Applicants must offer an Undergraduate Degree in a Life Science subject at a 2:1 classification or above. We will score the result (see 'Selection for Interview'). Applicants who have completed their degree will be at an advantage. The degrees we regard as generally suitable include:
- Biochemistry/Medical Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Biomedical Science
- Dentistry
- Human Biology
- Physiology
- Pharmacology
- Nursing (Adult, Child or Mental Health strands)
- Pharmacy
- Physiotherapy
- Psychology (British Psychological Society accredited programme)
- Neuroscience
- Veterinary Medical Sciences (must be classified, otherwise distinction)
- Medical Physiology and Therapeutics
- Tropical Disease Biology
- Neuroscience
- Natural Sciences
- Microbiology
- Genetics
Many other degrees may be suitable, but variations between different degree programmes will require each programme to be looked at individually (i.e. syllabus assessed). These include:
- Biological Sciences degrees with minority of content relating to vertebrate physiology
- Sports Science/Sports Studies
Please note that though we are flexible over our definition of a Life Science degree it must be recognised that we do not offer remedial teaching for those students with limited understanding of human biology.
We want our students to start the course with a good knowledge of human biology, including cellular processes and systems organisation and functions. The amount and type of clinical training is also a factor that we take into consideration and clinical degrees must cover the breadth of healthcare practice. With all of this in mind, we do not accept degrees such as:
- Midwifery
- Paramedic Science
- Optometry
- Radiotherapy
- Zoology
- Chemistry
- Forensic Science
- Speech and Language Therapy
- Osteopathy
- Exercise, Nutrition and Health
- Global and Social Medicine
- Professional degrees relating to medical specialities, i.e. Clinical Language Sciences
- Audiology
- Chiropractic
- Podiatry
Degrees that are focused primarily on Chemistry are not accepted.
If you do not offer an acceptable first degree, we will consider either a second undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline or a taught Masters qualification in a biomedical science discipline (only). Either qualification must have been completed and a minimum result of 2:1 or Merit must have been achieved. We will score the result from the first undergraduate degree.
Applicants with higher degrees (MSc, PhD) do not normally receive advantage in the selection process (except, see 'Consideration of Skills Development' below) but are required to complete any postgraduate qualification successfully. If you are undertaking a higher degree, you are required to have completed all components of the assessment process (including receiving formal approval of corrections for a Masters or PhD thesis) before the end of August of the same application cycle
For non-UK degrees, we must have unequivocal evidence that your result places you at a level at least equivalent to the threshold degree requirement for a UK degree.
We expect that no more than five years will elapse between the most recent and relevant qualification and the start date of the course. We will waive this requirement for anyone whose:
- Full-time employment involves clinical work with substantive responsibility for patient management (we will not waive the requirement for a role as a Health Care Assistant, for example)
- Full-time work or study requires substantial links with the science basis of medicine (we will not waive the requirement for a role as a technician, for example).
See also general entry requirements.