Biomedical Science with Foundation Year

Accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS), our practice-led degree offers a fascinating insight into human life processes, as well as disease and health within the human population. You will develop a range of practical and analytical skills using our state-of-the-art life sciences labs. Our aim is to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to progress into a variety of Biomedical Science careers.

If your goal is to work within the NHS as a Biomedical Scientist, completion of an IBMS-accredited degree will mean you can apply for trainee Biomedical Scientist roles. You could then go on to complete the IBMS registration training portfolio, which is a pre-requisite for full qualification in this role and potential registration with the Health and Care Professions Council.

Why choose a foundation year course?

The BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences with a Foundation Year course has been specifically designed to support your transition to degree-level study in Health Sciences. As a student, you will undertake a foundation year situated at level 3 study, which has been designed as a prelude to your chosen degree course, providing opportunities for you to develop your knowledge, skills and understanding. Your learning journey through your foundation year will provide a secure platform on which you can build throughout your academic career in higher education.

As part of the foundation year, you will explore and develop a number of essential academic, interpersonal and professional skills that will help you succeed in your future degree level studies.

On successful completion of your foundation year, you are guaranteed to progress on to the first year of the BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science degree. If you are interested in progressing on to one of our other Health Sciences degrees, this will be subject to space available on those courses and meeting the relevant entry requirements, which may include passing an interview.

What's covered in this course?

Biomedical Science embraces a range of disciplines, including clinical biochemistry, human molecular genetics, cell biology, infection and immunity, and haematology and transfusion science. These subjects are of immense importance in healthcare provision and medical research, as well as underpinning the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries.

On this course you will learn how the human body functions during health and disease, and develop an understanding of the diagnosis, management, and treatment of a range of diseases. Throughout the programme you will gain important practical and scientific skills, developed by learning in our state-of-the-art life sciences laboratories where you will use industry standard equipment.

In the final year you will complete an independent research project under the guidance of one of our academic staff, providing you with the opportunity to consolidate your learning on the course.

When you graduate, a range of careers are open to you as well as the option for further postgraduate training and study. These careers include medical laboratory assistant, trainee biomedical scientist, conducting clinical trials for drug companies, research assistant and research technician, marketing assistant and medical and scientific sales representative. You could also use your qualification to progress into teaching, or undertake postgraduate study to obtain Master’s, Physician Associate/Assistant or PhD qualifications. Exceptional graduates may be able to progress into postgraduate entry Medicine or Dentistry courses.

You will be taught by our team of specialist academic staff who have a wealth of industry, clinical and research experience and will provide the expertise to support your learning throughout the course.