Medical Sciences and Population Health, BSc (Hons) / MSci (Hons)

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Course Overview

Interested in the “next big thing in healthcare”? The increasingly developing field of Population Health is a great career choice for those who wish to be at the forefront of healthcare advancement. Put simply, Population Health is concerned with the wide range of factors that can determine the health and the health outcomes of individuals, groups and populations.

The growing pressures on healthcare systems globally are well documented, with chronic diseases, ageing populations and increased incidents of mental health. Advancements in medicine are improving health for more and more people, but inequalities in the healthcare received by people based on where they are born, live and work are prevalent. Population health aims to address these inequalities, by working to better understand the healthcare needs of groups of people, improving healthcare models and providing innovative solutions to meet people’s health needs.

Studying Medical Sciences and Population Health will give you a solid grounding in medical and life sciences, social sciences, epidemiology, demography, public health, and health informatics.

You will also develop the academic and professional knowledge needed to determine systematic variations in the health of individuals and populations, as well as the skills and experience to apply this knowledge to practical solutions to improve health, wellbeing, and the delivery of health services.

Our Medical Sciences and Population Health programmes bring together a diverse range of subjects to provide you with a holistic understanding of the social, economic, medical and demographic factors that shape population health; from prevention and promotion, to health protection, diagnosis, treatment and care.

With your studies crossing over a number of disciplines, you will benefit from the state-of-the-art facilities at the Medical School, and also the dynamic research and learning environment.

 

Why Medical Sciences and Population Health at Swansea?

The BSc in Medical Sciences and Population Health responds to the increasing demands for professionals equipped to tackle global health challenges and the pressures on modern healthcare systems. Our programme recognises the connection between Population Health Science and Medical Science, offering a unique, integrated course. By combining these disciplines, you will develop an all inclusive understanding of health from both a biological and society perspective.

  • 8th in the UK for Subjects Allied to Medicine (Times Good University Guide 2026)
  • 2nd in the UK for Career Prospects (assessed under 'Anatomy and Physiology', Guardian University Guide 2026)
  • 6th in the UK for Teaching on my course (NSS 2025)* - assessed under 'Health Sciences (non-specific)'
    * Based on the overall positivity score for questions 1 - 26 in the NSS 2025, when ranked against universities as featured in the Times Good University Guide

Our Medical Sciences and Population Health programmes bring together a diverse range of subjects to provide you with a holistic understanding of the social, economic, medical and demographic factors that shape population health; from prevention and promotion, to health protection, diagnosis, treatment and care.

With your studies crossing over a number of disciplines, you will benefit from the state-of-the-art facilities at the Medical School, and also the dynamic research and learning environment.

This degree is a Pathway to Medicine programme. Provided you meet the minimum entry requirements for Graduate Entry Medicine and you have successfully completed this Pathway, you will be guaranteed an interview for our flagship Medicine (Graduate Entry) MBBCh course.

Your Medical Sciences and Population Health Experience

Studying the 3-year BSc, you will undertake a mix of compulsory and optional modules, giving you the ability to tailor your degree to your particular interests, career ambitions, or plans for further study.

This programme includes opportunities to undertake Year Abroad, spent in locations such as the USA, Canada, China, Hong Kong, or Singapore, enhancing your learning and offering invaluable life experience.

This course also offers you the opportunity to spend a Year in Industry, in the UK or overseas, enabling you to gain valuable workplace experience. The University advocates for paid-only placements, which on average have a salary of over £20,000. Unpaid placements are considered on a case-by-case basis.

This programme is also available as a 4-year MSci, which is an advanced undergraduate degree, adding a further research-focused year to your degree. Our MSci leads to a master’s level qualification, in addition to your undergraduate degree, giving you expert scientific training and a springboard towards a range of specialist careers.

The optional Foundation Year for this programme can give you an exciting introduction to higher education, setting you up with the skills, confidence, and knowledge that you’ll need to be successful in your undergraduate degree. It’s ideal if you need a little more support after further education, or are returning to education after a gap. Following successful completion of the Foundation Year, you will progress onto Year 1 of your BSc.

The curriculum and programmes are designed to prepare students with the skills and attributes needed to become proficient and competent scientists and researchers. Our programmes will enhance your creative problem-solving abilities and encourage innovation in research.

Medical Sciences and Population Health Employment Opportunities

Studying Medical Sciences and Population Health will open you up to a vast range of careers in the medical and life sciences sector including: 

  • Clinical practice
  • Health education
  • Further Postgraduate Study and PhD
  • National Management Government Trainee
  • Associate Medical Writer
  • Business Training and Entrepreneurship
  • NHS Graduate Scheme
  • Community Health Worker
  • Public Health Advisor
  • Public Health Researcher
  • Epidemiologist

Swansea University’s Medical Sciences and Population Health programmes also prepare eligible students for further professional training such as Physician Associate Studies and Graduate Entry Medicine.

Modules

We're currently reviewing our curriculum to enhance your learning experience and embed skills that will benefit your future career. This means that some modules may be subject to change.

Entry Requirements

We consider all applicants on their own merits and welcome applications from students with a wide range of qualifications.

Medical Sciences and Population Health, BSc (Hons)

Medical Sciences and Population Health, MSci (Hons)

Medical Sciences and Population Health with a Year Abroad, MSci (Hons)

Medical Sciences and Population Health with a Foundation Year, MSci (Hons)

Medical Sciences and Population Health with a Placement Year, MSci (Hons)

Medical Sciences and Population Health with a Foundation Year, BSc (Hons)

Medical Sciences and Population Health with a Placement Year, BSc (Hons)

Medical Sciences and Population Health with a Year Abroad, BSc (Hons)

Medical Sciences and Population Health with a Foundation Year and Year Abroad, BSc (Hons)

Medical Sciences and Population Health with a Foundation Year and Placement Year, BSc (Hons)