Biomedical Sciences

As a biomedical science graduate, you possess both subject-specific technical skills, as well as transferable core skills. You have a good understanding of the pathobiology of human disease and have skills which are at the forefront of advances in medical research.

Over the course of your degree you develop a wide mix of subject-specific and technical skills, you should consider these skills developed on your course as well as through your other activities, such as paid work, volunteering, family responsibilities, sport, membership of societies, leadership roles, etc. Think about how these can be used as evidence of your skills and personal attributes. Then you can start to market and sell who you really are, identify what you may be lacking and consider how to improve your profile.

Working as a Health Economist

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Prospects

A degree in biomedical science is useful for a wide range of careers, in both the public and private sectors. These include roles in health care; scientific research and development; medical sales; financial professions such as accountancy; technical support; teaching; and scientific writing and journalism.

A 2010 HESA survey of 2009 graduates indicates that six months after graduation, almost 67% had entered employment. Of this number, over half were working as health professionals and associate professionals, suggesting that many graduates are successful in securing work directly related to their field of study. Others found work in professional roles in a variety of sectors from scientific research to social welfare, demonstrating that biomedical sciences graduates are highly sought after by a wide range of graduate recruiters.

Where are the jobs?

Biomedical scientists have a well-defined career in the health service. To work as a state-registered biomedical scientist in the National Health Service (NHS), you will first need to obtain the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) Certificate of Competence. This can be achieved through undertaking accredited work experience either after graduation or during a sandwich placement year.

Other common employers of biomedical science graduates include academic departments; the National Blood Service (NBS); the Health Protection Agency (HPA); forensic, charity or government funded laboratories and private pathology laboratories. The food and drink, biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries employ graduates in areas such as research and development and quality assurance and sales.

Look at these employment areas for further information:

• Education
• Health
• Science

Jobs directly related to your degree

The majority of the roles listed here will require you to undertake further training following your first degree. A higher degree may also be a requirement in some cases.

• Biomedical scientist
• Immunologist
• Microbiologist
• Clinical biochemist
• Clinical cytogeneticist
• Clinical molecular geneticist
• Haematologist
• Research scientist (medical)
• Forensic scientist
• Toxicologist

Jobs where your degree would be useful

• Medical sales representative
• Scientific journalist
• Higher education lecturer

Although some of the jobs listed here might not be first jobs for many graduates, they are among the many realistic possibilities with your degree, provided you can demonstrate you have the attributes employers are looking for. Bear in mind that it's not just your degree discipline that determines your options. Remember that many graduate vacancies don't specify particular degree disciplines, so don't restrict your thinking to the jobs listed here.

You can find more about the skills you develop during your course, the jobs listed above, plus case studies and where to find these jobs at Prospects.

Included with the permission of AGCAS. For the latest version of this publication, see www.prospects.ac.uk. For permission to reproduce, contact copyright@agcas.org.uk