Teaching methods
- Anatomy sessions
- Case-based learning
- Clinical skills sessions
- eLearning
- Lab sessions
- Lectures
- Practical classes
- Problem-based learning
- Prosection
- Self-study
- Small group learning
- Tutorials
- Workshops
Royal Derby Hospital, Derby, UK
Qualification | Entry Requirements | Start Date | UCAS code | Duration | Fees |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
BSc Hons | AAB | September 2025 | B121 | 3 years full-time | £9,250 per year |
Qualification | Entry Requirements | Start Date | UCAS code | Duration | Fees |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
BSc Hons | AAB | September 2025 | B121 | 3 years full-time | £9,250 per year |
5 at Higher Level in Biology or Chemistry
6.5 (no less than 6.0 in any element)
As well as IELTS (listed above), we also accept other English language qualifications. This includes TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE, GCSE, IB and O level English. Check our English language policies and equivalencies for further details
For presessional English or one-year foundation courses, you must take IELTS for UKVI to meet visa regulations.
If you need support to meet the required level, you may be able to attend a Presessional English for Academic Purposes (PEAP) course. Our Centre for English Language Education is accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK.
If you successfully complete your presessional course to the required level, you can then progress to your degree course. This means that you won't need to retake IELTS or equivalent.
Check our country-specific information for guidance on qualifications from your country
One of your A levels should be in biology or chemistry.
A pass is normally required in science practical tests, where these are assessed separately.
English language and maths at grade 4 (C) or above.
We do not accept citizenship studies, general studies, critical thinking or global perspectives.
Please note: Applicants whose backgrounds or personal circumstances have impacted their academic performance may receive a reduced offer. Please see our contextual admissions policy for more information.
We recognise that applicants have a wealth of different experiences and follow a variety of pathways into higher education.
Consequently, we treat all applicants with alternative qualifications (besides A-levels and the International Baccalaureate) on an individual basis, and we gladly accept students with a whole range of less conventional qualifications including:
This list is not exhaustive. The entry requirements for alternative qualifications can be quite specific; for example, you may need to take certain modules and achieve a specified grade in those modules. Please contact us to discuss the transferability of your qualification. Please see the alternative qualifications page for more information
International students must have valid UK immigration permissions for any courses or study period where teaching takes place in the UK. Student route visas can be issued for eligible students studying full-time courses. The University of Nottingham does not sponsor a student visa for students studying part-time courses. The Standard Visitor visa route is not appropriate in all cases. Please contact the university’s Visa and Immigration team if you need advice about your visa options.
Medical Physiology and Therapeutics is one of the progression pathways for our Science with a Foundation Year BSc course.
In order to progress on to the course you will be required to achieve the following scores:
At the University of Nottingham, we have a valuable community of mature students and we appreciate their contribution to the wider student population. You can find lots of useful information on the mature students webpage.
One of your A levels should be in biology or chemistry.
A pass is normally required in science practical tests, where these are assessed separately.
English language and maths at grade 4 (C) or above.
We do not accept citizenship studies, general studies, critical thinking or global perspectives.
5 at Higher Level in Biology or Chemistry
Please note: Applicants whose backgrounds or personal circumstances have impacted their academic performance may receive a reduced offer. Please see our contextual admissions policy for more information.
We recognise that applicants have a wealth of different experiences and follow a variety of pathways into higher education.
Consequently, we treat all applicants with alternative qualifications (besides A-levels and the International Baccalaureate) on an individual basis, and we gladly accept students with a whole range of less conventional qualifications including:
This list is not exhaustive. The entry requirements for alternative qualifications can be quite specific; for example, you may need to take certain modules and achieve a specified grade in those modules. Please contact us to discuss the transferability of your qualification. Please see the alternative qualifications page for more information.
Medical Physiology and Therapeutics is one of the progression pathways for our Science with a Foundation Year BSc course.
In order to progress on to the course you will be required to achieve the following scores:
At the University of Nottingham, we have a valuable community of mature students and we appreciate their contribution to the wider student population. You can find lots of useful information on the mature students webpage.
In your final year, there is an opportunity to study abroad on the Tropical Medicine and Beyond module which is based at our Malaysia campus. The module is open to students across the faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, and places are awarded on a competitive basis.
For your final year there is an opportunity to study abroad on the Tropical Medicine and Beyond module based at our Malaysia campus. The optional module is open to students across the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Places are limited and awarded on a competitive basis.
*For full details including fees for part-time students and reduced fees during your time studying abroad or on placement (where applicable), see our fees page.
If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed using guidance issued by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) .
You should factor some additional costs into your budget, alongside your tuition fees and living expenses. This may include:
You should be able to access most of the books you'll need through our libraries, though you may wish to purchase your own copies.
Please note that these figures are approximate and subject to change.
The Medical Physiology and Therapeutics Scholarship awards £1,000 to first year students on the BSc Medical Physiology and Therapeutics course. Up to three scholarships are available. If your application is successful you will be awarded a one-off payment in the first year of your study.
International students
We offer a range of international undergraduate scholarships for high-achieving international scholars who can put their Nottingham degree to great use in their careers.
As a student on this course, you should factor some additional costs into your budget, alongside your tuition fees and living expenses such as travel and accommodation. Costs may include:
You should be able to access most of the books you'll need through our libraries, though you may wish to purchase your own copies.
The Medical Physiology and Therapeutics Scholarship awards £1,000 to first year students on the BSc Medical Physiology and Therapeutics course. Up to three scholarships are available. If your application is successful you will be awarded a one-off payment in the first year of your study.
Home students*
Over one third of our UK students receive our means-tested core bursary, worth up to £1,000 a year. Full details can be found on our financial support pages.
* A 'home' student is one who meets certain UK residence criteria. These are the same criteria as apply to eligibility for home funding from Student Finance.
Biomedical sciences play a vital role in everyone's lives. They help us understand how our bodies work, what can go wrong with our bodies, and how we fix them. Our Medical Physiology and Therapeutics BSc degree, based in Derby, is a chance to learn about the body from its molecular level all the way through to the full complexity of the body as a whole.
Located at the University of Nottingham’s School of Medicine based within the Royal Derby Hospital, you will be taught in our specialist facilities within our purpose-built medical school.
We teach you the medical sciences, with a focus on physiology, pharmacology, pathology, anatomy, immunology, microbiology, and psychosocial topics, through the human biosciences. You also have the option to tailor the course to your needs and interests as you go, through a variety of specialised optional modules. Contact hours with tutors are variable dependent on the modules you choose.
You will benefit from our friendly team of clinical and non-clinical teachers and the strong relationship with our Graduate Entry Medicine and foundation year medical students who are also based at the Royal Derby Hospital.
We will give you the tools to succeed in your future career.
Biomedical sciences play a vital role in everyone's lives. They help us understand how our bodies work, what can go wrong with our bodies, and how we fix them. Our BSc Medical Physiology and Therapeutics degree, based in Derby, is a chance to learn about the body from its molecular level all the way through to the full complexity of the body as a whole.
Located at the University of Nottingham’s School of Medicine at the Royal Derby Hospital, you’ll study at our purpose-built medical school which is also the base for Graduate Entry Medicine and Foundation year to Medicine students.
From year one, we’ll teach you the basic medical sciences, from physiology, pharmacology, pathology, anatomy - through to immunology and microbiology.
You’ll also gain relevant practical skills. In year two, study emphasis progresses towards disease states, diagnostics, therapeutics and patient management - whilst psychosocial topics are integrated to provide a more holistic view of health and illness. Year three studies forge a research emphasis, and the year culminates with an independent research project.
We understand you’ll have different study interests so during year two and three you can personalize your studies with a variety of specialised optional modules.
You will benefit from our friendly team of clinicians, academics and researchers who are based at the Royal Derby Hospital and you’ll become equipped in core scientific and academic skills beneficial for your future career aspirations. We will give you the tools you need to succeed in your future career.
This online prospectus has been drafted in advance of the academic year to which it applies. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publishing, but changes (for example to course content) are likely to occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of the course. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply for the course where there has been an interval between you reading this website and applying.
Mandatory
Year 1
Cell Structure and Function
Mandatory
Year 1
Infection and Defence
Mandatory
Year 1
Movement
Mandatory
Year 1
Study and Academic Skills
Mandatory
Year 1
Supply and Demand 1: Nutritional Supply and Demand
Mandatory
Year 1
Supply and Demand 2: Cardiovascular and Respiratory Systems
Mandatory
Year 1
Supply and Demand 3: Renal and Endocrine Systems
Mandatory
Year 2
Contemporary Insights and Skills for Medical Physiology and Therapeutics
Mandatory
Year 2
Neuroscience
Mandatory
Year 2
Pharmacology and Therapeutics
Mandatory
Year 2
Reproduction
Optional
Year 2
Cancer Biology
Optional
Year 2
Cardiovascular Diseases
Optional
Year 2
Respiratory Diseases
Optional
Year 2
Skeletal muscle in health and disease
Mandatory
Year 3
Personal and Professional Development
Mandatory
Year 3
Research Design, Research Methods and Statistics
Mandatory
Year 3
Research Project and Audit
Optional
Year 3
Ageing Systems Physiology
Optional
Year 3
The Cellular Basis of Disease
Optional
Year 3
Clinical Toxicology
Optional
Year 3
Rehabilitation and Long Term Conditions
The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer, but is not intended to be construed or relied on as a definitive list of what might be available in any given year. This content was last updated on Wednesday 19 June 2024. Due to timetabling availability, there may be restrictions on some module combinations.
This module will introduce students to the study of molecular and cellular biology, cell structure and function. The module will include an overview of structural and functional aspects of subcellular organelles, molecular biology of gene transcription and protein production, regulation of gene expression including basic concepts of epigenetics, introductory genetic inheritance and basic concepts of experimental design and quality assurance. A strong emphasis is placed on the acquisition of transferable skills through early laboratory experience. This module will develop students' practical and scientific method and writing skills. and encourage students to integrate theoretic knowledge with practical and transferable skills.
This module provides an overview of medical microbiology and immunology to give an understanding of how the body defends itself against pathogens. You will study the pathogenic mechanisms of infectious disease and will learn how the immune system responds to foreign agents and pathogenic organisms. Exploring the epidemiology, aetiology and the principles of treatment of selected systemic infections will help to place the subject matter in a medical context which is further consolidated by the basic theory underlying immunisation and anti-microbial strategies. This module is delivered through lectures and lab-based practical sessions.
In this module you will get an introduction to the study of musculoskeletal and nervous systems in the context of medical physiology and neuroscience. The module will cover the normal anatomy, physiology, and cell biology of skin and connective tissue, types of muscle and bone, before moving on to discuss joint structure, biomechanics, the nervous system, and the control of locomotion. This module is delivered through a mix of lectures, lab work, anatomy workshops, and group tutorials.
The aim of this module is to give you a good foundation in transferrable academic and study skills, numeracy skills and statistics to build upon as you progress in the course. It introduces essential aspects needed for research including good experimental study design, ethical consideration and communication skills as a broad base for future research. The need to develop full academic potential is encouraged through independent-learning, and reinforced via formative assessment activities and personal tutor input.
The aim of the module is to introduce you to the fundamental biomedical disciplines of haematology and biochemistry. The haematological content will provide a basis for understanding aspects related to diseases affecting blood. Basic knowledge regarding nutrition, metabolism, and digestion will allow broad understanding of the relationship between diet, production of energy and health, and appreciation of factors affecting metabolic balance and whole body homeostasis. You will have lectures, tutorials and lab-based practical sessions for this module.
This module aims to provide a detailed understanding of the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems, associated pathologies and investigative techniques, to underpin further study at subsequent levels. Transferrable skills are also introduced at an early stage to strengthen the development of core academic skills.
The aim of the module is to provide an introduction to the organisation, structural features and functions of the endocrine system and renal system and to describe the homeostatic role of these systems in health. The content enables the exploration of the biological effect of select common disorders affecting growth and development will be used to introduce a knowledge and understanding of human pathophysiology and to develop problem-solving and inquisitive skills in healthcare science.
This module aims to enhance and consolidate study and academic skills, demonstrate how the interplay between science, society and individuals impacts on health, and expand awareness of contemporary areas in medical physiology and therapeutics. Diverse topics spanning academic, practical, sociological, biological, statistical arenas are included in readiness for undergraduate studies and future employment. Practical application of information is essential as is involvement in group discussion and debate.
This module aims to further develop your understanding of human neurobiology from modules taken in year one. The module provides an overview of the anatomy, physiology, molecular, and cognitive aspects of nervous system function. The pathology of nervous system disease and injury is taught alongside a wide range of practical neurodiagnostic techniques; both current and developing therapeutic approaches are considered. This module is made up of lab work and taught classes, including some problem-based learning exercises. You may also share a large number of your lectures and undertake problem-based learning sessions with our medical students. This is especially useful if you are considering applying for graduate entry medicine after your degree in medical physiology and therapeutics.
This compulsory module provides an overview of pharmacology (drug action) and therapeutics (the treatment of disease using drugs and other non-pharmacological methods) to help underpin study in other modules in years two and three. In addition, through seminars from clinical academics and case studies, you will learn about the principles of the therapeutic approach in a range of common diseases (e.g. diabetes, renal disease and cancer). Assessment of learning in the module includes use of an innovative ‘integrated therapeutics’ essay, in which you are able to demonstrate in-depth scientific understanding of the modern multi-pronged approach to treatment of disease.
In this module you will examine the core concepts in human reproduction. The emphasis of the module will be on physiological and biomedical mechanisms that underpin both male and female reproductive function, including pregnancy and birth. You will also learn about factors contributing to infertility and the main pathophysiological mechanisms implicated. Options available for treating infertility and the impact of the environment on reproductive outcomes will also be discussed. This module will consist of lectures and tutorials and scheduled problem-based learning sessions.
Examine a selection of acquired and inherited cancers, and develop an understanding of the role of the genes involved and how they can be analysed. To study for this module you will have a two- or three-hour lecture once per week.
This module aims to teach the major methods for diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the cardiovascular system. Core anatomy and physiology is delivered alongside applied teaching focused on the acquisition of clinical diagnostic skills including, palpation, sphygmomanometry, auscultation, and electrocardiography. This knowledge will need to be applied to mock clinical cases and a detailed report on the findings of the diagnostic tests from one of these cases will be assessed. This module will allow students to develop generic clinical skills, consolidate previous learning, and develop group work and written communication skills.
This module extends basic understanding of respiratory physiology. You will develop an understanding of the biomedical basis for a range of common respiratory diseases in the UK (e.g. occupational, chronic obstructive lung disease and lung cancer), and the means by which they are investigated and diagnosed. Principles of management will also be discussed. You will also develop a wide range of clinical skills for diagnosis, including: percussion and basic palpation of the chest wall and thorax, auscultation of the breath sounds. The core anatomy and physiology will be delivered alongside applied teaching which focuses on the acquisition of clinical diagnostic skills in practical classes. The module facilitates the development of group work and written communication skills and requires you to apply your knowledge to mock clinical cases and write a detailed case study report.
This module deals with the major factors influencing skeletal muscle structure and function in the context of medical physiology and therapeutics. It covers topics including physical activity and skeletal muscle health, nutrition and skeletal muscle health, and ageing and skeletal muscle health. It also explores clinical and research-based techniques for assessing muscle metabolism, structure and function.
Core physiology content is delivered alongside applied teaching, which focuses on the acquisition of practical skills relevant to both clinical and research environments, and allows students to apply and develop generic skills such as group work, data handling and written communication skills. The module requires that students apply their knowledge from lectures and practical sessions to write a persuasive report for a non-specialist audience, based on their understanding of the importance of skeletal muscle health.
This compulsory module has two main aims: to help you to develop ‘employability’ skills and skills for lifelong learning such as reflective practice. The module is delivered by academic staff in the school, with the help of advisers from the University’s Careers Service, external speakers and Nottingham alumni. Speakers come from a range of disciplines, including laboratory research, clinical research, physiological measurement commercial/government organisations as well as medical school graduates talking about their careers. By the end of the module, you will have learned about your strengths and weaknesses and reflected on these in a meaningful way, preparing you for life after graduation.
In this module you will learn specific methods for carrying out your own research in the medical and biomedical sciences. It will prepare you for research project work in a variety of settings covering topics such as literature searching, compiling bibliographies, advanced medical statistics, scientific writing, evidence-based health and clinical trial and design among others. You will study via lectures and workshops.
This module will fully immerse you in the research environment providing you with direct experience of contemporary research in the biomedical and clinical sciences. This enables the development of the practical and organisational skills needed for a career in scientific or clinical research. You will undertake a project that reflects the research activities of the School of Medicine by designing, planning and carrying out a research project under the guidance of an academic supervisor. The form of the research project will vary and can include laboratory-based work and/or clinical, patient-based studies.
This module aims to equip students with a strong foundation in ageing physiology, coupled to a solid understanding of how research has informed this knowledge base. Uniquely, this module will provide clinical and societal context for students to understand the implications of age-associated changes in physiology across multiple body systems, with a number of sessions exploring how this has influenced recommendations (medical and lifestyle-based) for an ageing population.
Students are also expected to develop a number of transferrable skills such as written and oral presentation skills, in addition to key academic skills of contextualising and linking knowledge. By the end of the module students should be able to describe, in detail, the major age-associated changes in physiology across a number of body systems, and explain the impact of these changes in a number of spheres.
This module deals with the major physiological changes that occur with advancing age across a number of body systems, and relate these changes the both clinical and lifestyle considerations for an ageing population. Content will include:
This module will introduce students to core concepts related to aberrant cellular signalling and diseases. The content will focus on several diseases, such as cancer, dysfunctions of the CNS, cardiovascular disease etc., and consider the symptoms, basis of the pathophysiology, and therapeutic treatments. Practical methods used to investigate the diseases will also be taught, and combined with complementary laboratory practical classes and tutorials.
This module will cover the basic principles of toxicology, molecular mechanisms and specific organ toxicities. These principles will be reinforced by a number of clinical cases based in important xenobiotics, toxic mechanism, target organ and toxic outcome.
This module will introduce you to some of the evidence which currently underpins rehabilitation and the management of long term conditions. Rather than discussing a variety of diagnoses, you will focus on a neurological condition which affects young adults and use this from which the group can discuss common clinical problems and the contribution of different rehabilitation services. Initially, lectures will provide you with an overview of the condition and the underlying pathology. This will enable a review of knowledge of neuroanatomy and physiology and allow you to consider the action of different prescription drugs. Through a combination of lectures, small group discussions and workshops, you will gain an overview of the challenges which patients, relatives and members of the multi-disciplinary team experience when treating or living with a long term condition which has a marked impact on mobility and other activities. You will obtain an understanding of the secondary consequences and risks of a long term condition and the variables which can impede or facilitate rehabilitation.
Medical Physiology and Therapeutics students have around eight to 17 hours contact time per week covering lectures, practicals, workshops, tutorials and seminars.
There are usually around four to nine lectures each week lasting around an hour or so. Contact hours are variable dependent on the modules you choose.
Teaching is delivered through a mixture of in-person and online methods. The majority of your teaching will be in person.
Students are expected to spend around 20 to 30 hours per week on self-study.
Class sizes are around 20 to 30 for practicals and tutorials and around 60 for lectures depending on the module.
As a graduate you'll have obtained a broad range of skills valued by employers. Our students regularly go on to further study or jobs in areas such as:
Beyond biomedical sciences and the healthcare industry, graduates have also gone on to careers in areas including:
Students from the course have secured employment with a variety employers, including:
96.50% of undergraduates from the school of Medicine secured graduate level employment or further study within 15 months of graduation. The average annual starting salary for these graduates was £35,089.
HESA Graduate Outcomes (2017- 2021 cohorts). The Graduate Outcomes % is calculated using The Guardian University Guide methodology. The average annual salary is based on graduates working full-time within the UK.
Studying for a degree at the University of Nottingham will provide you with the type of skills and experiences that will prove invaluable in any career, whichever direction you decide to take.
Throughout your time with us, our Careers and Employability Service can work with you to improve your employability skills even further; assisting with job or course applications, searching for appropriate work experience placements and hosting events to bring you closer to a wide range of prospective employers.
Have a look at our careers page for an overview of all the employability support and opportunities that we provide to current students.
The University of Nottingham is consistently named as one of the most targeted universities by Britain’s leading graduate employers (Ranked in the top ten in The Graduate Market in 2013-2020, High Fliers Research).
Royal Derby Hospital is based in the city of Derby, around 15 miles from Nottingham. This modern, purpose-built building offers you all the facilities you need to study. You will have access to laboratories and anatomy, clinical skills and computer suites.
Royal Derby Hospital is based in the city of Derby, around 15 miles from Nottingham. This modern, purpose-built building offers you all the facilities you need to study. You will have access to laboratories and anatomy, clinical skills and computer suites.
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
5 years full-time
Qualification
BMBS
Entry requirements
AAA
UCAS code
A100
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
5 years full-time
Qualification
BMBS
Entry requirements
AAA
UCAS code
A10L
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
6 years full-time
Qualification
BMBS
Entry requirements
BBC
UCAS code
A108
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
3 years full-time
Qualification
BSc Hons
Entry requirements
ABB
UCAS code
B131
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
4 years full-time
Qualification
MSci Hons
Entry requirements
AAA
UCAS code
B130
Faculty of Science
3 years full-time
Qualification
BSc Hons
Entry requirements
AAB - ABB
UCAS code
FC17
Faculty of Science
4 years full-time
Qualification
MSci Hons
Entry requirements
AAA-AAB
UCAS code
FC1R
Faculty of Science
4 years full-time
Qualification
MSci Hons
Entry requirements
AAA-AAB
UCAS code
CF71
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
4 years full-time
Qualification
BMBS
Entry requirements
Minimum of a 2:2 degree in any discipline
UCAS code
A101
If you’re looking for more information, please head to our help and support hub, where you can find frequently asked questions or details of how to make an enquiry.
If you’re looking for more information, please head to our help and support hub, where you can find frequently asked questions or details of how to make an enquiry.