Undergraduate · UCL Biomedical Sciences
UCL's Biomedical Sciences BSc starts with a broad first year and lets you choose one of five specialisms once enrolment is confirmed. Entry requires both Biology and Chemistry, with Mathematics preferred. That differs from Oxford's Biomedical Sciences, which needs only two of four subjects and an ESAT, and from engineering degrees such as Imperial's Biomedical Engineering. This guide is written for families planning 2028 entry. Everything cycle-specific in it was last verified for 2027 entry, so treat it as the best guide to preparation and not as the 2028 requirement.
Official information · last verified for 2027 entry
Taken from UCL's official Biomedical Sciences BSc course page and read on 25 October 2026. For a normal 2028-entry application, made in 2027, every requirement below is last verified for the previous cycle and may change; UCL's 2028-entry requirements and dates are awaiting publication.
The A-level requirement is AAA, with Biology and Chemistry required and Mathematics preferred, and English Language and Mathematics at GCSE grade B or 6. The contextual offer is AAB with AA in Biology and Chemistry. At least two A level subjects should come from UCL's preferred list.
The IB requirement is 38 points, with a total of 18 points in three Higher Level subjects including 6 in both Biology and Chemistry, plus Mathematics preferred, with no Higher Level score below 5. Either Mathematics syllabus is accepted.
The BSc offers Cells and Molecules, Control Systems, Developmental Biology, Drug Mechanisms, and Organs and Systems. Students choose one from Year 2, once enrolment is confirmed. The specialisms may have additional requirements.
In Year 1 students take eight 15-credit core modules. In Year 3 they complete either a laboratory-based research project (45 credits) or a literature-based dissertation (30 credits).
Official sources
Read on 25 October 2026 on UCL's Biomedical Sciences BSc course page, which describes 2027 entry. The preferred A level subjects list, UCL's selection process page and fees were not read. The page read lists no admissions test and no interview.
The course
UCL says the three-year BSc gives a comprehensive understanding across a wide range of medical sciences, then lets you develop your own specialism. Year 1 covers core subjects spanning the life and biosciences, from molecules to populations. From Year 2 students choose one of five specialisms. In the final year they complete either a collaborative laboratory-based research project or a literature-based dissertation. The UCAS code is B990. UCL says the specialisms are chosen once enrolment is confirmed, so applicants apply to the main course.
Reading the offer
The subject rule is the filter.
AAA with Biology and Chemistry required and Mathematics preferred. For the contextual offer, AAB with AA in Biology and Chemistry.
English Language and Mathematics at grade B or 6.
38 points with 18 in three Higher Level subjects, including 6 in both Biology and Chemistry and no Higher Level score below 5.
UCL notes that the study options available after enrolment may have additional requirements, so look at the specialism pages before committing to a direction.
Comparing degrees
UCL requires Biology and Chemistry. Oxford's Biomedical Sciences course page requires two of Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics and an ESAT, and Imperial's Biomedical Engineering is an engineering degree that requires Mathematics and Physics. If you are applying to more than one of these, check each course page rather than assuming one A level combination satisfies all of them.
The application
UCL says applications are made through UCAS and that applicants who are offered a place are invited to an offer-holder event, which may include talks, a research presentation, tours and a laboratory visit. The page read for this guide lists no admissions test and no interview, which is not the same as saying none is used: check UCL's selection process page.
Planning for 2028 entry
Applying for 2028 entry means applying in 2027, under rules UCL has not yet published for that cycle. Each item below carries one of two labels. Last verified for 2027 entry means UCL published it for the previous cycle and it may change. Awaiting publication for 2028 entry means UCL has not yet published it.
These are the best guide to what to prepare. UCL has not confirmed them for 2028 entry.
Check UCL's course page and selection process page for the 2028-entry values when they appear.
Plan Biology and Chemistry to the end of school, consider Mathematics as the third subject, and check the preferred subjects list.
Support
Avandy provides independent academic and admissions support. It is not affiliated with UCL or any of its colleges or departments. Preparation sits within the Avandy Trinity Advisory Model: a Strategic Admissions Consultant, a PhD-level Academic Mentor and a Subject-specific Tutor, working to the actual requirements of each programme. No outcome is promised.
Questions
AAA at A level with Biology and Chemistry required and Mathematics preferred, or 38 IB points including 6 in both Biology and Chemistry at Higher Level. This is UCL's wording for 2027 entry.
Yes. UCL says Biology and Chemistry are required, with Mathematics preferred.
UCL says students choose one of five specialisms from Year 2, once enrolment is confirmed.
English Language and Mathematics at grade B or 6.
Yes. Students complete either a laboratory-based research project (45 credits) or a literature-based dissertation (30 credits).
No. They are UCL's wording for the 2027 application cycle. Check the course page again when UCL publishes its 2028-entry requirements.
Students and families
Tell us about the student's curriculum, their Biology and Chemistry, the universities on the list, and the intended year of entry. A senior adviser will review the academic profile before recommending how to prepare.
