Medical Science
Broaden your understanding of the human body while exploring the development, treatment and prevention of disease with our Royal Society of Biology accredited degree.
Join us in our state-of-the-art SuperLab in Chelmsford, where you’ll combine theory and practice to learn how the human body works in health and disease, and how disease is treated and prevented.
You’ll prepare for a rewarding career in a medical lab by gaining crucial problem-solving, management, and scientific communication skills.
After your first year, you may have the opportunity to transfer to Year 1 of our MBChB Medicine degree.
Our three-year Medical Science degree has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology following an independent and rigorous assessment. This verifies our course provides a solid academic foundation in biological knowledge and key skills, helping you develop the subject knowledge, technical ability and transferable skills sought by employers.
-
Course Leader Dr Rudolph Schutte introduces the course in this short video.
;
-
Benefit from our Level 2 industry-standard SuperLab and advanced equipment for hands-on learning
-
Explore human biology and disease with a focus on real-world applications
-
Build skills through hands-on projects with healthcare industry partners
-
Learn from experienced professionals actively engaged in cutting-edge research
Study at an award-winning university
We were named Times Higher Education University of the Year 2023. We've also been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework – a reflection of the outstanding education we offer our students.
Course options
Key facts
Modules are subject to change and availability, and may vary by location. If you have the choice of optional modules, these are indicated with a *.
- Cellular and Molecular Biology
- Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Scientific Communication and Professional Skills
- Principles of Biomedical Science
- Fundamentals of Nutrition, Drugs and Metabolism
- Into ARU
- Essential Physiological Biochemistry
- Applied Pathophysiology
- Principles of Pharmacology
- Fundamentals of Epidemiology
- Research Proposal
- Ruskin Module (15 credits)
- Applied Pharmacology
- Biotechnology
- Specialist Case Studies
- Contemporary Issues in Medical Science
- Undergraduate Major Project
To prepare you for university study, you can take a foundation year at the start of this course. Find out more about foundation years.
- Foundation in Optometry, Medical and Life Sciences
UK students have the option to study this course over one year to achieve a CertHE. You’ll study the same modules as students on Year 1 of the BSc.
Read profiles of teaching and research staff on this course.
-
Dr Rudolph SchutteAssociate Professor
-
Dr Ibrahim TolaymatSenior Lecturer
-
Dr Ling Chin HwangSenior Lecturer
Facilities
As part of your Medical Science studies with ARU, you’ll be able to enhance your learning experience with our Level 2 category multi-functional SuperLab.
In the final year of your course, you’ll be able to take advantage of a year’s free membership of the Royal Society of Biology, with benefits including professional networking opportunities.
Experience our Medical Science facilities with our virtual tour.
Careers
What can you do with a Medical Science degree?
Once you graduate, you’ll be in a strong position to pursue a career in the medical field. You could go on to become a clinical scientist, researcher, a lab technician or even take your knowledge into the field of medical sales or science communication.
Graduation doesn’t need to be the end of your time with us, of course. You might decide to stay at ARU and study for a Masters, such as our MSc Physician Associate. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get 20% off your fees.
Can you be a doctor with a Medical Science degree?
A degree in Medical Science makes a great foundation for your training but you will need a Medicine degree to practise medicine.
Students who complete the first year of their Medical Science degree to an exceptionally high standard may have the opportunity to transfer to Year 1 of MBChB Medicine. This is a highly competitive route with limited availability but if you have dreams of being a doctor, this could be the option for you.
Is a Medical Science degree the same as Medicine?
No, a Medical Science degree is focussed more on laboratory and desk-based work whereas Medicine prepares you to work as a doctor, with plenty of patient contact on placements. BSc Medical Science only takes three years (or four if you study a foundation year).
Employability and personal career development
Informed by employers, our courses support an integrated approach to employability. You’ll have opportunities to develop the skills and abilities they are looking for and gain a deeper understanding of how your academic learning relates to the world of work through Live Briefs and Ruskin Modules.
To amplify your career ambition, you will need to actively dedicate time outside of your studies, whether you choose to explore internships or volunteering. Or you could make a social impact by collaborating with our partner organisations through our volunteer scheme Students at the Heart of Knowledge Exchange (SHoKE). These all give you an edge, providing you with experience that you will be able to evidence on your CV and talk about in interviews.
Our Employability and Careers Service offers a range of expert advice and support to build your unique professional profile, including tailored career appointments, advice on writing your CV, and help to complete job applications. You’ll have 24/7 access to the Careers Centre, our comprehensive online digital resource, which empowers you to start building a Personal Career Development Plan from the very start. Design your future at ARU.
ALEXANDRE
“It is in the lab that I have learned the most, putting into practice the theory we learn in lecture is so gratifying, all the staff in the SuperLab are wonderful and very experienced.”
ALEXANDREBSc (Hons) Medical Science student
Explore the SuperLab with AlexandreEntry Requirements
Loading...
Entry requirements are not currently available, please try again later.
Fees and Paying for University
Apply for Medical Science
UK students
Call our Clearing line
01245 686868
Loading...
