BSc (Hons) Medical Physiology (with Foundation year)
Course overview
Start date
September 2021
Subject area
Biological and Medical Sciences
Attendance
Full-time, 4 years
Full-time, 5 years
Part-time
Learning
On campus, dual delivery
Course summary
Our foundation year modules will bring you up to speed with the needed academic skills and give you a firm grounding in the subject. After which you can stay on your chosen BSc or change to one of our other eligible BSc degrees.
Return to campus: dual delivery
In a Covid-secure environment, enjoy learning on our state-of-the-art campuses and flex between online delivery
Find out morePlacement
Optional placement year available
2nd
In London
We are rated the 2nd top university in London for Medical Physiology, only behind King's College London. This includes a fantastic 88% student satisfaction. (The Guardian League Table 2019, Anatomy and Physiology)
£2.4m
Investment in facilities
You'll work in our recently refurbished bioscience teaching laboratory. The lab is proving a major resource and will have a great impact on your student experience.
Industry Links
We have strong links with The Physiological Society - a professional body that offers student membership and opportunities for you to present your research work and attend courses to enhance your skills.
Fees and funding
Tuition Fee Loan
You can apply for a loan to cover the cost of your tuition fees, which will be paid directly to UEL. There are no up-front fees required. Repayment only starts after you finish your course and are earning over £25,000. If you haven’t finished repaying your loan after 30 years it will be automatically cancelled.
To apply visit gov.uk/student-finance
Maintenance Loan
You can apply for a loan to help with living costs such as food, travel and accommodation. How much you can borrow depends on where you live and study, and whether you are currently on welfare benefits. The maximum loan you can apply for is £12,729.
To apply visit gov.uk/student-finance
Supplementary Grants
The government also offer the following additional support:
- Parents' Learning Allowance
- Adult Dependants' Grant
- Childcare Grant
- Disabled Students’ Allowance
- All nursing and many allied health students on courses from September 2020 will receive a payment of at least £5,000 a year from the government.
For further information visit gov.uk/student-finance or contact Student Finance England.
All students will receive:
Bursaries Schemes for which you can apply
- Care Leaver and Foyer Bursary - up to £1,500
- Progression Bursary - up to £2,000
- Engagement Bursary - up to £2,000
- Hardship Bursary - up to £2,000
- Helena Kennedy Foundation - £1,500
- Going Global – awards range from £300 - £700
Scholarships Schemes for which you can apply
- Vice Chancellor Scholarship - up to £27,750 over three years
- Dean Scholarship - up to £13,500 over three years
- Civic Engagement Scholarship - £1,000
- EU Scholarship (EU Only) - £1,000
- ELSEF Scholarship - £1,000
- UTC Scholarship - £1,500
- Sports Scholarships - up to £6,000
There are a number of external organisations that offer financial help to
students. Please see the list below list to view additional support options.
Alternatively, you can visit the Scholarship Search website.
Please note that the University of East London is not responsible for
the content of these external sites and is not associated in any way
with the funding schemes and their application processes.
The Student Money Advice and Rights Team (SMART) are here to help you navigate your finances while you are a student at the University of East London.
We can give you advice, information and guidance on government and university funds so that you receive your full funding entitlement.
Email: study@uel.ac.uk
Phone: 020 8223 4444
You don't need to pay this up front.
EU, EEA and Swiss Nationals starting a course in September 2021, will no longer be eligible for Home fees. However, such nationals benefitting from Settled Status or Citizens' Rights may become eligible for Home fees as and when the UK Government confirms any new fees regulations. Further information can be found at UKCISA.
Tuition fees are subject to annual change. Fees for future years will be published in due course.
Tuition Fee Loan
You can apply for a loan to cover the cost of your tuition fees, which will be paid directly to UEL. There are no up-front fees required. Repayment only starts after you finish your course and are earning over £25,000. If you haven’t finished repaying your loan after 30 years it will be automatically cancelled.
Maintenance Loan
Part-time students can access maintenance loans from Student Finance England.
From academic year 2018/19, part-time students can access maintenance loans from Student Finance England.
You can apply for a loan to help with living costs such as food, travel and accommodation.
Part-time students need to study their courses at a rate of at least
25% of an equivalent full-time course in each academic year.
For further information visit gov.uk/student-finance
We appreciate that finance is one of the key considerations when you are applying to university. That's why alongside your Government loan, you can apply for scholarships to help towards your finances. We have invested over £2 million worth of scholarships to financially assist new students, starting in September 2019. If you are awarded a scholarship you don't need to pay it back.
All students will receive:
Ebooks
Bursaries Schemes for which you can apply
Scholarships Schemes for which you can apply
There are a number of external organisations that offer financial help to
students. Please see the list below list to view additional support options.
Alternatively, you can visit the Scholarship Search website.
Please note that the University of East London is not responsible for
the content of these external sites and is not associated in any way
with the funding schemes and their application processes.
The Student Money Advice and Rights Team (SMART) are here to help you navigate your finances while you are a student at the University of East London.
We can give you advice, information and guidance on government and university funds so that you receive your full funding entitlement.
Email: study@uel.ac.uk
Phone: 020 8223 4444
Price per 30 credit module.
EU, EEA and Swiss Nationals starting a course in September 2021, will no longer be eligible for Home fees. However, such nationals benefitting from Settled Status or Citizens' Rights may become eligible for Home fees as and when the UK Government confirms any new fees regulations. Further information can be found at UKCISA.
At UEL, we understand that studying in another country is a big financial commitment. If you apply early for an undergraduate, you may be entitled to a scholarship of up to £3,000.You can find out more about the international scholarships here.
The Student Money Advice and Rights Team (SMART) also run an Emergency International Fund to assist international students in hardship.
You can contact our SMART team on 02082233333 or study@uel.ac.uk
As part of the Tier 4 student visa requirements, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) estimate that you will need £1,265* per month to cover your living costs. It includes expenses for accommodation, food and drink, travel within London, text books, entertainment, clothing, toiletries and laundry. Most Tier 4 students are required to show they have sufficient funds to cover the first nine months of the course before they start- a total of £11,385- in addition to the tuition fees. You can find more information about the specific requirements of the Tier 4 student visa here. The amount that you will spend can vary depending on your lifestyle. The UKCISA International Student Calculator can help you plan and manage your money. Please make sure you also factor in the fees for the visa application and immigration health surcharge when budgeting.
* Please note the Immigration Rules are subject to change and this figure is likely to be increased by UKVI year on year. Please therefore check our ISA pages for more information at the time of preparing your visa application.
Deposits and paying by instalments
International students are required to pay a deposit prior to being issued a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
Your remaining balance will be paid in five monthly instalments over your first term. The first of these instalments must be paid when completing your enrolment on arrival at UEL. Please follow the payment instructions here.
After the required payment has been made, you will be asked to complete the online International Student Reply Form to confirm your acceptance of our offer and of our terms of admittance and fees policy.
Our International team at UEL are available for advice and guidance on studying in London, fees, scholarships and visa requirements.
Email: international@uel.ac.uk
EU, EEA and Swiss Nationals starting a course in September 2021, will no longer be eligible for Home fees. However, such nationals benefitting from Settled Status or Citizens' Rights may become eligible for Home fees as and when the UK Government confirms any new fees regulations. Further information can be found at UKCISA.
Tuition fees are subject to annual change. Fees for future years will be published in due course.
Entry requirements
- September 2021
-
Degree with Foundation Year
64
New UCAS Points
Access to HE Diploma (QAA approved) with 60 credits overall and 45 credits at Level 3
If you do not meet the academic English language requirements for your course, you may be eligible to enrol onto a pre-sessional English programme. The length of the course will depend on your current level of English and the requirements for your degree programme. We offer a 5-week and an 11-week pre-sessional course. Find out more.
Level 2 equivalences such as Level 2 Functional Skills in English / Maths, Level 2 Key Skills in Communication / Application of Number and Level 2 Adult Literacy / Adult Numeracy
Please note that some courses require applicants to meet the entry requirements outlined on the course page. Our pre-entry Information Advice and Guidance Team are able to provide further advice on entry requirements and suitability for study.
What you'll learn
In short, you’ll study the anatomy and functions of the human body in sickness and in health.
Along with all your fellow students in your first year, you’ll study physiology, biochemistry, human anatomy, cell biology and genetics to equip you with an excellent all-round grounding.
In year two, you’ll study more advanced areas of biochemistry, physiology, anatomy and histology and be introduced to pharmacology, disease processes and immunology.
At the end of that year, you’ll have the option of a year-long placement in a laboratory away from the University, either in the UK or abroad. This could be in a hospital or research institute or at a food, medical or industrial company.
In your final year, you’ll focus more on diseases of the systems of the body and be able to specialise in optional subjects such as toxicology, exercise or neuropharmacology. You’ll also complete a major research project.
What you'll study and when
We consistently review our courses to ensure we are up-to-date with industry changes and requirements from our graduates. As a result, our modules are subject to change.
If you don’t meet the entry requirements for a bachelor’s degree, you can study this course as an ‘extended’ four-year programme. You’ll begin with a foundation year, which will prepare you for a successful transition to the degree course a year later.
- Essential Skills for Higher Education (Mental Wealth) (Core)
- Essential Maths & ICT (Core)
- Career & Professional Skills (Mental Wealth) (Core)
- Human Biology (Core)
- Introduction to the Study of Cells (Core)
- Chemistry of Life (Core)
- Professional Practice in Science (Mental Wealth) (Core)
- Essential Chemistry (Core)
- Cell Biology (Core)
- Introduction to Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (Core)
- Fundamentals in Human Anatomy and Physiology (Core)
- Fundamentals in Microbiology (Core)
- Level 4 Short Work Placement (Optional)
- Infection and Immunity (Core)
- Physiological Regulation (Core)
- Fundamental & Experimental Pharmacology (Core)
- Functional Anatomy (Core)
- Cellular Biochemistry (Core)
- Research and Career Development (Mental Wealth) (Core)
- Year Long Placement (Sandwich Year) (Optional)
- Level 5 Short Work Placement (Optional)
The extra placement year means it will take four years to complete your studies, instead of three.
- Cellular Pathology (Core)
- Clinical Physiology (Core)
- Applied Physiology (Core)
- Research Project and Career Enhancement Portfolio (Mental Wealth) (Core)
- Neuropsychopharmacology & Emerging Therapeutics (Optional)
- Cardiovascular & Pulmonary Pharmacology (Optional)
- Toxicology (Optional)
- Exercise Physiology Techniques (Optional)
- Level 6 Short Work Placement (Optional)
How you'll be assessed
We’ll assess you with a mixture of coursework and exams. Coursework includes essays, research reports, group and seminar presentations and a final-year project. Most of the assessment in your first year is by coursework and we’ll give you as much feedback as possible.
In your third year, you’ll either take five core modules or undertake a work placement. We’ll assess you accordingly.
Foundation Year – 65% Portfolio/Coursework, 13% Group Project/Presentation, 13% Written Exam/Timed Assessment, 9% Case Study/PBL
Year 1 – 58% Portfolio/Coursework, 42% Laboratory/Practical/ICT
Year 2 – 42% Written Exam/Timed Assessment, 42% Portfolio/Coursework, 16% Laboratory/Practical/ICT
Year 3 – 53% Portfolio/Coursework, 38% Written Exam/Timed Assessment, 9% Laboratory/Practical/ICT
You’ll always receive detailed feedback outlining your strengths and how you can improve. We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 14 working days, although you will receive immediate feedback following many of our face to face assessments.
Course specification Foundation Year SpecificationHow you'll learn
We aim to make our course an enjoyable and compelling learning experience, throughout which you’ll be guided by experts who are as enthusiastic about their subject as they are knowledgeable.
Experts such as Course Leader Dr Mohammed Meah, who’s researching the body’s response to stress, and Dr Geoff Webb, an author of books on nutrition.
To make our course extra stimulating, we organise external visits such as a day in the dissecting room at St George’s Hospital, and we invite guest experts to speak to you. Major international company ADInstruments, for instance, gave a workshop on the methods of measuring biological data from humans.
Our close association with the professional body, The Physiological Society, opens up opportunities, too.
Some of our students have made waves by presenting their research at the Society’s meetings, while others have received grants, enabling them to attend specialist courses in ‘in vivo’ and ‘in vitro’ experimentation.
Your final-year research projects will be your showcase for future employers, demonstrating your ability to generate and interpret new data on subjects such as the cause and diagnosis of diseases.
In your extensive lab studies, you’ll benefit from the superb specialised equipment at our Stratford campus, particularly relating to cardiovascular and respiratory research.
Each year you will spend up to 250 hours of timetabled learning and teaching activities. These may be lectures, workshops, seminars and individual and group tutorials. Contact hours may vary depending on each module.
The approximate percentages for this course are:
Foundation Year: 163 Hours – Taught Sessions, 37 Hours – Practical/IT Workshops, 80 Hours Independent Learning
Year 1: 180 Hours – Taught Sessions, 60 Hours – Practical/IT Workshops, 960 Hours – Independent Learning
Year 2: 195 Hours – Taught Sessions, 55 Hours – Practical/IT Workshops, 950 Hours – Independent Learning
Year 3: 178 Hours – Taught Sessions, 72 Hours – Practical/IT Workshops, 950 Hours – Independent Learning
Who will teach on this course
The teaching team includes qualified academics, practitioners and industry experts as guest speakers. Full details of the academics will be provided in the student handbook and module guides.
Your future career
We’ve worked hard to ensure that this course will be the perfect launch-pad for your future career. Employers recognise the quality of the scientists we produce at UEL and graduates of our course have landed jobs at Hammersmith Hospital, Great Ormond Street Hospital and Royal Brompton Hospital, among others.
If you take the option of the one-year work placement, you’ll be in a good position to go on to full-time employment in the same organisation, as many of our graduates have done in the past.
The thorough grounding you’ll receive in physiology and the transferable skills you’ll learn will open up all sorts of career avenues to you, as Isaac Mwita found.
This 2012 graduate reckons the practical knowledge he acquired in investigating the workings of the human respiratory system during our course was largely responsible for securing him a job as a clinical physiologist in the lung function unit of London’s Royal Brompton Hospital.
Our students have gone into a variety of jobs in clinical physiology, medicine, radiography, physiotherapy and teaching. In addition, the industrial and pharmaceutical industries are always on the look-out for physiologists.
You might decide to study for a further degree in a related subject, either an MSc or PhD, or embark on a research career in the biological or medical fields. There’s always the possibility that, with further study, you could become a doctor or dentist.
Explore the different career options you can pursue with this degree and see the median salaries of the sector on our Career Coach portal
