Biomedical Sciences (BMS) is often seen as either a backdoor to medicine or as “medicine-lite”. However, BMS is very demanding, as students will need to master a greater depth of academic knowledge than medical students whilst remaining familiar with clinical practice and medical applications. BMS contains a high proportion of chemistry and biochemistry and incorporates a substantial amount of independent academic research. Most BMS degrees last for 4 years including a 6-month or year-long research project.

BMS graduates usually continue in academic or industrial research in a university or pharmaceutical company; candidates should consider carefully whether this is the career path they wish to pursue.

Is it possible to enter Medical School after graduating BMS?

Yes, but it is extremely difficult and competition is very fierce. The number of candidates attempting this route has increased enormously in the last few years; the number of those who are successful has not. Candidates must have:

1. Achieved good grades in the final examination
2. Worked hard preparing for medicine, e.g. working in hospitals as a researcher or volunteer.

Students with a BMS degree have the same chances of entering medicine as any other science graduate.