Overview
As a biomedical scientist, you’ll be on the frontline of research into the causes and consequences of diseases of the human body and you'll contribute to diagnosis and management of these conditions.
This BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science course gives you the knowledge, skills and experience you need for a career in this essential scientific profession and the accreditation to pursue a career in NHS laboratory medicine.
What you'll experience
On this degree course, you'll:
- Find out about the systems of the human body and the diseases that affect them
- Learn about the latest professional practice in pathological disciplines such as haematology and microbiology on one of our optional sandwich placements
- Receive award-winning teaching from active researchers and experts who are at the top of their game
- Get out of the classroom and put your knowledge to the test in our labs, which are kitted out with industry-leading microscopes, spectroscopy and chromatography equipment
- Have the opportunity to learn a language and earn credit towards your degree as part of the University's Institution-Wide Language Programme
You can also:
- Join one of our internationally recognised research groups
- Apply to the Erasmus+ exchange scheme, involving a summer research placement at a European university
Teaching
Teaching methods on this course include:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Practical lab work
- Guided reading
- Collaborative and peer-assisted learning
- Simulation
Our academic staff have expertise in clinical practice and research, and we provide a student-centred approach to teaching, with all modules fully supported by online lecture and study materials.
You can access all teaching resources on Moodle, our virtual learning environment, from anywhere with a Web connection.
For more about the teaching activities for specific modules, see the module list above.
How you're assessed
You’ll be assessed through:
- Essays
- Laboratory reports
- Workshops
- Presentations
- Group work
- Measures of practical competence
You’ll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark.
You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.
Careers and opportunities
You'll graduate from this course as a biomedical scientist in training with transferable skills that give you many career options.
You can apply to the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) to join the biomedical science register. This lets you practice as a qualified biomedical scientist when you graduate. You must have completed a period of work-based learning within one of our Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) approved clinical training laboratories to register.
You can also apply for Associate Membership of the Royal Society of Biology. This gives you access to professional networks and conferences.
Areas you could go onto after the course include:
- Scientific research
- Further study on an MSc or PhD programme
- Teaching
- Scientific writing and the media
- Pharmaceutics
- Instrumentation
- Further study at medical or dental school
Placement year
After your second year, you can do an optional work placement year to get valuable longer-term work experience in the industry.
If you do your placement in an approved NHS pathology laboratory, you can complete the Institute of Biomedical Science registration portfolio.
We’ll help you secure a work placement that fits your aspirations. You’ll get mentoring and support throughout the year.
Work experience and career planning
To give you the best chance of securing a great job when you graduate our Careers and Employability service can help you find relevant work experience during your course and for up to 5 years are you graduate.
We can give you support and advice, and help you identify placements, internships and voluntary roles that will complement your studies.
