Top UK Universities For Biomedical Sciences - Ranking & League Table (2024)
Here’s our full guide on the top universities for Biomedical Sciences in the UK. We have curated a list of high-ranking universities which offer affordable, globally-recognised qualifications for Biomedical Sciences.
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UK University League Table for Biomedical Sciences (2024)
The University League Table for Biomedical Sciences below displays the top-ranking universities for studying Biomedical Sciences in the UK. We’ve compiled a list of universities you should look out for, based on UK and global rankings, as well as entry requirements.
What Do You Study In Biomedical Science?
In Biomedical Science, students will study a comprehensive curriculum that blends the principles of biology and medicine with a focus on understanding human health and disease. The coursework is designed to provide a solid foundation in the biological sciences, along with specialised knowledge that prepares students for a variety of careers in health and research fields. Here are some of the key areas in a typical Biomedical Sciences Degree:
Human Anatomy and Physiology: Detailed study of the human body’s structure and function, including organ systems, tissues, and cells.
Biochemistry: Examination of the chemical processes and substances that occur within living organisms, including the study of proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and carbohydrates.
Microbiology: Study of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa, focusing on their biology, ecology, pathogenicity, and the immune response to them.
Genetics: Understanding the principles of heredity and variation in living organisms, including molecular genetics, chromosomal genetics, and genomics.
Immunology: Study of the immune system, including its components, functioning, and disorders, as well as how it can be manipulated to combat diseases.
Pharmacology: Examination of drug action, including the sources, chemical properties, biological effects, and therapeutic uses of drugs.
Pathology: Study of disease mechanisms, including the causes, development, and effects of diseases at the molecular, cellular, organ, and whole-body levels.
Cell Biology: Understanding the structure and function of cells, including cell communication, cell cycle, and cellular processes.
Molecular Biology: Study of the molecular basis of biological activity, focusing on the interactions between the various systems of a cell, including the interactions between DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis.
Research Methods and Ethics: Training in the design, execution, and analysis of biomedical research, including ethical considerations and regulatory issues involved in research involving humans and animals.
Biostatistics and Epidemiology: Introduction to statistical methods for analysing biological data and studying the distribution and determinants of health and diseases in populations.
Clinical Skills and Diagnostic Techniques: Learning practical skills and techniques used in clinical and laboratory settings for the diagnosis and monitoring of diseases.
Many universities also offer opportunities for students to specialise in areas such as neurobiology, cancer biology, regenerative medicine, or public health, among others. Additionally, hands-on laboratory work, internships, and research projects are integral parts of a biomedical science education, providing students with practical experience and exposure to real-world applications of their studies.
Careers for Biomedical Science Graduates
What can you do with a degree in Biomedical Sciences? Many graduates find employment taking on various roles such as:
- Biomedical Engineer
- Clinical Laboratory Technologist
- Research scientist
- Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
- Regulatory Affairs Specialist
- Epidemiologist
- Academic Lecturer or Professor (Note: This path often requires a Ph.D.)
- Clinical Research Coordinator
- Medical Science Liaison
- Public Health Worker
- Genetic Counselor
Top Biomedical Science Schools In The UK
The University of Oxford is the top UK university for Biomedical Sciences. Oxford is a highly respected and internationally recognised centre for biomedical research and offers a three-year undergraduate Bachelor’s degree programme. It is also the most expensive university for the subject. Students in this programme will spend their fourth year working on a research project and those successful will graduate with a Master’s degree in the subject.
The University of Bath is an affordable high ranked university for Biomedical Sciences. Ranked number 2 in the UK for the subject, Bath’s programme is uniquely crafted in partnership between the university’s Department for Health and Department of Life Sciences. This collaboration gives students the advantage of specialised knowledge in human biology and pharmacology.
Recommended Biomedical Science Schools In The UK
Another hot pick is UCL’s Biomedical Sciences BSc programme. At UCL, students start with a solid first-year foundation across key scientific disciplines. As they progress, the programme offers flexibility to transfer to a specialist degree or continue within Biomedical Sciences, selecting from five streams of study in the second year. The curriculum culminates in a third-year research project under expert supervision, alongside a selection of extensive course options in the chosen stream. This provides students both hands-on research experience and in-depth knowledge tailored to their interests.
At the University of Surrey, the Biomedical Science programme offers the flexibility to choose modules that align with your interests, such as advanced technologies in gene expression, neuroscience, pharmacology, and toxicology. Students have access to the £12.5 million Innovation for Health Learning Laboratory, equipped with tools used by the NHS and global research labs.
This course also includes Professional Training placements, giving students industry experience with opportunities to work with Surrey’s partners for aspiring biomedical scientists. Additionally, students can opt for an integrated master’s degree, adding a research-focused year to prepare them for technical research careers in industry or academia.
How To Apply To Study Biomedical Sciences In The UK?
Step 1: Choose A University
The first step is to look for popular and high-ranking Universities in the UK that offer courses you are interested in. Refer to the table above to start your search. Here are some things to consider when applying:
- Location
- Employability/Graduate prospects
- Fees
- Entry requirements
- University Ranking
Step 2: Preparations
Once you have narrowed down the search to your top five universities, the first step is to prepare necessary documents and forms. This includes school leaving certificates, exam results, the UCAS application form and a written Personal Statement, among other documents that may be required.
Step 3: Submit UCAS Application
The application process for UK universities differs from local universities as applications go through an organisation known as UCAS, the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. UCAS handles all admission applications to UK universities, including those submitted by international candidates like you.
To ensure a better chance of getting accepted, it is important that you prepare all the necessary documents and fill out all forms correctly. We also recommend that you apply for multiple universities simultaneously to ensure that you get your preferred offers. Read our full guide on UCAS here.
More about UCAS
The entire application process might be daunting and lengthy for some, so let us help you. Make a free appointment with us today for professional assistance in submitting applications to your preferred UK universities.
UK Biomedical Science School Entry Requirements
Here are some of the common entry requirements and tests a student has to pass before being accepted at a UK university to study Biomedical Sciences.
- English Language Test requirement – such as IELTS or TOEFL.
- Criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland for Scottish Universities)
- Health checks.
- Entrance interviews.
- Personal statement. This is a supporting document and part of your application to a UK university. Usually, you will write about what you hope to achieve studying at the course, what you plan to do after graduating and why you are applying for this specific university.
- BMAT: Some universities such as Oxford require passing the BMAT exam as part of their entry requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
In Biomedical Science, students dive into a comprehensive curriculum that blends the principles of biology and medicine with a focus on understanding human health and disease. The coursework is designed to provide a solid foundation in the biological sciences, along with specialised knowledge that prepares students for a variety of careers in health and research fields.
The number 1 university for Biomedical Sciences in the UK is the University of Oxford according to 2024 rankings.
The common entry requirements for studying Biomedical Science in the UK include English language tests, criminal record declarations, health checks, entrance interviews and submission of a personal statement.
The tuition fees for Biomedical Science degrees in the UK typically range between £26,000 to £38,000 per annum for international students, depending on the university. The ranking and location of a university might also affect tuition fee costs.
The UCAS deadline for Biomedical Science programmes is 15 January on the year of admission. Do take note that the deadline for Oxford and Cambridge is 15 October.
Get Free UK Biomedical Sciences Course Application Assistance
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