Biomedical Science BSc (Hons) – University of Bradford

EU Fee
International Fee

Level of Study2020/2021 Fee
Full-Time£9,250*
Two-year degrees£9,250*
* These fees are annual and may increase in line with inflation each year subject to the Governments review of Higher Education Funding.

Level of Study   2020/2021 Fee
Undergraduate:£19,160
Duration3 years
Placement YearNo
Placement Year FeeN/A
Please Note – all fees are on a per annum basis.
 

Overview

Biomedical Science is the in-depth study of human biology in both normal and disease states.

This course provides you with detailed understanding of the causes of human disease, how these produce symptoms and the effects of disease on the structure and function of human cells, tissues, and the whole organism. Students learn both current techniques used in the study of human diseases in the NHS, and innovative technologies under development for experimental treatments.

The University of Bradford is in the top 50 universities for research in the latest Research Excellence Framework, with world class researchers undertaking the research-informed teaching.

Recent investment in the Digital Health Zone allows students to access the latest techniques in digital anatomy and pathology, including carrying out digital dissection.

Professional accreditation

The course is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS).

Institute of Biomedical Science accredited programme

Entry requirements

 

Typical offer – 120 UCAS tariff points.

We take into consideration a number of factors when assessing your application. It’s not just about your grades; we take the time to understand your personal circumstances and make decisions based on your potential to thrive at university and beyond.

A levels

To include either A-level Biology or Chemistry at grade B or above.

Please note that where a science A-level is taken, the University will require applicants to pass the practical element (for A-levels awarded from August 2017 onwards).

BTEC Extended Diploma

DDD in the BTEC Extended Diploma in Applied Science to include six of the following optional units passed at Merit:

  • Physiology of Human Body Systems
  • Human Regulation and Reproduction
  • Biological Molecules and Metabolic Pathways
  • Genetics and Genetic Engineering
  • Diseases and Infections
  • Applications of Inorganic Chemistry
  • Applications of Organic Chemistry
  • Microbiology and Microbiological Techniques
  • Industrial Chemical Reactions
  • Practical Chemical Analysis
  • Biomedical Science

Applicants on Access Programmes

122 UCAS tariff points. Applicants must be studying an Access to Higher Education Diploma in a Science subject and achieve a minimum of 12 credits of Biology or Chemistry at Distinction.

International Baccalaureate requirements

120 UCAS tariff points to include HL Chemistry or Biology at grade 6, 1 other subject at grade 6 and a third subject at grade 5.

Plus HL 3 or SL 4 in Maths and English Language and Literature A or English B. 

Plus minimum of

GCSE English, Mathematics and two Sciences at grade C or 4 (equivalents accepted).

English language requirements

Minimum IELTS at 6.0 or the equivalent.

If you do not meet the IELTS requirement, you can take a University of Bradford pre-sessional English course. 

CIFS entry requirement

If you are an International student and do not meet the entry requirements for direct entry onto this course you may be interested in our Certificate of International Foundation Studies

80 UCAS points or equivalent (see individual country pages for details) plus Maths and 2 Science qualifications equivalent to GCSE Grade C.

UKVI approved IELTS of 5.0 overall with no sub-test less than 5.0.

CIFS modules to be taken

Students study the four core modules plus ONE from the following modules:

  • Foundation in Human Biology
  • Foundation in Chemistry

And ONE additional module from the following:

  • Foundation in Human Biology
  • Foundation in Chemistry
  • Introduction to the Social Sciences
  • Global Business Environment
  • Foundation Mathematics 2

Progression requirements for degree programme

An overall average of at least 60%

and at least 55% in Foundation in Chemistry OR Foundation in Human Biology

Course Content

This programme is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) giving you a broad-based scientific education coupled with the technical skills necessary for laboratory work. This broad-based education provides the foundation for a wide-range of scientific careers, including as a Biomedical Scientist in a hospital environment (after successful completion of the IBMS portfolio of competence in an accredited laboratory placement and registration with the Health and Care Professions Council after graduation), as a laboratory-based or non-laboratory based scientist in the Pharmaceutical Industry and other related industries, academic research and teaching.

However, whilst the degree provides a qualification necessary to start your professional career you will need to continue to develop skills throughout your working life. This programme couples a scientific education with the development of the skills necessary for lifelong learning.

All module information is for 2019 entry, and is subject to change.

Career support

The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance employability and this is an integral part of many programmes. Specialist support is available throughout the course from Career and Employability Services including help to find part-time work while studying, placements, vacation work and graduate vacancies. Students are encouraged to access this support at an early stage and to use the extensive resources on the Careers website.

Discussing options with specialist advisers helps to clarify plans through exploring options and refining skills of job-hunting. In most of our programmes there is direct input by Career Development Advisers into the curriculum or through specially arranged workshops.

Employment statistics

92% of our 2017 BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science graduates found employment or went on to further study within six months of graduating.*

Salary expectations

The average starting salary for our 2017 BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science graduates was £19,875.*

*These DLHE statistics are derived from annually published data by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), based on those UK domiciled graduates who are available for employment or further study and whose destinations are known.

Career prospects

You will graduate with scientific, experimental and critical skills highly valued in graduate careers. You can apply your specialist skills and knowledge towards research in either medical or industrial research organisations (such as pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies), or universities and research institutes.

Openings exist in medical research (hospitals, universities or research institutes), the pharmaceutical industry, medical information services, teaching, medical writing and publishing. The course also provides essential transferable skills for non-science-based graduate employment.

Many graduates also undertake postgraduate study (medical degrees, Master’s level or PhD level qualifications).

Others seek a more vocational qualification in dietetics or health service management.

Recent graduates have taken up positions as:

  • Biomedical Scientist – various NHS trusts
  • Cytology Screener – NHS
  • Experimental Officer; Lab Technician – Covance
  • Haemostasis Technical Assistant – Helena Biosciences Europe
  • Microbiologist – Arla
  • Scientist – Vectura Plc
  • Teaching Support Technician – University of Leeds

For more information, see NHS Careers.

Learning and assessment

Formal lectures will facilitate your acquisition of knowledge and understanding and discipline specific skills.  Laboratory sessions run in conjunction with the theoretical components will give you the opportunity to enhance your understanding of particular topics.

You will be examined, primarily, on the breadth of knowledge via MCQ and short answer examinations. Coursework assignments will give you the opportunity to gain experience in report writing and data handling and interpretation. As you progress through the programme you will have the opportunity to demonstrate increasing skills of analysis, synthesis and criticism through a wide variety of assessment strategies, including written and oral examinations, report writing, case studies, group work, essays, including a dissertation, oral presentations and the project report. The project report provides a major opportunity to demonstrate autonomy in data handling and critical interpretation in a research context.

Course assessment

The majority of modules contain exam and coursework assessment, particularly important for a laboratory based science course. Overall 48% of the course is assessed by coursework. The percentage assessment by coursework increases on progression through the course to reflect development of independent laboratory and study skills.