The School of Biological and Medical Sciences offers an active, research-led and supportive environment where you can explore your curiosity and develop skills to succeed in a rapidly evolving scientific world. Based in one of the UK’s leading centres for science, healthcare and innovation, you’ll be part of a thriving student, academic and professional community from day one.
Whether you are exploring a broad interest in biology or already thinking about a specific career such as biomedical science, research, roles in the life sciences sector or conservation, our courses are designed to help you discover your strengths and shape your future direction.
Our teaching is shaped by active research and real-world application, giving you access to the latest scientific knowledge and practices. We are home to a diverse and passionate community of researchers, educators and students working across areas including biomedical science, genomics, conservation, and human biology.
Our strong links to industry, healthcare providers and research organisations combined with academic excellence and practical experience enables us to support you to become a confident, career-ready graduate.
Oxford is a global centre for science, healthcare and innovation, making it an exceptional place to study biological and medical sciences. With science parks, biotech companies, research institutes, hospitals and conservation areas on your doorstep, you’ll be immersed in an environment where ideas are developed, tested and applied every day.
Our location gives you access to:
This means you’ll benefit from opportunities to connect your learning to real-world applications and build valuable networks.
Your learning goes beyond lectures. From the start of your course, you’ll gain practical, hands-on experience that helps you apply theory in real-world contexts.
You’ll learn through a variety of methods that could include:
Our strong links with industry, the NHS and research organisations provide opportunities for work placements, internships and externally hosted projects, giving you valuable professional experience before you graduate.
You can also engage with innovation through initiatives like our Bioinnovation Hub, where start-up biotech companies work alongside our researchers. This creates opportunities to gain insight into entrepreneurship, contribute to live projects, and build connections with future employers.
By the time you finish your degree, you’ll be confident in applying your knowledge in professional settings and ready to take the next step in your career.
Many of our students are motivated by making a difference, whether that’s improving patient care, advancing medical knowledge, or protecting the natural world.
Our courses are designed with industry and healthcare partners ensuring you graduate with the knowledge, experience and adaptability employers are looking for. This means that alongside your scientific knowledge, you’ll develop practical and transferable skills throughout the course, including:
Whether you go on to work in research, healthcare, biotechnology, conservation or beyond, these skills will prepare you for a knowledge-driven global economy.
MSc student Beth Sykes has secured the prestigious Diarsia Grant for her work on the Kentish Glory—a moth that vanished from England over 50 years ago and is now restricted to areas of the Cairngorms in Scotland, including Strathspey and Badenoch.
The Pathways Europe 2026: Human Dimensions of Wildlife Conference and Training Program will take place from 14-17 June 2026, at Oxford Brookes University.
A rich ecosystem of more than 100 plant species is thriving on the green roofs at Oxford Brookes University.
