Medical Sciences (Top-Up) BSc (Hons) - 2025/6
Awarding body
University of Surrey
Teaching institute
University of Surrey
Framework
FHEQ Level 6
Final award and programme/pathway title
BSc (Hons) Medical Sciences (Top-Up) (Distance Learning)
Modes of study
| Route code | Credits and ECTS Credits | |
| Full-time with Distance Learning | UCD10037 | 120 credits and 60 ECTS credits |
QAA Subject benchmark statement (if applicable)
Other internal and / or external reference points
Delivered in partnership with GEMS Middle East, available exclusively to GEMS students who have completed the GEMS Middle East Higher Diploma in Preclinical Sciences (MedStart Diploma).
Faculty and Department / School
Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences - School of Biosciences
Programme Leader
TRINDER Sarah (Biosciences)
Date of production/revision of spec
30/10/2025
Educational aims of the programme
- To further the student's knowledge of the fundamental principles of biomedical sciences and to develop a deeper knowledge in specific areas of biomedical sciences.
- To provide a high quality education in the various aspects of biomedical sciences for students with diverse interests and career aspirations (including medicine, clinical laboratory scientist, Biomedical Scientist, researcher, scientific writer/editor).
- To provide the appropriate environment to encourage the development of the students interest in biomedical sciences and to help them acquire appropriate intellectual, scientific, technical and key transferable skills to promote self-directed and life-long learning.
Programme learning outcomes
| Attributes Developed | Awards | Ref. | |
| Understands basic biological knowledge at molecular, cellular, and organism level. | K | BSc (Hons) | |
| Report biological processes, procedures, and data and draw some basic conclusions from these. | CT | BSc (Hons) | |
| Understands broad biological knowledge within medical sciences disciplines at molecular, cellular, and organism level. | K | BSc (Hons) | |
| Apply information gathered from suitable sources to address specific scientific questions. | KP | BSc (Hons) | |
| Apply statistical and numerical skills to draw conclusions from experimental data. | CT | BSc (Hons) | |
| Understand laboratory-based investigation with respect to human health and disease. | KCP | BSc (Hons) | |
| Understand the principles of biomedical sciences and apply these to a range of scientific and academic problems. | CP | BSc (Hons) | |
| To develop a breadth of knowledge in the field of biomedical sciences in general, and a depth of knowledge in the specialist fields defined by the bench marking statements. | KP | BSc (Hons) | |
| To be able to evaluate research findings from appropriate scientific literature sources, and demonstrate the ability to critically assess this. | KPT | BSc (Hons) | |
| Demonstration and understanding of research design and planning, and the limits of scientific findings. | PT | BSc (Hons) | |
| Appreciate how bioscience discipline and developments may impact on society, for example, globally and culturally, and in terms of a sustainable future ethical issues. | KT | BSc (Hons) | |
| Develop resourcefulness and resilience, for example by undertaking self-directed learning; through tutorials and discussion sessions, and through managing progress during the Research Project. | PT | BSc (Hons) |
Attributes Developed
C - Cognitive/analytical
K - Subject knowledge
T - Transferable skills
P - Professional/Practical skills
Programme structure
Full-time with Distance Learning
This Bachelor's Degree (Honours) programme is studied full-time over six months, 120 credits at FHEQ level 6.
All modules are based on a 15-credit tariff
Programme Adjustments (if applicable)
N/A
Modules
Year 3 (top up full-time) - FHEQ Level 6
Opportunities for placements / work related learning / collaborative activity
| Associate Tutor(s) / Guest Speakers / Visiting Academics | N | |
| Professional Training Year (PTY) | N | |
| Placement(s) (study or work that are not part of PTY) | N | |
| Clinical Placement(s) (that are not part of the PTY scheme) | N | |
| Study exchange (Level 5) | N | |
| Dual degree | N |
Other information
The School of Biosciences is committed to developing graduates with strengths in Employability, Digital Capabilities, Global and Cultural Capabilities, Sustainability, and Resourcefulness and Resilience. This programme is designed to allow students to develop knowledge, skills, and capabilities in the following areas:
Digital capabilities: Use of various digital platforms for online interaction and review of content. Use of programmes for results and data analysis. Preparation of PowerPoint presentations.
Employability: Knowledge of subject area, problem solving and critical analysis skills which are key to employment and success in the professional workplace. Students will acquire real-world skills that are valuable for any professional in science such as teamwork, project management, independent learning and clear and concise writing and science communication.
Global and cultural capabilities: Consideration of disease pathology and incidence, case studies and research problems that are from a range of countries and cultures are highlighted during the programme.
Resourcefulness and Resilience: Students will build self-confidence throughout the programme by undertaking a variety of self-directed learning approaches supported by active learning tutorials and discussion sessions. The undertaking of the research project develops resourcefulness and resilience and aims to promote development of students into independent researchers. Students will become critical of their ability and understanding of experimental work and design through undertaking a research project.
Sustainability: In line with a OneHealth approach, the programme works towards relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as SDG3 (good health and well-being).
Quality assurance
The Regulations and Codes of Practice for taught programmes can be found at:
Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2025/6 academic year.