Oxford Biomedical Sciences
Biomedical Sciences at Oxford University offers a world-class education for students passionate about understanding the human body, disease, and cutting-edge medical research. As one of the top biomedical programmes in the UK, the course combines advanced scientific theory with hands-on lab experience, allowing students to explore subjects such as neuroscience, physiology, genetics, and molecular biology.
Whether you’re aiming for a career in research, medicine, or biotechnology, studying Biomedical Sciences at Oxford provides the academic foundation and global recognition to help you succeed. With access to leading professors, modern laboratories, and groundbreaking research opportunities, this undergraduate programme sets the stage for future leaders in health and science.
Course overview
| UCAS code: | BC98 |
|---|---|
| Entrance requirements: | A*AA excluding Critical Thinking and Thinking Skills |
| Course duration: | 4 years (MBiomedSci); 3 years (BA) |
Required Subject
| Required subjects: | Two from Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Physics |
|---|---|
| Recommended subjects: | Not applicable |
| Helpful subjects: | Not applicable |
Other course requirements
| Admissions tests: | BMSAT |
|---|---|
| Written Work: | None |
Admissions statistics
| Interviewed: | 24% |
|---|---|
| Successful: | 9% |
| Intake: | 43 |
Course Details
Biomedical Science explores how the cells, organs, and systems in the human body work. It’s a fast-moving and fascinating subject, especially important for understanding and treating human diseases.
Oxford is known worldwide for its strength in biomedical research. As a student on this course, you’ll be taught by leading experts from both clinical and non-clinical departments.
This course offers a challenging and engaging education in modern biology, covering areas like molecular, cellular, and systems biology, as well as neuroscience. Please note, this is not a medical degree and does not provide medical training.
The course begins with a broad introduction to biomedical science, helping you build a solid foundation. As you progress, you’ll have the opportunity to focus on the topics that interest you most.
Hands-on lab work is an important part of this degree. You must complete practical sessions to a satisfactory level in order to move forward in the course.
In later years, you’ll focus more on scientific research and gain real experience in the lab. You will also choose your own research project, with many different topics available within the university.
You can choose to graduate after three years with a BA degree. Depending on your chosen subjects in the second and third years, your degree will be in either Neuroscience or Cell and Systems Biology.
If you continue into the fourth year, you will complete a research-intensive programme and graduate with a Master’s degree.
Course Structure
Year 1 (Terms 1–3)
Courses:
- Numerical and Scientific Skills (including Maths, Statistics, Chemistry, and Physics)
- Body and Cells
- Genes and Molecules
- Brain and Behaviour
Assessment:
- In-person exams and other assessments at the end of Year 1
- You must maintain a satisfactory practical record to move on to Year 2
Year 2 (Terms 4–5) – Part A Finals
Courses:
Students choose ten units from a wide range of subjects. Options currently include:
- Psychological Processes and Disorders
- Neurophysiology
- Cellular and Systems Physiology
- Intra- and Intercellular Signalling
- Genetics and Developmental Biology
- Pharmacology
- Cellular Pathology and Immunology
(See the full list on the Biomedical Sciences website.)
Assessment:
- In-person exams at the beginning of Term 6
- An academic penalty applies for unsatisfactory practical work
Year 3 (Terms 6–9) – Part B Finals
Courses:
Terms 6–8:
- Students complete a short research project and a specialist review
Terms 6–9:
- Students take advanced courses in specialised areas such as:
- Cell and Systems Physiology and Pharmacology
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Pathology and Developmental Biology
- You will choose whether to graduate with a degree in Cell and Systems Biology or Neuroscience, based on your selected subjects
(Full list of current options is available online.)
Assessment:
- In-person exams in the final (third) term of Year 3
- Submission of coursework and a presentation of your research findings
- To continue to Year 4, students must achieve a 2:1 standard in Years 2 and 3
Year 4 (Terms 10–12) – Part C Finals
Courses:
Term 10:
- Skills-based teaching
Terms 10–12:
- Extended research project
- Review article on current research in your chosen field
Assessment:
- Submission of coursework
- Presentation of research findings to examiners
Note: The structure and content of the course may change. Please check for updates on the official course website.
Academic Requirements
| A-levels: | A*AA (excluding Critical Thinking and Thinking Skills) |
|---|---|
| Advanced Highers: | AA |
| Scottish Highers: |
AAAAA Must include at least one Advanced Higher in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Mathematics, plus two Highers in any of these subjects |
| International Baccalaureate (IB): |
Total score of 39 points (including core), with 766 at Higher Level Two subjects at HL must be chosen from Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Mathematics |
| BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma: | Visit the Biomedical Sciences website for full details |
| Other UK or international qualifications: | Check the University’s guidelines for other accepted qualifications |
Note:
Where possible, your academic performance is reviewed in the context of your educational background and circumstances.
Subject Requirements
- Essential Subjects:
Candidates must have at least two A-levels from the following subjects:- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Practical Work:
If your science A-level includes a practical component, you are expected to take and pass it. - Minimum Science Background (if not studied at A-level):
If you haven’t studied all sciences at A-level or equivalent, you must show basic education in:- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Mathematics
This can be shown through:
- GCSEs (grade C/4 or above)
- Intermediate 2 or Standard Grade (Credit)
- Or equivalent qualifications (including Combined Science at GCSE)
- Further Information:
For more details, visit the Biomedical Sciences website. - English Language Requirement:
If English is not your first language, you may need to meet Oxford’s English language requirements.
Applications
All applicants must follow the standard Oxford University application process outlined on the Applying to Oxford webpages.
Below is some additional information specifically for students applying to the Biomedical Sciences course.
Admissions Test
- Test Name: BMSAT (Biomedical Sciences Admissions Test)
- Test Dates: 21, 22, 23, 24 & 27 October 2025
- Registration Window: To be confirmed
Full details on how to register and prepare for the test can be found on the BMSAT test page.
Written Work
- You do not need to submit any written work as part of your application for this course.
What Are Tutors Looking For?
Tutors are looking for candidates who:
- Have active, curious minds
- Can critically assess evidence
- Think logically and creatively
- Can approach issues from multiple perspectives
BMSAT results play a key role in shortlisting applicants for interviews.
Visit the Biomedical Sciences website for full details on the course’s selection criteria.
Careers
The Biomedical Sciences course at Oxford offers an excellent foundation for a wide range of future paths. Graduates often go on to:
- Academic research
- Careers in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industries
- Graduate-entry medicine or other clinical qualifications
In recent years, around two-thirds of graduates have pursued further study or clinical training.
Please note:
This is a full-time, basic science degree focused on cell and systems physiology and neuroscience.
It is not accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science.
Fees
| Home | £9,535.00 |
| Overseas | £51,880.00 |
Living Expenses
Living in Oxford may be more affordable than you think. The University’s excellent resources and support from colleges help reduce expenses.
For the academic year starting in 2025, estimated living costs are between £1,425 and £2,035 per month while you’re in Oxford.
Oxford’s academic year has three eight-week terms, so most students are in Oxford for about six months in total. However, it’s a good idea to budget for nine months to cover essential costs during the holidays as well.
For more detailed information, please visit the University’s living costs webpage.
Financial Support
Oxford offers a range of financial support options depending on your fee status.
Home Students (UK, Irish, and Eligible EU Nationals)
- You can apply for a tuition fee loan from the UK government, which covers your course fees in full—so you don’t need to pay up front.
- In 2025, Oxford will provide one of the most generous bursary packages in the UK for students with a household income of around £50,000 or less.
- Extra support is available for students from households earning £32,500 or less.
- The UK government also offers living cost support for eligible Home students.
- EU/EEA/Swiss students may qualify for UK government funding if they have UK citizens’ rights (e.g. pre-settled or settled status, or Irish citizenship under the Common Travel Area).
Islands Students (Channel Islands and Isle of Man)
- Students from the Islands receive different support from their respective funding agencies.
- Please visit these links for more information:
- States of Jersey
- States of Guernsey
- Isle of Man
Overseas Students
- Overseas students should check the “Other Scholarships“ section on Oxford’s Bursaries and Scholarships page for available funding options.
Note:
If you already hold a completed undergraduate degree, you will be classified as an ELQ (Equivalent or Lower Qualification) student and may not be eligible for government or University funding.
Other Fees and Charges – Biomedical Sciences
- Year 2 (Term 3):
If you choose to do a research project, you may need to stay in Oxford after the official term ends to complete your work.- This extra time in Oxford is optional, not required.
- No financial support is available for the additional living costs, so you’ll need to budget accordingly.
- Check estimated living costs for an extra month in Oxford.
- Year 4 (Optional Master’s Year):
If you continue into the fourth year, you’ll need to be in Oxford for an extended first term (12 weeks) to begin your research project.- This means higher living costs during that term compared to the standard 8-week term.
- You will graduate with an MBiomedSci (Master’s in Biomedical Sciences) and gain valuable research experience that prepares you for postgraduate study or a range of careers.
College Life at Oxford
Colleges are a key part of what makes Oxford special. As a student, you’ll be part of:
- A college
- Your subject department(s)
- The University as a whole
This means you’ll enjoy the best of both worlds: a world-class university and a close-knit academic community.
What Do Colleges Offer?
All colleges – whether large or small – offer similar core facilities, such as:
- Porters’ Lodge (a staffed entrance and reception)
- Dining Hall
- 24/7 Library access during term time
- Student accommodation
- Teaching rooms for tutorials
- Chapel and/or music practice rooms
- Laundry facilities
- Green spaces
- Student common room (called the JCR)
Accommodation
- All first-year students are guaranteed accommodation, either on the main college site or nearby in a college annexe.
- Your neighbours will also be new students (‘freshers’), making it easier to settle in.
- Most colleges offer at least one more year of accommodation, and some provide rooms for the entire course.
- After the first year, you can choose to stay in college housing or live elsewhere—perhaps with friends from other colleges.
Support and Community
- College tutors focus on your academic progress, but they’re also happy to offer general advice.
- Additional support is available from:
- Welfare officers
- Health and wellbeing staff
- Peer supporters – trained fellow students who can offer a listening ear
- College “families” – older students who help new ones settle in
Colleges provide a safe, supportive environment where you can focus on studying, make friends, and explore countless opportunities.
Connect With Us
Oxford offers a wide range of outreach events and activities to encourage students from all backgrounds to explore university study and apply to our courses.
Ways to Get Involved:
- Department and Faculty Events:
Many academic departments run their own subject-specific outreach activities to help you discover more about their courses. - University-Wide Opportunities:
Explore the Outreach Event Calendar for upcoming events across colleges and departments. - Supercurricular Resources:
Boost your subject knowledge through:- The Digital Resource Hub
- Suggested Subject Resources
- Oxplore – our online learning platform for students aged 11–18
- UNIQ Programme:
If you attend a UK state school and are in your first year of further education, you may be eligible for UNIQ – Oxford’s free outreach programme.- Offers academic residentials in 30+ subjects
- Around 1,500 students take part each year
- Experience Oxford teaching, student life, and get support with your university application
- Application Support:
Sign up to receive step-by-step guidance through the Oxford application process.
Visit our website to learn more about widening access initiatives and the different ways you can connect with Oxford before applying.