Biomedical sciences

Single Honours 

• Biomedical Science 

• Pathology 

• Forensic Science 

• Genetics 

• Pharmacy 

Joint Honours 

• Biological and Biomedical Sciences  

• Biochemistry and Genetics 

• Biomedical Science and Neuroscience 

• SOURCE: COMMON DEGREE TITLES FROM WHATUNI

 Alternative options 

• Foundation years Undertaking an extra year of study before starting your biomedical science degree can be an advantage if you don't meet the course’s necessary entry requirements or if you want to improve your English language skills. 

• Sandwich degrees You can include an extra year after Year 2 or Year 3 of your undergraduate degree, in which you can study abroad or gain practical working experience. 

• Integrated Master’s An integrated Master’s degree allows you to complete a postgraduate qualification by extending your undergraduate studies by one year. You’ll study your subject in more depth, and gain a Master’s degree for relatively little extra cost. 

• Degree apprenticeships These courses usually have a duration of 3-6 years, and allow you to earn while you learn, gaining valuable work experience while your employer covers tuition fees. 

SOURCE: WHATUNI

You’ll need to have studied at least one science-based subject at A-level (or equivalent), although many universities will ask for two. These frequently include biology, chemistry, and maths, and can also include physics and applied science. 

Most universities will ask for a C or above. General studies and critical thinking subjects are normally not accepted, and joint honours degrees may require specific subjects, or evidence of prior study. 

Biomedical science covers a large range of courses, and an even larger integrated field of medical study. There are many specialisms which can be studied, and these can lead to developing an area of expertise within the field that can lead to advanced career roles. Regardless of the specialism, studying at this level requires advanced research skills, and a familiarity with medical technologies and equipment, diagnostic methods, information systems, and data analysis abilities. 

• Genetics Delve into intricate inheritance patterns, diverse DNA structures, genetic manipulation techniques, hereditary diseases, and their profound implications for evolution and human health. This is a field which is leading the way in a lot of new medical research in laboratories around the world. 

• Microbiology Explore the fascinating world of microorganisms—bacteria, viruses, fungi—studying their physiology, genetics, ecological roles, disease mechanisms, and their pivotal contributions to medicine, industry, and the environment. 

• Epidemiology This subject area has a huge significance within public health policy and governance. Students navigate the complex landscape of disease distribution, unraveling intricate patterns, identifying risk factors, tracing transmission routes, and devising effective strategies for disease prevention, and control. 

• Pathology Investigate the intricate mechanisms underlying disease pathology, deciphering cellular and tissue abnormalities, and employing diagnostic techniques crucial for disease identification, treatment, and prevention. 

• Phlebotomy Students will learn techniques for safe blood collection from both veins and capillaries, understanding sample handling, patient interaction, infection control, and ensuring accurate laboratory test results. 

• Anatomy and physiology 

• Microbiology 

• Toxicology 

• Genetics 

• Bioinformatics 

• Molecular biology 

• Immunology 

• Phlebotomy 

• Bioengineering 

While studying biomedical science you’ll experience a multifaceted introduction to human biology and its intersection with the field of medicine. You'll learn fundamental mathematical methods and data analysis techniques, crucial to understanding technical information and laboratory reports. You’ll spend a lot of time in laboratory settings, conducting research, gathering information, and testing hypotheses, while learning to use precise scientific language and present your findings to a range of audiences. You’ll gain insights into the intricate mechanisms underlying health and disease, while also considering ethical considerations, healthcare policies, and emerging technologies, preparing you for diverse career paths in clinical practice, research, or healthcare management. 

Additionally, studying biomedical science will instil a range of transferable skills which enable you to work in a variety of workplaces and environments. These include: 

• Problem-solving 

• Teamwork 

• Research 

• Data presentation 

• Advanced communication  

In the UK, aspiring biomedical scientists must complete an IBMS Accredited biomedical science degree programme or equivalent degree apprenticeship and following this, must successfully complete the IBMS Registration Training Portfolio in an approved training laboratory. You will then receive a Certificate of Competence from the IBMS allowing you to register as a biomedical scientist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). 

The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) is a regulatory body which currently protects 15 health and care professions, including several in the field of applied biomedical science, such as Biomedical Scientist, Clinical Scientist, and Radiographer. 

If you are interested in the more technical aspects of biomedical science, and particularly the research and laboratory work, then you may be interested to explore alternative STEM subjects, which offer many similar modules with biomedical science degrees, and can often be applied to biomedical science courses at postgraduate level.  

These can include: 

• Physics 

• Veterinary science  

• Engineering 

• Mathematics 

• Computer science 

Gaining a degree in biomedical science opens up a huge number of pathways in medical research, healthcare, and data-driven workplaces across the world. You’ll graduate with excellent numerical skills, data-fluency, and scientific reasoning, and will be able to handle a high workload and relatively pressurised working conditions. Your specialised knowledge will enable you to take on roles in laboratories and research teams, and if you choose to deviate into more technical employment positions such as operations and finance, then the transferable skills learned during your biomedical science training will stand you in good stead. 

Options include: 

• Analytic chemist 

• Biologist 

• Food and drug analyst 

• Research scientist 

• Public health educator 

• Forensic scientist  

• Quality assurance specialist 

• Hospital administrator  

• Data technician 

• Molecular geneticist 

These are just a few of the most common job roles. You'll find plenty of other options available to you, and you can also continue your studies by completing a postgraduate degree in biomedical science or a related subject.