course page main image

Biomedical Science - BSc (Hons) *

Currently viewing course to start in 2025/26 Entry. Switch to 2024/25 Entry

Gain a fascinating insight into human life processes, and the health of the human population with our practice-based IBMS-accredited degree in Biomedical Science, designed to provide you with the knowledge, and practical and analytical skills needed to pursue a variety of Biomedical Science careers.

  • Level Undergraduate
  • Study mode Full Time
  • Location City South
  • School School of Health Sciences
  • Faculty Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences

This course is:

Open to International Students

Overview

Biomedical scientists use their expertise to develop a whole range of health interventions from testing novel antibacterial drugs through to understanding how we can age healthily. I want to do something that's going to help our future in science. My dissertation is basically about how bacteria is becoming resistant to the antibiotics and we're trying to find new cures and new ways to treat that bacteria. Our tutor took us from where we didn't know anything about the project and he guided us right through making the models, making the wound fluid. It's like you're challenging yourself in the science department as well as your other skills like critical thinking, problem solving.

Biomedical engineers develop devices that are key to detection, diagnosis and treatment of individual conditions so we can develop technological interventions that really benefit someone's life. In the first year we did more engineering in general. In the second semester last year we did ECGs labs and taking your pulse and basically recording with sensors and that was awesome. I've always had a massive interest in prosthetics, specifically bionic limbs. I found that this course would be something that was really beneficial to me in learning more about that and making it able to further my understanding and my enjoyment of the course. We've also had a variety of guest lectures coming from the industry, specifically from the NHS and other medical device companies. Honestly it has been great, I have my friends at uni and we always support each other, either on the assignments and outside of uni as well which is really nice to have that kind of people around you. I love BCU, I've definitely changed, I've become more confident. We don't feel we're going alone for university, we feel like we've got friends and people we can turn to and have a chat to which is really beneficial to us as we look to move forward into our next steps. It definitely makes you feel like part of the department and part of the team.

Gain a fascinating insight into human life processes, and the health of the human population with our practice-based IBMS-accredited degree in Biomedical Science, designed to provide you with the knowledge, and practical and analytical skills needed to pursue a variety of Biomedical Science careers.

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.

This course is open to International students.

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 blood 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. We encourage a collaborative culture, so students feel able to seek support and guidance from academic and support staff and you will have the opportunity to contribute to the ongoing development of the course as part of the biomedical science community at the University.

Why Choose Us?

  • Taught by expert academic staff with a range of experience from the biotechnology industry, clinical sciences, education, and research.
  • Work in our well-equipped teaching laboratories and develop a broad range of skills that will prepare you for a career in the Life Sciences and beyond.
  • Get involved in our cutting-edge research, and work alongside our research staff on an independent project in the final year.
  • Apply for a travel scholarship as part of our Go Abroad scheme to carry out exciting work placements overseas.

Open Days

Join us for an on-campus Open Day where you'll be able to learn about this course in detail, chat to students, explore our campus and tour accommodation.

Next Open Day: 19 October 2024

Book your place

Entry Requirements

These entry requirements apply for entry in 2025/26.

All required qualifications/grades must have been achieved and evidenced at the earliest opportunity after accepting an offer to help confirm admission and allow for on-time enrolment. This can also include other requirements, like a fee status form and relevant documents. Applicants can track their application and outstanding information requests through their BCU mySRS account.

Essential requirements

112 UCAS Tariff points. Learn more about UCAS Tariff points.

Please note: If you qualify for our BCU Accelerate scheme, you could receive an offer that is two grades below our normal entry requirements. Find out more about BCU Accelerate.

If you have a qualification that is not listed, please contact us.

Fees & How to Apply

Please select your student status to view fees and apply
  • UK Student
  • International Student

UK students

Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.

Award: BSc (Hons)

Starting: Sep 2025

  • Mode
  • Duration
  • Fees

International students

Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.

Award: BSc (Hons)

Starting: Sep 2025

  • Mode
  • Duration
  • Fees
  • Full Time
  • 3 years
  • £17,690 in 2025/26

Access to computer equipment

You will require use of a laptop, and most students do prefer to have their own. However, you can borrow a laptop from the university or use one of our shared computer rooms.

Printing

You will receive £5 print credit in each year of your course, available after enrolment.

Field trips

All essential field trips and associated travel costs will be included in your course fees.

Access to Microsoft Office 365

Every student at the University can download a free copy of Microsoft Office 365 to use whilst at university and for 18 months after graduation.

Key Software

You will be able to download SPSS and Nvivo to your home computer to support with your studies and research.

Key subscriptions

Subscriptions to key journals and websites are available through our library.

Excess printing (optional)

Once you have spent your £5 credit, additional printing on campus costs from 5p per sheet.

Books (optional)

All module key texts will be in the University library, but in limited numbers. You may choose to purchase a copy.

Subscriptions (optional)

You may wish to purchase subscriptions to additional journals and websites.

Accommodation and living costs

The cost of accommodation and other living costs are not included within your course fees. More information on the cost of accommodation can be found in our accommodation pages.

Guidance for UK/EU students

UCAS

UK and EU students applying for most undergraduate degree courses in the UK will need to apply through UCAS.

The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is a UK organisation responsible for managing applications to university and college.

Applying through UCAS
 Register with UCAS
 Login to UCAS
 Complete your details
 Select your course
 Write a personal statement
 Get a reference
 Pay your application fee
 Send UCAS your application

Guidance for International students

There are three ways to apply:

1) Direct to the University

You will need to complete our International Application Form and Equal Opportunities Form, and submit them together with scan copies of your original academic transcripts and certificates.

2) Through a country representative

Our in-country representatives can help you make your application and apply for a visa. They can also offer advice on travel, living in the UK and studying abroad.

3) Through UCAS

If you are applying for an undergraduate degree or a Higher National Diploma (HND), you can apply through the UK’s Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).

You can request a printed form from your school or nearest British Council office. You will be charged for applying through UCAS. Birmingham City University’s UCAS code is B25 BCITY.

Personal statement

Your personal statement is a highly important part of your application. It gives you a crucial opportunity to say why you’re applying and why the institution should accept you.

Here are the key areas you’ll need to address:

Course choice

Why does this course appeal? What areas are of particular interest?

Career plans

If you have a specific career in mind, say how your chosen course will help you pursue this goal.

Work experience

Mention any work that is relevant to your subject, highlighting the skills and experience gained.

School or college experience

Highlight skills gained at school/college, eg summer schools or mentoring activities.

Non-accredited skills or achievement

eg Duke of Edinburgh Award, Young Enterprise scheme.

You should also mention your future plans – if you’re planning to take a year out, don't forget to give your reasons. Talk about any subjects you’re studying that don’t have a formal assessment and any sponsorships or placements you’ve applied for. And don't be scared to add in details about your social, sports or leisure interests.

Get more information on writing personal statements.

Course in Depth

Year One

In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).

Year Two

In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).

Final Year

In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 100 credits).

In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete at least 20 credits from the following indicative list of OPTIONAL modules.

All core modules are guaranteed to run. Optional modules will vary from year to year and the published list is indicative only.

Download course specification

Download now

How you'll learn

Our teaching philosophy is focused on enabling students to progress as self-directed learners. You will be encouraged to investigate, to be creative and enterprising, and to think critically about the current and future global challenges faced by modern day scientists. These attributes will be developed within independent subject modules, overseen by a dedicated team of scientists with teaching and research expertise covering the whole range of biomedical sciences disciplines.

You'll be exposed to a number of different teaching and learning styles, as well as a range of assessment types. You will also be able to influence your learning pathway by choosing from a choice of optional modules in your second and final years of study.’

Employability

Enhancing your employability skills

We'll develop you into a work-ready graduate. Employability skills are embedded throughout the programme that will enable you to succeed in careers in science, and which are transferable across a variety of graduate careers

You will also have access to the University's Graduate+ programme which will provide you with opportunities to engage in extracurricular activities that will help to expand your employability attributes. There are modules in the programme that provide you with opportunities to develop employability skills on work placements or as part of research-focused projects.

International

Birmingham City University is a vibrant and multicultural university in the heart of a modern and diverse city. We welcome many international students every year – there are currently students from more than 80 countries among our student community.

The University is conveniently placed, with Birmingham International Airport nearby and first-rate transport connections to London and the rest of the UK.

Our international pages contain a wealth of information for international students who are considering applying to study here, including:

Facilities & Staff

We have invested over £400 million in our facilities, including an upgrade to our Skills and Simulation facilities at City South Campus. We boast up-to-date, innovative facilities that simulate the real situations that you may come across in the workplace. These resources are essential in offering you a hands-on introduction to health and social care practice.

Biomechanics Laboratory 

Our biomechanics laboratory features pressure plates in the floor and cameras mounted at the side. Sensors linked to a computer are used to record motion, evaluate people’s movements and analyse gait.

Nutrition Science Kitchen

Our kitchen has several workstations to allow you to wash, prepare and cook food. There are multi-coloured chopping boards (following food hygiene standard regulations) and a range of utensils and appliances. This space is used by a range of courses including Dietetics, Secondary Design and Technology and Sport. You may use this room to prepare certain meals for teaching basic cooking or baking skills to school children and exploring nutritional education, or protein high recipes for athletes to support their training and fitness regime.

Microbiology Laboratory

The lab is equipped with modern equipment for teaching the molecular biology techniques that underpin modern clinical and research labs such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) machines and a variety of cell-analysis and cell-culture tools. The department also has DNA sequencing equipment.

Bioscience Laboratory

Our purpose-built bioscience laboratory features a range of specialist equipment to support your studies, including Zeiss PrimoStar microscopes.

Nutrition Science Research Laboratory

This laboratory is used by staff or students doing specific projects such as analysing the chemistry of food in the later stages of their degree.

Skills Classroom

This room can be used to practise a variety of skills but is primarily home to our Anatomage tables. An Anatomage table allows you to investigate anatomy digitally, from organs and muscles to skeletal forms and blood flow, the software includes real-life MRI scan data to help you develop your understanding of anatomy.

Our staff

Dr James Barnett

Senior Lecturer (Biomedical Sciences)

James graduated from the University of Sheffield in 2000 with a BSc (Hons) in Biochemistry and Genetics. James’ first graduate job was at The Binding Site Ltd, where he was employed as a technician In the monoclonal antibodies department. James later embarked on a research career, and in 2002 joined the group of Professor Colin Robinson in the Dept...

More about James

Dr Chris Hartley

Lecturer in Biomedical Sciences

Dr Hartley completed a BSc in Sports and Exercise Science at the University of Leeds before working for an orthopaedic company. Whilst working he completed an MSc in Biomechanics at Manchester Metropolitan University. Chris completed his PhD at Loughborough University, investigating ‘the effect of high impact exercise on markers of bone and joint...

More about Chris

Dr Irmgard Haussmann

Associate Professor in Health Sciences

Irmgard is an Associate Professor in Health Sciences and teaches at undergraduate and postgraduate level. In her role as Director of Postgraduate Research Degrees for Life and Sport she leads all aspects of recruitment and student experiences for PhD Life and Sport Sciences.

More about Irmgard

Manoher Singh

Lecturer in Biomedical Sciences

Manoher Singh, a dedicated Lecturer in Biomedical Sciences at Birmingham City University since 2019, brings a wealth of experience from teaching across secondary, further, and higher education sectors. With a solid background in scientific research, Manoher has notably contributed to developing an ELISA assay at the University of Birmingham and...

More about Manoher

Dr Alexander Robinson

Lecturer in Biomedical Sciences

Alex graduated from the University of Sunderland in 1997 with a BSc (Hons) in Pharmacology. He then went on to complete a MSc in Clinical Pharmacology at the University of Aberdeen in 1998, and then attained a PhD in Molecular Pharmacology from Nottingham Trent University, graduating in 2003.

More about Alexander