How you learn

Our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive. 

On this course you’ll apply your learning through activities that give you a deep understanding of the field. Central to the course is the development of the ability to analyse, comprehend, and communicate biomedicine and health-related knowledge.

You will be taught by academics who are specialists in their respective fields. You'll be able to apply your knowledge through engaging in-class activities, problem-solving, and discussions alongside your peers. With hands-on laboratory experiences, you will be introduced to real world problems, developing your critical thinking, a deep understanding of the scientific process and valuable skills for professional settings.

You learn through: 

• In person teaching in face-to-face seminars, tutorials and lectures.
• Practical hands-on laboratory experiences using up to date, industry standard equipment.
• Independent study.
• Online support tutorials
• Small group academic advisor sessions
• Placements, which give the opportunity use what you have learned.
• Capstone independent research projects to bring all your learning together.

Key themes

Initially, you will learn fundamental life science in semester one and apply this knowledge in depth in laboratory sessions, and apply fundamentals to more applied modules such as Human Reproduction and Endocrinology, and Epidemiology and Public health in semester 2. You will complete Observed Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) and laboratory diagnosis of patients in an applied project. 

In following years you’ll cover fundamentals in molecular and cellular biochemistry, and apply this to practical labs and an applied biotechnology project. In following years you’ll cover fundamentals in molecular and cellular biochemistry, and apply this to practical labs and an applied biotechnology project. In your final year, you’ll also learn about cutting-edge therapies and non-pharmacological interventions, and complete an independent project in our teaching labs. – or multiple projects if you continue on the MSCi route within our research centre.

Course support

With a dedicated team of passionate experts, we’re committed to providing you with all the necessary skills and experiences to thrive in industry or research careers. Supported by our experienced teaching staff and technicians, you’ll learn in small groups, gain confidence, enhance your technical skills, and create lasting friendships.

You’ll have opportunities to collaborate with other students, staff members and professionals in their field of study and research. This gives you the chance to learn from those who have experience and knowledge in your chosen field.

Course leaders and tutors

Neil Cross

Reader in Cancer Biology

Senior Lecturer in Molecular and Cellular Biology

Applied learning

Live projectsand electives

You’ll gain valuable experience in providing a practical perspective of the encounters commonly faced by scientists in the healthcare sector.

In mini-projects you’ll develop experimental design and planning abilities, as well as building confidence in practical skills. These projects lead to a more independent extended research project during the final BSc year, with further advanced projects being undertaken if you continue for an additional MSci year.

The capstone independent research projects encompass various areas – from independent laboratory research into current biomedicine and health science topics, to bioinformatics and big data, computational modelling and simulations, systematic reviews, educational development, and science communication. These are a great platform for you to showcase your learning and expertise.

Work placements 

You’ll have the opportunity to arrange a year-long work placement in between your second and third years. This gives you valuable work experience to prepare you for your future career and allows you to graduate with an Applied Professional Diploma to add to your CV. 

You can apply for placements in a wide range of institutions, including the NHS, schools and colleges, industry and medical research. If you can’t commit to a year, it’s also possible to work for a shorter amount of time on placement – such as during the summer – which can still contribute to your degree. If you’re doing your work placement in another European country there may be funding available via the Turing scheme.

You can access various support activities, resources, employer events and opportunities to help you make the most of your work experience opportunities during your degree. 

Well-known organisations students have worked with in the past include: 

• Agilent Technologies (in technical sales)
• University research laboratories
• Sheffield Clinical Trials Centre (as a clinical trials assistant)
• Contract research organisations such as Labcorp

Future careers

This course prepares you for a career in:

• Laboratory research
• University technician roles
• Laboratory science 
• The pharmaceutical industry
• Contract research organisations 
• Academic research or a PhD 
• Data analysis 
• Clinical science in the NHS
• School technician roles
• Clinical trials 

You could also progress onto postgraduate teaching or medicine courses – or pre-registration health courses such as Radiotherapy and Oncology, Radiology, Dietetics and Physician’s Associate.

Where will I study?

You study at City Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.

City Campus

City Campus is located in the heart of Sheffield, within minutes of the train and bus stations.

City Campus map | City Campus tour 

Location

Howard Street
Sheffield
S1 1WB

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Adsetts library

Adsetts Library is located on our City Campus. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.

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Entry requirements

Fees and funding

• Home students
• International students

Home students

Our tuition fee for UK students on full-time undergraduate degree courses in 2025/26 is £9,535 per year (capped at a maximum of 20% of this during your placement year). These fees are regulated by the UK government and therefore subject to change in future years. We are currently reviewing our tuition fees for the foundation year stage of this course following the Government announcement of fee changes for some foundation year courses and will confirm fees as soon as possible.

If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found in our terms and conditions under student fees regulations.

International students

Our tuition fee for International/EU students starting full-time study in 2025/26 is £17,155 per year. During your placement year you will pay a reduced fee of £1,200.

Financial support for home/EU students

How tuition fees work, student loans and other financial support available.

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Additional course costs

The links below allow you to view estimated general course additional costs, as well as costs associated with key activities on specific courses. These are estimates and are intended only as an indication of potential additional expenses. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.

General course additional costs

Additional costs for Biosciences and Chemistry (PDF, 131.3KB)

Legal information

Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.