Biomedical Science | Study at King’s | King’s College London

Overview

Our flexible Biomedical Science BSc offers a broad introduction to the major themes and topics behind one of the UK’s great scientific and commercial success stories. You will benefit from high-quality teaching in the School of Bioscience Education and choose from a wide range of modules to develop a Biomedical Science degree course that reflects your scientific strengths and interests.

Studying a Biomedical Science degree with us means that you will be able to enjoy the flexibility to choose your degree after your first year with our Common Year One curriculum. All Biomedical Science disciplines are covered in the first year, making the decision for your future an informed one.

You will be able to choose from the following Biomedical science degrees; Anatomy, Developmental & Human Biology BSc, Biochemistry BSc, Biochemistry MSci, Medical Physiology BSc, Molecular Genetics BSc, Molecular Genetics MSci, Neuroscience BSc, Neuroscience MSci, Pharmacology BSc and Pharmacology & Molecular Genetics BSc.

Key benefits:

Europe’s largest centre for medical and professional healthcare education
Teaching by internationally renowned scientists and researchers
Contemporary approach based on our history of pioneering discoveries – including our part in finding the structure of DNA
One of the UK’s best graduate employment rates
Flexible options to tailor your degree to your scientific interests
Career opportunities through overseas study, work placement or to switch to a four-year MSci

Key information

UCAS code BC99

Duration Three years

Study mode Full-time

Course type Single honours

Further details

Awarding institution King's College London

Faculty Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine

Department Biomedical Sciences School of Basic & Medical Biosciences School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences School of Cardiovascular Medicine & Sciences School of Immunology & Microbial Sciences School of Life Course Sciences School of Population Health & Environmental Sciences

Locations

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Biomedical Sciences at King's

In the heart of London

The Biomedical Science BSc is a degree of choice. It is the most popular and flexible degree programme in the School's BSc portfolio as it allows students to devise their own course of study that reflects their developing interests and strengths.

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Course detail

Description

The Biomedical Science BSc interdisciplinary degree is the most popular of our Bioscience courses, with an entry of approximately 230 students per year. It offers you great flexibility for your second and third years at university, including options to study abroad or undertake a work placement. Offering high-quality teaching throughout, the course will allow you to follow a degree programme that reflects your individual scientific strengths and interests.

This course forms part of the suite of ‘Common Year 1’ courses within the School of Bioscience Education. These comprise Anatomy, Developmental & Human Biology; Biochemistry; Biomedical Science; Medical Physiology; Molecular Genetics; Neuroscience; Pharmacology; Pharmacology & Molecular Genetics.

You can also apply to transfer to one of our four-year MSci courses: Biochemistry MSci; Molecular Genetics MSci; Neuroscience MSci.

In Year 2 you may also choose to study abroad at one of our partner institutions, or apply to undertake an extra-mural or work placement, usually at a leading biomedicine employer (to be taken between the second and third years).

Teaching

The course of study is delivered through lectures, seminars and practical laboratory work. The rest of your time will be spent on self-study, including reading, research and writing assignments.

Course stage	Percentage of time in scheduled learning & teaching activities	Percentage of time in guided independent study	Percentage of time on placements
Year 1	25%	75%	-
Year 2	19%	81%	-
Year 3	22%	78%	-

Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work.

Assessment

You will be assessed through a combination of coursework, examinations and practical observation. (Percentages may vary depending on module choices made).

Course stage	Percentage of assessment by written exams	Percentage of assessment by practical exams	Percentage of assessment by coursework
Year 1	78%	5%	17%
Year 2	78%	13%	9%
Year 3	68%	8%	24%

Study Abroad

You will also have the opportunity to study abroad for your second year at one of our partner universities, which currently include:

The University of Melbourne, Australia
National University of Singapore
University of Skövde, Sweden
The University of California
The University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill

You may be required to fulfil additional entry requirements for this option.

Extra-mural Year

Alternatively, you may apply for an extra-mural year, to be taken between the second and third years if selected. Students apply directly to placement providers through a process facilitated by the university. Placements, either in the UK or overseas, may be in a pharmaceutical company, a government research establishment or academic research institute. Placement companies and establishments in the past have included:

CIB (Centro de Investigaciones Biologicas), Madrid
Eli Lilly & Company Ltd
GlaxoSmithKline Co. Durham/Stevenage/Uxbridge
NUS Singapore
OSI Prosidion Limited
Pfizer
Pneumolabs UK Limited, Stevenage
St George’s, University of London
UCB
William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary’s University London
Wolfson Centre for Age-Related Diseases (CARD), King’s College London

Regulating body

King’s College London is regulated by the Office for Students.

Location

This course is primarily taught at the King’s College Guy’s and Waterloo Campuses, both on the South Bank of the Thames, putting you at the heart of everything London has to offer in terms of academic resources and also close to its social and entertainment attractions.

Structure

Year 1

Courses are divided into modules. You will normally take modules totalling 360 credits.

There are options to switch to any other course in the Bioscience suite or to a four-year MSci after year one. You can also choose to study abroad during year two or take an extra-mural year between years two and three.

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Required Modules

You are required to take:

Biochemistry (15 credits)
Chemistry for the Biosciences (15 credits)
Genetics & Molecular Biology (15 credits)
Cell Biology & Neuroscience (15 credits)
Fundamentals of Physiology & Anatomy (30 credits)
Fundamentals of Pharmacology (15 credits)
Skills for the Biosciences (15 credits)

After successful completion of Year 1 there are no required modules for this course, but students are advised to follow one of our suggested themes of study dependent upon their developing interest. These academically coherent themes currently include: Infectious Disease and Immunology; Cell and Molecular Biology; Developmental Biology; Neuropharmacology; Endocrinology and Nutrition; Biology of Systems; Biomedical Sciences.

Optional Modules

There are no optional modules for this course in Year 1.

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Year 2

You will have the opportunity to study abroad for your second year at one of our partner universities. Alternatively, you may apply for an extra-mural year, to be taken between the second and third years if selected. See the course description for more information.

Required Modules

There are no required modules for this course in Year 2.

Optional Modules

Take sufficient credits to bring your total for the year to 120, from a range of optional modules, which may typically include:

Animal Models of Disease & Injury (15 credits)
Cell Biology A (15 credits)
Comparative Physiology (15 credits)
Drug Discovery & Development (15 credits)
Drugs & Disease A (15 credits) or Drugs & Disease B (30 credits)
Emergence of Vertebrate Form & Function (15 credits)
Endocrinology & Reproduction (15 credits)
Essentials of Embryology (15 credits)
Experimental Biochemistry (15 credits)
Gene Cloning & Expression A and B (15 credits each)
Human & Molecular Genetics A (15 credits) or Human & Molecular Genetics A/B (30 credits)
Human Nutrition (15 credits)
Immune System in Health & Disease (15 credits)
Introduction to Stem Cells (15 credits)
Medical Microbiology (15 credits)
Metabolism (15 credits)
Neuroscience (30 credits)
Neuroscience & the Mind (15 credits)
Physiological Control; Exercise & Environment (15 credits)
Physiology & Pharmacology of the Central Nervous System (15 credits)
Principles of Bioinformatics (15 credits)
Protein Structure & Function (15 credits)
Psychology (15 credits)
Report on a Physiological Topic (15 credits)
Research Skills in Pharmacology (30 credits)
Structural Basis of Human Function (30 credits)
Social Impact of the Biosciences (15 credits)
Tissue Pathology (15 credits)
Philosophy of Science (15 credits)
Research Skills in Immunology (15 credits)
A modern language (15 credits)

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Year 3

Required Modules

Students who have picked a theme of study would be expected to continue with it. All students must select either a Laboratory Research or Literature Project.

Optional Modules

Take sufficient credits to bring your total for the year to 120, from a range of optional modules, which may typically include:

Advanced Molecular Genetics (15 credits)
Behavioural Science (15 credits)
Biology of Cancer (30 credits)
Biomedical Diagnostics (15 credits)
Cardiovascular & Respiratory Control (30 credits)
Cellular Basis of Drug Dependence (30 credits)
Cellular Basis of Disease (15 credits)
Cellular & Systems Neuroscience (30 credits)
Cell & Molecular Pharmacology (30 credits)
Cardiovascular Pharmacology (15 credits)
Cell Physiology (15 credits)
Developmental Neurobiology (30 credits)
Endocrinology of Diabetes (15 credits)
Experimental Physiology (15 credits)
Extreme Physiology (30 credits)
Laboratory Research Project in the areas of: Anatomy, Biochemistry, Developmental and Human Biology, Genetics, Infection and Immunity, Molecular Science, Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Physiology (45 credits)
Literature Research Project in the areas of: Anatomy, Biochemistry, Developmental and Human Biology, Genetics, Infection and Immunity, Molecular Science, Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Physiology (15 credits)
Immunology of Human Disease (15 credits)
Mechanisms of Development (30 credits)
Medical Genetics (15 credits)
Molecular Immunology (15 credits)
Molecular Genetics of Model Organisms (15 credits)
Muscle (15 credits)
Neuroendocrinology (15 credits)
Nutrition & Genetics (15 credits)
Oxidative Stress in Experimental Pathology A (15 credits)
Perspectives on Pain & Nervous System Disorders (30 credits)
Pharmacology of Neurological & Psychiatric Disorders (15 credits)
Principles of Neurobiological Research (15 credits)
Project Design in: Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Physiology (30 credits)
Protein Structure & Design (15 credits)
Reproductive Physiology (15 credits)
Social Impact of the Biosciences Project (15 credits)
Vascular Physiology (30 credits)
Viruses & Diseases (15 credits)
A modern language (15 credits)

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant courses of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Entry requirements

Required grades

AAB

Please note that A-level General Studies, Critical Thinking, Thinking Skills and Global Perspectives are not accepted by King's as one of your A-levels. However, if offered the grade achieved may be taken into account when considering whether or not to accept a candidate who has just fallen short of the conditions of their offer.

Required grades

35 points overall (including TOK/EE) with three Higher Level subjects at 665

Required grades

45 Level 3 credits: 33 must be from units awarded at Distinction, with the remaining Level 3 credits at Merit

Required grades

D3 D3 M2

Combinations of Pre-U principal subjects and other qualifications (such as A-levels).

Required grades

Further information below

If you are taking the new RQF BTEC Nationals (2016), you will not be required to fulfil the module requirement stipulated above - you will only need to get the right overall grade. If you are taking the QCF BTEC Nationals (2010), you must achieve both the required overall grade and the specified module grades. If you are unsure which BTEC you are studying, your teacher or school/college counsellor should be able to tell you.

Required grades

Further information below

If you are taking the new RQF BTEC Nationals (2016), you will not be required to fulfil the module requirement stipulated above - you will only need to get the right overall grade. If you are taking the QCF BTEC Nationals (2010), you must achieve both the required overall grade and the specified module grades. If you are unsure which BTEC you are studying, your teacher or school/college counsellor should be able to tell you.

Required grades

Further information below

If you are taking the new RQF BTEC Nationals (2016), you will not be required to fulfil the module requirement stipulated above - you will only need to get the right overall grade. If you are taking the QCF BTEC Nationals (2010), you must achieve both the required overall grade and the specified module grades. If you are unsure which BTEC you are studying, your teacher or school/college counsellor should be able to tell you.

Required grades

80% overall

Required grades

Visit our admissions webpages to view our international entry requirements and English language entry requirements.

Required subjects

Chemistry and Biology

Preferred subjects

None

Further information and other requirements

A-Level	AAB including Chemistry and Biology	Please note that A-level General Studies, Critical Thinking, Thinking Skills and Global Perspectives are not accepted by King's as one of your A levels. However, if offered the grade achieved may be taken into account when considering whether or not to accept a candidate who has just fallen short of the conditions of their offer. NOTE: If you are taking linear A levels in England, you will be required to pass the practical endorsement in all science subjects.
Access to HE Diploma	D: 33 credits (including 15 credits in Chemistry and 15 credits in Biology) M: 12 credits P: 0 credits	Access to Science (or similar subject) with 45 Level 3 credits: 33 must be from units awarded at Distinction (including 15 credits in Chemistry and 15 credits in Biology), with the remaining 12 Level 3 credits at Merit.
Cambridge Pre-U	D3 D3 M2 including Chemistry and Biology.	Combinations of Pre-U principal subjects and other qualifications (such as A-levels) considered.
BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (QCF from 2010)		DDD with twelve Distinctions in Applied Science and one A level in either Chemistry or Biology at grade B. Alternatively, DDM with eleven Distinctions in Applied Science and one A level in either Chemistry or Biology at grade A.
BTEC Level 3 Diploma (QCF from 2010)		DD with eight Distinctions in Applied Science and one A level in either Chemistry or Biology at grade B. Alternatively, DM with six Distinctions in Applied Science and one A level in either Chemistry or Biology at grade A. Note: The BTEC in Applied Sciences should cover topics not already covered by the A level. For example, if offering A level Chemistry, the BTEC in Applied Science should cover subjects other than Chemistry.
BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma (QCF from 2010)		D with four modules at Distinction and two A levels at grades AB or M and two A levels at grades AA, including Chemistry or Biology. Note: BTEC science subjects considered include Applied Science, Applied Pharmaceutical Science, Applied Biology, Applied Chemistry and Applied Physics. Applied Biology or Applied Chemistry can be considered instead of an A Level in these subjects however if the same subject is studied at both A Level and BTEC they will not be considered as two separate qualifications. For example, BTEC Applied Chemistry and Chemistry A level will not be counted as two separate subjects, a further two A Levels/BTEC subjects would be required.
Scottish Highers & Advanced Highers	AAB at Highers and AB in Chemistry and Biology at Advanced Highers	Must be a combination of three Scottish Highers and two Scottish Advanced Highers. We do not count the Higher and Advanced Higher in the same subject.
International Baccalaureate	35 points	including 6,6,5 at Higher Level with HL Chemistry and HL Biology. Note the total point score of 35 includes TOK/EE.
Other International Qualifications		Visit our admissions webpages to view our international entry requirements.
English Language requirements	Band D	Visit our admissions webpages to view our English language entry requirements

Non academic requirements

Scholastic activities: We hope to attract applicants who participate in any scholastic activity, e.g. general reading, debating, theological interests etc.

Community activities: We hope to attract applicants who have participated in school, college or community life, making the most of the opportunities available to them and also demonstrated some experience of society beyond their immediate environment.

General: We hope to attract applicants who have varied extra-curricular interests and enjoy active participation in areas such as sport, music and the arts in general. Any participation is valued and any achievement in extra-curricula activities will be particularly recognised. King’s aspires to attract applicants who will continue with their personal interests and contribute to the vitality of the College community.

Interviewing

Are interviews offered? Yes.
Are all applicants interviewed? No. We only interview applicants if we feel the need to gather more information about their educational background and how it has prepared them for study at King’s.
Are all those made an offer interviewed? No. The majority of admissions decisions are made on the basis of information provided on the UCAS form.
What form does it take? Interviews last between 20 and 30 minutes and are Chaired by the Admissions Tutor and one other member of academic staff.
What is considered at interview? Your personal statement and academic performance to date will be explored.

Selection procedure

Application deadline: January 15th2020

Help and support

View our English language entry requirements

If you don't have a suitable qualification for direct entry to a UK university, or if English isn't your first language, our academic preparation courses can help you get ready for study in the UK.

Preparation courses

Fees and funding

Full time tuition fees UK:

The UK tuition fee for the 2020-2021 academic year is currently £9,250 per year. This is based on the UK Government’s cap.

Full time tuition fees EU:

Students starting their programme in 2020/21 (September 2020) who are eligible to pay EU fees will pay the same rate of tuition fees as UK students. This will apply for the duration of their programme, but may be subject to change by the UK Government for subsequent cohorts from 2021/22.

The UK tuition fee for the 2020-2021 academic year is currently £9,250 per year. This is based on the UK Government’s cap.

Full time tuition fees International:

The International tuition fee for the 2020-2021 academic year is £26,700 per year.

Please note that the International tuition fee is subject to annual increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions.

All International applicants to Undergraduate programmes are required to pay a deposit of £2,000 against their first year’s tuition fee. This deposit is payable when you firmly accept an unconditional offer to study with us, and will be offset against your tuition fees when you join King’s.

Additional costs

If you choose the study abroad option with one of King’s partner universities, you will not be charged tuition fees by the host university (although some partners do charge a small administration fee for applying). Please see the Study Abroad web pages for details of the relevant partner universities.

King’s will continue to invoice for a proportion of King’s tuition fees. At present these are as follows:

Home students studying or working for a full academic year abroad will receive an invoice for £1,350 for King’s tuition fees for the year.
Overseas students studying or working for a full academic year abroad will receive an invoice for one third of the King’s tuition fees for the year.

You should also budget to pay for the associated subsistence costs, such as travel, visas, accommodation and food as well as any vaccination/immunisations required by the country to which you are travelling.

In addition to the costs above, you can also expect to pay for:

Books if you choose to buy your own copies
Clothing for optional course related events and competitions
College approved calculator for exams (Casio fx83 or fx85)
Library fees and fines
Personal photocopies
Printing course handouts
Society membership fees
Stationery
Graduation costs
Travel costs for travel around London and between campuses
Alternative venue examination fees

For further information, please visit our fees and funding pages.

Financial help and support

Visit the fees and funding webpages to find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans and other financial help available at King's.

Career prospects

Graduates from the School of Bioscience Education are equipped with a variety of transferable skills including data gathering, analysis and interpretation, presentation skills and teamwork. Our graduates are well-qualified to undertake a wide range of careers. Others have continued to study in medicine, dentistry and other related fields including pharmaceutical sciences, cardiovascular pharmacology and biomedical research.

Testimonials

Juanita

"I chose King's because I love the historic atmosphere that surrounds it. Being part of a university that has contributed, and is still contributing to our present understanding of science, inspires me to want to be part of future discoveries."

Rashmira

"Biomedical Science was definitely the degree for me, as I got to choose which modules I wanted to study and focus on my own interests instead of doing compulsory modules. My experience at King’s has truly been memorable and indescribable!"