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Study Biomedical Sciences, why & how to study

Study Biomedical Sciences, and you'll learn all about the internal body. It’s an interdisciplinary field combining medicine, health sciences and biology.

Students of Medicine examining anatomical model in classroom

CONTENTS

  1. What’s Biomedical Sciences?

  2. What Biomedical Sciences degrees can you study?

  3. What do you need to get onto a Biomedical Sciences degree?

  4. What topics does a Biomedical Sciences degree cover?

  5. How will you be assessed?

  6. Why study Biomedical Sciences?

  7. What do Biomedical Sciences graduates earn?

  8. What jobs can you get as a Biomedical Sciences graduate?

  9. What are the postgraduate opportunities?

  10. Similar subjects to Biomedical Sciences

  11. Have any questions?

What’s Biomedical Sciences?

Biomedical Sciences is concerned with the bodily structure of living things. It looks at the cells, organs and structures of the inner body and how these systems work.

With a deep understanding of what goes on inside the human body, health professionals can evaluate, diagnose and treat illness. Biomedical Sciences is, therefore, the fundamental building blocks of medical practice.

Areas it covers include anatomy, physiology, pathology, chemistry, immunology, genetics and much more. There’s plenty to learn about, explore and specialise in.

Take a look at the university league table for Biomedical Sciences.

What Biomedical Sciences degrees can you study?

Undergraduate degrees in Biomedical Sciences are usually awarded a BSc (Bachelor of Science). Some courses include an integrated master’s degree. You can earn an MSci (Master of Science) or an MBiomedSci (Master of Biomedical Sciences).

Examples of degrees:

Biomedical Science/Biomedicine

This degree will give you an in-depth education in human biology and disease. You’ll learn through teaching, research and lab work, and know how to apply scientific principles to healthcare. You can take a focus on areas like anatomy, neurology or physiology.

Search for Biomedical Science courses.

Medical Biochemistry

This degree focuses on the chemical processes within living organisms in a medical context. You’ll gain research and lab skills, and understand complex aspects of health and disease.

Find Medical Biochemistry courses.

Pathology

A degree in Pathology equips you with the skills you need to investigate diseases. You'll learn why and how diseases work, and what consequences they bring.

Search for Pathology courses.

Other options

Joint honours courses are available, where you can combine the subject with another area of interest. For example, you could study Biomedical Sciences alongside a modern language.

Courses may include an integrated foundation year or a professional placement. Some universities offer the chance to study abroad.

What do you need to get onto a Biomedical Sciences degree?

Most undergraduate Biomedical Sciences courses ask for 96–136 UCAS points. Not every university will base its offer on UCAS points. Some courses may have lower or higher requirements.

Qualifications may include:

  • A Levels: A*AA–CCC
  • BTECs: D*DD–MMM
  • Scottish Highers: AAAAA–CCCCD (Advanced Highers: AAA–AAB)
  • International Baccalaureate: 39–32
  • Universities will usually ask that you have studied: A Level (or equivalent) in biology and another science, usually chemistry, physics, maths or further maths

Other good subjects to have studied:

  • Computer science, environmental science or technology, geography, geology, ICT, nutrition and food science, PE, psychology
  • General subjects at A Level may be excluded from offers

Experience that would look good on your application:

  • Work experience or shadowing in a related area such as a hospital or university lab
  • Taking online courses such as MOOCs
  • Volunteering to develop and evidence interpersonal skills such as team working
  • Independent reading into the subject – you could start by looking at the website of the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS)
  • STEM summer schools, if available

Other requirements for this subject:

  • Pass in the practical element of science taken at A Level
  • Interview and entry assessments may be required by some universities

What topics does a Biomedical Sciences degree cover?

Typical modules for courses in this subject include:

  • Biology of human infection
  • Cell biology and disease
  • Genetics
  • Microbiology and immunology
  • Molecular markers of disease
  • Pharmacology
  • Practical skills in biomedical and biomolecular sciences
  • The world of microorganisms

How will you be assessed?

Assessments are usually carried out by a mixture of the following and will vary from module to module:

  • Coursework
  • Dissections
  • Exams (written and spot-test)
  • Oral presentations
  • Poster presentations
  • A research project may be a final-year option

Why study Biomedical Sciences?

Biomedical Sciences will give you an insight into the complex nature of the human body and the countless different systems that make it up. It's crucial for medicine. Through studying and working in the field, you'll help improve other people's health and wellbeing.

Career-specific skills:

  • Scientific processes such as research, reasoning, biomedical lab techniques and experiment design
  • Digital skills and data handling

Transferable skills:

  • Analytical thinking
  • Attention to detail
  • Communication
  • Organisation
  • Numeracy and IT skills
  • Problem solving
  • Research skills
  • Team working

Professional accreditation:

  • ‘Biomedical scientist’ is a protected title, requiring registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
  • Degrees may be approved by the HCPC or accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS)
  • Some degrees may be accredited by the Royal Society of Biology (RSB)

My three years doing Biochemistry at Queen Mary were incredible. I was given the opportunity and flexibility to deepen my understanding of the topics I was interested in and engage with a variety of student groups through the Students' Union. My tutor, who was a professor and researcher, provided both academic and pastoral support.

Guilia, Queen Mary, University of London

What do Biomedical Sciences graduates earn?

Biomedical Sciences graduates who register with the HCPC to work in the NHS start on a trainee salary of £25,500 (NHS Band 5). A consultant biomedical scientist could earn up to £63,800 (NHS Band 8b).

Graduates whose degrees don’t meet the requirements for HCPC registration could apply to join the NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP) to become clinical scientist. This highly competitive programme will pay you a salary of around £31,000 as you train (NHS Band 6).

Clinical scientists specialise in different roles, such as clinical microbiology or cancer genomics. Progress to become the head of a genomics lab, and you could earn £78,000–£108,000 (NHS Band 8d to Band 9).

What jobs can you get as a Biomedical Sciences graduate?

Biomedical Sciences graduates typically work in the medical or research sector. Roles could include:

  • Army biomedical scientist
  • Clinical data associate
  • Forensic scientist
  • Laboratory analyst
  • Medical practitioner
  • Patent lawyer
  • Public health policy adviser
  • Research scientist
  • Science editor
  • Trainee clinical scientist
  • Toxicologist
  • Veterinary microbiologist

What are the postgraduate opportunities?

As a Biomedical Sciences graduate with a good degree, you could pursue a graduate-entry course to become a doctor or dentist. Examples of postgraduate degrees include:

  • Anatomical Sciences MSc/PhD
  • Physiology PGCert
  • Biomedical Research MRes
  • Biomedicine MSc

Similar subjects to Biomedical Sciences

If you’re interested in the investigative application of science, you could also consider:

Search undergraduate Biomedical Sciences courses now!

Have any questions?

Do you have questions about studying Biomedical Sciences? You can email our experts at ask@thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk. We’ll be happy to hear from you!

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