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Biomedical Sciences with Foundation Year - BSc (Hons)

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Do you want a career in biomedical sciences? Our practice-led BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences offers a unique insight into human life processes, as well as disease and health within the population.  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....

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

This course is:

Overview

Course is Full for 2023/24 Entry

This course is now full for 2023/24. You can apply for 2024/25 via UCAS from summer 2023.

If you'd still like to apply for September 2023, take a look at some of our other available courses.

Do you want a career in biomedical sciences? Our practice-led BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences offers a unique insight into human life processes, as well as disease and health within the population. 

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 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 Sciences 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.  

This course is open to International students.

What's covered in this course?

Biomedical sciences embrace a number of important disciplines, including physiology, biochemistry, cell biology, microbiology and genetics. These subjects are of great importance in the provision of healthcare, medical research and underpin the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. On this course you will learn about how the human body functions in health and disease, and develop an understanding of the diagnosis, management and treatment of a range of diseases. This degree emphasises critical thinking and independent problem solving skills, which will help you to navigate a successful career after graduation.   

Throughout this course you will acquire important practical and scientific skills and be taught in our state-of-the-art life sciences laboratories. In the final year you will undertake an independent Research Project where you will execute your own experiments under supervision.     

Graduates may go on to a range of careers directly or after further postgraduate training and study. These careers include medical laboratory assistant, trainee biomedical scientist, physician associate, working on clinical trials for drug companies, research assistant and research technician, marketing assistant and medical and scientific representative. Graduates may also use their qualifications to progress into teaching careers, as well as postgraduate study to obtain MSc, MPhil and PhD qualifications. Exceptional graduates may be able progress onto postgraduate Medicine and Dentistry. 

Why Choose Us?

  • We're the region's largest provider of qualified health and social care professionals to the NHS.
  • You'll benefit from our partnerships across health and social care providers both within the UK and internationally.
  • You'll learn in state-of-the-art environments, with access to our cutting-edge virtual technologies and one of the UK's largest specialist health education libraries.
  • The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has cited the support provided for students on our courses as demonstrating good levels of practice.
  • You'll be based at our City South Campus, which is set for major expansion, including newly built laboratories and equipment that will give you a leading edge when seeking employment.

    Open Days

    Join us for an on-campus Open Day where you'll be able to meet us in person, hear from our trailblazing academics and explore our innovative £340m facilities.

    Next Open Day: 21 October 2023

    Register interest

    Entry Requirements

    These entry requirements apply for entry in 2023/24.

    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.

    We accept a range of qualifications, the most popular of which are detailed below.

    Essential Requirements

    88 UCAS tariff points from A/AS Level

    Level 2 qualifications
    GCSE GCSE English Language or English Literature and GCSE Maths at grade C/4 or above. If you do not have these or are not undertaking them, we accept other Level 2 equivalents, or we may ask you to pass BCU's GCSE equivalency tests.
    Irish Leaving Certificate (Ordinary Level) See level 3 entry requirements under Irish Leaving Certificate for full details.
    Scottish National 5 English Language or English Literature and Maths at grade C or above. If you do not have these or are not undertaking them, we accept other Level 2 equivalents, or we may ask you to pass BCU's GCSE equivalency tests.
    Plus one of the following Level 3 (and above) qualifications
    A level and Advanced VCE
    • CCD / 88 UCAS points
    • Including Psychology or Science subject at A-level or Level 3 equivalent
    • Psychology or Science subject must be at Grade C
    • Excluding General Studies, Critical Thinking and Extended Project
    • A maximum of 3 subjects are considered. These can be other A-levels or Level 3 equivalents
    Access to HE Diploma
    • Science related pathway
    • Pass with 60 credits overall. At least 45 credits at Level 3 with 18 credits at Merit or Distinction (of which 12 must be in a Science or Health related subject)
    • If applying with an Access course you only need GCSE Mathematics and English Language at grade C/4 or above or accepted equivalent. You are not required to hold three GCSEs in total and GCSE Science is not required
    • Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma (2016 – present)
    • Pearson BTEC Extended Diploma (QCF) (2010 - 2016)
    • BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (2002 – 2010)
    • MMM
    • Must be in Applied Science
    • Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (2016 – present)
    • Pearson BTEC Diploma (QCF) (2010 – 2016)
    • BTEC Level 3 National Certificate (2002 – 2010)
    • 88 UCAS points
    • Considered with one A-level or an equivalent level 3 qualification
    • Either the BTEC level 3 National Diploma or the accompanying A-level / level 3 equivalent must be in Psychology or Science subject
    • Pearson BTEC National Foundation Diploma (2016 to present)
    • Pearson BTEC 90-Credit Diploma (QCF) (2010 - 2016)
    • 88 UCAS points
    • Considered with one A-level or an equivalent level 3 qualification
    • Either the BTEC level 3 National Foundation Diploma or the accompanying A-level / level 3 equivalent must be in Psychology or Science subject
    • Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (2016 – present)
    • Pearson BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (QCF) (2010 - 2016)
    • BTEC Level 3 National Award (2002 - 2010)
    • 88 UCAS points
    • Considered with two A-levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s)
    • Either the BTEC level 3 National Extended Certificate or one of the accompanying A-levels / level 3 equivalents must be in Psychology or Science subject
    • Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Certificate
      (2016 - present)
    • BTEC Level 3 Certificate (QCF)
      (2010 - 2016)
    • 88 UCAS points
    • Considered with two A-levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s)
    • Either the BTEC level 3 National Certificate or one of the accompanying A-levels / level 3 equivalents must be in Psychology or Science subject

    International Baccalaureate Diploma

    • Obtain a minimum of 24 points overall with grade 4 or above in at least one Higher Level subject from Group 4 (Biology, Chemistry and Physics)
    • For students who do not already hold a GCSE in Mathematics at Grade C/4 or above, we will accept grade 5 in Maths (Standard Level) from the IB Diploma
    • For students who do not already hold a GCSE in English Language at Grade C/4 or above, we will accept Standard Level English Language (not literature) English A - Grade 4 or above or English B - Grade 5 from the IB

    Irish Leaving Certificate (Highers)

    • Pass the Irish Leaving Certificate with a minimum of 88 tariff points, achieved in five Higher level subjects. This must include Maths and English Language taken at either Ordinary level (minimum grade O1-O4 (or A-C/A1-C3)) or Higher level (minimum grade H1-H7 (or A-D/A1-D3))
    • Must include Psychology or Science subject in Higher Level

    OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma

    • MMM
    • Must be in Applied Science

    OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma

    • 88 UCAS points
    • Considered with one A-level or an equivalent level 3 qualification
    • Either the OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Diploma or the accompanying A-level / level 3 equivalent must be in Applied Science, Psychology or Science subject
    • OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Foundation Diploma
      (2016 - present)
    • OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Subsidiary Diploma
      (until-2016)
    • 88 UCAS points
    • Considered with one A-level or an equivalent level 3 qualification
    • Either the OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Foundation Diploma or the accompanying A-level / level 3 equivalent must be in Applied Science, Psychology or Science subject
    • OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate
      (2016 – present)
    • OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma
    • 88 UCAS points
    • Considered with two A-level or equivalent level 3 qualification(s)
    • Either the OCR level 3 Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate or one of the accompanying A-levels / level 3 equivalents must be in Applied Science, Psychology or Science subject

    Open University courses

    • Considered on an individual basis
    • Must be in a science subject

    Scottish Higher/Advanced Higher

    • Achieve a minimum of 88 tariff points achieved in either three Advanced Highers or from a combination of two Advanced Highers plus two Highers.
    • Where three Advanced Highers have been taken achieve a minimum of grades DDD.
    • Where a combination of Highers and Advanced Highers have been taken you must achieve (grades of DD in two Advanced Highers plus grades of DD in two Highers).
    • Must include Health and Social Care, Psychology or Science subject at Higher level or above

    T-Levels

    • 88 UCAS points (Pass [with C or above in the Core] overall)
    • Must be in Science

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

    • 88 UCAS points
    • Considered with two A-level or equivalent level 3 qualification(s)
    • One of the A-level / equivalent qualifications being taken must be in Psychology or Science subject

    Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma – Core (awarded until 2016) ESW/KS Combined component

    • 88 UCAS points
    • Considered with two A-level or equivalent level 3 qualification(s)
    • One of the A-level / equivalent qualifications being taken must be in Psychology or Science subject
    Other qualifications

    If you have a qualification that is not listed in the table please refer to our full entry requirements on UCAS.

    Recent relevant study to GCE A-level standard or above must have been completed within five years of the course intake date the applicant is applying for.

    Further guidance on tariff points can be found on the UCAS website.

    Extra Information for EU/international students
    IELTS
    • Applicants who have not received their secondary school education in English will require an overall IELTS score of 6.5, with no subtest below 6.
    • If English is studied at GCSE Level but as a second language, IELTS must be completed to qualify for UK L2 requirement.
    International Baccalaureate Diploma (or equivalent, including internationally accredited Foundation courses). 24 points (minimum grade 5 in Higher Level Mathematics) Country-specific entry requirements and qualifications.

    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 2023

    • Mode
    • Duration
    • Fees
    • Full Time
    • 1 year foundation followed by 3 year degree
    • £9,250 in 2023/24
    • Applications Closed

    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 2023

    • Mode
    • Duration
    • Fees
    • Full Time
    • 1 year foundation followed by 3 year degree
    • £13,980 in 2023/24
    • Applications Closed

    Online applications are now closed

    Our Clearing hotline will open on Thursday 17 August at 8am.
    0121 331 6777

    Sign up for Clearing updates

    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

    Course in Depth

    Foundation Year

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

    Year One

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

    Year Two

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

    Year Three

    In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 80 credits).

    In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete at least 40 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 Universities 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.

    Placements

    You will have the opportunity to gain valuable work-life skills as part of a placement that will be relevant to biomedical sciences. You'll be offered a choice of placements in educational, industrial or research based settings, but we'll also encourage you to find your own placement that suits your interests and needs.

    More about our placement opportunities

    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 £340 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 is a long room with cameras mounted on the sides, and sensors in the floor. It’s used to record motion, evaluate people's movements and analyse gait. It’s generally used by Sports courses and Biomedical Engineering.

    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

    Julie Davis

    Foundation Year Lecturer

    Julie joined the ADD (Academic Development Department) in 2018 as a Lecturer on the HELS Foundation Year programme. Prior to joining Birmingham City University, she worked at a number of local FE and HE institutions where she developed and delivered a range of Early Years and Education programmes.

    More about Julie

    Jessica Lowe

    Foundation Year Lecturer

    Jessica joined the ADD (Academic Development Department) in 2019 as a Lecturer on the HELS Foundation Year Programme. Her role is to lead and develop modules to support students on their journey on the Foundation Year Programme. Prior to joining BCU, she has worked in a FE and HE institution teaching students on a range of courses in Early Years...

    More about Jessica

    Dr James Barnett

    Lecturer in Biomedical Sciences

    Dr Barnett joined BCU in 2019, and enjoys teaching on the Biomedical Sciences degree course. He is passionate about science and has had a varied career spending time working in both industry and academia.

    More about James