About the course

The BSc (Hons) Medical Biology with Foundation course gives a comprehensive understanding of human biology from a medical perspective, both in terms of the causes of disease, and the methods and technologies used to treat disease. As well as teaching the human biology aspects of medical biology, the course is also designed to demonstrate key biotechnological principles and advancements pertinent to the medical technology, biomedical technology and pharmaceutical job markets. The foundation year (HE3) emphasises the development of the academic and study skills required for success in higher education and introduces you to the fundamentals of the science of biology. In the second year (HE4) you will learn the fundamental aspects of human biology (from the molecular to the organ level). You will also be introduced to the principles of scientific investigation. In the third (HE5) and fourth (HE6) years, you will build on these themes by looking at them from a medical perspective, both in terms of the causes of disease, and the methods and technologies used to treat disease. The use of technology in medical research will also be studied.

Start Date/s

15/09/2025

Cost Information

Years 1, 2 and 3 (delivered at Burnley College): The standard full time tuition fee rate for this course in 2023/24 for UK students is £9000 per year. The standard full time tuition fee for the Foundation year for this course in 2023/24 is £6000.

Entry Requirements

Our typical offer is 104-112 UCAS Points. BTEC Extended Diploma: Distinction, Distinction, Merit Appropriate Access to HE Course: 112 UCAS points including 15 level 3 credits with distinction in Chemistry or Biology GCSE: 5 at grade C/4 including Maths & English or equivalent. There will also be a face to face interview.

Modules

Foundation Entry Modules: Principles of Biomolecular Science, Research Skills for medical Biology, Research Skills for medical Biology, Biology Form and Function: Levels of Organisation. Year 1 modules include: Investigating Science and Personal, Molecular Basis of Life, Cellular Basis of Life, Clinical Anatomy, Human Physiology , Introduction to Biochemistry. Year 2 modules include: Research Science, Technology in Advanced Musculoskeletal, Diagnosis and Treatment, Sports and Exercise Nutrition, Molecular Genetics, Medical Biochemistry, Medical Microbiology. Year 3 Modules include: Project, Placement, Cancer Biology, Neurobiology, Biological Basis of Disease and Therapeutics

Assessment

A combination of practical exams, written work and course work.

Careers & Progression

As a graduate, you’ll have gained a highly transferable skill set that can be adapted to a huge range of careers and work environments in both the public and private sectors. Medical biologists are employed in healthcare, biotechnology, medical research and pharmaceutical fields. Working in hospital laboratories, health clinics, government agencies, charities, education, and even sales are possible options. Other potential areas of employment include medical science, epidemiology and laboratory technology. Alternatively, you may choose to use your degree as a springboard to higher-level study in medicine or postgraduate qualifications. If you’re attracted to a career in medicine, you may also be interested in becoming a physician associate (PA). Physician associates work under the direct supervision of a doctor and carry out many similar tasks, including patient examination, diagnosis and treatment. The University of Bolton’s MSc Physician Associate Studies course is open to BSc (Hons) Medical Biology graduates who achieve at least a lower second class (2.2) honours degree and takes only two years to complete.

Information About Fees

Years 1, 2 and 3 (delivered at Burnley College): The standard full time tuition fee rate for this course for a UK students is £9000 per year.

The standard full time tuition fee for the Foundation year for this course is £6000.