Please note there are no vacancies on this course for September 2024
Page last updated 23 September 2024
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.
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.
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.
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.
The optional modules listed are those that are most likely to be available, but they may be subject to change.
You'll study:
You normally need to pass your foundation year before going into Year one.
You'll study:
You'll study:
Plus optional modules from (the number depending on credit requirements):
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.
You'll study:
Plus one or more from (the number dependending on credit requirements):
Plus optional modules (the number depending on credit requirements) from:
*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 will inform you.
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.
Approximate percentage of time you'll spend in different learning activities*:
| Year | Scheduled learning and teaching study | Independent study | Placement study |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 24% | 76% | 0% |
| 1 | 26% | 74% | 0% |
| 2 | 24% | 76% | 0% |
| 3 | 20% | 80% | 0% |
*Calculated from compulsory and optional modules (where applicable) each year
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.
Approximate percentage of marks awarded by each assessment method*:
| Year | Written exam assessment | Coursework assessment | Practical exam assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 37% | 60% | 3% |
| 1 | 39% | 44% | 17% |
| 2 | 50% | 44% | 6% |
| 3 | 45% | 49% | 6% |
*Calculated from compulsory and optional modules (where applicable) each year
The course is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science.
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 five 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.
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.
Learn more about UWE Bristol's facilities and resources.
Take a Virtual Tour of the Biosciences facilities and see what's on offer here for you.
An excellent range of options for all of the Bristol campuses and the city centre.
A stunning city for student living with all the qualities to make you want to stay.
There is more to your experience here than study. Choose to make the most of it and try new things.
We provide support in the way you need it.
Discover our campuses and the wealth of facilities provided for our students.
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.
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:
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 five year course and then transfer to the four 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.
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.
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.
If you exceed the entry requirements you may be eligible for BSc(Hons) Biomedical Science.
If you are an international student your recommended route of study for this degree is through our International College, which upon successful completion to the required level and with good attendance, guarantees entry to Year one of the degree.
Read more about entry requirements.
Read more about undergraduate applications.
Read more about international applications and key international deadline dates.
UK applicants
Admissions@uwe.ac.uk
International/EU applicants
International@uwe.ac.uk
UK applicants
+44 (0)117 32 83333
International/EU applicants
+44 (0)117 32 86644