This programme provides a broad-based education in biosciences related to medicine and medical research, and offers great flexibility of module choice so that you can tailor elements of your degree to your own particular interests.
Introduction
This degree will allow you to study from a broad range of modules from medically-relevant disciplines including Cellular and Systems Physiology, Cellular Basis of Health & Disease, and Genetics & Immunology. In addition, you can then tailor your Biomedical Sciences degree with a choice of modules from the Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Cancer biology, and Microbiology & Infection disciplines. You will also have the opportunity to specialise and carry out your own research project.
We also offer support for making career choices right from the beginning and you will have the opportunity to consider potential career pathways within and outside the field of Biomedical Sciences.
You’ll learn and develop those important transferable skills in communication, team working, project management and computing with practical sessions and group work.
What you'll learn
Develop practical and theoretical knowledge of the core biomedical sciences disciplines covering elements of both health and disease.
Develop a range of practical laboratory and research skills commonly used in the Biomedical Sciences.
Enhance your understanding of contemporary issues, ethical challenges, and professionalism in the sphere of the Biomedical Sciences.
Become literate in finding, interpreting, evaluating and managing information
Communicate ideas effectively to a variety of audiences
Work independently and collaboratively
Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills
Use lab equipment correctly and safely
Teaching Excellence Framework 2023
We’re proud to announce we’ve been awarded a
Gold rating for educational excellence.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Year one
In this first year, you will commence your transition from learner to student. You’ll start by gaining an understanding of core concepts of biology as well as the fundamental principles of immunity, infection, and therapy. You will also study how organisms develop and function, and learn about ecology and the global environment. You will develop practical skills, and you will discover how to utilise quantitative skills and study techniques. This year allows you to start to see how the biosciences fit together, and importantly where the Biomedical Sciences fits in this awesome jigsaw.
COMPULSORY MODULES
Biology core concepts, principles, and fundamentals BIOS101
Development, function, immunity, infection, and therapeutics BIOS102
Introductory Practical Skills for Life Sciences BIOS103
From Individuals to Ecosystem BIOS104
Study and Communication Skills Tutorials BIOS105
Applied Practical Research Skills for Life Sciences BIOS106
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
Year two
In your second year you’ll expand your range of knowledge building those essential research skills, experimental design and analysis together with professional skills preparing you for a career within or outside the area of biomedical sciences. You will study in the disciplines of Physiology, Biochemistry, Immunology, and Genetics. In addition, you will start to tailor your degree with optional modules enabling you to follow your interest in Biochemistry, Cancer Biology, Microbiology & Infection, or Pharmacology.
COMPULSORY MODULES
Genetics, Microbiology & Infection BIOS201
Intermediary Practical Research Skills for Life Sciences BIOS203
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
Year three
Year three will provide an unparalleled opportunity for you to learn at the cutting edge of biomedical sciences research and be taught by world-leading academics in the subjects of biochemistry, immunology, microbiology, physiology, and pharmacology. You will also have the opportunity to take a physical or virtual placement. Central to this year is the capstone research project where you will plan and execute your own research, analyse, and critically evaluate data and communicate your research findings in your chosen specialisation.
COMPULSORY MODULES
Research Project BIOS301
Introduction to the World of Work BIOS302
Research Methods BIOS303
Applied Biomedical Sciences BIOS310
How do cells make decisions? BIOS331
OPTIONAL MODULES (CHOOSE TWO)
Molecular, Clinical & Translational Cancer BIOS307
Molecular Systems Biology BIOS309
Translational Pharmacology BIOS313
Genomics and Evolution of Microbes BIOS317
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
How you'll learn
You’ll learn through a balanced mix of lectures, workshops, field work, seminars and tutorials as well as hands-on, practical laboratory sessions, working individually and in small groups.
How you're assessed
Assessed work includes essays, presentations, group work, digital communications, qualitative and experimental reports and formal examinations with results from years two and three contributing to your final degree classification.
Liverpool Hallmarks
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
Course options
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
Support for students with differing needs from the Disability advice and guidance team. They can identify and recommend appropriate support provisions for you.
Inside Biosciences. A conversation with Tanya Horne and Professor Jay Hinton
Careers and employability
As a biosciences graduate from the University of Liverpool, you will have an excellent set of career options ahead of you. For those committed to a career as a professional scientist, higher degrees (MBiolSci, MSc, MRes, MPhil or PhD) at the University of Liverpool or elsewhere provide a flexible set of options for further study.
In the public sector, biosciences graduates are in demand in research institutes, government departments, the National Health Service, forensic science and the Environment Agency. Commercial sectors that actively recruit graduates from the biosciences include the pharmaceutical, food, biotechnology, water and agriculture industries.
There is also an increasing demand for life scientists to contribute to the public understanding of science as journalists and information/liaison officers, in view of the ethical and environmental issues that arise, for example, by developments in molecular biology and biotechnology.
A number of routes are available for graduates to enter the teaching profession one of which is taking a postgraduate qualification (PGCE). There are significant financial inducements provided to meet the current demand for science teachers. In addition to all of the opportunities for graduates in general, including careers outside of biology (such as management, accountancy and human resources), where the skills you have obtained in our degree programmes will be of considerable benefit. Our degree programmes are also popular routes to postgraduate Medicine, Dentistry or Veterinary Science.
Recent employers:
AstraZeneca
BBC
Blue Planet Aquarium
Chester Zoo
Crown Prosecution Service
Eli-Lilly
Glaxo SmithKline
Home Affairs, Security and
International Development
United Utilities
RSPCA
NHS
Ministry of Defence
Unilever
Vodafone
Public Health England
Red X Pharma
Royal Society of Biology
The Environment Agency.
4 in 5 biosciences students find their main activity after graduation meaningful.
Graduate Outcomes, 2018-19.
Fees and funding
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Tuition fees
UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Full-time place, per year
£9,535
Year abroad fee
£1,385
International fees
Full-time place, per year
£29,100
Year abroad fee
£14,550
The UK full-time tuition fee, international course fee and fee for the year abroad for international students shown are correct for 2025/26 entry. We are currently awaiting confirmation of whether the year abroad fee for UK students will change, so the fee shown is for 2024/25. Please note that the year abroad fee also applies to the year in China.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support. Learn more about fees and funding.
Additional costs
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This includes the costs associated with placements or internships, and the optional field course in Uganda.
Applicants with the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) are eligible for a reduction in grade requirements.
For this course, the offer is BBB with
A
in the EPQ.
You may automatically qualify for reduced entry requirements through our contextual offers scheme.
If you don't meet the entry requirements, you may be able to complete a foundation year which would allow you to progress to this course.
For applicants from England: Where a science has been taken at A level (Chemistry, Biology or Physics), a pass in the Science practical of each subject will be required.
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma
D*DD in Applied Science with a selection of preferred units in Biology and Chemistry, to include Distinction in Units 1 and 5 (Principles and Applications of Science I and II).
For previous BTEC (QCF) qualification:
D*DD in Applied Science with a selection of preferred units in Biology and Chemistry, with at least 120 Level 3 credits at Distinction.
Please note alternative BTEC subjects are not acceptable for this programme.
33 points including 6 in Higher Level Biology and 5 in Higher Level Chemistry.
Irish Leaving Certificate
H1, H2, H2, H2, H3, H3
Scottish Higher/Advanced Higher
Not accepted without Advanced Highers at grades ABB
Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced
Accepted at grade B as equivalent to a third non-science A level at grade B.
Access
45 Level 3 credits in graded units in a relevant Diploma, including 30 at Distinction and a further 15 with at least Merit.
15 Distinctions are required in each of Biology and Chemistry.
GCSE Mathematics and English grade C/4 also required.
International qualifications
Many countries have a different education system to that of the UK, meaning your qualifications may not meet our entry requirements. Completing your Foundation Certificate, such as that offered by the University of Liverpool International College, means you're guaranteed a place on your chosen course.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
English language qualification
Requirements
IELTS
6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5
TOEFL iBT
88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 17, writing 17, reading 17 and speaking 19. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted.
Duolingo English Test
120 overall, with no component below 95
Pearson PTE Academic
61 overall, with no component below 59
LanguageCert Academic
70 overall, with no skill below 60
Cambridge IGCSE First Language English 0500
Grade C overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking and listening. Speaking and listening must be separately endorsed on the certificate.
Cambridge IGCSE First Language English 0990
Grade 4 overall, with Merit in speaking and listening
Cambridge IGCSE Second Language English 0510/0511
0510: Grade B overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking. Speaking must be separately endorsed on the certificate. 0511: Grade B overall.
Cambridge IGCSE Second Language English 0993/0991
0993: Grade 6 overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking. Speaking must be separately endorsed on the certificate. 0991: Grade 6 overall.
International Baccalaureate English A: Literature or Language & Literature
Grade 5 at Standard Level or grade 5 at Higher Level
International Baccalaureate English B
Grade 7 at Standard Level or grade 6 at Higher Level
Cambridge ESOL Level 2/3 Advanced
176 overall, with no paper below 162
PRE-SESSIONAL ENGLISH
Do you need to complete a Pre-Sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-Sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
