2024 entry
MSci Physiological Science (B122)
Course overview

Typical offer
A-level standard offer: AAB
A-level contextual offer: BBB
See entry requirements for full details and eligibility.
Course duration
4 year(s) full-time
Part-time study is not available for this course
Application method
Full-time: UCAS
Fees
£9,250 per year, home students
£31,300 per year, international students
More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.
Location
The MSci Physiological Science is focused on an extended research project, which provides the opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of how to plan and perform experimental research in a specialised subject area. The course provides valuable day-to-day experience of what it is like to be a researcher and develops the skills required to embark on a career in research.
The first three years follow the BSc Physiological Science. During years one and two you will learn how the major organ systems in the body function together to maintain health. Alongside physiology, you will have the opportunity to study complementary subjects, including pharmacology, anatomy and psychology, broadening your knowledge of the biomedical sciences.
By the third year you will be getting to grips with the latest cutting-edge research on topics such as neurological and psychiatric disorders and the heart in health and disease, taught by staff who are internationally recognised in their research area.
The majority of your fourth year will focus on an extended research project in a research laboratory environment. Alongside this you will develop valuable skills in communicating science to the public and will develop a portfolio of public engagement activities. You will also learn how to work effectively in groups and how to create and develop ideas to solve specific scientific challenges.
This final year will instil a range of skills essential for understanding how to plan and conduct research projects; these skills are widely applicable to future employment and benefit those considering future PhD training.
Graduates in MSci Physiological Science are ideally equipped to embark on a career in research and have skills that are suitable for a wide variety of careers, including education, healthcare and management.
Course structure
Full details about the course structure and units for this course can be viewed in the programme catalogue.
Go to programme catalogueEntry requirements
We accept a wide variety of qualifications and welcome applications from students of all backgrounds. Below is a guide to the typical offers for this course.
A-level standard offer
AAB including two core science/mathematics subjects
Core science/mathematics subjects include: Biology (or Human Biology), Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics (or Further Mathematics), Psychology.
A-level contextual offer
BBB including two core science/mathematics subjects
Find out if you are eligible for a contextual offerCore science/mathematics subjects include: Biology (or Human Biology), Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics (or Further Mathematics), Psychology.
BTEC
DDD in Applied Science BTEC National Level 3 Extended Diploma
Find out more about our BTEC entry requirementsCore science/mathematics subjects include: Biology (or Human Biology), Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics (or Further Mathematics), Psychology.
International Baccalaureate Diploma
34 points overall with 17 at Higher Level, including 6, 5 at Higher Level in two of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics (either Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretations), Psychology
Core science/mathematics subjects include: Biology (or Human Biology), Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics (or Further Mathematics), Psychology.
International Baccalaureate Diploma contextual offer
31 points overall with 15 at Higher Level, including 5, 5 at Higher Level in two of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics (either Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretations), Psychology
Find out if you are eligible for a contextual offerCore science/mathematics subjects include: Biology (or Human Biology), Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics (or Further Mathematics), Psychology.
European Baccalaureate
80% overall, with 8.5, 8.0 in two of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics or Advanced Mathematics
Core science/mathematics subjects include: Biology (or Human Biology), Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics (or Further Mathematics), Psychology.
Scottish Qualifications Authority
Advanced Higher: AB in two of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Mathematics of Mechanics or Psychology, and Standard Higher: AAABB
Core science/mathematics subjects include: Biology (or Human Biology), Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics (or Further Mathematics), Psychology.
Access to HE Diploma
Access to HE Diploma in Science, Biomedical/Medical/Health Science or Psychology (or similar titles). The 45 graded Level 3 credits must include: 24 credits at Distinction and 21 at Merit or above; and at least 12 credits (with 9 at Distinction) each in two of: Biology or Human Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, or Psychology.
Mature students can contact mature-students@bristol.ac.uk to check the suitability of their Access course.
Core science/mathematics subjects include: Biology (or Human Biology), Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics (or Further Mathematics), Psychology.
Welsh Baccalaureate
Requirements are as for A-levels, where you can substitute a non-subject specific grade for the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate at that grade.
Core science/mathematics subjects include: Biology (or Human Biology), Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics (or Further Mathematics), Psychology.
Cambridge Pre-U
Requirements for principal subjects are as for A-level, where D1/D2 is A*, D3 is A, M1/M2 is B, and M3 is C.
Core science/mathematics subjects include: Biology (or Human Biology), Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics (or Further Mathematics), Psychology.
International qualifications
The University of Bristol welcomes applications from international students, and we accept a wide range of qualifications for undergraduate and postgraduate study.
Search international qualificationsApplicants must also meet these requirements
GCSE profile requirements
No specific subjects required.
Further information about GCSE requirements and profile levels.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language, you need to have one of the following:
- IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.0 in all skills
- GCSE English Language grade C or 4
- An alternative English Language Profile E qualification
Further information about English language requirements and profile levels
More about UK qualifications.
Selection process
- We only use your information in UCAS to assess your application. There are no other selection criteria or processes.
- Full information about our selection processes for this course:
- Regulations and codes of conduct we abide by to create a positive environment for learning and achievement: