MSci Medical Science
-
UCAS code
C753 -
A level offer
ABB -
Year of entry
2027/28 -
Course duration
Full Time: 4 Years
-
Year of entry
2027/28 -
Course duration
Full Time: 4 Years
Gain the knowledge, research and practical experience to work at the forefront of modern medicine on this integrated MSci Medical Science course.
The MSci follows the standard undergraduate curriculum but with an additional year of study and a master's level qualification.
Focus on the science that underpins medicine, and how medical science can lead to new ways of diagnosing and treating disease. This course covers topics such as biomedical laboratory research and frontline clinical care in order to improve patients’ lives.
Led by the School of Biological Sciences, You will be taught by academics whose research is aimed at understanding disease mechanisms, improving diagnoses, developing new therapies and advancing clinical practice. Everyone who teaches you has on-the-ground experience.
100% of our students said teaching staff are good at explaining things and that the course has developed the knowledge and skills they think they will need for their future (National Student Survey 2026, responders from BSc Medical Science).
Your learning structure
This course offers the flexibility to explore a variety of topics, ranging from molecular, genetic and cellular levels through to diagnostics, treatments and interventions. You will have the opportunity to study the link between biomedical science and human anatomy and physiology in the healthy and diseased state and determine how it informs disease understanding, diagnosis and treatment.
You will learn to learn about a wide range of diagnostic equipment used to detect and monitor diseases, assess injuries, and evaluate overall health. You will have the opportunity to explore a range of diseases and their treatments, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, pathological infections and neurological disorders – all of which present major challenges to global health.
You will have the opportunity to carry out a year-long industrial placement between your second and final year. Student in previous years have worked at Diamond Light Source, Public Health England, GSK, and Covance. You can also choose to spend a year abroad, typically carrying out research in an academic laboratory.
You will have the opportunity to undertake paid vacation studentships funded by organisations such as the Wellcome Trust. These can take place over six weeks during the summer break, or be carried out part-time over a longer period. During studentships you will typically work on a set project and benefit from valuable training in techniques, experimental design and the interpretation of data.
Overview
Gain the knowledge, research and practical experience to work at the forefront of modern medicine on this integrated MSci Medical Science course.
The MSci follows the standard undergraduate curriculum but with an additional year of study and a master's level qualification.
Focus on the science that underpins medicine, and how medical science can lead to new ways of diagnosing and treating disease. This course covers topics such as biomedical laboratory research and frontline clinical care in order to improve patients’ lives.
Led by the School of Biological Sciences, You will be taught by academics whose research is aimed at understanding disease mechanisms, improving diagnoses, developing new therapies and advancing clinical practice. Everyone who teaches you has on-the-ground experience.
100% of our students said teaching staff are good at explaining things and that the course has developed the knowledge and skills they think they will need for their future (National Student Survey 2026, responders from BSc Medical Science).
Learning
Your learning structure
This course offers the flexibility to explore a variety of topics, ranging from molecular, genetic and cellular levels through to diagnostics, treatments and interventions. You will have the opportunity to study the link between biomedical science and human anatomy and physiology in the healthy and diseased state and determine how it informs disease understanding, diagnosis and treatment.
You will learn to learn about a wide range of diagnostic equipment used to detect and monitor diseases, assess injuries, and evaluate overall health. You will have the opportunity to explore a range of diseases and their treatments, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, pathological infections and neurological disorders – all of which present major challenges to global health.
You will have the opportunity to carry out a year-long industrial placement between your second and final year. Student in previous years have worked at Diamond Light Source, Public Health England, GSK, and Covance. You can also choose to spend a year abroad, typically carrying out research in an academic laboratory.
You will have the opportunity to undertake paid vacation studentships funded by organisations such as the Wellcome Trust. These can take place over six weeks during the summer break, or be carried out part-time over a longer period. During studentships you will typically work on a set project and benefit from valuable training in techniques, experimental design and the interpretation of data.
Entry requirements A Level ABB
Writing your personal statement
We recognise that you may be applying to multiple courses using the same UCAS form. UCAS provides guidance on writing a personal statement that works for multiple courses.
If you'd prefer to focus your personal statement on your other course choices, please send us a short additional supporting statement outlining your motivation for studying medical science. Please email this to ugadmissions@reading.ac.uk with your personal ID number, and we’ll add this to your record for consideration when reviewing your application.
Typical offers
Our typical offers are expressed in terms of A level, BTEC and International Baccalaureate requirements. However, we also accept many other qualifications.
ABB with B in Biology, or BBB with B in Biology and B in a second science subject.
Acceptable second science subjects: Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Further Maths, Statistics, Psychology, Geography, Environmental Science/Studies, Applied Science, Geology, Computer Science.
International Baccalaureate
32 points including 5 in Biology at higher level.
30 points including 5 in Biology and a second science subject, both at higher level.
Extended Project Qualification
In recognition of the excellent preparation that the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) provides to students for University study, we can now include achievement in the EPQ as part of a formal offer.
BTEC Extended Diploma
DDD. Applicants taking the Applied Science (2016) course must be taking 2 Chemistry units and 2 Biology units from the following list:
Chemistry units:
- Biological Molecules and Metabolic Pathways (10)
- Applications of Inorganic Chemistry (13)
- Applications of Organic Chemistry (14)
- Industrial Chemical Reactions (18)
- Practical Chemical Analysis (19)
- Forensic Evidence, Collection and Analysis (23)
Biology units:
- Physiology of Human Body Systems (8)
- Human Regulation and Reproduction (9)
- Genetics and Genetic Engineering (11)
- Diseases and Infections (12)
- Microbiology and Microbiological Techniques (17)
- Biomedical Science (20).
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5, with no component below 5.5
For information on other English language qualifications, please visit our international student pages.
Alternative entry requirements for International and EU students
For country specific entry requirements look at entry requirements by country.
International Foundation Pathway
If you are an international or EU student and do not meet the requirements for direct entry to this degree, you can join the University of Reading’s International Foundation Programme (IFP).
International Foundation Programme – September entry
Successful completion of the International Foundation Programme, along with any other relevant degree entry requirements, guarantees you the opportunity of a place on your chosen undergraduate degree.
Learn more about our International Foundation Pathways
Pre-sessional English language programme
If you need to improve your English language score you can take a pre-sessional English course prior to entry onto your degree.
Structure
Compulsory modules include:
| Code | Module | Convenor |
|---|---|---|
| BI1AP3 | Anatomy and Physiology | DR Natasha Barrett |
| BI1CMP1 | Cellular and Molecular Principles of Life | PROF Phillip Dash |
| BI1FM1 | Fundamentals of Microbiology | DR Geraldine Mulley |
| BI1HP2 | Human Pathology | DR Sam Boateng |
| BI1PE2 | Essentials of Physics for Medicine | DR Yoshikatsu Hayashi |
| PM1PS1 | Professional Skills for Healthcare 1 | DR Lizzy Lander |
Optional modules include:
| Code | Module | Convenor |
|---|---|---|
| BI1FB2 | Fundamentals of Biochemistry | PROF Alice Pollitt |
| BI1HRD2 | Human Reproduction and Development in Health and Disease | DR Susanna Cogo |
| BI1MA3 | Mathematics | PROF Slawomir Nasuto |
| BI1PE2 | Essentials of Physics for Medicine | DR Yoshikatsu Hayashi |
| BI1PR3 | Programming | DR Evangelos Delivopoulos |
| BI1RM3 | Robotics in Medicine and Prosthetics | DR Yoshikatsu Hayashi |
These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Compulsory modules include:
| Code | Module | Convenor |
|---|---|---|
| BI2CM1 | Advanced Studies in Cellular and Molecular Biology | DR Eva Kevei |
| BI2HI1 | Haematology and Immunology | DR Natasha Barrett |
| BI2MG2 | Medical Genetics | DR William Cross |
| BI2PPI1 | Principles of Physical Interventions in Medicine | DR Lindsey Thompson |
| BI2RP3 | Research and Professional Skills | DR Renee Lee |
Optional modules include:
| Code | Module | Convenor |
|---|---|---|
| BI2AB1 | Applied Biochemistry: from Disease to Diagnostics | DR Francoise Mazet |
| BI2BCB2 | Bioinformatics and Computational Biology | PROF Liam McGuffin |
| BI2HI1 | Haematology and Immunology | DR Natasha Barrett |
| BI2ID2 | Infectious Diseases | DR Aidan J Taylor |
| BI2ME2 | Medical Equipment | DR Lindsey Thompson |
| BI2MM2 | Molecular Microbiology | PROF Simon Andrews |
| BI2PPI1 | Principles of Physical Interventions in Medicine | DR Lindsey Thompson |
| BI2SI1 | Biomedical Signal Processing and Imaging | DR Sillas Hadjiloucas |
| BI2SW2 | Biomedical Sensors and Wearable Technology | EUR ING PROF Simon Sherratt |
| PM2IAP | Integrated Anatomy and Physiology | DR Sarah Greenwood |
| PM2MHC | Medicines in Healthcare | PROF Kenneth Shankland |
| PM2SPA | Selected Pathologies | DR Lizzy Lander |
These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Compulsory modules include:
| Code | Module | Convenor |
|---|---|---|
| BI3DIR1 | Diagnostic Imaging and Radiotherapy for Cancer | DR Lindsey Thompson |
| BI3RP3 | Research Project | DR Francoise Mazet |
Optional modules include:
| Code | Module | Convenor |
|---|---|---|
| BI3AM2 | Applied Microbiology | DR Glyn Barrett |
| BI3CB2 | Cardiovascular Biology | PROF David Leake |
| BI3CCC2 | Cancer and Cell Communication | DR Mike Fry |
| BI3CS3 | Clinical Skills | DR Lindsey Thompson |
| BI3DIR1 | Diagnostic Imaging and Radiotherapy for Cancer | DR Lindsey Thompson |
| BI3EN1 | Endocrinology | DR Nandini Vasudevan |
| BI3FOR2 | Forensics | DR Dyan Sellayah |
| BI3IB2 | Integrated Biochemistry | DR Chris Jones |
| BI3NS2 | Neuroscience | DR Nandini Vasudevan |
| BI3P1 | Pathogens | DR Simon Clarke |
| BI3SBT1 | Synthetic Biology and Tissue Engineering | DR Evangelos Delivopoulos |
| BI3VP1 | Venoms and Poisons: from Pharmacology to Therapeutics | PROF Phillip Dash |
| BI3ZE2 | Epidemiology of Zoonotic Diseases | DR Glyn Barrett |
| PM3IPD1 | Innovation and Product Development | DR Suha Dadou |
| FB3GUT | Gut Microbiota and Health | DR Marie Lewis |
These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Compulsory modules
Advanced Research Project
Undertake a significant, independent research project, working alongside experienced academics on cutting-edge medical research.
Critical Analysis and Problem Solving
Understanding scientific literature is an essential skill for a successful career in research. Learn how to critically evaluate research and how to develop your own conclusions from the data presented.
Project Planning, Laboratory Skills and Experimental Design
Learn how to research the background, plan and design experiments and execute a research project successfully. Develop a range of key biomedical research techniques used in both academic and commercial applications of biomedical science, and learn the most appropriate methods to use when conducting your own research.
These are the modules we currently offer for 2024/25 entry. They may be subject to change as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they're informed by the latest teaching and research methods.
Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.
You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.
Fees
New UK/Republic of Ireland students: The home tuition fee for 2027 entry is £10,050. The home tuition fee is subject to annual increases in subsequent years of study.
New international students: £31,800 for 2027/28. The International tuition fee is subject to annual increases in subsequent years of study as set out in your student contract. For more details, please visit our Fees for International Students page.
Tuition fees
To find out more about how the University of Reading sets its tuition fees, see our fees and funding pages.
Additional costs
Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.
Financial support for your studies
You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.
Become a Global Sustainability Leaders Scholar
This exciting new undergraduate scholarship scheme is focused on creating a community of global sustainability leaders of the future. We are offering up to 400 scholarships per year, for high-achieving students from the UK and overseas.
Each scholar will receive £6,000 a year for maintenance and living costs, for up to four years of full-time study on their course (subject to terms and conditions).
Find out more about the Global Sustainability Leaders Scholarship scheme.
Careers
This degree offers a broad curriculum preparing you for a career in medical research, clinical trials, drug development, public health, with opportunities to pursue further studies in clinical or biomedical fields. You will also develop valuable transferable skills ensuring you are highly desirable in a wide variety of careers.
Overall, 91% of graduates from the School of Biological Sciences are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation (Based on our HESA data (c) HESA 2024, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021/2021, includes all School of Biological Sciences responders).
Build the skills to succeed in your career – and contribute to a sustainable future
At the University of Reading, we help you turn your environmental and sustainability values into opportunities that make a difference to your career and the wider world.
Employers are already reshaping their businesses to respond to climate change, and they increasingly value graduates with expertise in environmental stewardship – one of the fastest-growing skill areas (World Economic Forum, Future of Jobs Report 2025).
During your time at Reading, you’ll have access to a wide range of opportunities and support. This will help you graduate with the knowledge and confidence to tackle environmental and sustainability challenges in your career.
In 2025, the University of Reading won the AGCAS Green Careers Award. Judges highlighted the impact of our Careers service and the positive outcomes our students achieve.
Explore climate and sustainability initiatives you can get involved with as a student at Reading.

