BSc Medical Science with Foundation
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UCAS code
C751 -
Typical offer
See entry requirements -
Year of entry
2023/24 -
Course duration
Full Time: 4 Years
-
Year of entry
2023/24 -
Course duration
Full Time: 4 Years
Train to work at the forefront of modern medicine with our BSc Medical Science with Foundation course.
This four-year programme includes a foundation year that leads directly into the three-year course, providing an excellent route into a degree in medical science if you do not have the typical entry requirements.
Focus on the science that underpins medicine, and how medical science can lead to new ways of diagnosing and treating disease. This course covers topics such as biomedical laboratory research and frontline clinical care in order to improve patients’ lives.
Led by the School of Biological Sciences and the School of Chemistry, Food and Pharmacy, your learning is enhanced by:
- industry-specific training. Designed in partnership with our local NHS partners to respond to career needs within the NHS, our course offers you the most relevant, practical content.
- teaching from medical experts. You will be taught by academics whose research is aimed at understanding disease mechanisms, improving diagnoses, developing new therapies and advancing clinical practice. Everyone who teaches you has on-the-ground experience.
- practical experience. Options to complete multiple small placements in primary and secondary healthcare settings, or healthcare industry, are built into your degree timetable.
Graduate well prepared to work in the NHS or a variety of other healthcare settings.
Your learning structure
The aim of the foundation year is to prepare you for your medical science degree. As you progress, each stage builds on your prior learning.
- Foundation year: gain a thorough grounding in study at degree level. Core modules will develop key scientific and general skills to support your learning.
Following the foundation year, tailored pathway options allow you to specialise in topical, cutting edge areas of medical science:
- Diseases pathway: explore the genetic and physiological basis of major diseases and disorders and study how gene-environment interaction underpins disease. Example modules: Clinical Psychology, Bacteriology & Virology, infectious diseases.
- Medical Devices pathway: learn how modern technology is used to address previously insurmountable medical challenges. Example modules: Introduction to programming, Sensors and Transducers for Biomedical Engineering.
- Clinical and Medical Sciences pathway: investigate the complex causes of major diseases and global epidemics, and study the multidisciplinary approach to their containment, treatment and prevention. Example modules: Public Health and Nutrition, Medicines in Healthcare, Drug Targets.
Clinical placements with BSc Medical Science with Foundation
You can gain hands-on experience during multiple short placements in clinical settings, depending on your chosen pathway.
Our well-established network of clinical partners includes the Royal Berkshire Hospital, Berkshire Healthcare Foundation Trust, and others in the region.
These placements offer you excellent opportunities to gain practical experience, from the very first year of your degree.
Overview
Train to work at the forefront of modern medicine with our BSc Medical Science with Foundation course.
This four-year programme includes a foundation year that leads directly into the three-year course, providing an excellent route into a degree in medical science if you do not have the typical entry requirements.
Focus on the science that underpins medicine, and how medical science can lead to new ways of diagnosing and treating disease. This course covers topics such as biomedical laboratory research and frontline clinical care in order to improve patients’ lives.
Led by the School of Biological Sciences and the School of Chemistry, Food and Pharmacy, your learning is enhanced by:
- industry-specific training. Designed in partnership with our local NHS partners to respond to career needs within the NHS, our course offers you the most relevant, practical content.
- teaching from medical experts. You will be taught by academics whose research is aimed at understanding disease mechanisms, improving diagnoses, developing new therapies and advancing clinical practice. Everyone who teaches you has on-the-ground experience.
- practical experience. Options to complete multiple small placements in primary and secondary healthcare settings, or healthcare industry, are built into your degree timetable.
Graduate well prepared to work in the NHS or a variety of other healthcare settings.
Your learning structure
The aim of the foundation year is to prepare you for your medical science degree. As you progress, each stage builds on your prior learning.
- Foundation year: gain a thorough grounding in study at degree level. Core modules will develop key scientific and general skills to support your learning.
Following the foundation year, tailored pathway options allow you to specialise in topical, cutting edge areas of medical science:
- Diseases pathway: explore the genetic and physiological basis of major diseases and disorders and study how gene-environment interaction underpins disease. Example modules: Clinical Psychology, Bacteriology & Virology, infectious diseases.
- Medical Devices pathway: learn how modern technology is used to address previously insurmountable medical challenges. Example modules: Introduction to programming, Sensors and Transducers for Biomedical Engineering.
- Clinical and Medical Sciences pathway: investigate the complex causes of major diseases and global epidemics, and study the multidisciplinary approach to their containment, treatment and prevention. Example modules: Public Health and Nutrition, Medicines in Healthcare, Drug Targets.
Clinical placements with BSc Medical Science with Foundation
You can gain hands-on experience during multiple short placements in clinical settings, depending on your chosen pathway.
Our well-established network of clinical partners includes the Royal Berkshire Hospital, Berkshire Healthcare Foundation Trust, and others in the region.
These placements offer you excellent opportunities to gain practical experience, from the very first year of your degree.
Entry requirements A Level See entry requirements
Select Reading as your firm choice on UCAS and we'll guarantee you a place even if you don't quite meet your offer. For details, see our firm choice scheme.
Typical offer
- BBB - for applicants without Biology and a second science
- CCC - for applicants with Biology and a second science
Acceptable science subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Statistics, Psychology, Geography, Environmental Science/Studies, Applied Science, Geology, Computer Science.
International Baccalaureate
- 30 - for applicants without Biology and a second science
- 24 - for applicants with Biology and a second science
BTEC Extended Diploma
DMM
Extended Project Qualification
In recognition of the excellent preparation that the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) provides to students for University study, we can now include achievement in the EPQ as part of a formal offer.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5, with no component below 5.5
For information on other English language qualifications, please visit our international student pages.
Alternative entry requirements for International and EU students
For country specific entry requirements look at entry requirements by country.
International Foundation Programme
If you are an international or EU student and do not meet the requirements for direct entry to your chosen degree you can join the University of Reading’s International Foundation Programme. Successful completion of this 1 year programme guarantees you a place on your chosen undergraduate degree. English language requirements start as low as IELTS 4.5 depending on progression degree and start date.
Pre-sessional English language programme
If you need to improve your English language score you can take a pre-sessional English course prior to entry onto your degree.
Structure
Compulsory modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
BI0BF1 | Foundation Programme: Biology | DR Craig Hughes |
BI0MF1 | Mathematics Foundation | DR Lindsey Thompson |
CH0CHE | Chemistry | DR Silvia Baldanza |
IF0RAS | Foundation in Academic Skills | MISS Rachel Rushton |
These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Compulsory modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
BI1AP12 | Anatomy & Physiology | DR Natasha Barrett |
BI1BEC1 | Building Blocks of Life | PROF Phillip Dash |
BI1BM12 | Key Skills in Biomedicine | DR Chris Jones |
BI1BP2 | Pathology | DR Sam Boateng |
BI1S1 | Introductory Microbiology | DR Geraldine Mulley |
PM1MPAS1 | Clinical and Metabolic Biochemistry | DR Graeme Cottrell |
PM1PCOL1 | Principles of Drug Action | DR Mark Dallas |
Optional modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
BI1BAC2 | Bacteriology and Virology | DR Geraldine Mulley |
BI1EPM | Fundamentals of Physics for Medicine | DR Lindsey Thompson |
PM1MPAS3 | Public Health & Nutrition | DR Amelia Hollywood |
PM1PCOL3 | Mathematics & Statistics for Pharmacology | DR Calvin Smith |
These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Compulsory modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
BI2AP12 | Anatomy & Physiology 2 | DR Natasha Barrett |
BI2BCB5 | Clinical Biomedicine | PROF David Leake |
BI2BM45 | Key Skills in Biomedicine 2 | DR Renee Lee |
PM2PCOL1 | Molecular Drug Targets | PROF Gary Stephens |
Optional modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
BI2APM | Medical Applications of Physics | DR Lindsey Thompson |
BI2BB4 | Endocrinology | PROF Phil Knight |
BI2BC45 | Cells and Immunity | DR Mike Fry |
BI2BE4 | Pharmacology and Toxicology | PROF David Leake |
BI2BI45 | Infectious Diseases | DR Geraldine Mulley |
BI2BR5 | The Bacterial Cell | PROF Simon Andrews |
BI2EVP5 | Venoms and Poisons | PROF Phillip Dash |
PM2MPAS1 | Professional Skills for Healthcare B | DR Sarah Greenwood |
PM2MPAS2 | Medicines in Health Care | DR Lizzy Lander |
These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Compulsory modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
BI3AT17 | Assistive Technology and Rehabilitation Engineering | PROF Faustina Hwang |
BI3BDI2 | Radiation in Medicine | DR Lindsey Thompson |
BI3PRO | Research Project | DR Renee Lee |
Optional modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
BI3BA7 | Medical Genetics | DR Dyan Sellayah |
BI3BC7 | Bacterial Pathogens | DR Simon Clarke |
BI3BE8 | Cardiovascular Disease | PROF David Leake |
BI3BI8 | Neurobiology | DR Nandini Vasudevan |
BI3BJ8 | Viral Pathogens | PROF Ian Jones |
BI3EHD | Evolution in Health and Disease: Lessons from the Natural World | DR Dyan Sellayah |
BI3S78 | Seminars in Biology | DR Louise Johnson |
These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Fees
New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £9,250*
New international students: £24,500
*UK/Republic of Ireland fee changes
UK/Republic of Ireland undergraduate tuition fees are regulated by the UK government. These fees are subject to parliamentary approval and any decision on raising the tuition fees cap for new UK students would require the formal approval of both Houses of Parliament before it becomes law.
EU student fees
With effect from 1 August 2021, new EU students will pay international tuition fees. For exceptions, please read the UK government's guidance for EU students.
Additional costs
Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.
Financial support for your studies
You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.
Careers
Careers for BSc Medical Science with Foundation graduates
This degree is geared towards careers within the NHS and its supporting industries.
Our Clinical and Medical Sciences pathway has been designed specifically to provide a foundation for graduate-entry medical school. You could also enter a career in the pharmaceutical industry, or pursue further medical study.
All pathways allow you to work in hospital, pharmaceutical or research laboratories. You may also decide to study for higher research degrees.