About

Study with us

learn at a pioneering academic institution
our Institute of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences (SIPBS) is a leading centre for research focused on new medicines, better medicines and better use of medicines
courses are underpinned by our strong research base, links with industry, the NHS and international partners
Our Biomedical Science BSc is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science and Royal Society of Biology

Why this course?

A biomedical scientist is a scientist trained in biology, particularly in the context of medicine. These scientists work to gain knowledge on the main principles of how the human body works. They try to find new ways to cure or treat disease by developing advanced diagnostic tools or new therapeutic strategies.

Biomedical science represents an opportunity to put scientific knowledge into practical use. It performs a key role in medical healthcare and offers career satisfaction for many in the profession.

As a biomedical scientist, your skills and qualifications will be recognised across the UK and worldwide.

Our course offers a more general degree than the specialist joint Honours biosciences degree programmes. You’ll follow the same curriculum up to Year 3, but instead of specialising in only two biomedical science options, you’ll take classes selected from all four areas, developing a broad understanding of all the biomedical sciences.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

2024/25

Highers	*Standard entry requirements: Year 1 entry: AABB/AAAC (two sciences – Biology/Human Biology B and Chemistry B; Maths and English National 5 B) Minimum entry requirements: AABB /AABCC (Biology B, Chemistry B, Maths and English National 5 B)
Advanced Highers	Year 2 entry: BB (Chemistry B, Biology/ Human Biology B, plus Year 1 above)
A Levels	*Standard entry requirements: Year 1 entry: BBB (two sciences required, at least one of which must be Biology or Chemistry; GCSE Chemistry 6/B (if not at A Level); GCSE Maths 6/B, GCSE English Language 6/B or Literature 6/B) Year 2 entry:** BBB (Chemistry and Biology, GCSE Maths 6/B, and GCSE English Language 6/B or English Literature 6/B)
International Baccalaureate	*Standard entry requirements: Year 1 entry: 30 (Two science subjects at HL5 at least one of which must be Biology or Chemistry. Maths SL5 and English SL5) Year 2 entry:** 30 (Chemistry and Biology, one at HL6, the other at HL5. Maths SL5 and English SL5)
HNC/HND	Year 1 entry: HNC, Graded Unit B Year 2 entry: HNC, Graded Unit A or HND, Graded Units BB Year 3 entry: HND, Graded Units AB
International students	View the entry requirements for your country.
Deferred entry	Accepted

Undergraduate

Students who have studied the Tawjihiyya/Thanawiya General School Certificate are eligible for entry via a foundation programme from the ISC. Students that have studied an International Qualification such as A Levels, IB Diploma, French Bac or the American High School system should check the relevant country.

Postgraduate

A good degree from a recognised Higher Education Institution is acceptable for postgraduate study at Strathclyde. Our applications are judged on a case-by-case basis and can vary depending on the course. As a guide, we normally consider a GPA of 2.8 out of 4 and 3.8 out of 5.

English Requirements

IELTSMin 6.5

English Program Requirements

We accept a number of English language tests as proof of proficiency in English. IELTS is the most widely available. Information on this can be found on the British Council Website.

Our current standard requirements are:

IELTS (Academic): 6.5 overall (no individual band less than 5.5)
Faculty of Science: IELTS (Academic): 6.0 overall (no individual band less than 5.5)
Faculty of Engineering (Undergraduate only): IELTS (Academic): 6.0 overall (no individual band less than 5.5)

Some degree programmes have different English language requirements to the above so please check each individual course page for details.

Other English language tests may be acceptable and you can find these here:

Recognised English language qualifications for pre-sessional and degree entry

If you have a qualification not listed, you should contact our Recruitment & International Office for advice.

Career

Careers

Biomedical Science is a dynamic profession with diverse career prospects in management, research, education, advanced roles and specialised laboratory work.

UK biomedical scientists are employed in NHS and private sector laboratories. They also work in organisations such as the National Blood Authority, Health Protection Agency and Medical Research Council.

Biomedical scientists usually work in laboratories in the areas of diagnosis, screening, monitoring and research. Over 80% of medical diagnoses are based on biomedical scientists’ laboratory test results. Biomedical scientists handle over 150 million samples every year. If you or anyone you know have given sample to a doctor or nurse to be analysed it will have most likely been analysed in a laboratory by a biomedical scientist

You could also be employed within forensic labs, food and drink companies, scientific publishers and lab suppliers. Some of our graduates choose to apply the transferable skills they have developed in a commercial role either within the science sector or beyond.

How much will I earn?

Within the NHS, biomedical scientists’ salaries start at approximately £21,000 to £28,000 (Band 5). Team leader or specialist roles progress to £26,000 to £34,800 (Band 6).*

Where are they now?

Recent job titles include:

Project Coordinator
Study Analyst
Lab Technician
Medical Lab Assistant
Research Scientist
Science Technician
Waste and Fuels Strategist

Recent employers include:

Bio-Outsource
Dounreay Sight Restoration Ltd
Mission Therapeutics
National Milk Laboratories
NHS
NHS Wishaw Hospital
Thomas and Eco
University of Strathclyde

*Information is intended only as a guide and based on NHS pay grades.

Fee Information

Fees & funding

All fees quoted are for full-time courses and per academic year unless stated otherwise.

Fees may be subject to updates to maintain accuracy. Tuition fees will be notified in your offer letter.

All fees are in £ sterling, unless otherwise stated, and may be subject to revision.

Annual revision of fees

Students on programmes of study of more than one year (or studying standalone modules) should be aware that tuition fees are revised annually and may increase in subsequent years of study. Annual increases will generally reflect UK inflation rates and increases to programme delivery costs.

Tuition Fee

39,470 / year