5 Reasons to Study Medical Sciences or Biomedical Science at Bangor University
Completing an IBMS-accredited degree and accredited NHS placement is essential for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and often a prerequisite for many roles within the NHS. The curriculum at Bangor has been specifically aligned and accredited by the IBMS. If you compete a degree without IBMS accreditation and wish to become a HCPC registered Biomedical Scientist you would have to request an IBMS degree assessment and may be advised to undertake top up modules at your expense.
As well as preparing you for other roles in healthcare, such as Physician Associate, this BMedSci Medical Sciences degree also feeds our Graduate Entry Medicine degree.
Please note that additional entry requirements must be met. Full information on the course page.
The common first year means that whatever course you start on with us you have the flexibility to follow your interests as they develop and the potential to change degree at the end of your first year. Our degrees are firmly rooted in the latest research, and content is regularly updated to ensure you’ll be exposed to the cutting edge of what is a fast-moving field.
Students will gain lab experience from the first semester of their first year meaning that they spend time building valuable lab skills that are beneficial for a career in science. Our state-of-the-art labs include well-equipped cell and molecular research laboratories, a Category 2 pathogen lab and human anatomy suite with a 3D anatomy visualisation and virtual dissection tool.
Our small, friendly school allows you to get to know our academic staff very well and easily access both academic and pastoral support, enabling you to perform at your best. You won’t be lost in a lecture hall of hundreds as we focus on small group teaching, so we get to know you quickly and make sure you can thrive at Bangor.
Find the right course for you
The foundation year is a year before you start year one of your course. If you don't quite have the necessary qualifications or want to build your confidence in the subject this year prepares you for degree-level study, developing your knowledge of medical sciences together with essential academic, research, and laboratory skills.
What's the difference between 'Medical' and 'Biomedical' Science?
In both the Medical Sciences and Biomedical Science programmes, you’ll benefit from a common first year that builds a strong foundation in human biology, physiology, and the principles of disease. This common year ensures all students gain essential scientific knowledge and lab skills before progressing into more specialised areas of study. This also provides flexibility with students having the ability to transfer across programmes if they wish. Take a look below to see how these degrees differ and the different opportunities they could lead to.
Medical Sciences
Medical Sciences focuses on understanding human health and disease from both a clinical and scientific perspective. It’s ideal for students interested in the biological basis of disease and those considering a future in medicine or healthcare. The course is mapped to a pre-medical curriculum and explores the structure and function of the body’s major systems, as well as the abnormalities that lead to conditions such as diabetes, cancer, and liver disease.
Graduates of Medical Sciences are well-prepared for a variety of scientific and medical careers. The degree offers a strong foundation for postgraduate study in Medicine, Dentistry, or Veterinary Science. High-achieving students may also progress to Bangor’s Graduate Entry Medicine programme in North Wales. The course is an excellent stepping stone to our MSc in Physician Associate Studies, among other clinical pathways or allied health roles.
The Medical Sciences degree is clinically focused and constantly updated to reflect the latest developments in healthcare and research. Students gain a deep understanding of disease mechanisms and clinical case studies, with teaching that bridges the gap between science and medicine.
After the common first year, from the second year onwards, Medical Sciences students explore topics aligned with a pre-medical curriculum. You’ll study clinical case-based modules and gain insight into the structure and function of major body systems, as well as the mechanisms of disease. Teaching includes lectures, small-group tutorials, and digital anatomy sessions using the Anatomage table – a cutting-edge tool for virtual dissection and clinical simulation. The course is designed to bridge the gap between science and the theory of clinical practice, preparing you for further study in medicine or healthcare.
Biomedical Science
Biomedical Science, delves into the scientific investigation of health and disease at a cellular and molecular level. It covers a broad range of key disciplines outlined by the Institute of Biomedical Science, with subjects including genetics, microbiology, cell pathology, immunology, and blood sciences. This course is designed for students who are passionate about laboratory science and want to contribute to medical advances through research and innovation.
Biomedical Science graduates are equipped with the skills needed for careers in the NHS, pharmaceutical companies, research institutions, and biotechnology firms. Many go on to work in clinical laboratories, medical research, or science communication. The course also opens doors to the NHS Scientist Training Programme and other specialist roles in healthcare and diagnostics.
In Biomedical Science, students explore the biology of disease through a strong laboratory-based curriculum. The course includes an optional Applied Biomedical Science route, which provides practical experience aligned with NHS training standards. This hands-on approach ensures graduates are ready for both research and clinical environments.
In Biomedical Science, you’ll dive deeper into the molecular and cellular basis of disease. The course places a strong emphasis on laboratory-based learning, with modules in genetics, microbiology, immunology, and diagnostics. You’ll develop hands-on skills in modern biomedical techniques and have the opportunity to undertake research projects. Students on the Applied Biomedical Science route also gain practical experience aligned with NHS laboratory training, enhancing employability in clinical and diagnostic settings.
Got any questions? Chat to students and staff
Do you have a question about life as a Bangor University student? Our ambassadors will be happy to help you find the answer.
They can tell you more about studying here, about the amazing Clubs and Societies we have, and how they made friends and settled into life at university as a Medical Sciences student.
If you have any questions about the course, our lecturers are on hand to help. Below are some examples of frequently asked questions. Can you think of any more?
- What are the qualities of a successful Medical Sciences student at Bangor?
- How can I prepare myself to study Medical Sciences at Bangor?
- How will I know that Medical Sciences at Bangor is the right choice for me?
Our Research in Medical Sciences
Within the North Wales Medical School our research employs state-of-the-art approaches to address basic questions in medicine and/or develop applications to overcome serious unmet clinical needs. We have an overarching aim of improving the patient pathway, either by contributing new insight to fill an important gap in medical knowledge or developing applications which directly contribute to improving health and well-being.
We have a strong focus on cancer research (North West Cancer Research Institute) where our research teams are exploring the complex processes which result in the development, progression and therapeutic resistance of cancers. We’re also developing the basis for new therapies and patient monitoring technologies. This cutting-edge research feeds directly into our teaching and you’ll encounter elements both within your taught modules and especially during your research project in the third year making our degrees some of the most dynamic and up-to-date you can experience.
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