Oxford Brookes University

What you'll study

The programme consists of an initial foundation year that develops core knowledge and practical skills required for degree-level study in medical science, followed by progression onto the BSc Medical Science subject to successful completion of the foundation year and meeting progression criteria.

• Foundation year core topics: introductory cell biology, fundamentals of human anatomy and physiology, essential chemistry for life sciences, laboratory techniques and safety, academic study skills and scientific communication, and basic statistics and data handling.
• Practical skills: routine laboratory procedures, microscopy, pipetting and solution preparation, basic molecular techniques, safe handling and disposal of biological materials, and laboratory record keeping.
• Year 1–3 degree modules (typical): human physiology across body systems, biochemistry and metabolism, cell and molecular biology, microbiology and infectious disease, pharmacology and therapeutics, immunology, clinical diagnostics and laboratory practice, research methods and statistics.
• Final year: independent research project or dissertation, advanced laboratory techniques, applied translational topics such as disease mechanisms and biomarkers, and optional modules in specialist areas (for example molecular pathology, neurobiology or public health).
• Optional experience: many students have access to short placements, laboratory internships, or project collaborations with external partners; some degree routes offer the opportunity to take a placement year to gain additional workplace experience.

Entry requirements

The foundation year is designed for applicants who do not yet meet standard undergraduate entry conditions. Typical entry routes include completion of secondary education without required A-levels, BTEC Level 3 qualifications, Access to HE certificates, or relevant work experience. Applicants are normally expected to demonstrate competence in English and mathematics at an appropriate level (for example GCSE or equivalent). International applicants should hold a recognised English language qualification equivalent to UK requirements for undergraduate study. Offers are conditional on successful completion of the foundation year for progression onto the full BSc course.

Career prospects

Graduates with a BSc in Medical Science commonly move into roles across healthcare, research and industry. Typical career paths include laboratory technician or assistant roles in NHS and private diagnostic laboratories, research assistant positions in academic or commercial research groups, roles in pharmaceutical or biotechnology companies (for example in quality control, clinical trials support or regulatory affairs), scientific sales and technical support, and science communication or teaching. Graduates also progress to postgraduate study, professional training or clinical conversion courses such as graduate-entry medicine or healthcare science specialisms, subject to additional requirements and accreditation where applicable.

Why study at Oxford Brookes University

Oxford Brookes offers a practical, skills-focused approach to medical science with modern teaching laboratories and a strong emphasis on employability. The university has links with local NHS services, research groups and industry partners that support placements and project opportunities. Students benefit from small-group teaching in laboratory classes, dedicated support through the progression from the foundation year into the degree, and the academic resources of a university located in the Oxford research and healthcare community. The course is designed to equip students with the laboratory techniques, subject knowledge and scientific communication skills valued by employers and postgraduate programmes.