About this course
- Entry year: 2012/13
- Course code: C98A
- Award type: Professional/short course
- Applications: University
- Level: Professional/Short Course
- Department: Applied Sciences
- Campus: Frenchay
- Duration: 1-2 years
- Delivery: Full-time or part-time
- Study Abroad: No
- Programme leader: Dr Carolyn Paul
Introduction
The Biomedical Sciences Top-Up course allows graduates that have not completed accredited Biomedical Science degrees to achieve the academic competences necessary to apply to the Health Professions Council for Registration as a Biomedical Scientist.
The course consists of a selection of modules from our Biomedical Sciences undergraduate degree programme. Each applicant is required to have their existing degree assessed by the Institute of Biomedical Sciences (IBMS) to ascertain which areas they need to 'top up' their knowledge. This assessment provides the basis for module choice within the top-up programme.
The three steps to achieving registration are:
- Contact the IBMS for guidance and evaluation of your current degree (See How to Apply)
- Successful completion of the Biomedical Science Top Up course
- Successful completion of 12 months work-based laboratory training in an IBMS approved laboratory (see Placements)
If the IBMS do not deem your degree as eligible for top-up then you can apply to complete an accredited Biomedical Sciences undergraduate degree at UWE. This can be studied on a full-time basis over three years (or four years with a placement year) or on a part-time block release basis providing you are employed in an appropriate laboratory setting.
Entry Requirements
All applicants should hold a good honours degree in a science subject and had their existing qualifications assessed by the IBMS as eligible for top-up.
Student's view
Andy, a 3rd Year Biomedical Science student talks about the opportunities presented to him by his studies.
Course content
The following module is compulsory for all top-up students:
- Studies in Biology of Disease
This module covers all the main Biomedical Sciences disciplines (Haematology, Immunology, Cellular Pathology, Microbiology and Clinical Chemistry) as well as professional issues such as health and safety, ethics, laboratory accreditation, Health Professions Council, Institute of Biomedical Sciences etc.
Students also select a minimum of two from the following 20 credit modules:
- Haematology and Transfusion
- Clinical Biochemistry
- Medical Microbiology
- Immunology
- Cellular Pathology
The choice of modules will depend on the requirements of the IBMS assessment which all applicants must have completed prior to applying. Some students may be required to undertake more than two of these modules. Where the student has already covered these areas within their existing degree then there is a free choice as to which two modules are studied. In these instances the student would normally pick the modules most relevant to their work setting or their personal interest.
Occasionally the IBMS may stipulate learning outside these modules, such as cell biology or human anatomy. In these cases students may be required to undertake one or more of the following additional 20 credit Level 1 modules:
- Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Genetics and Evolution
- Cell Biology and Biochemistry
- Experimental Design and Analysis
Study time
Each module runs throughout the academic year. As a general rule students should allow 1/2 day per week teaching time for each module. Each module runs for three hours per session, usually taking the format of two hours of lectures and one hour tutorial or case study. The provisional timetable (subject to change) is:
- Studies in the Biology of Disease (Level 2) - Thursday afternoon
- Haematology and Transfusion (Level 3) - Monday morning
- Clinical Biochemistry (Level 3) - Monday afternoon
- Immunology (Level 3) - Wednesday morning
- Medical Microbiology (Level 3) - Thursday morning
- Cellular Pathology (Level 3) - Friday morning
Special Features
Placements
In order to be eligible to apply to the Health Professions Council (HPC) for registration as a Biomedical Scientist, students must also undertake a period of training in an NHS laboratory to gain an IBMS Certificate of Competence.
Students are able to utilise our contact list of NHS laboratories in the South West to find an appropriate placement. Additionally all Biomedical Science positions should be advertised on the NHS Jobs Website
Alternatively you may wish to fund yourself through the academic qualification and then apply for Biomedical Scientist trainee positions once you have completed the academic requirements of the IBMS.
Prices and dates
Fees
Fees for students that are registered on less than 90 credits during any one academic year are classed as part-time students. Fees for 2012 are £1500 per 20 credit module.
Fees for students that are registered on 90 credits or more during any one academic year are classed as full-time students. The current full-time fee for an undergraduate student is £9,000.
How to apply
Prior to applying you should contact the IBMS to have your existing degree assessed. The IBMS will provide an assessment letter which should be included with your application to study at UWE. We are unable to process applications that do not include an assessment letter dated within the last 5 years.
Contact details for the IBMS are as follows:
12 Coldbath Square, London, EC1R 5HL.
Tel: 020 7713 0214
Fax: 020 7837 9658
Website: www.ibms.org
Please also see specific guidance on the assessment process under the Certificate of Competence section of the IBMS website.
Once you have received your IBMS assessment letter you should apply for this course by completing an online application form as below. Your assessment letter must be attached to your application.
Follow the link below to begin your online application:
Biomedical Sciences (Top-Up) - (full-time study)
Biomedical Sciences (Top-Up) – (part-time study)
For further information
Page last updated 14 December 2011