Programme Specification
Awarding and teaching institution:
Final award:
Programme title:
Programme accredited by:
Duration:
UCAS code:
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Date produced:
School of Life Sciences (Clinical Sciences)
University of Bradford
BSc (Hons) [English National Qualifications Framework level H]
Clinical Sciences
GMC (Year 1 as part of Leeds MBChB)
3 or 4 years full-time
B990, B991
Tomorrows Doctors, Medicine, Biomedical Sciences, Biosciences,
Health Studies, Accounting
Original: Jan 2002; updated: Dec 2004: Aug 2006: Aug 2007, Nov 2007,
July 2008, July 2009, July 2010
Introduction and Programme Aims
Clinical Sciences at Bradford is a result of a joint initiative with the Medical School at the University of Leeds. In
accordance with the Universities’ Mission Statements, this high-quality, multi-disciplinary course has been designed to
widen participation for students, from under-represented groups, entering medical and healthcare education. Entry
onto the Clinical Sciences Course, either directly or via a Foundation Year, allows students a unique and exciting
opportunity to study science and health studies in a curriculum providing knowledge and understanding, developing
attitudes and skills that will promote effective lifelong learning and support professional development.
A distinctive feature of the course is close collaboration between the Schools of Life Sciences and Health Studies at
Bradford, the School of Medicine at Leeds and local NHS hospital and community trusts. The course is informed by
research, clinical expertise and multi-professional teaching from the School of Life Sciences and Health Studies, both
awarded ‘excellent’ grades (23/24) in reviews of teaching quality. It offers opportunities for students to visit healthcare
and community settings with an option to undertake a 1-year intercalated placement between stages two and three. In
addition to a BSc in Clinical Sciences the course offers two routes to the MBChB programme at Leeds.
The overall aims of the course are:







To encourage able students from a wide range of backgrounds to enter higher education using outreach
schemes with local schools and colleges, Junior University and Summer School Programmes, and building on
the ‘Aimhigher’ programmes in Bradford and Leeds.
To develop approaches to learning and teaching that are based on curiosity and exploration of knowledge in
preparation for lifelong learning and reflective practice.
To provide an opportunity for some students to enter the MBChB programme at Leeds at year 1 or 2.
To produce graduates who are better prepared to understand, reflect and meet the needs of our local
community and respond appropriately to cultural and medical needs.
To equip Foundation Year students with basic biological, chemical and social sciences and essential
transferable skills that are required for year 1 of Clinical Sciences or the MBChB Course at Leeds.
To develop knowledge and understanding of health and its promotion, the causes and mechanisms of disease,
prevention and treatment.
To provide optional pathways leading to a variety of healthcare and pharmaceutical-based careers.
Learning Outcomes
As a successful Clinical Sciences graduate you will be able to:

A1.
A2.
A3.
A4.
A5.
A6.
A7.

B1.
B2.
B3.
B4.
Knowledge and Understanding
Evaluate, discuss and apply core aspects of the basic medical sciences from molecules, cells and tissues to
populations; physiological systems of the body;
Appraise the scientific principles of the causes, diagnosis and treatment of disease;
Review the genetic and environmental factors affecting health and disease;
Discuss the psychosocial aspects of health and disease;
Evaluate the roles of health and social care workers and the NHS;
Analyse the ethical and legal issues of healthcare; clinical pharmacology and management of clinical trials.
Optionally evaluate - mechanisms of disease or drug action; molecular genetics; bioinformatics; accounting and
finance, clinical science; healthcare provision.
Discipline Skills
Retrieve handle and analyse experimental and clinical data;
Critically analyse and interpret health and health issues;
Apply subject-specific knowledge to new and familiar problems;
Show respect for colleagues and clients that encompasses, without prejudice, diversity of background and
opportunity, language, culture and way of life.

C1.
C2.
C3.
C4.
C5.
C6.
2
Personal Transferable Skills
Employ teamworking and leadership skills;
Employ reflective practice;
Assess and reflect on personal growth;
Manage your time, self and resources effectively
Employ oral and written presentation, problem-solving and self-directed learning skills including information
retrieval; numerical and statistical techniques;
Undertake electronic manipulation and presentation of data.
The curriculum
Depending on your initial qualifications, you may enter Clinical Sciences at stage one or via the Foundation Year.
The Foundation Year is designed for non-traditional entrants and will provide the basic biological, chemical and
numeracy skills required for stage 1, Clinical Sciences. Consideration of health concepts from a psychosocial
perspective, the role and responsibilities of health and social care professionals and the consolidation of key skills will
enable you to make an informed decision about your career pathway. Students who successfully complete the
foundation year will progress to stage 1, Clinical Sciences and up to 20 students, subject to satisfactory grades
(> 70% overall and at least 70% in Chemistry) and interview, may progress into year 1 of Leeds Medical School.
Stage one will mirror the first-year learning outcomes of the MBChB programme at Leeds. You will use an integrated
systems-based approach to study physiological systems of the body and disease in addition to the underlying
scientific principles and you will address multi-professional healthcare issues. Successful completion of stage 1 will
allow you to progress either towards medicine or continue with the degree in Clinical Sciences. Up to 20 students will
progress into year 2 of Leeds Medical School subject to satisfactory performance (> 60% overall with no failed
components or modules) and structured interview.
In stages 2 and 3 of the Clinical Sciences Course you will continue with the themes of systems-based learning and
mechanisms of disease. Emphasis will be placed on the development of effective communication, cultural awareness
and team-working skills to provide you with the confidence and competence to embark on a career in allied health
professions. You will be able to select modules from a range of clinical science, health studies and management
modules such as mechanisms of disease, clinical data management, psychology of health behaviour, common
diseases & their treatment, health economics, NHS structure, or accounting, subject to necessary prerequisites and
timetable requirements. Special study modules will allow you to study a topic in depth and further develop your skills in
critical analysis.
The curriculum may change, subject to the University’s and GMC approval, monitoring and review procedures.
You may undertake an optional intercalated placement between stages 2 and 3 which will not be subject to University
fees. This will provide valuable experiential learning in a healthcare setting or in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology
industries. You will be eligible to apply for Licentiateship of the City & Guilds Institute to assess your proficiency in a
work environment and your performance in those personal skills required to operate effectively in a professional or
managerial context. Not only will this improve your understanding of final year material, it will significantly enhance job
recruitment after graduation.
Opportunities for clinical sciences graduates will reflect your balanced portfolio of clinical sciences, health studies and
professional skills. Depending on your chosen pathway through the course you will be able to embark upon a
graduate career within the NHS ranging from health service management, bioinformatics, primary care to specialist
clinical scientists. The highly successful Pharmaceutical Industry also offers a wide variety of careers where you will
be able to use your knowledge and skills to improve healthcare in the UK or worldwide; these include clinical trials,
registration and regulatory affairs. In addition, Clinical Sciences has been proven to be an accepted and popular route
into graduate medicine.
Assessment regulations: a summary (the text of the progression regulations is maintained on the Web)
To pass and proceed from each stage to the next, and also to be eligible for a classified Honours award, you must
achieve at least 40% in 100 credits and 35% in the other 20 credits.
The class and division of the Honours degree that you are awarded is based on the overall weighted marks that you
receive for each stage. Stage 2 contributes 30% and stage 3 contributes 70%. The classes and divisions of the
Honours degree are awarded on the basis of the following minimum final overall weighted average marks:
70.0% or above:
60.0% or above:
50.0% or above:
Otherwise:
First Class Honours
Second Class Honours – First Division
Second Class Honours – Second Division
Third Class Honours
3
If you complete the Foundation Stage successfully, you are eligible for the Foundation Certificate in Clinical
Sciences/Medicine. If you complete Stage 1 successfully, you are eligible for a Certificate of Higher Education; if you
complete stage 2 successfully, you are eligible for a Diploma of Higher Education. The learning outcomes for these
awards and the final award are consistent with those of the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications
Notwithstanding the entrance requirements for entry into the School of Medicine, University of Leeds, students may
only progress from Stage 1, Clinical Sciences to year 2, School of Medicine if they have passed a ‘First Aid at Work’
assessment.
Unit Code
Credits Semester
CS0011L
CS0010L
CS-0004L
CS0001L
CS0009L
CS0003L
10
10
20
20
20
20
1,2F
1,2F
1,2F
1,2F
1,2F
1,2F
BM1116DD
CS1007M
CS1008L
CS1004L
CS1001L
20
10
20
20
20
1
1
1,2
1,2
1,2
CS1005D
CS1003M
20
10
2
2
BM3103M
PH2000M
CS2005M
MAN0103M
BM3102M
PH2002L
CS2001L
10
10
10
10
10
20
20
3
3
3
3
3
3,4
3,4
LSS2000M(D)
CS2002M
BM1115M
BM2004M
HH2001M
10
10
10
10
10
4
4
4
4
4
BM3119D
BM3122D
BM3121D
BM3117D
PH3301D
HH3016M
MAN0405
CS3001M
CS3006M
CS3002J
20
20
20
20
20
10
10
10
10
30
5
5
5
5
5
5
4
5
5
5,6
PH8312D
BM3124D
PH3023D
CS3003M
CS3004M
20
20
20
10
10
6
6
6
6
6
Unit Title
Chemistry for Clinical Sciences
Biology for Clinical Sciences
Laboratory and Study Skills for Clinical Sciences/Medicine
Health and Society
Personal and Professional Development (Foundation)
Special Studies (Foundation)
Core/
Option
C
C
C
C
C
C
Level
0
0
0
0
0
0
Basic Medical Sciences
Integrated Medical Sciences
Personal and Professional Development 1
Cardiovascular, Respiratory and Renal Systems
Special Studies 1
C
C
C
C
C
1
1
1
1
1
Nutrition and Energy
Individuals and Populations
C
C
1
1
Immunology
Control Systems 1 (Control and Movement)
Healthcare Management
Foundations of Accounting
Clinical Biochemistry
Control Systems 2
Special Studies and Professional & Personal Development
C
C
C
O1
O1
C
C
2
2
2
1
2
2
2
Career and Personal Development
Genetics and Health
Cellular Pathology
Haematology and Transfusion Science
Complementary Therapies
C
C
O2
O2
O2
2
2
2
2
2
Research Topics in Pharmacology
Research Topics in Medical Biochemistry
Research Topics in Cancer Biology & Therapeutics 1
Research Topics in Medical Cell Biology 1
Researching Drug Effects in the brain
Contemporary Issues in Health Care
Financial Management
Clinical Pharmacology
Clinical Data Management
Special Studies 3 (Dissertation)
O3
O3
O3
O3
O3
O4
O4
C
C
C
3
3
3
3
3
3
2
3
3
3
Common Diseases and their Treatment
Biology of Disease
Pyschology of Health Behaviour
PPD 3 (Cultural & Social divisions in health)
Health Economics
O6
O6
O6
C
C
3
3
3
3
3
4
Teaching, learning and assessment strategies
The teaching and learning strategies recognise the wide diversity of educational backgrounds with which students
may enter the course and the different exit points of students and graduates. Consequently, a variety of teaching and
learning opportunities and assessment methods are used to reflect the differences in learning styles between students
and to address the various learning outcomes outlined on Page 1. These are indicated in parentheses in the following
section.
Formative assessments are embedded throughout the course to monitor your progress (C3). Your knowledge and
understanding (A1 to A7) and discipline skills (B1 to B4) are developed through lectures, practicals, groupwork,
seminars, tutorials and computer-assisted and self-directed learning. Case studies, groupwork, individual
assignments, verbal presentations, problem-based learning and a reflective portfolio will be used to develop your
personal transferable skills in self-directed learning and reflective practice in preparation for lifelong learning (B4, C1C6). Personal & Professional Development and Special Studies are key themes throughout the course to enable you
to build on essential transferable skills and focus on reflective learning (C1-C6).
In the foundation year you will be introduced to basic concepts. You will be assessed by examination for the breadth
of knowledge (A1, A5) and your self-directed learning, presentation skills and group skills will also be assessed (B3,
B4, C1-C6). In Stage 1 you will acquire and learn to evaluate a broad knowledge of a variety of scientific and health
care topics, which underpin the BSc in Clinical Science and the MBChB programme at Leeds (A1, A2, A4, A6. You will
begin to develop the appropriate attitudes required for autonomous learning (C1-C6). At stage 2 and 3 you will be
able to select a pathway from core and optional modules according to your personal strengths and career aspirations
(A7). In stage 2 you will extend your knowledge and understanding in disease processes and the social impact of
disease (A1-A6). You will be more reliant on self-directed learning and be introduced to the analysis and synthesis of
information (B1- B3). This is assessed in an investigative report. At level 3 you will further develop your specialist
subject knowledge and analytical skills (A1-A6). You will be able to demonstrate this knowledge and analytical skills in
essay based examinations, a variety of coursework assignments (B1-B3) and a substantial critical dissertation
Admissions policy and requirements
We admit around 130 students each year, 65 students onto the Foundation year and 65 students directly into year 1 of
the Clinical Sciences Course. Students will be selected on the basis of academic potential, motivation and
interpersonal skills and offered a structured interview. Preference will be given to students from West Yorkshire, if
there is an excess of suitable applicants, and to groups currently underrepresented in the Medical profession. We
therefore welcome applications from mature students and students from minority ethnic communities.
In addition to fulfilling the general admissions requirements of the University of Bradford, you must satisfy the specific
admission requirements of the department for either the Foundation year or year 1 of the Clinical Sciences Course.
All candidates should offer a C in English and Mathematics at GCSE (or equivalent) and Biology/Science at level C is
required if not offered at a higher level.
For candidates taking Curriculum 2000 qualifications and offering any combination of Advanced GCEs, Vocational A
levels, AS levels, and Scottish Framework qualifications, our standard offer for the Foundation year is 200 points
including a minimum of 2 A2 subjects at Grade C or above. For entry directly into Clinical Sciences, the minimum
admission criterion is 300 points including A2 Chemistry and A2 Biology at Grade B or above.
BTEC candidates should have a majority of distinctions in relevant subjects. Mature applicants with relevant
experience and motivation should contact the Admissions tutor for further advice. Irish candidates should have a
Leaving Certificate with Chemistry or Biology at grade A (Grade B for the Foundation year) and 4 other subjects at
grade B (Grade C for Foundation year) all passed at higher level. Overseas students should also write to the
Admissions tutor for guidance as they will not be eligible to transfer to the Medical Course but are encouraged to apply
for the Clinical Sciences Course.
Student support and guidance
The University and relevant departments have an excellent reputation in this area and in recognition of the additional
challenges that may be experienced by non-traditional applicants there will be a strong tutorial support system for all
students that will be channelled through the Personal and Professional Development modules. Each student will be
allocated to a personal tutor who will monitor your progress throughout the course. The University Counselling Service
also provides a caring atmosphere where any student can discuss confidential matters which may cause you concern.
Additional support with your academic study skills is provided by the Learner Development Unit. Students transferring
to Leeds will be linked to the Personal Tutor system in the Medical School to facilitate seamless transfer to the MBChB
course. Mentors, recruitment managers, a widening participation Co-ordinator will work with aspiring applicants in their
5
secondary school or college. You will be given opportunities to meet with current medical and clinical science students
who will provide advice and guidance to potential applicants and new students on the course. Staff work closely with
the Careers Department who will provide advice and guidance with your career planning in the second and third
years.
Further information
If you would like further information about the University of Bradford, please check the undergraduate prospectus.
More details about the course can be obtained from one of the Admissions tutors via the contact email;
clinsci@bradford.ac.uk.