Biomedical Science BSc(Hons)

Professional accreditation

This Biomedical Science degree is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science and meets the academic requirements for registration as a biomedical scientist
with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

This degree is also accredited by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of meeting in part the academic and experience requirement for the Membership and Chartered Biologist (CBiol). Accredited degree programmes contain a solid academic foundation in biological knowledge and key skills, and prepare graduates to address the needs of employers.

The accreditation criteria require evidence that graduates from accredited programmes meet defined sets of learning outcomes, including subject knowledge, technical ability and transferable skills.

Becoming a biomedical scientist

To work as a biomedical scientist in the UK you’ll need:

• a degree qualification such as this course, accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS)

• at least one year’s experience in an NHS approved lab as you work towards the IBMS Certificate of Competence and the Registration Training Portfolio

• to achieve the IBMS Certificate of Competence which enables you to register with Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)

• to register with the HCPC.

Facilities for learning

Your lab-based learning is in our specialist laboratories which are purpose-built for studying molecular biology, microbiology and ecology.

Our facilities include:

• a dedicated microbiology lab with its own technical support team and preparation area
• primary cell/tissue and secondary cell culture facility
• molecular biology lab
• RT-PCR equipment
• image analysis suite with electron microscopes, a confocal microscope and atomic force microscopes.
• genomics/proteomics facility for analysis of cell genes and proteins.

Graduate destinations

Many of our graduates follow careers as biomedical scientists in the NHS as part of the biochemistry, pathology and microbiology teams.

You will have the skills and knowledge for careers in industries such as biotechnology, pharmaceutical development and forensic science. You will also be prepared for postgraduate study, academic research and teaching.

Route to medicine

Students on this course who fulfil the eligibility criteria are guaranteed an interview with the Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS) if they want to pursue a degree in medicine. You have the opportunity to apply either after year 1 or after your final year.

Entry requirements (after year 1)

• GCSE grade B or equivalent in maths and English
• If English is not your first language, an overall IELTS score of 7.0 with at least 7.0 in all sections
• AAA at A-level, all obtained in one sitting (both chemistry and biology need to be passed at A-level with grade A; neither General Studies nor Critical Thinking are acceptable)
• If you took the International Baccalaureate, 36 overall with grade 6 in Higher level chemistry and biology
• Excellent term 1 class attendance record
• A 70% average for term 1 modules

Entry requirements (after the final year)

• GCSE grade B or equivalent in maths and English
• BBB at A-level, all obtained in one sitting (both chemistry and biology need to be passed at A-level with grade B; General Studies and Critical Thinking are not acceptable)
• If English is not your first language, an overall IELTS score of 7.0 with at least 7.0 in all sections
• At least an upper second class degree
• A 70% average for year 2 modules

You also need to:

• take the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) in your year of application
• make a UCAS application to BSMS by 15 October in your year of application
• have an excellent record of class attendance (80%) and assignment submission by deadline (if applying after final year).

Further study

If you achieve the required standard in year 2, you can choose to progress from BSc directly to the third year of the Biomedical Science MSci and study towards a masters-level qualification.

We have opportunities for further postgraduate study in the following fields, all of which can be a springboard to PhD level:

• Biomedical Sciences MRes
• Regenerative Medicine and Devices MRes
• Stress, Ageing and Chronic Disease MRes

Supporting your employability

Outside of your course, our Careers Service is here to support you as you discover (and re-discover) your strengths and what matters to you. We are here for you throughout your university journey as you work towards a fulfilling and rewarding career.

Connect with our careers team

• Find part-time work that you can combine with your studies.
• Find, or be, a mentor or get involved with our peer-to-peer support scheme.
• Develop your business ideas through our entrepreneurial support network.
• Get professional advice and support with career planning, CV writing and interview top tips.
• Meet potential employers at our careers fairs.
• Find rewarding volunteering opportunities to help you discover more about what makes you tick, and build your CV.

Whatever your career needs, we are here to help. And that's not just while you are a student, our support carries on after you've graduated.

Find out more about our Careers Service...