Biomedical Science BSc(Hons) (with integrated foundation year)

Professional accreditation

The BSc(Hons) 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).

The BSc(Hons) element of the course 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 that is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) (like this BSc)

• 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 medicine, dentistry, postgraduate degrees (MSc, MRes or PhD), academic research and teaching.

Further study

If you achieve the required standard in year 2 of the BSc(Hons), 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.

• Biological Sciences MRes
• 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...