Biomedical Sciences (Integrated Master's) MSci Honours
UCAS Code: B900 (4 Years)

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Modern medicine depends on the advances made by scientists working in the biomedical sciences. This degree is aimed at students who plan to make a career in the field.

You will develop knowledge across the range of subjects in this area to gain a thorough understanding of the functioning of the human body in health and disease.

Newcastle is a designated Centre of Excellence for biomedical research meaning you will also acquire knowledge of current major advances in the subject and, through opportunities with our research institutes, make a direct contribution to their world-leading work.

A highlight of this programme is the extended final-year project. This will help you to develop more advanced laboratory skills that are required for research or other laboratory-based careers.

Quality and ranking

Newcastle is highly regarded for its teaching of biomedical and biomolecular sciences. We are ranked in the top 10 UK universities in the category of ‘Other subjects allied to Medicine’ in The Times Good University Guide 2013 and The Complete University Guide 2013.

We also rank number one nationally for overall student satisfaction with a 99% satisfaction score in the 2012 National Student Survey.

Teaching and assessment

Leading experts from our research institutes play an active part in all of our degrees. You also have the opportunity to attend optional research talks, aimed especially at first-year students, as part of our biomedicine+ programme.

The involvement of our researchers ensures that your degree reflects the very latest ideas and discoveries. It also means that you will learn about how new scientific knowledge is formed and will develop the skills required to undertake your own original research project in the final year. The majority of students choose to do their project work in one of our research institutes, supervised by and working alongside leading scientists in their field.

Teaching is a combination of lectures, practical laboratory classes and small group seminars. Further information can be found on our undergraduate web pages about the approach to teaching and learning at Newcastle University.

Assessment is by examinations and course work assignments such as practical assessments, seminar tasks and written work. Teaching and assessment methods may vary from module to module, more information can be found in our individual module listings.

School of Biomedical Sciences

As a student at Newcastle you will join the School of Biomedical Sciences. We are based in the University’s Medical School building. This, together with the adjacent School of Dental Sciences and Royal Victoria Infirmary teaching hospital, forms one of the largest integrated teaching and hospital complexes in the country. 

We work in partnership with Newcastle Biomedicine Research Institutes to deliver 10 undergraduate degrees in Biomedical and Biomolecular Sciences. See our Guide to Biomedical and Biomolecular Sciences below for help in deciding which degree is right for you.

Visit the School's website, where you can:

+ Guide to Biomedical and Biomolecular Sciences at Newcastle

Our degrees are divided into two phases. In Phase 1 (Stage 1 and the first semester of Stage 2), we introduce you to biomolecular sciences through a series of modules covering:

  • cell biology
  • biochemistry
  • microbiology and immunology
  • genetics
  • pharmacology
  • physiology
  • practical skills in biomedical and biomolecular science

This broad introduction continues in Semester 1 of Stage 2 with a foundation in cell and molecular medicine.

You can change between any of our degrees at the end of Phase 1 if you wish. This flexible structure gives you the chance to try a broad range of topics, helping you to see where your interests in biomedical sciences lie before you specialise in Phase 2. See a guide to our degrees below:

Biomedical Sciences

Modern medicine depends on the advances made by scientists working in the biomedical sciences. This degree combines subjects such as anatomy, biochemistry, genetics, immunology, microbiology, neuroscience, pharmacology and physiology. This multidisciplinary approach helps us understand disease processes and find new treatments for diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and TB. Find out more: Biomedical Sciences BSc Honours (B940) and Biomedical Sciences (Integrated Master's) MSci Honours (B900).

Biochemistry

Biochemistry is the study of life at the molecular level – how genes and proteins regulate cells, tissues and ultimately whole organisms like you. Have you wondered what causes diseases such as cancer and diabetes? Would you like to help develop new drug treatments? Biochemistry provides the key to understanding how diseases arise and can be treated. Find out more: Biochemistry BSc Honours (C700).

Biomedical Genetics

DNA is the genetic ‘blueprint’ that ensures the continuity of life from parent to offspring. Genetics is the study of how DNA is transmitted between generations and decoded to determine our individual characteristics. Newcastle has a research and teaching reputation in this field and the Institute of Human Genetics plays a major role in our degree programme. Find out more: Biomedical Genetics BSc Honours (B901).

Biomedical Sciences with Medical Microbiology

The greatest threat to human health worldwide is infectious disease. Medical microbiology is the study of the micro-organisms that cause disease whilst immunology is the related science of how we defend ourselves against microbial infection. Through an understanding of microbiology and immunology scientists are working to develop vaccines against diseases such as HIV, and new treatments for diseases such as MRSA, arthritis, asthma and cancer. Find out more: Biomedical Sciences with Medical Microbiology BSc Honours (BC95).

Pharmacology

Pharmacology involves the study of the action of biologically active components (drugs) on the body and vice versa. An understanding of drugs and their actions allows us to use them safely and effectively. It is thanks to pharmacologists that you can take an aspirin when you get a headache or have an anaesthetic when the dentist gives you a filling. Find out more: Pharmacology BSc Honours (B210).

Physiological Sciences

Physiology is the study of how the body functions. Physiologists study the processes essential to human life such as breathing, digesting food and sensing the world around us. At Newcastle our focus is on human physiology, which underpins much of our understanding of how the body functions in health and disease. Find out more: Physiological Sciences BSc Honours (B100).

Medical Science

Do you enjoy biology? Are you interested in the biomedical or biomolecular aspects of the subject and keen to study these further at university? If you are not quite sure which area will suit you best, the Medical Science (Deferred Choice) programme could be ideal for you as it allows you to study the common first year before deciding which subject area to specialise in at later Stages. Find out more: Medical Science (Deferred Choice) BSc Honours (B902).

+ Work placement

We encourage you to spend at least four weeks of your summer vacation after Stage 2 on a work placement.

We also offer part-time paid employment during term time in laboratories in our own research institutes through our Laboratory Assistant scheme.

Other opportunities at Newcastle include:

  • Vacation Studentships, which give you the chance to experience first-hand what working in a research laboratory is really like and to encourage you to consider a career in research when you graduate
  • Employability ambassador scheme and student mentoring scheme for Stage 3 students

+ Study abroad

UK and EU students have the opportunity to broaden their academic experience and study abroad as part of this degree, either through an Erasmus exchange in Europe or non-EU exchange in Singapore or Australia.

+ Transfer to Medicine or Dentistry

At the end of your first year, you may apply to transfer into the start of Stage 1 of either Medicine or Dentistry at Newcastle. This is a competitive scheme with a limited number of places available each year.

Students are selected on the basis of academic performance in Stage 1, a personal statement and, if shortlisted, an interview. All applicants must also have a UKCAT test score.

There is also a graduate entry route into Medicine available at Newcastle University.

Visit the School of Biomedical Sciences' website to find out more about opportunities to transfer.

+ Related Courses

Other degrees in Biomedical and Biomolecular Sciences at Newcastle:

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I chose Newcastle for its reputation as a research intensive University. The academic staff are all experts in their chosen field and teach you about current science and what they are conducting research into.

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