Students who study Medical Biology at university gain knowledge in areas such as human biology, genetics, microbiology, physiology, and disease mechanisms. This degree provides a strong foundation for various career paths in healthcare, research, and industry.

Common Career Paths:

1. Healthcare and Medicine:
   • Many graduates pursue further study in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, or physiotherapy.
   • Some work as clinical scientists or in diagnostic laboratories within the NHS or private healthcare.
2. Biomedical Research:
   • Roles in universities, research institutes, or pharmaceutical companies conducting research into diseases, genetics, and treatments.
   • Positions such as research assistant, lab technician, or clinical trials coordinator.
3. Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Industry:
   • Opportunities in drug development, medical technology, and biotechnology.
   • Work in areas such as quality control, regulatory affairs, or clinical research.
4. Public Health and Policy:
   • Roles in government agencies, health organisations, and NGOs, contributing to public health research, epidemiology, or health policy development.
5. Teaching and Science Communication:
   • Some graduates go into secondary school teaching (with further training) or science communication, working in media, museums, or public engagement.
6. Forensic Science and Pathology:
   • Jobs in forensic laboratories, crime scene analysis, or pathology departments.
7. Further Study and Academia:
   • Many choose to do a Master’s or PhD to specialise in a specific field and pursue careers in academia or high-level research.

Here’s a more detailed look at some of the key career paths available to Medical Biology graduates:

1. Healthcare and Medicine

• Medicine & Allied Health Professions: Many Medical Biology graduates pursue postgraduate degrees in medicine, dentistry, physiotherapy, or pharmacy. Entry to these courses can be competitive, often requiring additional qualifications (such as the GAMSAT, BMAT, or UCAT) and relevant work experience.
• Clinical Science & Diagnostics: Some graduates work in hospital laboratories, assisting in diagnosing diseases, analysing patient samples, and conducting medical tests. Roles may include:
  • Biomedical Scientist (after further accredited training)
  • Clinical Scientist (specialising in areas like genetics, immunology, haematology)
  • Radiographer or Sonographer (with further study)

2. Biomedical Research

• University & Medical Research: Many graduates work as research assistants or technicians in universities, hospitals, or research institutes. This involves conducting experiments, analysing data, and contributing to medical advancements.
• Clinical Trials & Drug Development: Graduates can work in clinical research organisations (CROs) or pharmaceutical companies to help develop new drugs and medical treatments. Roles include:
  • Clinical Research Associate (CRA) – managing drug trials and ensuring regulatory compliance.
  • Laboratory Technician – conducting tests on biological samples.

Additional Qualification Pathway: Some progress to a Master’s (MSc) or PhD to specialise further in disease research, molecular biology, or genetics.

3. Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Industry

• Many Medical Biology graduates enter the biotech and pharma sector in roles such as:
  • Biotechnologist – developing medical devices, diagnostics, or synthetic biology applications.
  • Regulatory Affairs Officer – ensuring compliance with safety and legal standards for new drugs.
  • Quality Control Analyst – testing pharmaceutical products for consistency and safety.

Industries hiring graduates: Pharmaceutical companies (e.g., Pfizer, AstraZeneca, GSK), biotech firms, and medical device manufacturers.

4. Public Health and Policy

• Medical Biology graduates can contribute to public health by working in:
  • Epidemiology & Disease Surveillance – analysing health data to track disease outbreaks.
  • Health Policy & Regulation – working with public health organisations such as the NHS, WHO, or Public Health England to develop healthcare strategies.
  • Science Communication – writing for medical journals, news outlets, or educational platforms.

Potential Employers: NHS, World Health Organisation (WHO), UK Health Security Agency, charities (e.g., Cancer Research UK).

5. Teaching & Science Communication

• Graduates interested in education and communication may pursue:
  • Teaching (Secondary or Further Education) – requires a PGCE or equivalent teacher training.
  • Science Writing & Journalism – writing for medical news, science blogs, or academic publishing.
  • Public Engagement & Outreach – working with science museums, exhibitions, or charities.

Employers include: Schools, universities, publishing houses, museums, and media companies.

6. Forensic Science and Pathology

• Some Medical Biology graduates enter forensic or pathological sciences, working in:
  • Forensic Laboratories – analysing biological evidence for law enforcement.
  • Pathology Labs – assisting in post-mortem examinations and disease diagnosis.
  • Toxicology & Drug Testing – investigating the effects of drugs, poisons, and chemicals.

Employers: Police forensic units, NHS pathology services, and private laboratories.

7. Further Study and Academia

• Many graduates choose to specialise further through Master’s (MSc) or PhD degrees in areas like:
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics & Genomics
  • Immunology & Infectious Diseases
  • Neuroscience
  • Cancer Biology

This path often leads to academic research careers, university lecturing, or leadership roles in medical research.

Final Thoughts

A degree in Medical Biology offers a broad range of career opportunities, from hands-on laboratory work to roles in policy, public health, or education. Your choice will depend on whether you prefer practical lab work, direct patient care, research, or a more strategic role in healthcare policy and communication.

Choosing the Correct Pathway

The units listed below include 15 ungraded and 45 graded credits at Level 3, enabling you to apply to university for a Medical Biology course. Most UK universities accept the Access to Higher Education Diploma; however, we recommend checking the entry requirements on the undergraduate course webpage of your chosen institution.

For more details about the Access to HE (Health Science Professions) Health Pathway, click HERE.

If the units do not match the University entry requirement we may be able to tailor a custom course with 60 credits to make a Level 3 Diploma.