BSc Medical Biosciences

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Imperial College London

Program Overview

This degree immerses you in the heart of biomedical discovery—combining rigorous lab-based learning with active, blended teaching to help you think like a scientist and shape tomorrow’s health solutions. It’s perfect for those curious about human biology and passionate about research, providing the tools to explore disease mechanisms, ethics, and science communication with confidence.


Curriculum Structure

Year 1
You’ll build a solid foundation with core modules like Chemistry of Biological Interactions, exploring how macromolecules operate at cellular and system levels; Integrative Body Systems, where you'll learn how the nervous and musculoskeletal systems work in concert; Molecular & Cellular Biology, deepening your grasp of biological fundamentals; and Statistics, sharpening your ability to analyze scientific data. To top it off, Lab Pod 1 places you in a lab-like setting to tackle real research questions from day one.

Year 2
In your second year, core modules include Genetics & Genomics, uncovering how DNA varies within populations and how sequencing technologies trace those differences, plus Lab Pod 2, where group-work allows you to test your own hypotheses—true hands-on science. The I-Explore module broadens horizons by involving interdisciplinary study in areas like business or management alongside students from other departments. You’ll also choose four optional modules such as Pharmacology & Toxicology, Cancer Biology, Stem Cells & Reproductive Biology, Immunology & Inflammation, Neuroscience, Microbiome in Health & Disease, or Cardiovascular & Thoracic Biology—tailoring your learning to your interests.

Year 3
The final year revolves around your own Core Project, whether a Laboratory Based Research Project (20 weeks), a Literature Based or Work Placement Based Research Project (14 weeks each). Alongside this, mandatory modules like Creative Reflection on Professional Practice (CREF) and Science Communication & Public Engagement Advanced (SCPE-A) help you reflect on your learning and share science with confidence. You’ll also pick three optional project modules (like Global Health, Precision Medicine, Biomedicine Data Science, Ethics and Medical Regulation, Innovating in Medicine, Regenerative Medicine, Targeting Antimicrobial Resistance, and more) to tailor your specialism. Plus, you’re eligible to apply for the prestigious MRes scholarship—funded by AstraZeneca—to pursue postgraduate training within Imperial’s Faculty of Medicine.


Focus areas:
A dynamic blend of laboratory science, molecular biology, statistics, genetics, disease mechanisms, interdisciplinary exploration, and professional communication – all designed to help you become a creative, research-driven biomedical scientist.

Learning outcomes:
Equip yourself to think and act like a scientist—designing and executing research, analyzing data, communicating ethically and effectively, and specializing in cutting-edge biomedical fields.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
While not tied to a specific professional accreditation, this is a high-calibre degree from Imperial’s School of Medicine—aligned closely with industry (such as through AstraZeneca) and structured around real-world research competencies.

Reputation (employability rankings):
Imperial is ranked 2nd in the world overall according to QS, and the BSc Medical Biosciences programme was top-ranked among London medical schools in nearly every National Student Survey category in 2025—a clear indicator of quality and student satisfaction.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

From day one, students dive straight into practical, hands-on learning—no dusty lectures here. You'll work in the cutting-edge Lab Pod modules from Year 1, where you'll tackle real scientific questions and design your own experiments, mimicking a true research lab environment. The programme embraces blended learning, combining online preparation with dynamic in-person sessions, often delivered through team-based and “flipped classroom” methods. This engaging structure builds your critical thinking and lab confidence from the start.

As you advance, you'll refine your skills through analytical tools—such as R coding for statistics—and eventually lead or collaborate on a substantial final-year project, whether in a lab, a real-world placement, or a literature review.

You’ll also benefit from world-class research facilities and partnerships—think AstraZeneca-linked placements, internships in industry, hospitals, museums, and more—empowering you to apply your skills in the real world.


Experiential Learning Includes:

  • Lab Pods (Years 1 & 2): Simulated research labs where students form hypotheses, carry out experiments, manage lab books, troubleshoot, and present results—just like real scientists.
  • Blended & Flipped Learning Tools: iPads, e-modules, and online materials prepare you before interactive face-to-face sessions—boosting engagement and retention.
  • Statistics Module with R: Year 1 includes a full stats module where you learn and are assessed using R coding to analyze real datasets.
  • Final-Year Projects: Choose between:
    • Laboratory-Based Research Project (20 weeks)
    • Work Placement-Based Project (14 weeks)
    • Literature-Based Research Project (14 weeks)
  • External Industry Placements: Work up to 20 weeks in labs or organisations—from pharma to museums, hospitals to NGOs—with joint supervision from Imperial and your host.
  • AstraZeneca MRes Scholarship: A chance to continue in postgraduate study supported by industry funding exclusively for BMB students.
  • Team-Based Learning: Many modules are taught collaboratively, nurturing skills in leadership, communication, and group problem-solving.
  • Science Communication & Reflection Modules: In Year 3, courses like Creative Reflection on Professional Practice (CREF) and Science Communication & Public Engagement (SCPE) help you skills in communicating science and reflecting creatively on your learning journey.
  • Research-Grade Facilities: While not exclusive to BMB, Imperial offers tools like virtual machine resources, Galaxy for bioinformatics, Matlab, Spotfire, and more via UK Med-Bio—a hub that supports computational biology training across programmes.
  • Anatomy & Pathology Resources: Access to the Pathology Museum, Anatomy Skills Lab, Dissection Room, and even an Anatomage Virtual Table—bringing anatomy to life (great for context in human biology modules).
  • Advanced Phenome Facility (optional training): Though not BMB-specific, there’s the Imperial Phenome Training Centre offering NMR and mass-spec training, ideal if you extend your skills in metabolomics.

This programme is designed to nurture scientific thinkers who do science—not just learn it. From hands-on lab work and real-world placements, to cutting-edge software and mentorship, you’ll be building a truly market-ready skillset.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from Imperial’s Medical Biosciences (BMB) programme typically transition swiftly into rewarding roles in scientific research, industry, policy, and science communication—building on their lab-intensive training. Career paths include roles such as Laboratory Research Assistant, Pharmaceutical R&D Associate, Technical Consultant, and Science Communicator.

  • Careers & Employment Support

    • The Careers Service offers one-to-one consultations, workshops on CV and interview skills, career fairs, newsletters, and alumni tools to help shape your professional journey.

  • Employment Stats & Postgraduate Trends

    • 47% of graduates pursue further study, while 35% move directly into employment after their first degree.
    • Across the Faculty of Medicine (2021–22 HESA data), 99% of graduates were in work or further study, with 97% in highly skilled roles.
  • University–Industry Partnerships

    • AstraZeneca is a standout partner, offering students external placements and the exclusive MRes scholarship for postgraduate study.
    • The programme is also supported by 20+ other companies, offering placement opportunities in commercial labs and workplaces. Moreover, Imperial’s broader industry ecosystem includes collaborations with GSK, Danone, Pfizer, Syngenta, and others, creating opportunities for exposure to high-impact research and commercialisation networks.
  • Accreditation & Long-Term Value

    • This degree is rooted in Imperial’s prestigious medical and research excellence, featuring innovative teaching (e.g., flipped classrooms, Lab Pods) and rigorous curriculum development in partnership with academia, clinicians, and industry. Imperial’s standing as one of the most innovative universities globally boosts the long-term value of your qualification.

  • Graduation Outcomes

    • Graduates are well-positioned for roles in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, manufacturing, technical consultancy, R&D, health/social care, education, banking, finance, management consulting, business, and science communication.
    • With a strong foundation in analytical and lab-based skills, plus a rich network of support and industry ties, BMB alumni are prepared for leadership in academia, industry, and beyond.

Further Academic Progression:
After graduating, you’ll be in an excellent position to pursue advanced degrees. Many students explore options like MSc or PhD programmes, especially within Imperial’s Faculty of Medicine—often supported by opportunities like the AstraZeneca-funded MRes scholarship. Imperial’s collaborations with institutions such as the Francis Crick Institute, the Rosalind Franklin Institute, and the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences offer rich environments for further study and cutting-edge research.

Program Key Stats

£43,300 (Annual cost)
£ 29
Sept Intake : 14th Jan


14 %

Eligibility Criteria

AAA
N/A
38
90

N/A
N/A
7.0
100

Additional Information & Requirements

Career Options

  • Biomedical Scientist – conduct lab tests to diagnose and research diseases
  • Clinical Research Associate – manage and monitor clinical trials for new treatments
  • Pharmaceutical Scientist – develop and test new drugs and therapies
  • Biotechnologist – apply biological processes to create healthcare and industrial products
  • Toxicologist – study effects of chemicals and drugs on living organisms
  • Bioinformatics Specialist – analyze biological data using computational tools
  • Medical Science Liaison – communicate scientific data between pharma companies and healthcare professionals
  • Policy or Science Adviser – provide expertise to shape health and science policies
  • Science Communicator or Writer – translate complex science for public or professional audiences
  • Education and Teaching Roles – support science learning in schools universities or training labs

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