| Code | CK707 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 Years |
| Teaching Mode | Full-time |
| Qualifications | BSc (Hons) |
| NFQ Level | Level 8 |
| CAO Points | 2024: 532 |
| CAO Points Range | 2024: 532-613 |
Course Outline
Our BSc Medical and Health Sciences course will appeal to those of you with a keen interest in both science and medical health. This interdisciplinary and innovative course produces graduates who are passionate about human health and medicine and are equipped to embark on careers in the medical research or healthcare sector.
The BSc Medical and Health Sciences programme has a strong focus on research and is taught by research-active academics in a wide range of disciplines spanning the biological and medical sciences. We aim to deliver up-to-date current knowledge in the field of biomedical, clinical, and public health sciences and encourage students to foster their analytical study skills and critical thinking, enabling them to research, develop and implement the innovative healthcare of the future.
Students take core modules in Years 1, 2, and 3, providing a solid grounding in the medical and health sciences. In Year 4 you will undertake a research project module in Medical and Health Sciences (MH4010) worth 20 credits.
Additionally, each student can choose from a broad range of specialised modules in the final year, allowing them to design the individual components of their degree.
Year 1 Modules (60 credits)
- EH1101 Foundations in Epidemiology (10 credits)
- MH1010 Introductory Human Biology (15 credits)
- MH1020 Cardiovascular Biology (5 credits)
- MH1030 Respiratory Biology (10 credits)
- MH1040 Gastrointestinal, Nutritional and Metabolic Biology (10 credits)
- MH1050 Introduction to Translational Medicine (5 credits)
- PT1020 Introduction to Pharmacology (5 credits)
Academic Programme Catalogue
See the Academic Programme Catalogue for the complete and up-to-date content for this course. Note that the modules for all courses are subject to change from year-to-year. For complete descriptions of individual modules, see the Book of Modules.
Course Practicalities
Teaching is delivered from Monday to Friday, with a combination of scheduled lectures, tutorials, and laboratory/practical sessions each week.
Assessment
Students are assessed using a variety of formats to meet different learning styles. Assessments include essays, written reports, in-class tests, online exercises, practical demonstrations, laboratory skills, oral presentations, and written examinations. Written examinations take place before Christmas and in May.
Connected Curriculum
Our learning approach reflects our commitment to the Connected Curriculum where we emphasise the connection between students, learning, research and leadership through our vision for a Connected University. Our staff will support you in making meaningful connections within, and between, topics such as medicine, healthcare, bioscience, leadership, and management.
Who teaches this course
The BSc Medical and Health Sciences is an interdisciplinary degree taught by experienced academic staff in the College of Medicine and Health and the College of Science, Engineering and Food Science. Core teaching and research project supervision will be delivered by research-active academic staff in the School of Medicine, School of Public Health, School of Biochemistry & Cell Biology, and the School of Microbiology.
Why Choose This Course
The BSc Medical and Health Sciences in UCC is a multidisciplinary, research-led course. You will study topics from across the spectrum of medical- and health-related disciplines, which will open up a wide range of career opportunities on graduation in the medical, pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors.
There are hands-on opportunities to undertake projects in world-class research laboratories from within the College of Medicine and Health. Our research institutes, centres and units include APC Microbiome Institute, ASSERT, INFANT, Centre for Gerontology and Rehabilitation, and the Biosciences Imaging Centre. You can read more about our research institutes on our research page.
The flexible, modular structure of this degree allows you to specialise in the areas of investigative biomedical science that interest you, particularly in the later stages of the degree.
Skills and Careers Information
This programme will open up many career opportunities, in Ireland and further afield, in the medical, biosciences, and health sciences arena.
Graduates also have a solid foundation to pursue postgraduate studies in a wide range of medical sciences areas, PhD research leading to careers in medical research, and for graduate entry to study Medicine, Physiotherapy, Audiology, Public Health, Occupational Health, Occupational Therapy, and Speech & Language Therapy. Career prospects include employment in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical devices industries, and in health promotion, education and policy.
Requirements
Leaving Certificate Entry Requirements
At least six subjects must be presented. Minimum grade H4 in two subjects and minimum grade O6/H7 in four other subjects. English and Irish are requirements for all programmes unless the applicant is exempt from Irish.
The following are considered Lab Science subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Physics with Chemistry and Agricultural Science.
Applicants will need to meet the following minimum entry requirements:
| English | Irish | Maths | Lab Science | Chemistry | Additional Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| O6/H7 | O6/H7 | O6/H7 | O6/H7 | H4 | H4 in another subject |
Applicants will need to have a H4 Chemistry and O6/H7 in one of Physics, Biology or Agricultural Science.
EU/EFTA/UK Qualifications
EU/EFTA/UK applicants presenting an equivalent school-leaving qualification should review the EU/EFTA/UK Applicants page for information on equivalent grades and how to prove their level of English.
Mature Students
To compete through the mature entry route, applicants must be 23 years of age on or before 1 January of the application year and apply online via the CAO by 1 February. The application should include a statement of interest. Applicants may also be called for interview.
Applicants must have a H4 in a Lab Science subject in the Leaving Certificate (or equivalent). (HC2 if presenting a pre-2017 Leaving Certificate).
Further information on applying as a mature student is available on the Mature Applicants and Mature Student Entry support pages.
QQI FET Entry
Applicants who meet the required level of distinctions in required subjects can apply for entry to this course using specific QQI FET qualifications. Please review the Programme Requirements on our Information for QQI FET Applicants page for information on related QQI courses, and visit Access UCC’s QQI/FET Entry section for further support.
Non-EU Applicants
Non-EU applicants are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to the Irish Leaving Certificate. In addition, where such applicants are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language.
To verify if you meet the minimum academic and language requirements visit our qualification comparison page and refer to our International Office page for more information.
Fees and Costs
- Whether you are an EU or Non-EU student will affect the course fees applicable to you. See more information on EU Fees, Non-EU Fees, or Free Fees Status.
- The State will pay the tuition fees for EU students who are eligible under the Free Fees Scheme. The annual student contribution and capitation fees are payable by the student.
- See the Fee Schedule to find out the course fee.
- Check out scholarships that may be available to you.
- Explore our Nurturing Bright Futures free online course (Module 5) to learn about managing your money as a student and budgeting for university life.
How To Apply
Irish and European (EU/EFTA/UK) Applicants
Apply via the CAO. See the CAO Handbook for useful information on applying through the CAO.
Mature Applicants
Apply via the CAO by 1 February. To apply for a place as a mature student, you must be 23 years of age on or before 1 January of the year of entry.
QQI/FET Applicants
Apply via the CAO. See our QQI/FET Applicants page for information on the Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) Further Education and Training (FET) application process.
Non-EU Applicants
If you are from outside the EU/EFTA/UK, apply online via the UCC Apply portal. See our International Office page for more information.