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BSc (Hons) - Medical Biosciences

For International Students Only

This course is a programme designed for international‑only awards or for students who cannot progress to the IBMS‑accredited route due to English‑language proficiency or other PSRB requirements.

Medical Bioscience is a branch of medical science dedicated to understanding how diseases are diagnosed, monitored, and treated within the laboratory. It explores how the human body functions - and what happens when those functions are disrupted.

This degree brings together key scientific disciplines, including immunology, biochemistry, pharmacology, genetics, and microbiology. You’ll study both healthy and diseased states of the body, gaining insight into how illnesses develop and how we can detect, prevent, and treat them.

As you progress, you’ll delve into specialist areas such as clinical biochemistry, cellular pathology, haematology (the study of blood), and clinical genetics. These fields are central to modern healthcare, and the knowledge you gain will support real-world advances in diagnosis and treatment.

Whether you’re aiming for a career in healthcare, scientific research, or further academic study, Medical Bioscience provides a strong and versatile foundation to help you get there.

If you are interested in this course, you can apply for a University of Cumbria International College 4-year degree programme.Apply here

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Course Overview

Medical bioscience is considered the branch of medical science specifically concerned with the laboratory diagnosis and monitoring of disease. Modern medicine is dependent on advances made by such scientists who collectively explore the functioning of the human body in both a normal and diseased state with a view to unlocking the code within. Medical Bioscience therefore encompasses many academic disciplines, for example, immunology, cell and molecular biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, physiology, and microbiology.

The degree ultimately aims to research the pathobiology of human disease and specific knowledge of disease processes will arise from the study of laboratory specialist subjects such as clinical biochemistry, cellular pathology, haematology, and clinical genetics. The goal is for the graduate to understand and appreciate the complex science behind the cause, consequence, diagnosis, and treatment of disease.

The programme is taught by academic staff with extensive teaching, research, and professional expertise. They bring together a wealth of knowledge and experience and are committed to providing high quality guidance and support. Furthermore, a substantial amount of laboratory based experiential learning is provided alongside small group lectures and tutorials, as well as some larger group sessions. Collectively these will allow students to broaden skills sets and ultimately enhance employability.

On this course you will...

  • Develop an enthusiasm for biomedical sciences and be involved in stimulating and hands-on learning opportunities.
  • Be assigned a personal tutor who will not just be your academic point of contact on the course but will, along with our careers service, help you to consider the wide range of jobs and further study options a degree in biomed can give you.
  • Have the opportunity to be involved with other science students on other courses to get a wider appreciation of the biosciences in an industrial, academic, economic, and social context.
  • Get time in labs to conduct experiments and procedures planned for you. But also learn to plan and carry out your own experiments independently with support and guidance.
  • Gain a knowledge and skills base from which will help you move towards a career in biomedical sciences or postgraduate study.
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Related Courses

BSc (Hons) - Biomedical Science (with integrated foundation year) Biomedical Sciences

Course Structure

What you will learn

Through this degree, you’ll explore the science behind how diseases develop, how they are detected and monitored, and how treatments are created. You’ll discover how laboratory science connects to real-world clinical care, contributing to accurate diagnosis, targeted therapies, and improved patient outcomes.

Using our brand-new laboratories at the Fusehill Street campus in Carlisle, you’ll develop essential practical skills while gaining a deep understanding of how the human body functions - both in health and in disease. Your studies will cover areas such as cellular pathology, molecular genetics, immunology, and biochemical pathways.

As you advance through the course, you’ll delve into more specialised fields, including blood sciences, clinical biochemistry, and diagnostic technologies. This progression equips you for careers or further study in medical research, healthcare, or the wider biomedical science industry.

Year one
  • Introductory Biochemistry
    Discover the essential molecules that support life. You’ll learn how proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids function within cells and how these chemical processes underpin human biology. This module provides the foundation for understanding metabolism, cell communication, and disease mechanisms.
  • Cell Biology
    Explore how cells are organised and how they grow, divide, and specialise to form tissues. You’ll study key cellular components and how they work together to maintain life. You’ll also examine how mistakes in these processes can lead to cancer or developmental conditions.
  • Human Anatomy and Physiology
    Gain a clear understanding of how the human body is structured and how it functions. This module focuses on major systems such as the musculoskeletal, nervous, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems. It provides essential background for understanding how diseases affect different parts of the body.
  • Introductory Immunology and Microbiology
    Learn about microorganisms—including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites—and their roles in health, disease, and industry. You’ll also be introduced to how the immune system protects the body from infection. You’ll begin to understand how vaccines work and why infections spread differently in different environments.
  • Molecular Biology
    Explore the fundamentals of genetics and inheritance, including how DNA mutations arise and how they contribute to disease. You’ll also gain insight into techniques used to study genes. This module prepares you to understand topics such as genetic testing, cancer biology, and biotechnology.
  • Practical Laboratory Science
    Start developing the lab skills every biological scientist needs. You’ll learn how to carry out experiments, use scientific equipment safely, and begin interpreting your own results. These skills will support all your other modules and prepare you for more advanced lab work in future years.
Year two
  • Exploring Research
    Develop the skills needed to design, conduct, and interpret scientific research. You’ll explore both quantitative (numerical) and qualitative (descriptive) methods used in biomedical studies. This module prepares you for your final-year research project and helps you critically evaluate published scientific work.
  • Human Genetics
    Study how the human genome is organised and how genetic differences between people can influence health. You’ll explore how specific mutations are linked to diseases and inherited conditions. This module introduces the basis for modern genetic testing, including personalised medicine and genetic counselling.
  • Infection and Immunity
    Learn how the immune system recognises and responds to infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. You’ll also explore what happens when the immune system malfunctions, as in allergies or autoimmune diseases. This knowledge is vital for understanding vaccines, global pandemics, and immune-based therapies.
  • Medical Microbiology
    Discover how infectious diseases are caused, spread, and treated. You’ll study the biology of major pathogens, how they interact with the body, and how we diagnose and prevent infections. You’ll also explore real-world issues such as antimicrobial resistance and hospital-acquired infections.
  • Pharmacology and Physiology
    Learn how medicines work in the body and how the nervous and hormonal systems control vital functions. You’ll study how drugs interact with receptors and affect processes such as heart rate, breathing, and digestion. This module links basic science to clinical treatments, helping you understand how drugs are used to manage disease.
  • Cellular and Molecular Pathology
    Explore how cells and tissues are examined in the lab to diagnose disease. You’ll learn about sample collection, tissue preparation, and how changes at the cellular level can reveal disease processes. You’ll also gain insight into what happens to cells after death and why tissue preservation is so important in pathology.
Year three
  • Integrated Biomedical Science
    Bring together everything you’ve learned to understand how different laboratory specialities work together in diagnosing and managing disease. This module emphasises the importance of teamwork across disciplines such as biochemistry, microbiology, and pathology. It helps you see how the different areas contribute to patient care in real clinical settings.
  • Clinical Biochemistry
    Study how blood and other body fluids are analysed in the lab to diagnose and monitor disease. You’ll explore markers of organ function, hormones, and metabolic imbalances. This module shows how lab results help guide doctors in making treatment decisions for a wide range of conditions.
  • Haematology and Transfusion Science
    Explore the structure and function of blood and how it changes in disease. You’ll study how we diagnose blood disorders and how blood is safely matched and prepared for transfusion. This is essential knowledge for anyone interested in hospital laboratory work or blood donation services.
  • Dissertation module
    Carry out an independent research project on a biomedical topic of your choice. You’ll design experiments, analyse data, and write a scientific report with guidance from an academic supervisor. This module helps develop your skills in critical thinking, time management, and scientific communication—key for both careers and postgraduate study.
  • Parasitology (Optional)
    Learn about the biology and impact of parasitic infections affecting humans and animals. You’ll study important parasites, how they are transmitted, and how they can be treated or prevented. This module is especially relevant for those interested in global health or tropical medicine.
  • Toxicology (Optional)
    Explore how chemicals and drugs can be harmful to humans and the environment. You’ll study how toxic substances affect organs, how poisons are detected, and how safety levels are assessed. It’s ideal for students interested in environmental health, pharmaceuticals, or forensic science.
  • Advanced Genetics (Optional)
    Study how modern genetics is applied in healthcare, biotechnology, and forensic science. You’ll explore how gene editing, molecular diagnostics, and personalised medicine are transforming patient care. This module also highlights the latest breakthroughs in genetic research and the ethical challenges in the field.
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  • Location

    Carlisle - Fusehill Street Campus

    The Fusehill Street campus has been the setting of life-saving treatments since World War I. Now, it's home to world changers, life-savers, crime fighters, and entrepreneurs with access to high-quality facilities and innovative thinking.

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