Medical Science with Foundation

Medical science is the study of the biological, biochemical, and physiological processes that underpin human health and disease. It sits between pure laboratory science and clinical medicine, equipping graduates with the knowledge to understand how the body works at a molecular and cellular level, how that understanding informs the development of diagnostics and treatments, and how medical research translates into clinical practice. The field is essential to the continued progress of healthcare, driving innovation in areas from cancer biology and immunology to pharmacology and genetic medicine.

At the University of Reading, this four-year full-time programme includes a foundation year that leads directly into the three-year medical science degree. The foundation year is designed to build the scientific knowledge and academic skills you need to succeed at degree level, making the programme accessible to students who have strong potential but whose prior qualifications require further development before they can engage fully with the rigours of the main course. Across the programme, you will study the core biomedical sciences, developing a thorough understanding of human biology, disease mechanisms, and the research methods that drive medical discovery.

Reading describes the degree as training you to work at the forefront of modern medicine, reflecting its orientation towards both scientific rigour and applied relevance.

Graduates in medical science go on to work in biomedical research, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, NHS scientific services, public health agencies, and medical education. Roles include research scientist, clinical research associate, biomedical scientist, laboratory manager, and medical writer. The degree also provides a strong foundation for further study, including graduate entry to medicine, postgraduate research in biomedical sciences, or professional training in areas such as clinical science or medical statistics.

For those who want to contribute to the science that improves lives, this is a degree with genuine reach.