BSc Biomedical Sciences with a Modern Language

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Manchester

Program Overview

This four-year degree combines a comprehensive education in biomedical sciences with the opportunity to study a modern language, enhancing your employability and global perspective. The program includes a year-long research placement overseas, allowing you to apply your language skills in a professional setting.


Curriculum Structure

Year 1
The first year provides a broad introduction to biomedical sciences, covering key areas such as biochemistry, genetics, microbiology, anatomy, physiology, molecular biology, pharmacology, and neuroscience. Approximately one-third of your time is dedicated to studying your chosen language, alongside other students pursuing language degrees.

Year 2
In the second year, you continue to build upon your knowledge in biomedical sciences, with a focus on more specialized topics. You also advance your language skills, preparing for the year abroad and enhancing your ability to communicate in a professional environment.

Year 3
The third year is dedicated to a full-time research placement abroad, where you will apply your biomedical sciences knowledge and language skills in a real-world setting. This experience allows you to gain practical insights into international research practices and enhances your employability.

Year 4
In the final year, you return to academic study, focusing on specialized areas within biomedical sciences. You undertake an independent research project, allowing you to delve deeper into a specific area of interest. Your language skills continue to be developed, preparing you for a global career in biomedical sciences.


Focus Areas:
The program covers a wide range of biomedical disciplines, including biochemistry, genetics, microbiology, anatomy, physiology, molecular biology, pharmacology, and neuroscience. The language component allows you to choose from various modern languages, enhancing your communication skills in a global context.

Learning Outcomes:
Graduates will have a comprehensive understanding of biomedical sciences, advanced research skills, and the ability to communicate effectively in a modern language. The year-long research placement abroad provides practical experience, preparing students for careers in international biomedical research and related fields.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):
This degree is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology, recognizing academic excellence in the biosciences and highlighting degrees that educate future leaders and innovators in research and development.

Reputation (Employability & Graduate Outcomes):
The University of Manchester is renowned for its research excellence and strong industry connections, providing graduates with a competitive edge in the job market. The inclusion of a modern language and international placement further enhances employability, equipping students with skills sought after by employers in the global biomedical sciences sector.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

This programme combines rigorous biomedical science training with advanced language study, giving students a unique combination of scientific expertise and international communication skills. From the first year, you’ll build a solid foundation in biomedical disciplines while developing your language proficiency, then progress to more research-intensive and applied learning opportunities.

Experiential Learning Includes:

  • Integrated Curriculum: Two-thirds of your studies focus on biomedical sciences—covering physiology, pharmacology, neuroscience, cell biology, microbiology, anatomy, histology, genetics, biochemistry, and immunology—while one-third focuses on a modern language.
  • Year Abroad with Placement: Students spend a full year abroad in a country where their chosen language is spoken, undertaking a placement that combines scientific or research experience with language immersion.
  • Language Options: Available languages include French, German, Italian, Spanish, Japanese, and Mandarin, allowing students to tailor their language skills to personal or career goals.
  • Research and Laboratory Experience: As in the standard BSc programme, students complete extensive lab-based practicals throughout Years 1–3, culminating in independent research projects that develop critical scientific and experimental skills.
  • Advanced Accreditation: The course holds Advanced Accreditation from the Royal Society of Biology, recognizing the programme’s high academic and research standards.
  • Career Preparation: Graduates are equipped for global careers in biomedical research, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, and scientific communication, with the added advantage of bilingual or multilingual proficiency.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from Manchester’s BSc Biomedical Sciences with a Modern Language program combine scientific expertise with language proficiency, opening doors to international careers in research, biotech, medical communications, and global health consultancy. Typical roles include Research Scientist, Medical Science Liaison, International Health Consultant, and Scientific Translator/Communicator.

  • University Services That Support Your Career
    • The program provides strong career guidance, including support from Manchester’s Careers Service, CV and interview workshops, and networking opportunities.
    • Students can participate in international exchanges, study placements abroad, and research projects, gaining practical experience and global exposure.
  • Employment Stats & Salary Figures
    • Around 90% of graduates secure highly skilled roles within 15 months of graduation.
    • Employment sectors include international research, biotechnology, healthcare, pharmaceutical companies, and scientific communication.
    • Median salary 15 months after graduation ranges from £27,000 to £35,000, with higher earnings possible in specialized or senior roles.
    • Graduates entering NHS biomedical science or clinical roles typically start at around £30,000, with potential growth as they advance professionally.
  • University–Industry Partnerships
    • Manchester collaborates with NHS trusts, healthcare companies, and global research institutes, including the Manchester Academic Health Science Centre and Health Innovation Manchester.
    • Students can benefit from EPSRC Prosperity Partnerships and other applied research initiatives that link academia with industry.
    • Access to world-class facilities, including the Henry Royce Institute Hub, provides cutting-edge research experience and networking opportunities.
  • Accreditation & Long-Term Value
    • The program is not IBMS-accredited, so NHS registration requires completion of the separate Scientist Training Programme.
    • Graduates gain a unique combination of biomedical expertise and modern language skills, enhancing employability in global or multinational roles.
  • Graduation Outcomes
    • Graduates pursue careers in research, healthcare, biotech, medical communications, and international consultancy.
    • Many choose to continue to postgraduate study, including MSc, PhD, or medical degrees, leveraging both scientific and language competencies.

Further Academic Progression:

  • Master’s and PhD Programs: Graduates can pursue advanced study in biomedical sciences, translational medicine, pharmacology, neuroscience, immunology, or global health.
  • NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP): Provides a pathway to registered clinical scientist roles.
  • Graduate-Entry Clinical Courses: Language skills and biomedical knowledge can support entry into international or UK-based medical and dental programs.

Program Key Stats

£34,500 (Annual cost)
£ 29
Sept Intake : 14th Jan


42 %

Eligibility Criteria

AAA - AAB
3.5
35 - 36
80 - 85

N/A
N/A
6.5
90

Additional Information & Requirements

Career Options

  • Academic Researcher – conduct biomedical research in universities or research institutes
  • Pharmaceutical Scientist – develop and test new drugs and therapies in the pharmaceutical industry
  • Clinical Research Associate – coordinate and monitor clinical trials for new treatments
  • Laboratory Technician – perform lab-based diagnostics or support research operations
  • Medical Writer – produce scientific content for medical publications or communications
  • Health Communicator – translate complex biomedical information for public understanding
  • Policy Adviser – provide expertise to shape health and science policies
  • Science Educator – teach or support biomedical learning in schools or universities
  • Biotech Industry Professional – contribute to roles such as R&D
  • quality control
  • or regulatory support
  • Graduate-entry Medicine Student – pursue medical degrees through accelerated graduate pathways

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