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Biomedical Science
- BSc (Hons)
- 4 Years
- Sandwich
- 07/09/2026
- Undergraduate
- Lanarkshire Campus
Course summary
Overview
UWS’s BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science and BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science programmes will equip you with the skills and experience needed to play a vital role in modern healthcare provision.
These programmes have been developed to provide a pathway to help you become a professional biomedical scientist. Biomedical scientists play an essential role in the identification of diseases and improving the provision of healthcare.
You’ll receive a grounding in biology, chemistry and data analysis, before progressing to study advanced aspects of biomedical science. Key strengths of the programmes are the development of practical laboratory and research skills.
Programme highlights
• These programmes are designed to prepare you for a career working at the forefront of modern healthcare, where you’ll play a vital role in the effective diagnosis, monitoring, treatment and prevention of disease.
• These programmes have been developed in partnership with the National Health Service, with both programmes being accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS), and the Applied Biomedical Science programme also approved by the HCPC. Teaching includes expert tuition from NHS staff.
• A range of placement opportunities are available allowing you to apply your knowledge in a real-world laboratory setting.
Careers
UWS graduates are well qualified to enter a range of related medical professions including:
• NHS hospital laboratories
• Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service laboratories
• Health Protection Agency laboratories
• Research & development laboratories for the medical, pharmaceutical, veterinary and food sectors
• Primary and secondary teaching
• Nursing
Graduates can continue their studies to MSc and PhD level with some undertaking further study in related disciplines including pharmacy, medicine and dentistry.
Modules
In Year 1 you’ll complete modules in the fundamentals and diversity of life, chemistry, and you will learn how to critically evaluate scientific data and information.
In Year 2 you’ll be introduced to clinical biochemistry, haematology, microbiology, human and cellular biology and genetics.
In Year 3 you’ll complete modules in cellular and molecular pathology, blood sciences, infection and immunity. In term 2 of Year 3, modules are dependent upon which programme you are studying and whether you undertake a work placement.
In Year 4 you’ll study specialist aspects of biomedical science at an advanced level and complete a research dissertation in a topic of your choice.
Entry to the BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science programme is through a competitive selection process. As part of this programme, students undertake a clinical placement in an NHS laboratory in Year 3. This is compulsory for the award of BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science.
Assessment method
You will be taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials and workshops.
You will also have the opportunity to take part in group work and independent learning to develop your transferable skills such as research, presentation, communication and working as part of a team.
This degree is assessed using a variety of assessment methods including:
• Written examinations
• Coursework
• Practical assessment
Professional bodies
Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.
- Biomedical Science, Institute of
Qualified teacher status (QTS)
To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:
- Course does not award QTS
How to apply
Apply by
14 January
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- B940
- Institution code:
- U40
- Campus name:
- Lanarkshire Campus
- Campus Code:
- I
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
- Year 2
- Year 3
- Year 4
Entry requirements for advanced entry (i.e. into Year 2 and beyond)
Year 2 Entry:
Scottish Advanced Highers: BBC including Biology, plus Chemistry at least at National 5 Grade C
A Levels: BBC including Biology
International Baccalaureate: 30 points including Biology/Human Biology and Chemistry at Higher Level
SQA HNC: Applied Science; Bioscience; Biomedical Science/Applied Biomedical Science; Industrial Biotechnology
Year 3 Entry:
SQA HND: Biomedical Science; Biological Science; Applied Biological Sciences
International applicants
ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS:
For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level. These are shown below:
For our BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science and BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science programmes, applicants are required to have an IELTS overall score of 7.0 with no sub-test less than 6.5
Entry requirements
Standard Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 96 points
Including Biology or Human Biology
A level - CCC
Including Biology or Human Biology.
Year 2 entry with A Levels in BBC including Biology.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - MMM
Scottish Higher - BBCC
Including Biology or Human Biology
Scottish Advanced Higher - BBC
Year 2 entry: Advanced Highers in Biology plus Chemistry at least at National 5 Grade C
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 24 points
including 3 subjects at H4 (one of which should be Biology or Human Biology)
For year 2 entry, 30 points including Biology/Human Biology and Chemistry at Higher Level
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H3, H3, H3, H3
Including Biology or Human Biology
Scottish HNC - Pass
Year 1: Healthcare Practice
Year 2: Applied Science; Biomedical Science/Applied Biomedical Science; Industrial Biotechnology.
Scottish HND - Pass
Year 3: Biomedical Science; Biological Science; Applied Biological Science.
T Level - Pass (C and above)
For year 2 entry, Grade D in relevant subject
Year 1 entry: SWAP (BBB)
Access to Medicine; Access to Science; Access to Biological and Chemical Science; Access to Chemistry and Biology; Access to Health and Biological Science; Access to Dietetics; Access to Health and Life Sciences; Access to Radiography.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
UCAS Tariff - 63 points
Including Biology or Human Biology
A level - BCC
Including Biology or Human Biology.
Scottish Higher - CCC
including Biology/Human Biology
Alternative Minimum Entry Requirements: CC (42 UCAS Tariff points), including Biology/Human Biology, PLUS successful completion of one of the following:
UWS Foundation Academy
Foundation Apprenticeship
UWS Next Steps to University module
Top-Up
LEAPS
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6 | Overall score of 6.0, with a score of at least 5.5 in Reading, listening, Speaking & Writing |
Please note, students must demonstrate an IELTS score of 7.0 with no component under 7.0 before finishing this programme.
Contextual admissions
Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.
Our Minimum Entry Requirements are applicable to those applicants who have not had an equal opportunity to demonstrate their academic ability at school or college and are known as ‘widening access’ applicants. We also sometimes refer to this type of applicant as receiving a ‘contextual’ offer. For more information, please visit our website using the link below.
Learn more on the University of the West of Scotland website
Historical entry grades data BETA
This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.
Not enough data available
We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
Go onto work and study
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Scotland | £1820* | Year 1 |
| England | £9535* | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9535* | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9535* | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9535* | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £9535* | Year 1 |
| EU | £15500* | Year 1 |
| International | £15500* | Year 1 |
* This is a provisional fee and subject to change.
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.
Additional fee information
TUITION FEE INFORMATION - SCOTTISH STUDENTS:
Eligible Scottish domiciled students can usually apply to have their tuition fees paid for them each year of their studies by the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS). If you're not sure about your eligibility, you should contact SAAS. You need to apply to SAAS each year of study to have your tuition fees paid directly to UWS.
TUITION FEE INFORMATION - UK, IRISH & GIBRALTARIAN STUDENTS:
Eligible students who are domiciled in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland as well as from the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, Gibraltar or the Republic of Ireland will qualify for tuition fees of £9,250 per academic session of study to a maximum of three years if you are studying on a four year bachelor degree course (eg. BAcc (Hons) / BA (Hons) / BEng (Hons) / BSc (Hons)). So, if your degree is four years' duration, you will only be charged tuition fees for three years. Similarly, if you are studying a five year integrated master's degree course (eg. MEng (Hons)) the you will only be charged tuition fees for four years.
TUITION FEE INFORMATION - INTERNATIONAL (NON-EU) & EU STUDENTS:
These tuition fees apply to all non-EU, EEA, and all other EU students (excluding those from Republic of Ireland and Gibraltar, whose fee level is as per UK (non-Scottish) students - see section above for more details).
ADDITIONAL COSTS:
The cost of attending university is an investment in your future career.
In addition to tuition fees and living expenses, some courses involve extra costs such as consumable study materials, field trips, equipment and uniforms. You may also want to purchase some core texts and technology such as a new laptop etc. Some of these additional costs are optional, some, such as uniforms or safety equipment may be mandatory.
Check the course entry on our website for more more information.
Sponsorship information
Visit www.uws.ac.uk/scholarships
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