Intercalation - our programmes

BSc Intercalated Biosciences

Campus: Streatham, Exeter

In this broad programme you will be able to explore diverse aspects of the fundamental molecular and cellular biology that underpins many of our recent advances in the treatment of disease. You will have the opportunity to consider how drugs are discovered and subsequently modified to achieve a better therapeutic outcome, how the immune system protects itself again pathogens and how they in turn pathogens (bacterial and fungal) adapt and defend themselves in response to host defences and drug therapy. You will be able to examine how science is conducted through practical investigation and look at how science is communicated to both specialist and lay audiences. The programme provides access to our specialist modules delivered to students in the second or final year of our three year undergraduate programmes. Many of these are seminar modules which provide valuable new perspectives to topics you may already have completed as part of your main programme of study, allowing you to explore complementary areas in greater detail.

Programme structure

For an example of modules which may be available for intercalation please see the course page for BSc Biological Sciences.

BSc Intercalated Conservation Biology and Ecology

Campus: Penryn (Cornwall)

The BSc (Hons) Intercalated Conservation Biology and Ecology offers more direct field experience than any other Ecology course in the UK, in locations from Cornwall to South Africa. This hands-on experience will provide skills that are essential for working conservationists and ecologists, including wildlife identification and data handling. It is delivered by internationally-recognised, research active staff in the Centre for Ecology and Conservation on the Penryn Campus.

The Centre hosts a large and thriving group of scientists who work at the cutting edge of research on conservation and ecology and run field research projects across the globe, from Cyprus to Australia. The programme utilises expertise in the Centre to provide you with the skills, concepts and experience to understand all aspects of conservation and ecology. The programme encourages an interdisciplinary approach and you will be exposed to a wide range of theoretical and practical techniques used to study animal biology, conservation and ecology.

Programme structure

For an example of modules which may be available for intercalation please see the course page for BSc Conservation Biology and Ecology.

BSc Intercalated Evolutionary Biology

Campus: Penryn (Cornwall)

The BSc (Hons) Intercalated Evolutionary Biology draws from fields that include genetics, animal behaviour and evolutionary ecology, and examines evolution from many perspectives – from the smallest building blocks of life to entire ecosystems. As a fast growing area of study, it is led by some of the UK’s foremost internationally-recognised, research active staff in the Centre for Ecology and Conservation on the Penryn Campus. The Centre hosts a large and thriving group of scientists who work at the cutting edge of research on evolutionarily informed organismal biology and run research projects across the globe, from Uganda to Australia. The programme utilises expertise in the Centre to provide you with the skills, concepts and experience to understand all aspects of modern evolutionary biology. The programme encourages an interdisciplinary approach and you will be exposed to a wide range of theoretical and practical techniques used to study evolutionary biology.

Programme structure

For full details of the programme structure please see the course page for BSc Evolutionary Biology.

BSc Intercalated Exercise and Sports Science

Campus: St Luke's, Exeter

The programme is designed to give you a balanced understanding of both sport and exercise sciences across the range of sub-disciplines. This is delivered through learning about the psychology, physiology and biomechanics of sport and exercise, with a focus on research. Optional modules reflect the application of this scientific knowledge in a variety of populations from athletes, to children and the general public. Alongside the subject specific knowledge, there is also a commitment to enhancing your learning and personal development skills.

Programme structure

For an example of modules which may be available for intercalation please see the course page for BSc Exercise and Sports Science.

BA or BSc Intercalated Flexible Combined Honours (UEMS students only)

Campus: Streatham and St Luke's, Exeter

Intercalated Flexible Combined Honours (iFCH) gives you the freedom to explore two (or more) subjects during your Intercalated year. You can study them in a very flexible manner and customise your degree programme to match your personal interests, making it distinctive and different. The degree offers you the widest possible access to modules from range of subject disciplines. Uniquely, you can also create your own subject by combining related modules from across departments; to produce what is called a ‘themed pathway’. Examples that may be of particular interest to medical students include “Medical Humanities”, “Ancient Medicine” or “Bioarchaeology”. Your final degree title will reflect the combination of modules you take.

You will receive the best quality teaching experience, and have support from dedicated academic advisers (the FCH Director and the FCH subject co-ordinators) to oversee your academic progress and help you develop your academic potential during your studies.

Programme structure

For an example of modules which may be available for intercalation please see the course page for Flexible Combined Honours.

BA Intercalated Medical Humanities (via Flexible Combined Honours) (UEMS students only)

Campus: Streatham and St Luke's, Exeter

From Hippocrates and Galen, to Nightingale and Lister, our current medical practices have been shaped by our ancient and more recent past. In this flexible programme you will have the opportunity to explore the origins and evolution of human life, science, culture and medicine from different academic perspectives combined with the opportunity to investigate how humanities influence medical practice today. You will have the freedom to choose a combination of modules to satisfy your individual interests. The final combination of modules taken will determine which degree title is awarded.

Programme structure

For an example of modules which may be available for intercalation please see the course page for Flexible Combined Honours.

BSc Intercalated Infectious Disease

Campus: Streatham, Exeter

Understanding of the molecular basis of infection and the interaction between microorganisms and their hosts is critical if we are to conquer the threat they pose to public health and food security. In this programme you will explore the diverse repertoire of cellular strategies that microbes use to defend themselves against host immune systems and gain better insight into the therapeutic agents we currently employ to control infections. In parallel, you will explore how the immune system defends the host against pathogen invasion and consider the fundamental cellular processes that contribute to the expression of disease. To give a broad overview, the topics will be explored in the context of both bacterial and fungal pathogens. The programme provides access to our specialist modules delivered to students in the final year of our three year undergraduate programme, and module availability closely reflects the research strengths of Bioscience academics. Many modules are seminar-based, and these provide valuable new perspectives to topics you may already have completed as part of your main programme of study, allowing you to explore complementary areas in greater detail. The overall programme offers an innovative-approach to learning that includes supportive small-group learning and tutorials as well as the chance to engage with research at a practical level in our laboratories.

Programme structure

For an example of modules which may be available for intercalation please see the course page for BSc Biological Sciences.

BSc Medical Sciences

Campus: Streatham and St Luke's, Exeter

At present, many scientific discoveries never leave the laboratories in which they are made. At the same time the needs of frontline clinicians – and their patients – often go unheard by those doing research. Our BSc Intercalated Medical Sciences programme prepares you to be able to fill these gaps, and thereby enhance the lives of patients. Our intercalated Medical Sciences programme aims to provide a firm foundation in the core biomedical and biomolecular sciences. You will develop an integrated, scientific knowledge that you can put into practice in a clinical setting, plus creative and inquisitive communication, leadership, critical appraisal and problem-solving skills. Students will also have the option of completing a research project and writing up a dissertation. These key skills will prepare you for a career helping to progress scientific discovery into clinical and medical practice, ultimately to improve human health.

You will have the choice of whether to pursue the general medical sciences programme or one of the specialist subject pathways (in Cancer Studies, Health Research, Neuroscience, Human Genomics, and Pharmacology & Therapeutics) to study a particular area in more depth, with your chosen specialism named as part of your degree title, for example, BSc Intercalated Medical Sciences (Human Genomics).

Programme structure

For an example of modules which may be available for intercalation please see the course page for BSc Medical Sciences.

BSc Intercalated Molecular and Cellular Science

Campus: Streatham, Exeter

Molecular and cellular biology is one of the most fast-moving and important areas of biomedical research. Major human diseases such as cancer, inflammation, and pathogen infections are all fundamentally diseases of cells, and without a thorough understanding of the molecular mechanisms that underlie each disorder, directed therapeutic intervention is impossible. In this one year intercalated Molecular and Cellular Science programme, you will develop a molecular understanding of cell function and behaviour that complements your BMBS studies and allows you to gain an appreciation for the core biological science that underpins clinical practice. The programme provides access to our specialist modules delivered to students in the second or final year of our three year undergraduate programmes, and module availability closely reflects the research strengths of Biosciences academics. Many modules are seminar-based, and these provide valuable new perspectives to topics you may already have completed as part of your main programme of study, allowing you to explore complementary areas in greater detail. The overall programme offers an innovative-approach to learning that includes supportive small-group learning; lectures, and interactive seminars alongside a tutorial programme designed to give you the skills you need to succeed in your degree.

Programme structure

For an example of modules which may be available for intercalation please see the course page for BSc Biological Sciences.

BSc Intercalated Psychological Studies

Campus: Streatham, Exeter

Psychologists are interested in why we do things, how we do them and how we relate to others as well as to the world at large. As a result, Psychology plays an important role in drawing together techniques, theories, findings and professional practice from several areas of expertise to address complex and socially and economically important questions about behaviour. Psychologists study people at all stages in their lives from birth to old-age, assessing how people perceive the physical and social world around them, how they think and use ideas, how they vary in intelligence and personality and how they are influenced by particular environments such as work, school and family. Psychology is the systematic and scientific study of behaviour and experience. As such it has a wide range of applications, such as in industry and commerce, in education and in health and social services.

Programme structure

For an example of modules which may be available for intercalation please see the course page for BSc Psychology.

BSc Intercalated Zoology

Campus: Penryn, Cornwall

The BSc (Hons) Intercalated Zoology focuses on an understanding of the biology of animals, with an emphasis on whole animal biology, biodiversity, ecology and behaviour, along with the evolution of the whole spectrum of animal life histories. It is delivered by internationally-recognised, research active staff in the Centre for Ecology and Conservation on the Penryn Campus. The Centre hosts a large and thriving group of scientists who work at the cutting edge of research on whole-organism biology and run research projects across the globe, from Uganda to Australia. The programme utilises expertise in the Centre to provide you with the skills, concepts and experience to understand all aspects of modern zoology. The programme encourages an interdisciplinary approach and you will be exposed to a wide range of theoretical and practical techniques used to study the biology of animals of all types.

Programme structure

For an example of modules which may be available for intercalation please see the course page for BSc Zoology.

MSc Bioarchaeology

Campus: Streatham, Exeter

Bioarchaeology is an exciting and fast-advancing field which combines archaeology with branches of the natural sciences to study key topics such as past health and well-being, diet, ecology, subsistence strategies and environmental impacts. Our MSc in Bioarchaeology aims to develop a broad understanding of these issues through the study of human remains. Students on this programme will also have the opportunity to study animal remains, as well as floral and faunal evidence depending which pathway they choose to follow.

The three available Bioarchaeology pathways are:

• MSc Bioarchaeology: Forensic Anthropology
• MSc Bioarchaeology: Human Osteology
• MSc Bioarchaeology: Zooarchaeology

The programme develops advanced practical skills in skeletal analysis, making use of the department’s well-provisioned specialist laboratories and reference collections. A particular strength of our provision is that we are able to address the bioarchaeology of both the New and Old Worlds.

Programme structure

For full details of the programme structure please see the course page for MSc Bioarchaeology.

MSc Environment & Human Health

Campus: Truro, Cornwall

On this programme you will consider ecological public health, the relationship of health to environment, as well as the social determinants of health and healthcare systems. By looking at current theories and concepts and through the analysis of a range of information you will develop the skills and knowledge so that on graduation you will be able to inform strategies to improve the health of communities or be well placed to continue to work towards a position of an academic researcher.

The programme would suit students interested in public health, health promotion, environmental health and protection, occupational health, workplace wellbeing or social enterprise. The programme has been developed with reference to the training requirements of the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health and the UK Faculty of Public Health to maximise your future employability in the discipline of environment and human health sciences.

Programme structure

For full details of the programme structure please see the course page for MSc Environment & Human Health.

MSc Genomic Medicine

Campus: St Luke's, Exeter

Medical practise and practise in the clinical professions will be transformed by genomic technologies and information within the next decade. This MSc is a new programme developed by Health Education England and aligned with their vision to prepare for the legacy of the 100,000 Genomes Project. This will be achieved through transformational education and training that is focused on developing the capability and capacity of the NHS to apply genomic medicine for patient benefit.

The programme is offered by a network of centres across England and includes study of the genomics and informatics of rare and common diseases, cancer and infectious diseases, which can be applied to clinical practice and medical research, it enhances knowledge and skills, in this rapidly evolving field. Each module runs over a 4-5 week period with a mixture of face-to-face and online material. You will be required to attend teaching sessions in Exeter for 3-4 days per module and for some modules teaching will also occur simultaneously in Bristol.

Programme structure

For full details of the programme structure please see the course page for MSc Genomic Medicine.

MSc Health Data Science

Campus: St Luke's, Exeter

Our MSc Health Data Science will help you develop innovative skills needed to unlock knowledge from complex health data, to address some of the biggest health challenges that we face across the globe today. This course combines the expertise of our world-renowned health scientists with experts in mathematics and computer science to develop a better understanding of diseases and to find ways to prevent, treat and cure them.

Programme structure

For full details of the programme structure please see the course page for MSc Health Data Science.

MSc Health Research Methods

Campus: St Luke's, Exeter

The global burden of disease and challenges of safe and accessible health services means that more than ever practitioners and researchers need skills for developing, testing, evaluating and implementing evidence-based health care in highly complex situations. This programme provides you with the skills and knowledge to tackle these challenges.

You will be taught by a multi-disciplinary team of expert tutors and guest lecturers from a diverse range of clinical and research backgrounds, with a blend of tutorials, work-based training and research exchange visits. Topics such as patient and public involvement, collaborative working, evidence-based practice, complex interventions, health economics, clinical trials and medical statistics will provide a common thread that runs throughout the programme.

Teaching for the programme takes place over two full days (Tuesday and Wednesday) for the full-time route. Teaching will take place between 9am and 5pm, however specific times may vary from module-to-module. Each module runs over 1 academic term, with 11 contact days per module timetabled with teaching staff.

Programme structure

For full details of the programme structure please see the course page for MSc Health Research Methods.

MRes Health and Wellbeing

Campus: St Luke's, Exeter

The MRes Health and Wellbeing aims to develop an interdisciplinary understanding of the social, biological and environmental drivers of individual health behaviours and interventions appropriate to develop health and wellbeing. It is designed to extend your understanding of the social science underpinning the development of effective interventions, strategies and policies aimed at sustainable improvement in health and wellbeing, and reducing physical and psychological health inequalities. The programme examines contemporary issues related to modifiable disease risk behaviours, and the determinants and correlates of these lifestyle behaviours across the lifespan. You will develop an understanding of the interdisciplinary skills and processes to translate scientific research into practical health and wellbeing applications.

The MRes Health and Wellbeing forms part of the Economic and Social Research Council South West Doctoral Training Partnership - a hub of world-class social science research.

Students can also opt to take option modules at the University of Bristol and University of Bath.

Programme structure

For full details of the programme structure please see the course page for MRes Health and Wellbeing.

MSc Paediatric Exercise and Health

Campus: St Luke's, Exeter

It is well known that the first two decades of life represent an important window of opportunity to not only improve the health and well-being of young people, but also their health status into adult life. The role that physical activity and fitness can play in improving markers of health and well-being in young people is an important area of study, especially given concerns of declining fitness and increasing obesity in today’s children and adolescents. Based on the internationally-recognised research conducted at the Children’s Health and Exercise Research Centre (CHERC), our Masters programme in Paediatric Exercise and Health offers a thorough grounding in the unique physiological responses of children and adolescents during exercise and how these responses are influenced by age, sex, and biological maturation. It provides an in depth evaluation of the relationships between physical activity, fitness and health in young people. You will gain experience of both theoretical and hands-on methods used to evaluate physical activity and fitness, plus advanced training in research methods and analytical procedures.

The programme is delivered within a friendly and supportive learning environment, drawing upon innovative multi-method and multi-disciplinary research and teaching by our leading academics. You will have opportunities for involvement with on-going research projects and to develop key transferable skills beneficial for further doctoral study.

Programme structure

For full details of the programme structure please see the course page for MSc Paediatric Exercise and Health.

MSc Sport and Health Sciences

Campus: St Luke's, Exeter

With an excellent reputation for teaching quality, our MSc Sport and Health Sciences presents an exciting and challenging opportunity to develop scientific understanding of sport, exercise and health. Programme content is underpinned by past and current research from our internationally recognised research groups: Bioenergetics and Human Performance; and Physical Activity and Health Across the Lifespan.

Our MSc Sport and Health Sciences provides you with a sound grounding in research methods and analytical procedures relating to sport and health sciences. The programme presents opportunities to employ theoretical concepts in applied sport, health and exercise settings and allows you to choose from a diverse range of modules allied to our research expertise.

Delivered within a friendly and supportive learning environment, the programme draws upon innovative multi-method and multi-disciplinary research and teaching by our leading academics. You will have access to state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities including modern laboratories for biomechanics, physiology and psychology. You will also have the opportunity to be involved with on-going research projects and develop key transferable skills.

Programme structure

For full details of the programme structure please see the course page for MSc Sport and Health Sciences.

Clinical Education

Campus: St Luke's, Exeter

Clinical Education is specifically designed for doctors and healthcare professionals wishing to develop their roles as clinical educators. The programme is designed in response to the increasing expectation from the clinical and academic world that those teaching on clinically based programmes have a formal qualification in education.

The themes running through the programme are a comprehensive introduction to clinical education, coaching and mentoring, principles of assessment and practical delivery of teaching. The programme looks at clinical education from a new more practical standpoint based on the reality of delivering clinical education in modern healthcare environments. The course is evidence-based - incorporating the latest research and current issues in academic clinical education. Some of this research has been carried out by the course tutors, consisting of highly experienced clinical educators and researchers.

Programme structure

For full details of the programme structure please see the course page for the MSc Clinical Education

Campus: St Luke's, Exeter

The challenges of maintaining a safe, accessible and sustainable health service require its future leaders to be inclusive, collaborative and possess critical skills in improvement and systems leadership.

Our Healthcare Leadership and Management programme has been specifically created to offer the time, space, and support you need to become a compassionate, inclusive and effective leader of the future.

Programme structure

For full details of the programme structure please see the course page for the MSc Healthcare Leadership and Management

MSc Sports and Exercise Medicine 

Campus: St Luke's, Exeter

This programme is open to graduates and professionals from a wide range of backgrounds including exercise and sport science, sport and exercise medical science, physiotherapy, doctors and other health care professionals.

Our world-leading staff expertise in biomechanics, psychology, physiology, nutrition, and physical activity and health along with additional research expertise in the areas of public health, health promotion, and the impact of the environment on health, allows us to create a unique flavour to the programme with research-led modules in a variety of areas.

Programme structure

For full details of the programme structure please see the course page for MSc Sports and Exercise Medicine.

Master of Public Health (MPH)

Campus: St Luke's, Exeter

Our Master of Public Health (MPH) will help you to become a compassionate and inclusive leader ready to address the biggest health challenges faced in our local and global communities. This course combines the expertise of our world-renowned public health experts with specialists in leadership and management in our outstanding Business School.

Programme structure

For full details of the programme structure please see the course page for Master of Public Health (MPH)