BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences
(R2/720/6/0035)(01/28)(MQA/FA2632)
Course overview
The course you will study is equivalent to the one delivered at our medical school in the UK. Following the successful completion of the programme, you will be awarded the degree BSc (Honours) Biomedical Sciences by Newcastle University, UK.
The BSc (Honours) Biomedical Sciences (BMS) degree programme offered at NUMed Malaysia is split into two parts:
- Part I – two academic years, which mirror exactly the programme offered in the UK, delivered at the custom-built 13-acre NUMed Malaysia campus in Iskandar Puteri, Johor.
- Part II – one academic year at the Newcastle UK campus with research-led teaching and an intensive research project in one of the highly regarded research laboratories at Newcastle University Medical School.
Programme structure
Our Biomedical Sciences programme is divided into two phases:
- Phase 1 (Stage 1 and Semester 1 of Stage 2)
- Phase 2 (Semester 2 of Stage 2 and Stage 3)
The first two years of the programme (Stage 1 and Stage 2) will be taught at NUMed Malaysia and the third year (Stage 3) of the programme will only be taught at Newcastle UK.
In order for you to progress to the third year of the programme in the UK, you must have successfully completed the first two years of the programme in Malaysia and have obtained the relevant visa for you to enter the UK.
Although Newcastle University and NUMed Malaysia will make every effort to assist you with your application to obtain a visa to enter the UK, this cannot be guaranteed. You are advised to read carefully the UK government guidance for obtaining a visa.
Phase 1 extends over the first 1 ½ years of the programme and is divided into two stages. Phase 1 provides a broad introduction to biomolecular sciences. This gives you the chance to try a broad range of topics, helping you to see where your interests lie before you study your specialist optional biomedical sciences modules in Phase 2. Each stage lasts for an academic year and you need to complete modules totalling 120 credits by the end of each stage to progress to the next year.
Phase 1 consists of the study of the following modules.
Stage 1
- Biochemistry
- Cell biology
- Genetics
- Microbiology and immunology
- Pharmacology
- Physiology
- Practical Skills in Biomedical and Biomolecular Sciences 1 and 2
Stage 2 Semester 1
- Essential Biomedical Research Skills
- Control of Eukaryotic Gene Expression
- Cell Biology and Disease
- Cell and Molecular Biology of the Immune System
In Phase 2, you study a range of topics relating to health and disease.
You also undertake an individual research project in an area of biomedical sciences that particularly interests you. This may be a laboratory project in one of our internationally rated research institutes, a clinical study under the supervision of one of the medically qualified staff, a project working with a local school or college or an IT-based project.
Finally, you may also choose a vocational module, such as research in biomedical sciences, business enterprise for the bioscientist or healthcare organisation and practice.
Phase 2 consists of the study of the following modules.
Stage 2 Semester 2 – NUMed Malaysia
- The Nervous System and Respiratory Diseases
- Clinical Immunology and Viral Pathogens
- Human Anatomy
- Practical and Presentational Skills in Biomedical Sciences
Stage 3 semester 1 – Newcastle UK
You will study three modules, one from each of the following lists:
List A
- Genetics and Diseases
- Clinical Ageing and Health
- Immunology of Health and Disease
List B
- Cancer Biology & Therapy
- Disorders of the Nervous System
- Chronic Disease
List C
- Epidemiology
- Medical Biotechnology
- Microbiota and Pathogens: Mucosal Microbiota, Protozoa and Fungi
You also take one of the following vocational modules:
- Business Enterprise for the Bioscientist
- Research in Biomedical Sciences
- Health and Illness: Professional and Societal Perspectives
- Science Communication
- Bioethics
- Bioinformatics
Stage 3 Semester 2 – Newcastle UK
- Research Project or
- Experimental Design and the Process of Research
Teaching and assessment
Teaching methods
You'll learn through a combination of lectures, practical laboratory classes and small group seminars.
Assessment methods
You'll be assessed through a combination of:
- Assessments
- Case studies
- Coursework
- Dissertation or research project
- Essays
- Examinations – practical or online
- Group work
- Practical sessions
- Presentations
- Report
Skills and experience
Professional skills
In Stage 3, you'll select a module, designed to boost your professional skills in an employment area that we know many of our graduates progress to, for example:
- Business Enterprise for the Bioscientist
- Research in Biomedical Sciences
- Healthcare Organisation and Practice
- Science Communication
- Bioethics
- Bioinformatics
Year in the UK
Your third year of Biomedical Sciences will be carried out at Newcastle University in the North-East of the UK. The university has a wide range of support services that can help you with your transition to study in the UK. Your studies will be based in the School of Biomedical, Nutritional and Sport Sciences at the Faculty of Medical Sciences. Find out more about the Newcastle University campus.
Before you arrive in Newcastle, we will give you supportive pre-arrival information. We’ll help you through your accommodation application and introduce you to your academic tutor in the UK.
When you arrive, we will collect you from the airport. You’ll have a fun orientation programme where you’ll meet lots of new friends and find out more about living and studying in Newcastle.
You will stay in university accommodation and we’ll help you to organise this.
There are lots of sports, social and academic societies and activities to join at Newcastle University.
Living expenses depend on your financial resources, tastes and interests. As a guide, including your accommodation, we estimate that you should allow around RM4,700 per month to cover your living costs in Newcastle.
We’ll support your son or daughter through every step of their study abroad. If you have any questions about their year in Newcastle, UK, please contact us.
Quality and Ranking
- 6th in the UK – The Guardian University Guide 2023 (Anatomy and Physiology category)
- 8th in the UK – The Guardian University Guide 2023 (Biomedical Science category)
- Global Top 110 University - QS World University Rankings 2024
- Top 150 for Anatomy and Physiology - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023
- 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- 4th in the UK and joint 24th in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2023
- Top 125 for Life Sciences – Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2023
- Global Top 140 University - Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023
Professional accreditation
This degree has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology (RSB).
Accreditation by the RSB recognises academic excellence in the biosciences that educates the research and development leaders and innovators of the future.
*All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body.
Your future
There is a great demand for graduates in the biomedical and biomolecular sciences within the research community, health services and industry – particularly leading or working as part of research teams, and many of our students choose this career path.
A large proportion of our graduates choose to take a further degree – either a medical, master's, PhD or teaching qualification – before embarking on permanent employment.
Recent Biomedical and Biomolecular Sciences BSc and MSci Honours graduates have taken up roles such as:
- clinical specialist
- laboratory analyst
- research technician
- clinical data associate
- trainee clinical scientist
- research PhD student
Career support
Career support provides an opportunity to foster skills towards career development. In addition to the resources available here, you can also take advantage of the Newcastle University UK careers service.
We aim to support you by providing:
- Career support appointments
- Career workshops
- Inter-professional education (IPE)
- Biomedicine+ talks
- Summer research internship opportunities
- NUMed research fellowships
- Professional placement year
- NCL+ Awards
- NCL+ advanced award in research
- Research and further education
- Alumni interaction
Additional information
Transfer to our medicine degree
Students on the BSc (Honours) Biomedical Sciences programme may apply for transfer on to the MBBS degree programme offered by NUMed Malaysia at the end of the first year of study. This is a competitive scheme with a limited number of places and students are selected on the basis of academic performance in the first year, a personal statement and an interview.
There are also graduate entry routes into medicine available at NUMed and Newcastle University, UK.
Entry requirements
Students who have completed SPM, O-Level or equivalent programmes must first complete a recognised pre-university qualification as a basic requirement for entry to an undergraduate degree at NUMed Malaysia.
Whatever pre-university qualifications you offer, they should include the science subjects of Biology and Chemistry and one other subject at a level equivalent to A-Levels, International Baccalaureate Diploma or STPM.
A UCAT result is currently not required for entry to NUMed Malaysia. The entrance requirements below apply to 2023 entry.
Newcastle's Foundation in Biological and Biomedical Sciences with a minimum CGPA of 3.0.
BBB at A2 Level. Further consideration may be given for additional academic achievements. We do not accept General Studies or Critical Thinking as A2 Level qualifications.
A minimum of 30 points with Biology, Chemistry and one other Science subject at Higher Level Grade 4 and above. IB overall points include the additional points available for the Theory of Knowledge/Extended Essay.
Normally BBB based on the best three subjects including the required science subjects.
A score of 4 based on the average of the following subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Advanced Mathematics I and Advanced Mathematics II, with none of these subjects achieving less than B4.
(A1 = 1; A2 =2; B3 = 3; B4 = 4; B5 = 5; B6= 6; C7 = 7; C8= 8)
CGPA of 3.30, including the required science subjects.
Australian Matriculation or Monash University Foundation Year (MUFY) with average of 70% including the required science subjects.
Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) score of 70% including the required science subjects.
We accept other qualifications from Australia including University of New South Wales (UNSW) Foundation, Western Australia Curriculum Council, Higher School Certificate (HSC) Sydney Australian, Trinity College Foundation Studies, Australian University Foundation Programme, South Australia Matriculation (SAM) and Victoria Certificate of Education Australia Year 12.
Average of 70% in the required Science subjects.
70%, based on the average of the six best Grade 12 subjects, including the required science subjects.
Normally BBB at Sri Lanka A-Levels. Normally we take the three highest A-level grades offered in the required science subjects, however, further consideration may be given for additional academic achievements.
75%, based on the average of the five best academic subjects.
American AP with 3 subjects, i.e. Biology, Chemistry and Physics/Mathematics, scoring 4, 4 and 4 points respectively. These subjects must be taken at Grade 12 level and above
Graduate applications from candidates with a scientific background will be considered. Applicants must have achieved, or expect to achieve, at least an upper second class honours degree (or equivalent).
English Requirements
Please refer to the table below on the English Requirements for BSc (Honours) Biomedical Sciences programme:
| Test | Examination Board | Malaysian Students | International Students |
|---|---|---|---|
|
SPM1119 |
Cambridge International Examinations |
B |
N/A |
|
CEFR |
Cambridge International Examinations |
C2, C1, B2 |
N/A |
|
IGCSE English - First Language |
Cambridge International Examinations |
C |
N/A |
|
IGCSE English - Second Language |
Cambridge International Examinations |
B |
N/A |
|
MUET |
Majlis Peperiksaan Malaysia |
3 |
N/A |
|
IELTS |
Cambridge English Language Assessment / British Council |
6.5 |
6.5 |
|
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) |
Educational Testing Service |
90 |
90 |
|
Pearson Test of English Academic |
Pearson |
62 |
62 |
|
Certificate in Advanced English (CAE), Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE), Cambridge Linguaskill |
Cambridge English Language Assessment |
176 |
176 |
|
Cambridge Linguaskill |
Cambridge English Language Assessment |
176 |
176 |
*IELTS 6.0 in each of the four elements of the test is required.
Fees and funding
The overall tuition costs of obtaining the Newcastle University BSc (Honours) in Biomedical Sciences on the joint 2+1 programme with NUMed Malaysia is around 40% less than the cost of studying for the same degree for three years in the UK.
A single inclusive fee is charged to cover the costs of tuition, library, laboratory, placements, examination, administration fees and all other academic-related charges. There are no hidden extra costs.
Tuition fees for 2024 entry (per year)
Malaysian students: RM42,640 per annum, for each of the three years of the programme (both Malaysia and UK campus).
International students: RM50,600 per annum, for each of the three years of the programme (both Malaysia and UK campus).
Year abroad and additional costs
You should note that the fees don't include the cost of your living accommodation in either Malaysia or the UK.
There is a range of accommodation at varying prices for you to choose from at NUMed's own managed apartments, the Student Village at EduCity or local private accommodation.
Newcastle University, UK, has a wide range of accommodation options to suit a range of budgets and a choice of locations with the majority of university accommodation being within 10 minutes’ walk of the campus and city centre.