Medical Physiology BSc Honours
Gain a theoretical and practical understanding of normal body function with specialised clinical and research equipment.
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Viewing course details for 2025-26 year of entry
- Code
- B123
- Attendance
- Full-time, Part-time
- Start
- September 2025
- Fees
- £9,535 (UK) | £16,600 (INT)
- Duration
- 3 years full-time, 6 years part-time
- Course Leader
- Dr Lygeri Dimitriou
- Study mode
- On campus
- Location
- Hendon campus
- Entry Requirements
- 112 UCAS points
- Placement year
- No
- School / Department
- Faculty of Science and Technology
Why choose Medical Physiology BSc Honours at Middlesex?
Learn the foundations of human physiology and how to assess its health and reactions to its environments. You’ll be able to work with the latest industry equipment in our state-of-the-art facilities.
What you will learn
- By successfully completing this degree, you’ll learn:
- How the human body adapts or responds to its environment
- The causes of and pathophysiology of diseases of the cardiovascular, respiratory, musculoskeletal and the nervous systems, and how we can treat thm
- How we can monitor and assess the functioning of the same systems, to measure health or human performance
- How physiological data are recorded, securely stored and analysed
- What normal and abnormal biological processes look like
- The importance of research in the advancement of scientific knowledge and evidence-based practice
What you will gain
This degree is also designed to help equip you with the skills to:
- Generate, analyse and critically evaluate research evidence and data using the most appropriate technology
- Work collaboratively to solve physiological problems
- Reflect on your own learning and practice to develop personally and professionally
- Present information in the most effective way, in order to communicate ideas clearly
- Design and carry out a research project
- Carry out a wide range of physiological techniques and procedures to assess human performance or health status
- Communicate your ideas or information effectively to both scientific and non-scientific audiences, using a variety of media
- Formulate your learning and career development plans
- Use a range of information technologies
- Demonstrate a high level of numeracy and problem-solving skills
3 great reasons to pick this course
What will you study on BSc Medical Physiology?
Your studies will help you to acquire a sound understanding of the human physiology and how body’s physiological systems respond to extreme environmental conditions, such as extreme ambient temperatures and space.
In Year 1, you will review the basic sciences, covering cell biology, anatomy, human physiology and the physics behind the instrumentation and equipment used to record body functions. You will also learn about current trends and potential careers in the field of medical physiology.
In Year 2, you will explore common cardiovascular, respiratory and nervous systems, covering relevant anatomy, cell biology, genetics, physiology, pathophysiology, and pharmacology and therapeutics. You will also learn techniques used to assess the functioning of the cardiovascular, respiratory and nervous and musculoskeletal systems and acquire research and employability skills.
Finally, in Year 3 you will explore the techniques used to assess the functioning of the cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous and musculoskeletal systems in much greater depth, with an emphasis on diagnostics and assessment of human performance. The effect of prolonged exercise, extreme ambient pressures and temperatures, stress, high altitude and the space environment on human performance will also be studied. You will be able to carry out your own research in an area of physiology.
About your course
Medical Physiology BSc is designed to give you in understanding of human physiology and how it responds to its environment. This includes diseases of the cardiovascular, respiratory, musculoskeletal and the nervous system. You’ll gain an understanding of how we can use instruments to collect data on physiology, and learn what that this data can tell us. More broadly you’ll learn about the scientific method, approaches to research, development and innovation. Finally, you’ll develop a range of employability skills required for effective life-long learning, communication, teamworking and leadership.
This module aims to introduce you to the biomedical profession and job prospects while developing essential laboratory skills, safety practices, and communication methods necessary for academic and professional advancement, particularly in clinical laboratory settings. This module also aims to promote teamwork among students and encourages self-reflection as an integral component of professional development practices.
This module aims to provide you with the knowledge and understanding of human anatomy and physiology required to underpin your future learning. The unifying theme of homeostasis is used to show how a healthy structure and function are maintained and how failures of homeostasis can result in disease.
This module aims to provide you with the skills and underpinning knowledge on the basic principles of biochemistry. This will include the knowledge of the structure and function of the key biomolecules and their role in metabolism. The module combines elements of biology and chemistry to relate to the understanding of metabolic diseases, health and wellbeing.
The aim of the module is to provide you with an understanding of cardiovascular and respiratory systems from a molecular to a system level in health and disease. Additionally, you will gain an appreciation of the theory and practice of monitoring techniques used to assess cardiovascular and respiratory systems.
The module aims to provide you with the knowledge and understanding of principles and properties of measurement techniques used in carrying out physiological measurements.
This module equips you with principles of neurophysiology and understanding of the main neurophysiological techniques. On completion of this module you will be able to justify the choice of neurophysiological techniques in pathophysiology.
This module provides you with the skills to plan, implement, analyse and report project-based work, in preparation for the final year project module. The module also develops core research skills for scientific research design. Specific research skills include analytical techniques and provides you with an insight into the translation of science into real-world solutions and the factors affecting innovation, and knowledge production and transfer.
This module aims to provide you with the knowledge and understanding required for clinical practice. You will be able to safely contribute to the clinical exercise testing and interpretation of results of patients diagnosed with heart diseases, pulmonary vascular diseases, peripheral arterial diseases, and muscle disorders.
The aim of the module is to provide you with an understanding of both the integrative physiological responses or adaptations, including pathological changes and the limits of human performance under challenging environmental conditions. Additionally, you will gain an appreciation of the theory and practice of monitoring techniques used to assess physiological changes induced by exercise or environmental stressors in healthy individuals.
The aim of the module is to give you the practical knowledge and skills of electroencephalography (EEG), electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies (NCS) used to diagnose neurological and neuromuscular diseases and used in neurophysiological research. Additionally, you will gain an insight into interpreting test results.
To find out more about this course, please download the Medical Physiology BSc specification (PDF).
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Teaching
Your knowledge and understanding are supported through bite-size videos covering threshold concepts, interactive sessions, seminars, laboratory classes, role-play and practical sessions.
You will complete group work, listen to and deliver peer presentations and take part in debates. Problem-solving exercises and analysis of case studies will see you apply your learning, alongside designing and undertaking research projects and developing portfolio material.
All of this is underpinned by structured and directed independent learning, and reflection on this.
You will be studying at both our Hendon campus and our new West Stand facility at StoneX Stadium, Barnet.
While placements are not a formal part of the Medical Physiology programme syllabus, you will have opportunities to engage with practical learning and hands-on experiences through our state-of-the-art facilities and teaching methods.
Timetable
Whether you are studying full or part-time – your course timetable will balance your study commitments on campus with time for work, life commitments and independent study.
We aim to make timetables available to students at least 2 weeks before the start of term. Some weeks are different due to how we schedule classes and arrange on-campus sessions.
Independent learning
Outside of teaching hours, you’ll learn independently through self-study which will involve reading articles and books, working on projects, undertaking research, and preparing for assessments including coursework, presentations and exams.
Teaching vs independent learning
Here is an indication of how you will split your time:
Year 1
| Percentage | Hours | Typical activity |
|---|---|---|
| 24% | 288 | Teaching, learning and assessment |
| 76% | 912 | Independent learning |
Year 2
| Percentage | Hours | Typical activity |
|---|---|---|
| 24% | 288 | Teaching, learning and assessment |
| 76% | 912 | Independent learning |
Year 3
| Percentage | Hours | Typical activity |
|---|---|---|
| 21% | 252 | Teaching, learning and assessment |
| 79% | 948 | Independent learning |
Our excellent teaching and support teams will help you develop the skills relevant to your degree from research and practical skills to critical thinking. And we offer free 24-hour laptop loans with full desktop software, free printing and Wi-Fi to use on or off campus, even over the weekend.
Coursework, exams and assessments
Practical work lies at the heart of assessment in this degree, either via performances or portfolios of creative work. Critical studies of music, together with contextual and reflective work, are assessed with coursework.
Your learning will be assessed regularly. The exact balance will depend on the modules you are taking. The table below is a good guide.
| Year | Coursework % | Performance/ presentation % | Practical exam % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 60% | 40% | |
| Year 2 | 75% | 25% | |
| Year 3 | 65% | 35% |
Informal and formal assessment
We'll test your understanding and progress with informal and formal tests.
The informal tests usually take place at least once per module, from which you’ll receive feedback from your tutor. The grades from these tests don’t count towards your final marks.
There are formal assessments for each module, usually at the end, which will count towards your module and your final marks.
Assessments are reviewed annually and may be updated based on student feedback or feedback from an external examiner.
To help you achieve the best results, we will provide regular feedback.
Your knowledge, understanding and skills will be assessed in various ways. These include: peer presentations, laboratory reports, case studies, essays, quizzes and objective-structured practical assessments. You will also create a portfolio, and conduct project and research work.
As well as scientific knowledge, these assessment methods are designed to evaluate graduate competencies including:
- Leadership and influence
- Entrepreneurship
- Communication, empathy and inclusion
- Curiosity and learning
- Collaborative innovation
- Resilience and adaptability
- Technological agility
- Problem solving and delivery
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North London campus
Our north London campus is just 20 minutes from central London, giving you easy access to everything this vibrant city has to offer. Make the most of incredible professional opportunities, cultural experiences, and more affordable living, all within a supportive and close-knit campus community.
Learn moreFacilities and support
Our Sheppard Library has over 1000 study areas with and 600 computer spaces, with some areas open 24 hours a day
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Make the most of our free laptop loans, e-books, printing and photocopying
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We have one of London's biggest university campuses with everything you need in one place.
Our facilitiesStudent support
We offer lots of support to help you while you're studying including financial advice, wellbeing, mental health, and disability support.
Additional needs
We'll support you if you have additional needs such as sensory impairment or dyslexia. And if you want to find out whether Middlesex is the right place for you before you apply, get in touch with our Disability and Dyslexia team.
Wellness
Our specialist teams will support your mental health. We have free individual counselling sessions, workshops, support groups and useful guides.
Work while you study
Our Middlesex Unitemps branch will help you find work that fits around uni and your other commitments. We have hundreds of student jobs on campus that pay the London Living Wage and above. Visit the Middlesex Unitemps page.
Financial support
You can apply for scholarships and bursaries and our MDX Student Starter Kit to help with up to £1,000 of goods, including a new laptop or iPad.
We have also reduced the costs of studying with free laptop loans, free learning resources and discounts to save money on everyday things. Check out our guide to student life on a budget.
Careers
On graduating from this degree, you can continue your studies at postgraduate level by taking a diploma, master’s degree, or PhD. This may be necessary to pursue many specialised scientific career paths, such as becoming a clinical scientist or medical researcher.
The most relevant graduate roles include physiologist, teacher (at all levels), medical researcher, and clinical scientist specialising in fields such as cardiac science, neurophysiology, or physiological sciences.
A medical physiology graduate could also work as an applied physiologist, cardiac rehabilitation exercise physiologist, cardiopulmonary exercise testing practitioner, epidemiologist, pharmacologist, or exercise physiologist. Other potential roles include medical science liaison, physician associate, medical sales representative, science writer, or working in sleep laboratories.
You could also work in a number of non-scientific graduate roles that benefit from the transferable skills developed during this programme.
Typical employers of medical physiology graduates include the NHS, the armed forces, the health and fitness industry, research centres, academic institutions, pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers, and sleep laboratories.
MDXworks
Our employability service, MDXworks will launch you into the world of work from the beginning of your course, with placements, projects and networking opportunities through our 1000+ links with industry and big-name employers in London and globally.
Our dedicated lifetime career support, like our business start-up support programme and funding for entrepreneurs, has made us:
- The top 20 UK universities for business leaders and entrepreneurs – Business Money, 2023
- A top 10 university for producing CEOs – Novuana, 2023
MDXcelerator Student Start-Up Support
Want to be your own boss? You'll have the chance to pitch your business to gain mentoring and grants of up to £15,000.
Global network
You’ll study with students from 122 countries who’ll hopefully become part of your global network. And after you graduate, we'll still support you through our alumni network to help you progress in your chosen career.
Entry requirements
Qualifications
- UCAS Points
- 112 UCAS points 32 must be in a science subject.
- A Levels
- BBC including a C or above in either biology, chemistry, environmental science, maths or physics
- BTEC
- DMM in a science or numerate subject
- Access requirements
- Overall pass in a relevant subject: must include 45 credits at level 3, of which all 45 must be at Merit or higher
- Combinations
- A combination of A-Level, BTEC and other accepted qualifications that total 112 UCAS Tariff points including 32 points from a science or numerate subject
We’ll always aim to be as flexible as possible and take into consideration any barriers you may have faced in your learning.
Our entry requirements provide a guide to the qualifications that you’ll need to study our courses.
We're currently reviewing entry requirements based on this and they may be subject to some small changes. However, if you don’t quite get the grades you hoped, we’ll also look at more than your qualifications like your achievements in other areas and your personal statement.
Qualifications
We accept applications from students with a wide range of qualifications, including combinations of qualifications.
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Our entry requirements page outlines how we make offers.
Mature students (over 21)
We welcome applications from mature candidates, including those without formal qualifications, provided you can demonstrate relevant experience and ability.
Academic credit
If you have a qualification such as a foundation degree or HND or have gained credit at another university, you may be able to join us in year two or three. Find out how you can transfer courses.
If you have relevant qualifications or work experience, we may be able to count this towards your entry requirements. Find out more about prior learning accreditation.
We welcome students from the UK and all over the world. Join students from over 122 countries and discover why so many international students call our campus home:
- Quality teaching with top facilities plus flexible online learning
- Welcoming north London campus that's only 30 minutes from central London
- Work placements and networking with top London employers
- Award-winning career support to get you where you want to go after university.
Qualifications
We accept a wide range of international qualifications. Find out more about the accepted qualifications on your country's support page. If you are unsure of the suitability of your qualifications or would like help with your application, please contact your nearest international office.
English language
You will need to meet our English language requirements. And, don’t worry If you don't meet our minimum English language requirements, as we offer a Pre-sessional English course.
Visas
To study with us in the UK, you might need a Student visa. Please check to see if this applies to you.
Please apply via UCAS using the code B123.
For help with your application, please view our undergraduate application page.
Fees
The fees below are for the 2025/26 academic year:
UK students1
Full-time: £9,535*
Part-time: £79 per taught credit
*Subject to the government’s proposed increase in the tuition fee cap receiving Parliamentary approval 3
As a part of our commitment to an excellent student offer at Middlesex University, we pledge to invest the additional money from tuition fee increases into the student experience, and we are consulting at present on what these improvements will be and will follow up with further details.
International students2
Full-time students: £16,600
Part-time students: £138 per taught credit
Additional costs
The following study tools are included in your fees:
- Free access to resources, learning materials and software you need to succeed on your course
- A suite of Macintosh computers loaded with Logic Pro digital audio workstations, Sibelius music notation software and other software for sound generation and processing
- Access to a hybrid analogue-digital recording studio connected digitally with sound-proofed practice rooms and live recording spaces
- Free access to the complete Naxos Music Library online
- Free laptop loans for up to 24 hours
- Free specialist software for your course
- Free printing for academic paperwork
- Free online training with LinkedIn Learning
Scholarships and bursaries
To help make uni affordable, we do everything we can to support you including our:
- MDX Excellence Scholarship offers grants of up to £2,000 per year for UK students
- Regional or International Merit Awards which reward International students with up to £2,000 towards course fees
- Our MDX Student Starter Kit to help with up to £1,000 of goods, including a new laptop or iPad.
Find out more about undergraduate funding and all of our scholarships and bursaries.
Fees disclaimers
1. UK fees: The university reserves the right to increase undergraduate tuition fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions. The tuition fees for part-time UK study are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.
Based on the current fee, for a typical three-year degree, the total costs for your studies will be £28,605.
2. International fees: Tuition fees are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.
3. Depending on the duration of your study, your tuition fees for subsequent academic years may be subject to further inflationary increases (most recently, the UK government has suggested that increases may be linked to the All-Items Retail Prices Index – RPIX) in line with any additional rise in the tuition fee cap set by the UK government. Any annual increase in tuition fees will be notified to students at the earliest opportunity in advance of the academic year to which any applicable inflationary rise may apply.
Any annual increase in tuition fees as provided for above will be notified to students at the earliest opportunity in advance of the academic year to which any applicable inflationary rise may apply.
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Unistats information
Please select 'see course data' on the following course option to view the full Unistats data for BSc (Hons) Medical Physiology.
We’ll carefully manage any future changes to courses, or the support and other services available to you, if these are necessary because of things like changes to government health and safety advice, or any changes to the law.
Any decisions will be taken in line with both external advice and the University’s Regulations which include information on this.
Our priority will always be to maintain academic standards and quality so that your learning outcomes are not affected by any adjustments that we may have to make.
At all times we’ll aim to keep you well informed of how we may need to respond to changing circumstances, and about support that we’ll provide to you.