15; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in medicine & dentistry · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Medicine & Dentistry nationally
National figures for Medicine & Dentistry graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Limited evidence. Published sample: 15; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Medicine & Dentistry courses at the same study level.
Compared with 804 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Secretarial and related occupationsDiscover Uni category · 15% of published destinations
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionalsSOC 2020 31 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £34,828
- Business and public service associate professionalsSOC 2020 35 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £38,760
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 75; response rate: 65%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Job market & outlook
How Medicine & Dentistry graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine information gathering
- First-draft writing and summaries
- Standard analysis and admin
- Repetitive processing tasks
More human than ever
- Judgement and original thinking
- Working with and leading people
- Owning and sense-checking AI output
- Ethics and accountability
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Medicine & Dentistry graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- The NHS
- Private practice
- Research & academia
- Public health
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Medicine & Dentistry graduates.
Medicine-Focused Veterinary Surgeon | Patient Care LeaderMedivet & PartnersMedicine Service Delivery Manager - Operations ImprovementNHSMedicine Occupational Therapist - StaffordshirePulse HealthcarePart-Time Palliative Medicine Consultant | 1-in-5 On-CallEvora Hospice (formerly Southern Area Hospice Services)Consultant Medicine - ElderlyPertemps Medical ProfessionalsSpecialty Doctor in Acute MedicineTriple West MedicalIs this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
Where graduates go
85% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £26,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 8.6 out of 10: NSS 88.4% · in work or study 85% · continued 85%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
Royal Holloway and Bedford New College
Medicine and dentistry across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around Egham Campus
437 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Medicine & Dentistry right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to RHUL from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £29,900 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check RHUL’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with RHUL and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at RHUL
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
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