Medical Science (Deferred Choice) (BSc (Hons))

Course Overview

Want to study biomedical and biomolecular sciences at Newcastle but not sure which degree you want to study? This degree lets you delay choosing your specialism until the end of the first year.

At a Glance

UCAS Code
B902

UCAS Institution Name and Code
NEWC, N21

Degree Awarded
BSc Honours

Course Duration
3 Years

Entry Requirements
A Level: AAA-AAB
IB: 34-35 points

Opportunities
Study abroad
Work placement

Download course PDF

All our degrees cover the same content in the first year. You'll study a broad curriculum that introduces the different areas of biomedical sciences.

You can:

• spend your first year exploring all our specialisms
• decide which topics interest you most at the end of first year
• choose which specialism to study for the rest of your degree

We offer a wide range of degrees. They cover a diverse range of subjects related to medicine and life processes. It is an interesting and vital area of study.

Highlights of this degree

Quality and ranking

We are a National Centre of Excellence in biomedical research.

Biomedical and Biomolecular Sciences at Newcastle is highly regarded, achieving between 96-100% for overall student satisfaction across all of our subjects in the 2016 National Student Survey.

We rank in the top ten in the UK for Biomedical Sciences in The Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide 2017 (in the Subjects Allied to Medicine category).

Study at the cutting edge

Scientists working in biomedicine are at the forefront of medical developments that can save lives.

By studying one of our degrees, you're taking your first step towards a rewarding career in science.

We'll make sure you get the best start by providing expert teaching at the cutting edge of the subject.

We're a National Centre of Excellence in biomedical research and our world-leading expert staff teach at all levels on our degree programmes.

This means you graduate with the latest knowledge in human health and disease.

Boost your employability with a professional placement year

It's important to stand out in the graduate employment market, so all of our programmes are available with an optional professional placement year between Stages 2 and 3. 

You'll gain first-hand experience of working in the sector, putting your learning into practice and developing your professional expertise. If you impress your host company, it could even result in a job offer on graduation.

Placement examples could include:

• research and development
• clinical trial work
• quality and assurance
• marketing
• regulatory affairs

Once you're here, placement opportunities will be advertised. You'll be fully supported to apply, for example, through CV writing advice. 

When you've secured a placement, you will be automatically transferred onto the relevant Professional Placement Year degree programme. Work placements extend your degree by a year and are subject to availability. 

Get work experience whilst you study

We provide lots of work experience opportunities here at the University, to help you boost your employability alongside your studies.

Options include:

• vacation studentship opportunities in one of the University's research laboratories
• paid part-time work in one of our research institutes through our Laboratory Assistant scheme
• employability ambassador scheme
• student mentoring scheme

The University has an award-winning Careers Service. They can help you find suitable work, provide interview training and offer advice on your CV and application forms.

Develop advanced research skills

In your final year you complete a research project on a topic that interests you. This gives you practical experience of planning and conducting research, boosting your CV with desirable research skills.

Most students do their project work in one of our research institutes. Here, you're working alongside leading scientists. You'll develop advanced scientific skills and get an insight into a career as a researcher.

Your project may be:

• a laboratory project in one of our internationally rated research institutes
• a laboratory project in a research laboratory abroad
• a clinical study under the supervision of one of the medically qualified staff
• a project with a local school or college
• an IT-based project

Study abroad

UK and EU students can experience life in another country as part of their degree. You can choose to work or study abroad.

A year abroad boosts your CV, your confidence and your communication skills. It shows employers you embrace new experiences and gives you intercultural awareness.

We have partners across Europe and in Australia and Singapore. You can:

• study abroad at a partner university
• take a summer placement in a research laboratory overseas

Transfer to Medicine or Dentistry

There is flexibility to transfer between our degree programmes at the end of the first year if you find your interests change.

You can also apply to transfer to our Medicine or Dentistry degree. This opportunity is open to UK, EU and international students. It is competitive, with a limited number of places available. Students are selected on the basis of academic performance in the first year, a UKCAT score, a personal statement and, if shortlisted, an interview. 

Facilities

You'll be based in the School of Biomedical Sciences. The School is in the Faculty of Medical Sciences, which is also home to Dentistry, Medicine and Psychology.

Situated alongside Newcastle's RVI hospital, we're one of the largest integrated teaching/hospital complexes in the country.

Our facilities include:

• a dedicated medical library with a wide range of specialist books and journals
• large teaching laboratories
• hi-tech computer clusters and study spaces

Newcastle's vibrant city centre is just a few minutes' walk away.

Visit the School's website to watch videos by undergraduates who have recorded their experiences working in our labs and find out what former students have done since graduating.

Teaching and assessment

You'll learn through a combination of lectures, practical laboratory classes and small group seminars.

You also have the chance to attend optional research talks, aimed especially at first-year students, as part of our biomedicine+ programme.

Assessment is by examinations and coursework assignments. These include:

• practical assessments
• seminar tasks
• written work

Teaching and assessment methods may vary from module to module. More information about each module including specific assessment methods, credits and contact hours, can be found in the Course Details section.

Support and settling in

We provide plenty of support to help you successfully move from school to university study. We'll help you settle in quickly and are here if you have any issues.

We support you through:

• a personal tutor