We pride ourselves on our research led teaching.

You will get to study subjects from across the Schools of Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Medicine (CMM) and Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience (PPN) covering human health and disease. You will learn how lab discoveries can be translated into clinical applications.

We have outstanding facilities to support your learning, including a specialist library and state-of-the-art teaching and research labs.

You will have the opportunity to study a unique and extensive range of unit options covering the full spectrum from micro- to human biology.

Importantly flexibility and breadth are integral to the BMS programme, students do a common first year, and then choose the pathway and units they want to study as their interests develop.

You will work to become part of the solution to global challenges in health and illness, such as antibiotic resistance, dementia, cancer and emerging viruses.

More specific details about the course can be found at on the university prospectus page for BSc Biomedical Sciences.

A-level standard offer: AAA including A in Chemistry and A in another core science/mathematics subject.

A-level contextual offer: ABB including B in Chemistry and B in another core science/mathematics subject.

Acceptable core science/mathematics subjects are Biology, Further Mathematics, Human Biology, Mathematics and Physics.

Please see our online prospectus for a full list of entry requirements.

Visit the contextual offer site to find out if you are eligible.

Staff from across the Schools of Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Medicine (CMM) and Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience (PPN) teach on the Biomedical Sciences programme.

Many of our teaching staff have active research groups, these research interests are at the heart of the curriculum taught in Bristol. This gives our course its unique flavour and allows students to learn from world leading experts in their fields.

We are proud that Bristol was ranked 5th in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (a UK-wide assessment of university research carried out by the four UK higher education funding bodies – source Times Higher Education). 94% of research performed by staff teaching on the Biomedical Science programme was assessed as either 'world-leading' or 'internationally excellent', highlighting the outstanding quality and impact of our research.

To learn more about the research interests of the staff in the three Schools please visit the relevant School websites:

School of Biochemistry

School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine

School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience

This does vary across the teaching blocks, but in the first-year students will take 3 units in teaching block 1 (before the winter vacation) and 3 units in teaching block 2 (after the winter vacation).

This means on average the student might expect at least 2 lectures per unit per week, 2 practical classes per week (up to 6 hours of practical work) and /or one or more group teaching sessions in the form of tutorials and workshops. Other activities may include timed assessments, revision and/or Q&A sessions.

We currently use Blackboard for all teaching units. Blackboard is the centrally supported online learning environment for the University of Bristol. Blackboard provides a range of tools to support communication, collaboration, and assessment activities as well as easy access to course materials and reading lists.

Practical laboratory sessions are supported by eBiolabs, which is a system of integrated tools consisting of “how to” instructions and pre-lab quizzes to help students prepare for the class, and post lab quizzes to consolidate their learning.

Many of our teaching staff have active research groups, these research interests are at the heart of the curriculum taught in Bristol. This gives our course its unique flavour and allows students to learn from world leading experts in their fields. Each University will have a range of different research expertise which will influence their teaching, it is recommended that you study the unit catalogues to get a better idea of what is covered in the Biomedical Sciences programme at Bristol University.

To find the programme catalogue, scroll half way down the BSc Biomedical Sciences prospectus page to find the link for full details about the course structure and units for this course.

Throughout the degree programme you will have a personal tutor whose role is to support you during your time at Bristol University. They are there to:

• guide you through the transition to university
• help you become an independent learner
• help you make your unit choices for years 2 and 3
• support your personal development planning
• help with career planning
• help with your plans for the future including providing you with a reference

This list includes examples, but is not exhaustive, you will get to know your personal tutor well over the three years. It is a relationship that both students and academic staff value.

This will vary but as an example in year one, students will take 3 units in teaching block 1 (before the winter vacation) and 3 units in teaching block 2 (after the winter vacation). Each unit will have between 3-5 practical classes, each practical lasting up to 3 hours.

There is no placement/study in industry option offered for Biomedical Sciences programme.

Other programmes in the School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine do offer programmes with study in industry. If you are interested, we encourage you to have a look at Cellular and Molecular Medicine study in industry information.

Currently we do not offer an integrated Master programme (MSci) in Biomedical Sciences.

Students often choose to take a taught Masters (MSc) or Masters by Research (MRes) after graduating, which allows them to develop their interests after completing their Biomedical Sciences BSc. These can be in a wide range of subjects (please see examples from recent students below).

• MSc in Biomedical Sciences Research (taught programme)
• MSc Global Health and Development
• MSc Clinical Neuropsychiatry
• MSc Clinical Pharmacology
• MSc by Research

In the past some students have opted to transfer programmes (for example, change to a BSc in Cellular and Molecular Medicine if appropriate), to enable them to study for an integrated MSci.

Some graduates from the Biomedical Sciences BSc programme will go on to PhD studentships, some go into other postgraduate degrees:

• MSc degrees in a wide range of subjects at many different Universities.
• Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)
• Medicine or Dentistry degrees

Yes, the Biomedical Sciences Society (run by students) aims to provide an opportunity to get to know fellow course-mates, as well as those in years above and below. They have a range of social events throughout the year from fancy formals to pub quizzes, from socials to bowling, from topical discussions to tropical cocktails and everything in between!

Many events are run in conjunction with societies of other courses in the Life Sciences faculty, giving you the opportunity to make friends outside of BioMed too.

There is a wide range of possible careers, examples of where past students have gone include:

• Industrial or academic biomedical research posts
• Positions in biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry
• Finance and consultancy work
• Education, Clinical trials management, NHS trainee positions.

No, this course is not accredited by the IBMS although it is a good foundation for applying to NHS training schemes.

No, there is no transfer into any of the professional courses (medicine, dentistry, veterinary sciences).

Bristol University is situated at the heart of a vibrant beautiful city, students tend to live in University accommodation, or rent from the private sector.  There is a lot of information about accommodation on our website.

Please do ask our student ambassadors at the Open Days about their experience of living and studying at Bristol.

There is also lots of information about student life on the university website.