BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science with a Placement Year in NHS

Course Overview

NHS Biomedical Scientists have long been at the frontline in the fight against human disease, and never has this been more apparent than during the COVID19 pandemic.

Our BSc in Biomedical Science with a Placement Year in NHS prepares you to tackle current challenges in the field of biomedical science. You’ll study state-of-the-art advances in human health and disease and be trained in the latest techniques to work in medical NHS laboratories. Moreover, you’ll be able to undertake an optional NHS laboratory placement and complete the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) training portfolio as part of the programme [subject to placement availability]. The optional placement will take place in the third year of this four-year degree programme.

We offer two degree programmes: Biomedicine (BSc hons) which is focused on biomedical research and its translation into the clinic; and Biomedical Science (BSc hons) which is directed at training the next generation of Biomedical Scientists to work in medical NHS laboratories, and and is accredited to do so by the Institute of Biomedical Science. If you're unsure which programme to choose, it's worth noting that the first-year curriculum is identical for both. This allows you to make a decision at the end of your first year regarding which specialisation to pursue in years two and three. For example, if you initially enroll in Biomedical Science, you’ll have the flexibility to switch to Biomedicine at the end of your first year, and vice versa, ensuring you can align your studies with your evolving interests and career goals.

UEA is at the heart of the Norwich Research Park (NRP) which is a world-class environment for biomedical research. In collaboration with Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (and several other NHS Trust partners) we’ve developed a cutting-edge degree programme. You’ll benefit from our collective expertise which will help you to foster a deep understanding of disease processes in the context of laboratory investigation for improved diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of disease.

In addition to microbiology, Biomedical Scientists can specialise in disciplines such as haematology, immunology, cell pathology, clinical chemistry and clinical genetics. The future of healthcare provision and the advancement of healthcare innovations hinge on cultivating and recruiting the next generation of highly qualified healthcare professionals, biomedical researchers and biomedical scientists. Join us and embark on a journey to help shape the future.

This course is open to

UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.

We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.

You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.

English and Mathematics

All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language at minimum grade 4 or grade C, and Mathematics at minimum grade 5 or grade B.

We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.

Typical International Entry Requirements

We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. For specific details about your country, view our information for International Students.

A levels

ABB including Biology/Human Biology and one of the subjects listed below.

Accepted subjects: Chemistry, Physics, Computing Science, Psychology or Mathematics.

Where applicable Science A levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element. Not accepted: Critical Thinking and General Studies.

International Baccalaureate

32 points overall including HL5 in Biology and another science, Computer Science, Psychology or Mathematics.

INTO UEA

If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO UEA offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree.

English Foreign Language

English Foreign Language

Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading): 

• IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components) 

We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.

Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.

  If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study.

Deferred Entry

We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.

Admissions Policy

Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.

Recent Study

We would prefer you to be able to demonstrate evidence of recent academic study within 5 years of the start of the course. If your last qualification will have been completed more than 5 years ago by the time the course starts, please contact Admissions.

Employability

In addition to gaining scientific and professional skills and knowledge in biomedical science, you’ll also develop transferable skills in areas of research and communication, IT, data collection, analytics and critical thinking, to name but a few. This combination makes you highly employable. Graduates from our Biomedical facing programmes have gone on to establish careers in the NHS as well as in pharmaceuticals, the food and brewing industries, medical laboratories, forensic sciences, teaching, science communication, medicine and more. Several of our graduates have progressed on to higher degrees (e.g. MSc, PhD).

Examples of careers that you could enter include:

• Biomedical Scientist (NHS)
• Pharmaceutical research and development
• Clinical trials and regulatory sector
• Education: university, college and school teaching
• Research laboratories in universities
• Government or charity-funded research laboratories and institutes

Discover more on our Careers webpages.