Funding
Find out more about financing your studies and whether you may qualify for one of our bursaries and scholarships
Money MattersGet to grips with what it means to be human – from the inside out – as you build the knowledge and skills to maximise your career potential.
Watch our video of Dr Liam Bagley, where he talks about the cutting-edge equipment in our high-spec laboratories, which you'll be trained to use from the beginning of your human biosciences degree.
Our human biosciences degree combines academic theory with technical skills. You’ll develop a broad understanding of human bioscie...
3 years full-time, up to 6 years part-time
4 years with a placement year
Our human biosciences degree takes an in-depth view of how humans function, the factors which influence this and what happens when we fail to function correctly. Alongside physiology, you will have the opportunity to study neuroscience, blood sciences and genetics – giving you a holistic understanding of the human body and the changes we see in a host of conditions which may affect our health.
You will benefit from the diverse research interests of the Department of Life Sciences as you enter your final year and undertake your honours project working alongside our leading researchers in human physiology and biomedical sciences.
Study human biosciences with us and you'll emerge as an independent thinker who can apply critical analysis and problem-solving skills to real-world problems. Your knowledge and skills will prepare you for employment in a range of settings, including biological, health and pharmaceutical industries, as well as a range of postgraduate study options, such as masters and PhD programmes.
Royal Society of Biology
Teaching Excellence Framework 2023-2027
In Year 1, you will study four 30-credit units, which will typically cover cell and molecular biology, physical activity and health, physiological systems, and research skills and employability. Please note that the following list of units is indicative and may be subject to change.
This unit will lay the foundation for research skills and employability within the physiology, human biosciences and biomedical science sector. It will encompass ethical and legal issues whilst working in scientific research.
The unit provides a knowledge and understanding of biochemistry including basic organic chemistry. Biological molecules and their importance in cell structure and function are also studied. You will be introduced to microorganisms, with focus on the importance of identification and classification of microbes, and the techniques and skills required for their isolation, enumeration and microscopic examination.
The Physiological Systems unit introduces you to principles of human physiology at the organ system level with appropriate links to anatomy, cell biology, biochemistry and metabolism, disease pathology, pharmacology and therapeutics.
This unit will provide an introduction to a broad range of topics related to physical activity and health. It also allows you to become familiar with current issues and practical skills in the area of physical activity and health.
The aim of this unit is to develop the technical skills you have gained throughout each level of study in each unit and to enable you to apply and contextualise the knowledge and skills you have gained in the first year.
* Exam formats may include formal written exams, in class tests and MCQs.
This degree is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology as meeting in part the academic and experience requirement for membership and Chartered Biologist (CBiol) status.
The course offers real flexibility, as you will enrol on the three-year course and then decide if a placement is right for you once you have started your studies. If you opt to undertake a placement, your course will normally be four years full-time. Placements are not guaranteed or included as part of the course, as you would be required to source your own placement if you would like to undertake one.
In Year 2, you will build on what you learned in Year 1, typically covering topics including exercise and environmental physiology, neuroscience and pharmacology, and techniques and applications in biomedical science. You will also be able to choose one option unit. Please note that the following list of units is indicative and may be subject to change.
This unit aims to expand on knowledge of human and exercise physiology obtained during the first year by examining, in detail, the response of physiological systems to exercise and environmental stress.
This unit will cover anatomy and physiology of nervous systems; neurotransmitters and their receptors; neuropharmacology; psychoactive drugs; sensory systems; motor systems; neurological disorders.
This unit builds on the knowledge of nucleic acids and cell biology gained in level 4 and introduces you to the key principles of molecular diagnostics. The methodologies are described in depth and put in the context of disease diagnosis and biomedical research. Topics include various types of PCR, cloning, sequencing, immunoassays, bioinformatics and the utility of in vivo and in vitro models of disease. The application of 'omic' technologies is also considered and discussed in the context of molecular epidemiology and biostatistics.
The aim of this unit is to develop the technical skills you have gained throughout each level of study in each unit and to enable you to apply and contextualise the knowledge and skills you have gained in the second year.
The Blood Science unit looks at the roles of haematology and clinical biochemistry laboratory tests in the diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of disease processes. A range of haematological and biochemical disorders are studied ranging from disorders of renal function and the endocrine system, to red blood cell disorders and haemostatic disorders.
* Exam formats may include formal written exams, in class tests and MCQs.
This degree is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology as meeting in part the academic and experience requirement for membership and Chartered Biologist (CBiol) status.
The course offers real flexibility, as you will enrol on the three-year course and then decide if a placement is right for you once you have started your studies. If you opt to undertake a placement, your course will normally be four years full-time. Placements are not guaranteed or included as part of the course, as you would be required to source your own placement if you would like to undertake one.
In your final year, you will typically study core units in genetic science and current issues in physiology, as well as undertake an independent project. You will also have a choice of option units, giving you the opportunity to specialise in areas of interest. Please note that the following list of units is indicative and may be subject to change.
In this unit, you will study advanced topics in physiology, concentrating on aspects of current focus and strategic importance in scientific, public, governing and healthcare communities.
The unit will cover current issues related to human genetics, particularly in relation to disease and the implications on public health. It will consider topics such as genetic principles, gene structure, function and regulation, population genetics, techniques, genetic basis of health and disease and genetic approaches which may be used to treat these.
This unit allows all final year students to plan and undertake either a laboratory based research project or a library based dissertation in an area of their own interest. You will have the opportunity to develop a research question, plan an appropriate investigation and undertake that investigation under the guidance of an allocated supervisor.
The aim of this unit is to develop the technical skills you have gained throughout each level of study in each unit and to enable you to apply and contextualise the knowledge and skills you have gained in the third year.
This unit will explore a variety of current issues related to the ageing and development process on physiological systems and the implications of an ageing population on public health.
This unit will cover cellular physiology in the context of health and disease in neuromuscular, cardiovascular, renal and nervous systems.
* Exam formats may include formal written exams, in class tests and MCQs.
This degree is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology as meeting in part the academic and experience requirement for membership and Chartered Biologist (CBiol) status.
The course offers real flexibility, as you will enrol on the three-year course and then decide if a placement is right for you once you have started your studies. If you opt to undertake a placement, your course will normally be four years full-time. Placements are not guaranteed or included as part of the course, as you would be required to source your own placement if you would like to undertake one.
Whether you’ve already made your decision about what you want to study, or you’re just considering your options, there are lots of ways you can meet us and find out more about student life at Manchester Met.
We offer:
Your studies are supported by a department of committed and enthusiastic teachers and researchers, experts in their chosen field.
We often link up with external professionals too, helping to enhance your learning and build valuable connections to the working world.
These typical entry requirements may be subject to change for the 2025/26 academic year. Please check back for further details.
GCE A levels - grades BBC or equivalent, and to include minimum grade C in Biology or Human Biology (with a Pass in the Practical Assessment)
BTEC/CTEC: Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma or OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma - grade DMM in Applied Science (Biomedical Science) or Applied Human Biology. Please note that the full Extended Diploma qualification is required to meet the Level 3 biological science requirement.
T Level: Overall grade Merit in Science, Health or Healthcare Science.
Access to HE Diploma - Pass overall in Science, Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy or Medical Science with a minimum score of 112 UCAS Tariff points
IB Diploma - Pass overall with a minimum overall score of 28 or minimum 112 UCAS Tariff points from three Higher Level subjects, including HL5 in Biology
Other Level 3 qualifications equivalent to GCE A level are also considered. The equivalent of A level grade C in a relevant subject will be required as part of any offer.
A maximum of three A level-equivalent qualifications will be accepted towards meeting the UCAS tariff requirement.
AS levels, or qualifications equivalent to AS level, are not accepted. The Extended Project qualification (EPQ) may be accepted towards entry, in conjunction with two A level-equivalent qualifications.
Please contact the University directly if you are unsure whether you meet the minimum entry requirements for the course.
GCSE grade C/4 in English Language or equivalent, e.g. Pass in Level 2 Functional Skills English
and
GCSE grade C/4 in Mathematics or equivalent, e.g. Pass in Level 2 Functional Skills Mathematics
GCE A levels - grades BBC or equivalent, and to include minimum grade C in Biology or Human Biology (with a Pass in the Practical Assessment)
BTEC/CTEC: Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma or OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma - grade DMM in Applied Science (Biomedical Science) or Applied Human Biology. Please note that the full Extended Diploma qualification is required to meet the Level 3 biological science requirement.
T Level: Overall grade Merit in Science, Health or Healthcare Science.
Access to HE Diploma - Pass overall in Science, Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy or Medical Science with a minimum score of 112 UCAS Tariff points
IB Diploma - Pass overall with a minimum overall score of 28 or minimum 112 UCAS Tariff points from three Higher Level subjects, including HL5 in Biology
Other Level 3 qualifications equivalent to GCE A level are also considered. The equivalent of A level grade C in a relevant subject will be required as part of any offer.
A maximum of three A level-equivalent qualifications will be accepted towards meeting the UCAS tariff requirement.
AS levels, or qualifications equivalent to AS level, are not accepted. The Extended Project qualification (EPQ) may be accepted towards entry, in conjunction with two A level-equivalent qualifications.
Please contact the University directly if you are unsure whether you meet the minimum entry requirements for the course.
There’s further information for international students on our international website if you’re applying with non-UK qualifications.
Tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year are still being finalised for all courses. You can find information on 2024/25 standard undergraduate fees for UK/Channel Islands and EU/Non-EU international students. All fees stated may be subject to change for the 2025/26 academic year.
Most of the books required for the course are available from the library. The University also has PC labs and a laptop loan service. However, many students choose to buy some of the core textbooks for the course and/or a laptop. Students may also need to print their assignments and other documents. Campus printing costs start from 5p per page. Estimated costs are £300 for a laptop and up to £100 each year for books and printing. You will be provided with a laboratory coat and safety glasses on commencement of your studies.
There is the opportunity to transfer to the four-year programme with a minimum of 36 weeks placement. There is no bursary associated with the placement year and you will be required to pay the placement year course fee, in addition to travel and living costs.
Optional estimate: £25
You may wish to join the Royal Society of Biology or the Physiological Society, particularly in your final year.
Find out more about financing your studies and whether you may qualify for one of our bursaries and scholarships
Money MattersHuman biosciences graduates may go on to a range of subject-specific careers in the biological, pharmaceutical, clinical, medical, public health and other associated industries. Recent graduates have gone on to secure employment in laboratory/research work, the pharmaceutical industry, education and medical communications.
Your degree will also give you a wide variety of transferable skills that can be applied to non-subject specific career pathways such as in local government, environmental agencies, teaching, management and the civil service. For those who wish to continue their studies, we offer a range of postgraduate programmes across the breadth of healthcare sciences, medicine and allied health professions.
You can apply for this course for 2025/26 entry once UCAS applications open in autumn.
Visit UCAS for further details, including deadlines.
Apply for other study options:
Please contact our course enquiries team.
Get advice and support on making a successful application.
You can review our current terms and conditions before you make your application. If you are successful with your application, we will send you up to date information alongside your offer letter.
Programme review
Our programmes undergo an annual review and major review (normally
at 6 year intervals) to ensure an up-to-date curriculum supported by the
latest online learning technology. For further information on when we
may make changes to our programmes, please see the changes section of our
terms and conditions.
Important notice
This online prospectus provides an overview of our programmes of study
and the University. We regularly update our online prospectus so that
our published course information is accurate. Please check back to the
online prospectus before making an application to us to access the most
up to date information for your chosen course of study.
Confirmation of regulator
The Manchester Metropolitan University is regulated by the Office for
Students (OfS). The OfS is the independent regulator of higher education
in England. More information on the role of the OfS and its regulatory
framework can be found at
officeforstudents.org.uk.
All higher education providers registered with the OfS must have a student protection plan in place. The student protection plan sets out what students can expect to happen should a course, campus, or institution close. Access our current student protection plan.