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Biomedical Science

Course details
  • 2 Study options
  • Undergraduate
Course location
Main Site

Course summary

Explore the science behind human health, disease and therapeutics through research-informed education. Learn in a dynamic environment shaped by recent advances and expert input from leading researchers and NHS staff, opening diverse career paths.

Make a difference
Work with leading academics on ground-breaking biomedical research, contributing to advancements in areas such as cancer biology, immunology, and molecular medicine.

Specialise in applied biomedical science
Kickstart your career in the NHS as a professional Biomedical Scientist with a degree accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science, and graduate ready to apply to the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).*

Real-world experience
From summer research experience to full-year industry placements, take the opportunity to develop your employability.

This course is for you if...

  • you're fascinated by the scientific basis of human health and disease

  • you aspire to contribute to advancements in medical diagnostics and therapeutics

  • you seek hands-on laboratory experience to develop practical skills

  • you're eager to learn from internationally recognised researchers and NHS professionals.

*The programme has been designed to meet the IBMS’s standards of accreditation and re-accreditation. Successful completion of 360 credits of the BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science programme with completion of the IBMS portfolio between Year 2 and final year will enable students to apply to the Institute of Biomedical Science for the protected title of ‘Biomedical Scientist’ and eligibility to register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) to work within the NHS upon graduation.

Modules

Course Modules

Year 1
In your first year, you'll start building a foundation for future learning. You'll develop key skills in communication, data acquisition and analysis.

Year 2
In your second year, you'll focus on developing a deeper understanding of core biomedical disciplines, with an emphasis on the scientific understanding of pathological processes and diagnostic practice. You'll examine key laboratory techniques and acquire research skills.

Year 3
You have the option to take up a work placement as part of your degree course between the end of year 2 and the final year of your degree. Students can choose to apply for an industrial or NHS placement. Industrial placements are usually 6-month or 12-month duration and upon successful completion, students will gain the Certificate of Industrial Experience. NHS placements are minimally a 40-week duration full time or the equivalent. Those successfully completing an NHS placement and the IBMS v4 portfolio will gain the Certificate of Competence from the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS). Students who have completed a full IBMS accredited degree (BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science; 360 credits) as well as the Certificate of Competence are eligible to apply to the HCPC to register as a Biomedical Scientist.

Final year
Your final year will support your critical thinking and enhance your practical competency. A personal research project allows you to study an area of biomedicine in detail. You'll have a choice of research-led topics that discuss current developments and the implications for human health and clinical practice.

For up to date details, please refer to our website or contact the institution directly.

Professional bodies

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

  • Biomedical Science, Institute of

How to apply

Application codes

Institution code:
P60

This course may be available at alternative locations, please check if other course options are available.

Course options

Entry requirements

Typical qualification requirements

A level

120 UCAS Tariff points including a minimum of 3 A Levels. Including Grade B in Biology/Human Biology and Grade B in second science which can be Physics, Chemistry, Maths, Applied Science, Environmental Science/Studies or IT.

T Level
M

Preference pathways would be Health or Science.

UCAS Tariff
Offer: 120

Including a minimum of 3 A Levels, Including Grade B in Biology/Human Biology and Grade B in second science which can be Physics, Chemistry, Maths, Applied Science, Environmental Science/Studies or IT.

Scottish Higher

Considered in combination with Advanced Highers.

AS

Considered in combination.

Access to HE Diploma

Pass a named Access to HE Diploma (Science based) with 30 credits at Distinction, including 15 in Biology and 15 in Chemistry, Maths or Physics. The remaining 15 Level 3 credits must be at Merit or above.

Scottish Advanced Higher

120 UCAS Tariff points including Advanced Highers Grade B in Biology and Grade B in in second science which can be Physics, Chemistry, Maths, Applied Science or Environmental Science/Studies .

English and Mathematics accepted within as GCSE equivalent.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)

Considered in combination

Extended Project

Considered in combination.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)

Considered in combination

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Offer: 26

To include Grade 4 in Biology at Higher Level and Grade 4 in Chemistry, Maths, Applied Science, Psychology, Geography, Geology, IT, Environmental Science or Physics at Higher Level.
English and Mathematics accepted within as GCSE equivalent.

WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
C

This would be accepted in combination of other level 3 qualifications

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DMM

Dependant on Science units within.

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)

120 UCAS points. To include H3 in Biology and H3 in Chemistry. Can consider Maths or Physics if not studying Chemistry - please refer to institution.
English and Mathematics accepted within as GCSE equivalent.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)

Considered in combination

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)

Considered in combination

Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)
C

This would be accepted in combination of other level 3 qualifications

GCSE English and Maths at Grade C/4 or above are required for this course.

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6with 6.0 in all elements.

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.

At the University of Plymouth, we believe in building a welcoming and inclusive community that supports every student to achieve their full potential.

With our contextual offer scheme, we may extend offers below our standard entry criteria to those applicants whose circumstances and experiences could have impacted their education and academic performance. You can check your eligibility for a contextual offer using our online postcode checker.

Learn more on the University of Plymouth website

Historical entry grades data

This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course 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.

This course may have Historical entry grades data available, please select a course option to view.

Course options

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

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

For all information about tuition fees, please visit our fees and funding pages at www.plymouth.ac.uk/study/fees

  • Fees are correct at the time of publication and may be subject to change.
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