Biomedical Sciences BSc
About This Programme
The BSc Biomedical Sciences at the University of Birmingham Dubai is a three-year degree in how the human body works and what goes wrong in disease, from the major body systems down to the cellular and molecular level. It builds a strong foundation in the subject alongside an understanding of the ethical and social questions around medical science, and core research skills such as data analysis and interpretation. The course follows the same curriculum as the UK campus, with teaching in person and live online from top experts, in facilities designed for collaboration and interdisciplinary learning. Students personalise the degree through optional modules, and academically excellent students may be able to transfer to the MBChB Medicine and Surgery programme in the UK after the first year.
Course Highlights
- A University of Birmingham degree, the same as UK-based students receive, from a global top 100 university.
- Teaching in state-of-the-art laboratories in Dubai, with a curriculum that is regularly updated.
- Core research and transferable skills for a wide range of careers.
- Optional modules to personalise the degree, on a technology-enhanced campus with a diverse international community.
- A possible transfer, after Year 1, to the MBChB Medicine and Surgery programme at the Edgbaston campus in the UK for academically excellent students.
What You'll Study
Teaching combines lectures given on campus and live online from the UK with laboratory and computer-based practicals, seminars, small-group tutorials, problem-based learning and feedback sessions. Students use Canvas, the University's virtual learning environment, to share work, reach learning materials at any time and submit assignments, and enquiry-based group activities build research skills valued by employers. A personal tutor based in Dubai supports each student throughout. Assessment varies by module and can include essays and other coursework, group and individual presentations, laboratory work and formal exams. Students are told at the start of each module how and when they will be assessed, and receive feedback on each assessment within four weeks. Teaching staff listed on the course page are Dr Laila Kudsiova, Associate Professor and Programme Director of Biomedical Sciences in Dubai; Dr Sreepoorna Pramodh, Assistant Professor of Biomedical Sciences; and Dr Karim Mustafa, Assistant Professor.
Year 1
2026/27. How the human body functions and what can go wrong in disease, from the single cell to the whole body, introducing major conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disease, arthritis and diabetes and the genetics of inherited disorders. Around 25% of time is scheduled teaching and 75% independent study. Term 1: Fundamental Molecular Cell Biology, Threats and Defences; Term 2: Integrated Molecular Cell Biology, Physiology of Body Systems; Terms 1 and 2: Discover.
- Fundamental Molecular Cell Biology20 credits
- Threats and Defences20 credits
- Integrated Molecular Cell Biology20 credits
- Physiology of Body Systems20 credits
- Discover: Practical, Academic and Research Skills40 credits
Year 2
2027/28. Further core knowledge plus the chance to begin specialising in a research area linked to the College's major themes, guided by a subject expert. Students can take a year out on a work placement, or opt at the end of the year for the Year in Computer Science or the Year in Civic Leadership. Around 25% of time is scheduled teaching and 75% independent study. Compulsory modules run in Term 1 (and the Challenge module across both terms); the options run in Term 2.
- Cancer Biology and Treatment20 credits
- Infection and Immunology20 credits
- Challenge: Biomedical Skills in Practice40 credits
Choose two 20-credit optional modules.
- Integrated Physiology20 credits
- Therapeutic Tissue Regeneration20 credits
- Neurobiology of Disease20 credits
- Endocrine and Reproductive Sciences20 credits
Year 3
2028/29. Optional modules to specialise, exposure to the latest findings and advanced research techniques, and in the Spring term a substantial research project, usually laboratory-based in a research-active lab, carried out independently under supervision for ten weeks full-time. Around 15% of time is scheduled teaching and 85% independent study.
- Experimental Design and Data Interpretation20 credits
- Global challenge20 credits
- Research Project40 credits
- Personal and Academic Development0 credits
Students also choose one 40-credit optional module. The 2026 curriculum is new, and modules are still being finalised and may change; optional modules are indicative.
Entry Requirements
Applicants must meet both the University's general entry requirements and the course's own criteria. Each application is reviewed by the course's Admissions Tutor, who decides whether to make an offer.
Careers
Biomedical Sciences graduates have a strong employment record. Many go into laboratory work in universities, often as PhD students, or in hospitals, become clinical scientists or join biotechnology companies; other routes include clinical trials and marketing and management roles in biotechnology. Transferable skills also lead to careers such as teaching, accountancy, law and banking, and to management roles across many sectors. The Careers Network Dubai offers information, advice and guidance to identify options, build skills and reach opportunities.
Accreditation & Professional Recognition
The course page describes the programme as provisionally accredited by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research; the Commission for Academic Accreditation register lists it as Active, as the Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences.
Programme Details
Award
Bachelor of Science (BSc)
Start Date
September 2026 (applications closed; September 2027 details to follow)
Typical Offer
AAB-ABB, including two science A levels
Duration
3 years
Qualification
Bachelors
Subject Area
Health Sciences
Campus
Dubai
Course Type
Single honours
Study Pattern
Full time
Delivery Format
In person
Tuition Fee
AED 156,718/yr
AED 156,718 per year, full-time, for September 2026 entry. The fee covers tuition, examinations and graduation, is charged for each year of study and stays the same for the whole degree; it can be paid in full or in three instalments a year. Applications for September 2026 entry to this programme are closed, and details for September 2027 entry will be published later. Applications are made directly through the University of Birmingham Dubai Admissions portal (not UCAS), with no application fee, and are usually decided within 10 working days of all documents arriving. A non-returnable AED 5,000 deposit, deducted from tuition, is paid on accepting an offer. Scholarships of up to 30% are assessed from the application itself, with no separate form.