Ranking
80th
in the world
Intercalation at Birmingham
Register your interest to receive more information about our intercalation opportunities at the University of Birmingham.
Medical Science (Intercalated Degree)BMedSci
- CampusBirmingham (Edgbaston)Delivery formatIn person
- Start dateSeptember / OctoberDuration1 year, full-time
- AwardBachelor of Medical Sciences
- Entry requirementsOnly available to Medicine and Dental students at the University of Birmingham
- FeesHome (£9,535). Overseas (£31,050).
Course overview
Why not step aside from your degree for a year to study an intercalated degree? Develop the ability to analyse and interpret research papers while gaining significant, hands-on experience in innovative medical or clinical research, whether in a laboratory setting or within the community.
Successful completion of this year leads to the award of a classified honours degree. The course aims to emphasise the importance of the science that underpins medicine and provide awareness, experience and competence in those scientific disciplines allied to medicine. This is achieved through in depth study of specific subject areas and also a research project, which is a major component of the programme. The project provides an understanding of the importance of medical research to the practice of medicine. Medical practitioners are now required to have an appreciation of areas previously considered mainly beneficial to a research career.
Course highlights
- 80th
in the world, maintaining our position in the top 100 universities globally and placing us 12th amongst UK universities
QS World University Rankings, 2025
- No 1
most targeted UK university by top graduate employers
High Fliers Report, 2024
Pursue the science that underpins medicine and investigate gaps in knowledge. With a strong emphasis on practical work, you'll develop skills in designing and conducting medical research experiments, as well as analysing data.
- Develop an in-depth knowledge of selected subject areas within medical science
- Gain a perception of the integrated nature of medical science and be able to communicate an understanding of the scientific methods to future medical practitioner
- Acquire in-depth analytical, research and evaluative skills to be able to present a substantial dissertation
- Develop transferable skills and improve your ability to work on own initiative and as a member of a team.
- The modules throughout this degree are also those that are taken by year 3 Biomedical Science students.
Course delivery
As a Birmingham student you are part of an academic elite and will learn from world-leading experts. From the outset you will be encouraged to become an independent and self-motivated learner. We want you to be challenged and will encourage you to think for yourself.
Lecture
Tutorial
Laboratory
You will be assessed in a variety of ways. At the beginning of each module, you will be given information on how and when you will be assessed. You’ll receive feedback on each assessment within four weeks, so that you can learn from and build on what you have done. Assessments methods will vary with each module and could include:
- Coursework such as written assessments
- Group and individual presentations
- Laboratory-based work
- Formal exams
Module information
The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. The optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.
In your first term, you will study medical and molecular genetics, neuroscience, cellular pathology, pharmacology, molecular medicine, molecular virology and oncology, and many more. This leads you on to your own research project for the whole of the spring term. Here you gain experience of advanced research techniques and learn to analyse and interpret data as well as to present a coherent discussion of your interpretations and conclusions of your findings. During the project you are expected to be associated full-time with your laboratory.
- 10 credits - Experimental Data Interpretation
- 50 credits - Research Project
- 20 credits - Global Challenge
Teaching staff
Dr Wendy Leadbeater
Associate Professor in Biomedical Sciences
Dr Wendy Leadbeater, Associate Professor in Biomedical Sciences, at the University of Birmingham
Research themes
The College of Medicine and Health represents over a fifth of the University's population but generates nearly half of the University's research-related income. The College excels in healthcare-related research, combining clinical, patient-focused studies with exceptional basic laboratory sciences.
The BMedSc Medical Science programme benefits greatly from being taught by staff from different Schools of the College of Medicine and Health who are active research scientists engaged in a wide range of high quality research projects. In particular, this enables a broad range of taught options and research projects to be offered.
To learn more about biomedical research activities in the College of Medicine and Health, please visit our research pages.
Entry requirements
The programme may be of interest to those wishing to explore the scientific basis of a wide range of medical specialisms.
Only available for University of Birmingham Medicine and Dentistry students
Open for students studying Medicine and Dentistry at the Univeristy of Birmingham who have completed Years 2,3 or 4 of their undergraduate programmes.
Please note that if you have not yet completed Year 2 of your vocational course, both your acceptance and your choice of final year modules can be decided only after all examination marks are known.
If you are a University of Birmingham student, please visit the 'Intercalating BMedSc (Medical Science)' folder on Canvas.
External applicants
We do not normally accept applications from external students.
Fees and scholarships
- Intercalated fees
£9,535 (Home). £31,050 (Overseas).
Undergraduate loans
To help with the cost of studies, undergraduate students from the UK can apply for student finance through the Student Loans Company. The support available is made up of a tuition fee loan and a maintenance loan which helps to cover living costs.
Application process
To apply or for any enquiries, please email our Intercalation team on mdsintercalationenquiries@contacts.bham.ac.uk.
- 31 March 2025
Application deadline for University of Birmingham students
Career opportunities
Preparation for your career should be one of the first things you think about as you start university. Whether you have a clear idea of where your future aspirations lie or want to consider the broad range of opportunities available, we can help you achieve your goal.
Your Birmingham degree is evidence of your ability to succeed in a demanding academic environment. Employers target Birmingham students for their drive, diversity, communication and problem-solving skills, their team-working abilities and cultural awareness.
Careers Network
Our aim is to make sure that success in your studies leads you on to a fulfilling career. Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offer support to help you identify your options, develop your skills and gain access to opportunities that propel you towards your career goal.
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