Why not step away from your degree for a year to dive deeper into the science that underpins clinical practice? This integrated Masters degree combines advanced biomedical teaching with hands-on research training.
Dive into the science that drives modern medicine. You’ll gain a solid understanding of the research behind biomedical topics that you are most interested in with the opportunity to undertake a novel research project in this field. Throughout the MSci Medical Sciences degree, you will explore cutting-edge developments in one of a range of specialised themes:
This programme offers medical students an excellent opportunity to explore the fundamental biomedical science underpinning medicine and experience their own biomedical research project.
Want to know more about intercalation? Discover why students choose to intercalate and register your interest to receive more information about our intercalation opportunities at the University of Birmingham.
in the world, maintaining our position in the top 100 universities globally and placing us 11th amongst UK universities
QS World University Rankings, 2026
most targeted UK university by top graduate employers for the second year
High Fliers Report, 2025
Follow your interests and explore the scientific foundations of medicine through cutting-edge research and expert-led teaching with subject-specific modules tailored to your interests.
Through a blend of lectures, seminars, and lab-based learning, the MSci equips you with the analytical and critical thinking skills essential for interpreting biomedical research and applying it to real-world clinical challenges.
You’ll take part in a variety of lectures, interactive seminars, and focused tutorials designed to explore the most important themes in your chosen discipline. You’ll embark on a four-month research project, working closely with leading academics from one of the College’s Schools. This hands-on experience will culminate in a dissertation submitted in April/May, showcasing your ability to apply knowledge, think critically, and contribute original insights to your field.
You will be assessed in a variety of ways, which will be explained by each module. The taught elements are assessed by a range of coursework assignments which is comprised of both written work and oral presentations. The dissertation is examined through a thesis, oral presentation, and supervisor’s report.
The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
The optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.
Gain advanced knowledge in one of a range of specialised biomedical themes, with subject-specific modules tailored to your interests. The programme follows two different course structures. All themes, except Cancer Sciences, will include one 40-credit subject specific module alongside a common 20-credit research skills module. By contrast, the Cancer Sciences theme has three subject specific modules with research skills embedded.
The modules listed below are for the following specialised themes:
2026/2027 session
The following must be taken:
|
Compulsory module title |
Credits |
Semester |
|---|---|---|
|
20 |
Semester 1 |
|
|
Medical Sciences Research Project |
60 |
Semester 2 |
Choose x1 40 credit optional module:
|
Optional module title |
Credits |
Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Ageing and Inflammatory Diseases | 40 | Semester 1 |
| Cardiovascular Biology | 40 | Semester 1 |
| Endocrinology and Metabolism | 40 | Semester 1 |
| Immunology and Immune-Mediated Disease | 40 | Semester 1 |
| Neurogenetics | 40 | Semester 1 |
| Neuropharmacology | 40 | Semester 1 |
Cancer Sciences is designed for intercalating Medical students who want to gain in depth knowledge and research training through practical experience in a leading cancer research centre. Birmingham is an internationally-renowned centre for translational cancer research that combines high-quality basic science and trials infrastructure with the largest clinical referral base in Europe.
The modules listed below is for the specialised theme of Cancer Sciences only.
2026/2027 session
The following must be taken:
|
Compulsory module title |
Credits |
Term |
|---|---|---|
|
Cellular and Molecular Basis of Cancer |
20 |
1 |
| Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy |
20 |
1 |
|
Genomics and genome-based therapeutics |
20 |
1 |
|
Medical Sciences Research Project |
60 |
2 |
Deputy Director of Department of Cardiovascular Sciences
Staff profile for Dr Victoria Heath, Deputy Director of the Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Director of Education and Senior Lecturer in Molecular Biology.
The College of Medicine and Health represents over a fifth of the University's population but generates nearly half of the University's research-related income. The College excels in healthcare-related research, combining clinical, patient-focused studies with exceptional basic laboratory sciences.
The MSci Medical Sciences programme benefits greatly from being taught by staff from different Schools of the College of Medicine and Health who are active research scientists engaged in a wide range of high quality research projects. In particular, this enables a broad range of taught options and research projects to be offered.
To learn more about research activities in the College of Medicine and Health, please visit our research pages.
Available for all students studying Medicine who have successfully completed their third or fourth year
Students studying medicine following successful completion of their third or fourth year and who will return to the fourth or fifth year of the MBChB course on completion of the intercalation. You will need to have a credit-weighted average mark of at least 55% in the first two years of your course. The programme is not available before you have completed at least one year of clinical training. Dental students are advised to contact the Programme Lead prior to applying.
For students studying in the UK and paying overseas fees, you will still pay overseas fees during your intercalation year. Please contact mdsintercalationenquiries@contacts.bham.ac.uk for more information.
To help with the cost of studies, undergraduate students from the UK can apply for student finance through the Student Loans Company. The support available is made up of a tuition fee loan and a maintenance loan which helps to cover living costs.
The university of Birmingham is happy to sponsor external medicine applicants for Royal College of Physicians Wolfson Bursaries, in competition with current students for the limited number of places.
Prior to intercalating, information on funding for University of Birmingham students can be found on the relevant page of the internal MBChB CANVAS course. Details and application deadlines of internal and national bursaries and awards are also sent to all students from the intercalation administration team at the start of the programme. For more details contact mdsintercalationenquiries@contacts.bham.ac.uk.
This programme is open to internal and external applicants. Please note, the programme may not run in any given academic year if there is insufficient student interest.
For any enquiries and details on how to apply for 2026 entry, please email our Intercalation team on cmhintercalationenquiries@contacts.bham.ac.uk.
If you wish to apply please email cmhintercalationenquiries@contacts.bham.ac.uk and we will send you our standard application form. External applicants must provide a transcript of marks from your current institution. Should an offer of a place be made to you we will send you any other paperwork you need to complete.
Intercalating students taking this degree are guaranteed accommodation through the University. You do not, however, need to apply through the website as the Accommodation Team will provide a bespoke service to reserve your room.
Whether you're passionate about understanding disease mechanisms, developing new therapies, or shaping the future of medicine through research, the MSci in Medical Sciences offers a transformative year that will elevate your medical training and open doors to exciting career pathways.
Your Birmingham degree is evidence of your ability to succeed in a demanding academic environment. Employers target Birmingham students for their drive, diversity, communication and problem-solving skills, their team-working abilities and cultural awareness.
Our aim is to make sure that success in your studies leads you on to a fulfilling career. Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offer support to help you identify your options, develop your skills and gain access to opportunities that propel you towards your career goal.
Hear from some of our inspiring alumni who have gone on to work for leading employers such as the UK Space Agency and BBC Sport.
Your experience studying at Birmingham will give you the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community, and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. In our student accommodation, you can enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
Our cosmopolitan city has a unique history and so much to see and do. With an ever-changing food and drink scene, a vibrant nightlife and plenty of culture, our city is more than somewhere to study.
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to our students, both before you start and throughout your time on campus.
Our beautiful campus is the place where our diverse community comes together to learn and socialise. Like a town of its own, it’s just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Explore your options for combining subjects and shape your degree around your interests, whilst developing key skills for the world of work.
Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.
