Conducting an experiment in a petri dish in a laboratory.

BSc(Hons) Biomedical Science

Entry year
2024/25
Course code
C980
Application
UCAS
Level
Undergraduate
School
School of Applied Sciences
Tariff points
120
Campus
Frenchay
Duration
Three years full-time; four years sandwich
Delivery
Part-time; full-time; sandwich
Programme leader
Dr Chris Moore

This course is open for applications

Page last updated 18 March 2024

Introduction

This course gives you strong practical skills in the biomedical sciences, with the option to gain a year's experience with a leading employer in the UK or abroad.

Why study biomedical science?

To diagnose and treat diseases effectively, we need to understand the biology of disease and the science underpinning it, as well as the latest advances in medical science.

The strong analytical, problem-solving and communication skills this discipline requires makes biomedical scientists highly sought after in fields such as medical research, consultancy, education and management.

Why UWE Bristol?

BSc(Hons) Biomedical Science offers a hands-on approach to learning.

You'll get a strong grounding in modern biomedicine, and study the basic scientific core subjects and the biology of disease, alongside specialist biomedical subjects.

Gain wide-ranging experience and develop expertise in the areas that interest you most.

Work at the cutting-edge of biomedical science, using highly specialised equipment.

Build essential practical experience through placements and internships.

If you choose the sandwich option, you'll spend your third year working with an employer or at another university, in the pharmaceutical, healthcare, research or wider sector. This could be in the UK, in Europe or further afield.  

With a strong focus on the application of science in the real world, this course is excellent preparation for wide-ranging science careers.

What can I do with a biomedical science degree?

Our graduates work in increasingly diverse types of roles. Many follow careers in this area, for example by becoming registered clinical Biomedical Scientists, or by working in research and development for organisations in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors.

Some also get jobs in sales, the media or education, and others study for postgraduate qualifications.

Structure

Content

The optional modules listed are those that are most likely to be available, but they may be subject to change.

Year one

You'll study:

  • Biomedical Skills
  • Infection and Disease
  • Cells, Biochemistry and Genetics
  • Human Anatomy and Physiology.

Year two

You'll study:

  • Molecular Cell Biology
  • Applied Scientific Practice
  • Studies in the Biology of Disease.

Plus optional modules from (the number depending on credit requirements):

  • Cell Signalling
  • Microbiology
  • Molecular Genetics
  • Medicinal Chemistry
  • Pharmacology
  • Immunology
  • Tissue and Tumour Science
  • Blood Science
  • Human Physiology.

Placement year (if applicable)

If you study on the four year (sandwich) course, you'll spend a year away from the University on a work placement after year two.

You'll also study the Professional Practice in Applied Science module.

See the Placements and Fees sections for more information.

Final year

You'll study:

  • Research Dissertation Project

Plus one or more from (the number dependending on credit requirements):

  • Haematology and Transfusion Science
  • Clinical Biochemistry
  • Medical Microbiology
  • Applied Immunology
  • Medical Genetics
  • Cellular Pathology and Oncology.

Plus optional modules (the number depending on credit requirements) from:

  • Antimicrobial Agents
  • Pharmacology and Toxicology
  • Pathophysiology
  • Physical Activity, Nutrition and Health
  • Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology
  • Developmental and Stem Cell Science
  • Medical Technology and Enterprise
  • *Professional Practice in Applied Sciences
  • Genomic Technologies.

*Compulsory if you complete the work placement year.

The University continually enhances our offer by responding to feedback from our students and other stakeholders, ensuring the curriculum is kept up to date and our graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need for the real world. This may result in changes to the course. If changes to your course are approved, we'll inform you.

This structure is for full-time students only. Part-time students study the same modules but the delivery pattern will be different.

Learning and Teaching

We take a student-centred approach to learning. You'll get one-to-one guidance and individual feedback and we'll guide and encourage you to learn independently, using a mix of lectures, seminars and tutorials.

You will also get to deepen your understanding and skills in practical classes, laboratory and computer-based sessions, and via our web-based virtual learning environment.

Our research-informed teaching will enable you to learn about modern biomedicine, experimental design and data handling.

Experimental design and data handling is a fundamental aspect of this course .Your practical learning will culminate in an independent research project to seek new biomedical knowledge. You'll work on this in your final year with a project supervisor and potentially their research team.

You'll work with tutors who are leading biomedical science specialists, engaged in research across the whole spectrum of related disciplines. They'll support your learning and encourage you to develop as a biomedical scientist.

In all that you do, you'll work closely with students in your group and be supported by student advisers and a year tutor as well.

See our full glossary of learning and teaching terms.

Percentage of time you'll spend in different learning activities, each year: 

YearScheduled learning and teaching studyIndependent studyPlacement study% check
126%74%0%100%
224%76%0%100%
320%80%0%100%

Assessment

We'll use a range of assessment tools to measure your understanding and skills, including essays, reports, group tasks and presentations. Overall, we'll use a mix of coursework and examinations.

Learn more about assessments.

Percentage of time you'll spend on different assessment methods, each year: 

YearWritten exam assessmentCoursework assessmentPractical exam assessment% check
139%44%17%100%
250%44%6%100%
345%55%0%100%

Features

Placements

Students who go on work experience tend to graduate with better degrees. Experience also hones your skills, industry knowledge and professional network, making you a sought after graduate.

You'll get to work with major employers in the pharmaceutical or healthcare industry, with opportunities for placements, internships and volunteering.

We have links with lots of employers, such as GlaxoSmithKline, Novartis, ICI, government laboratories including CAMR and Porton Down, and university research centres.

If you choose the four year (sandwich) course, you'll spend a year away from the University on a work placement after year two.You'll do up to 40 weeks of work-based training in a specialised area of biomedical science.

You could choose to spend a year working overseas in destinations such as the USA, Malaysia, Germany or Switzerland.

You'll get help to find a placement and support throughout from staff within the School and our award-winning careers service.

Study facilities

Benefit from our well-equipped, modern science laboratories, with specialist apparatus for histology, haematology and biochemistry, molecular biology and cell culture.

Use the latest instrumentation to measure human performance physiology.

Carry out research projects using our extensive facilities for light-based microscopy (including confocal and fluorescent) and an electron microscopy suite.

Take a virtual tour of the Biosciences facilities and see what's on offer here for you.

Life

Accommodation

An excellent range of options for all of the Bristol campuses and the city centre.

Bristol

A stunning city for student living with all the qualities to make you want to stay.

Sports, societies and activities

There is more to your experience here than study. Choose to make the most of it and try new things.

Health and Wellbeing

We provide support in the way you need it.

Campus and facilities

Discover our campuses and the wealth of facilities provided for our students.

Careers

Careers / Further study

You'll graduate with the insight, tools and practical experience to make a valuable contribution to the health of the community.

Most graduates follow careers in biological sciences, particularly research and development work in the healthcare, pharmaceutical and education sectors.

As well as preparing you for a laboratory-based job, the course will give you the transferable skills employers value in a wide variety of roles, from medical sales and scientific writing, to quality control and health and safety.

Some graduates use their qualification to successfully apply for mature entry to medicine degrees, while others continue with MPhil/PhD research degrees or Masters courses.

Get inspired

Our award-winning careers service will develop your employment potential through career coaching and find you graduate jobs, placements and global opportunities.

We can also help find local volunteering and community opportunities, provide support for entrepreneurial activity and get you access to employer events.

Visit our employability pages to learn more about careers, employers and what our students are doing six months after graduating.

See also:

The Guardian - what to do with a degree in biosciences

Fees

Supplementary fee information

Your overall entitlement to funding is based on how long the course is that you're registered on. Standard funding is allocated based on the standard number of years that your course lasts, plus one additional year.

You'll apply for funding each year that you study and Student Finance will take into account how long the course is in each year that you apply. So if you register for the four year course and then transfer to the three year course, the number of years you can apply for funding will change. Student Finance will reassess your funding based on how many years you have been in study, not just those years for which you received student finance.

Always seek advice before taking any action that may have implications for your funding.

Learn more about funding.

Additional costs

Additional costs are for items you could need during your studies that aren't covered by the standard tuition fee. These could be materials, textbooks, travel, clothing, software or printing.

Learn more about costs.

Entry

Typical offers

  • Tariff points: 120
  • Contextual tariff: See our contextual offers page.
  • GCSE: Grade C/4 or above in English, Mathematics and Double Science, or equivalent.
  • English Language Requirement:

    International and EU applicants are required to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with 5.5 in each component (or approved equivalent*).*The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS. You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades you will need in our English Language section. Please visit our English language requirements page.

  • A-level subjects: Grade B in Biology or Chemistry.
  • EDEXCEL (BTEC) Diploma: You will need a minimum of five units in Biology or Chemistry. You may be asked to do more based on the size of your units. Please list the units you are studying in your application. For further advice on acceptable units, please email us. For information on required Guided Learning Hours please see our minimum entry requirements page.

  • Access: 15 Level 3 credits at Distinction in Biology or Chemistry.
  • Baccalaureate IB: A minimum Grade 6 in Higher Level Biology or Chemistry.
  • Irish Highers: H1 in Biology or Chemistry.
  • T Levels: Science or Healthcare Science. If you partially achieve your T Level, you can meet our subject requirements if you have at least a C in your Core Section. For further advice on acceptable subjects please email us.

Entry requirements

If you don't meet the entry requirements, you may be eligible for BSc(Hons) Biomedical Science (with Foundation Year).

International applicants

For country specific entry requirements please find your country on the country information pages. If you are an international student and do not meet the academic requirements to study this course, you can qualify by completing preparatory study at our International College.

If you are applying to study at UWE Bristol and require additional support to meet our English language requirements, you may be able to attend one of our pre-sessional English courses. Read more about our Pre-Sessional English Programme.

Read more about entry requirements.

How to apply

Read more about undergraduate applications.

Read more about international applications and key international deadline dates.

For further information

Unistats

UWE Main Campus

Full Time

Part Time

You may also be interested in