International Stage One in Life and Biomedical Sciences
at University of Dundee
Begin your journey in biomedical and life sciences and progress directly to the second year of your degree at the University of Dundee.
Course Overview
The Life and Biomedical Sciences pathway at International College Dundee provides an excellent foundation for a range of science-related degrees, including Pharmacology and Molecular Biology. You will gain a strong understanding of key biological principles while developing your analytical, research, and laboratory skills, preparing you for advanced study in the biomedical field.
The International Stage One (IS1) in Life and Biomedical Sciences is equivalent to the first year of a four-year Scottish undergraduate degree. The programme is designed to build your subject knowledge and academic skills while helping you improve your English for university study. Studied across three terms, you will progress directly to the second year of your chosen undergraduate degree at the University of Dundee upon successful completion.
International College Dundee
International College Dundee (ICD) is a dedicated college for international students to start their studies. We offer integrated and standalone pathway programmes which develop your academic and English language skills.
Our international college is part of the university campus so you will have access to all the same university spaces, facilities and community so you will feel like you are part of the university from the day you start.
- Located on the main university campus
- Small classes offering a high-quality academic experience
- Supportive college staff who will help you settle into life as a student at the University of Dundee
- University student status from day one with access to sports, societies, campus facilities and the university student services.
Course modules
This module begins to provide the basic knowledge of Chemistry to enable students to be successful in the later years of their first degree studies in the field of Science. Many students will come from educational systems where there has been a strong emphasis placed on the study of sciences but it cannot be assumed that this will apply more generally. It is important therefore that the module ensures an appropriate level of scientific background required to cope with the later stages of a Science first degree. nModule code: IC10001
This module aims to provide students with an introduction to the organisation and integration of physiological processes in nature but with a particular reference to animals and with an emphasis on mammalian, especially human anatomy and physiology. Students consider the skeletal structure of humans, bone and muscle types and a number of physiological processes including the cardiovascular, respiratory and digestive systems.
This module builds on core chemistry knowledge to support continued undergraduate study in science. It is designed for students from a range of educational backgrounds and ensures the scientific understanding needed for later stages of a science degree. The module covers chemical equilibria, gas laws, acid–base chemistry, reaction kinetics, organic chemistry and spectroscopy, including NMR, mass spectrometry and infrared analysis.
The module is intended to extend the knowledge (and interests) of students into further areas of their studies in Science. In this module within the study of Biology are grouped Genetics, Ecology and Plant Biology. Each topic contains areas within it that are controversial and stimulate on-going debate around the role of science within human society and of human interaction with the wider natural world.
This module provides the scientific foundation required for progression to the later years of a Life and Biomedical Sciences degree. It covers biological molecules, cellular structure and function, genetics and cell division, membrane transport, enzyme activity and metabolic pathways, including respiration. The module also introduces key concepts in developmental biology, supporting understanding of how biological systems are structured, function and develop.
This module introduces organismal biology, focusing on the structure, function and evolution of animals. It explores animal development, including germ layers and body plans, and examines the origins of major organ systems using common model organisms. The module also provides an overview of animal evolution and the diversity and complexity of different animal groups.
This module introduces laboratory practices and procedures with a strong emphasis on safety. It develops the skills needed to work safely with chemicals and biological materials used in experiments, preparing students for the second year and later stages of a Life and Biomedical Sciences degree.
This academic English module aims to make students aware of the critical importance of English language proficiency and core academic competencies (skills and abilities) within a higher education context and provides English language preparation for continuing academic study on the later stages of an undergraduate degree programme at the University of Dundee. nnThe module aims to raise students’ English language proficiency from a minimum of 5.5 IELTS/CEFR B2 to an IELTS level of 6.5/CEFR C1 or above.
This academic English module aims to make students aware of the critical importance of English language proficiency and core academic competencies (skills and abilities) within a higher education context and provides English language preparation for continuing academic study on the later stages of an undergraduate degree programme at the University of Dundee. nnThe module aims to raise students’ English language proficiency from a minimum of 5.5 IELTS/CEFR B2 to an IELTS level of 6.5/CEFR C1 or above.
This module helps you develop the key academic skills needed to succeed at university, including learning strategies, academic writing, research, group work and presentations. It also builds your confidence, encourages reflective learning and supports your understanding of what it means to be part of the University of Dundee academic community.
Meet Ano, a student and hockey player from Zimbabwe
When I started looking at universities, I wasn’t just thinking about the course. I wanted more than just lectures and libraries. Back home, I played hockey every week. I loved the energy and the team spirit. So my parents and I searched for a place that valued sport and study.
University of Dundee
The University of Dundee is a leading institution in Scotland, known for its world-class teaching, innovative research and strong sense of community. Located on Scotland’s beautiful east coast, the University combines academic excellence with a friendly, inclusive environment in one of the United Kingdom’s most affordable cities.
You will benefit from hands-on learning, expert teaching and opportunities that prepare you for a successful global career. Dundee is a place where creativity, ambition and innovation come together, empowering you to make a real difference in the world.
Why choose the University of Dundee
Scottish University of the Year 2025
For its outstanding performance and long standing and impactful policies that put students first – Daily Mail University Guide 2025.
Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering
Top in the UK for Bioengineering & Biomedical Engineering and 2nd for Medicine and for Dentistry. The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025.
In the UK for Education
In the subject rankings, 3rd in the UK for Education and 7th for Medicine, Finance, and Computer Science. The Daily Mail University Guide 2026.
Entry Requirements for
12th Grade Graduation Certificate with 50% in each subject
International Student Fees
You can find the applicable international student course fee for your chosen pathway study route listed below.
| Study Route | Tuition Fees (2025-26) |
|---|---|
| International Stage One | 3-term – Business* / Social Studies – January, April, September – £18,995 3-term – Nursing / Life and Biomedical Sciences / Engineering / Computing – January, September – £19,895 2-term – Business / Computing / Life and Biomedical Sciences / Nursing – January, April – £13,195 |
| International Stage Two | All available subjects – January, September, November – £20,195 |
| Pre-Master | 1-term – Design / Health Education and Social Sciences** / Nursing – April, June – £11,195 1-term – Business / Computing / Energy & Sustainability / Engineering / Law – April, June, September – £11,195 2-term – Business / Energy & Sustainability / Health Education and Social Sciences ** – January, April, June – £15,195 |
| The Distance Learning Pre-Master’s Programme is available exclusively to students in China. For detailed information on fees and eligibility, please contact us here. | |
| Fees are not inclusive of scholarships. All applications are subject to a non-refundable admin Fee of £220. Stated fees are for the pathway only. Stated fees do not include the annual tuition fee applicable for degree course continued at the university after completion of your pathway. For more information on progression degree fees please visit the university website directly. | |
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*The April intake International Stage One (IS1) 3-term Business pathway does not follow the standard progression route. Students will study International Stage One in Business from April to December and will then progress to International Stage Two starting in January. Fees for International Stage Two have not yet been confirmed. These fees are expected to be in line with Oxford International pathway fees and will be confirmed closer to the start of the International Stage Two programme. All pathway fees are subject to annual review and may increase in line with policy, inflation, or regulatory changes. |
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Scholarships at University of Dundee
Up to £6,000 scholarship for 3-term pathways
Up to £4,500 scholarship for 2-term pathways
Reach out to our admissions team for details about scholarships available to you.
Up to £5,500 scholarship for 1-term pathway
Up to £5,000 scholarship for 2-term pathway
Reach out to our admissions team for details about scholarships available to you.
Up to £5,000* for ICD student who completed pathway programme and progressing with Excellence outcome (Automatically assigned on progression if student has met an A grade average during their study in the college)
*Assigned on progression – if a students already has another scholarship confirmed (e.g. Vice Chancellors or GCS) they cannot combine these – they will be awarded the highest value scholarship only
Check the wide range of scholarships on the University of Dundee website
