BSc Cancer Biology and Immunology (B131)

2027 entry | view 2026 entry

Course summary

In the first year of your BSc Cancer Biology and Immunology degree, you'll gain a broad understanding of the biology of normal and cancerous cells. In addition to studying the immune system and the immune response, you'll take pathology, microbiology and biochemistry units.

During your second year, you'll concentrate on the cellular and molecular basis of cancer and its therapy. You'll also study autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, diabetes and arthritis, and human cancers caused by viruses, including papillomavirus and hepatitis B. You'll deepen your knowledge of molecular genetics and have the chance to select an optional unit, such as Bench to Bedside and Beyond.

All practical teaching in years one and two is supported by our dynamic laboratory manual eBiolabs. In your second year, you'll also develop your transferable and employability skills in the Biomedical Research, Employability and Enterprise Skills unit.

During your course, we'll also prepare you for year three, which will see you undertake a grant proposal or research project, working in the research projects laboratory in our Biomedical Sciences Building or one of the hospitals.

The four-year BSc Cancer Biology and Immunology with Study in Industry is available by transfer after securing a placement during your second year.

Course structure

Full details about the course structure and units for this course can be viewed in the programme catalogue.

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Entry requirements

We accept a wide variety of qualifications and welcome applications from students of all backgrounds. Below is a guide to the typical offers for this course.

AAB including Chemistry and another core science/mathematics subject. Core science/mathematics subjects include: Biology, Further Mathematics, Human Biology, Mathematics and Physics.
DDD in Applied Science BTEC National Level 3 Extended Diploma, with Distinctions in five required Chemistry units

Find out more about BTEC entry requirements
34 points overall with 17 at Higher Level, including 6, 5 (in any order) at Higher Level in Chemistry and another core science/mathematics subject. Core science/mathematics subjects include: Biology, Further Mathematics, Human Biology, Mathematics and Physics.
31 points overall with 15 at Higher Level, including 5, 5 at Higher Level in Chemistry and another core science/mathematics subject. Core science/mathematics subjects include: Biology, Further Mathematics, Human Biology, Mathematics and Physics.

Find out if you are eligible for a contextual offer
Advanced Higher: AB (in any order) in Chemistry and another science/mathematics subject, and Standard Higher: AAABB. Core science/mathematics subjects include: Biology, Further Mathematics, Human Biology, Mathematics and Physics.
Access to HE Diploma in Science, Biomedical/Medical/Health Science or Psychology (or similar titles). The 45 graded Level 3 credits must include: 24 credits at Distinction and 21 at Merit or above; and at least 12 credits (with 9 at Distinction) from Chemistry units and at least 12 credits (with 9 at Distinction) from units in another core science/mathematics subject. Core science/mathematics subjects include: Biology, Further Mathematics, Human Biology, Mathematics and Physics.

More about Access to HE entry requirements
Requirements are as for A-levels, where you can substitute a non-subject specific grade for the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales or the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate at that grade.
Requirements for principal subjects are as for A-level, where D1/D2 is A*, D3 is A, M1/M2 is B, and M3 is C.
The University of Bristol welcomes applications from international students, and we accept a wide range of qualifications for undergraduate and postgraduate study.

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