BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science Practice (Apprenticeship)

Gain valuable on-the-job experience as a biomedical scientist in a healthcare setting. Develop your knowledge, understanding, and intellectual skills. Benefit from flexible delivery to suit you and your employer.

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A Biomedical Science student wearing a white lab coat looking into a microscope while observed by another student

Start date/study mode:

Course codeCID1530

Duration3 years

Course summary

The BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science Practice apprenticeship delivers the learning outcomes and content specified by the Level 6 apprenticeship standard and the QAA benchmark for Biomedical Science.

If you're employed in an Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS)-approved training pathology laboratory, this course is for you. It offers a flexible, work-based route to becoming a registered biomedical scientist. You'll cover all major biomedical disciplines, including:

Microbiology
Immunology
Virology
Biochemistry
Haematology
Transfusion
Cellular pathology
Genetics.

Teaching is delivered mainly online, with one week of on-campus study each semester at our City Campus. You'll learn from research active academics and experienced NHS biomedical scientists. Their years of experience integrates scientific theory with professional practice. This ensures you develop strong technical, analytical, and clinical skills relevant to current healthcare needs.

If you've completed the Level 4 Healthcare Science Associate Diploma at the University, you can enter directly into Stage 2, and prior learning can be assessed for advanced entry.

On successful completion of the course, you’ll be eligible for professional registration and employment as a biomedical scientist. You'll complete the IBMS registration portfolio as part of the End Point Assessment (EPA). This enables your eligibility to apply to the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)(opens in new tab) register. As an approved and accredited course, the EPA is fully integrated with the assessment requirements set out by the IBMS and HCPC.

Why Sunderland for Higher and Degree Apprenticeships

Accreditations and approvals

Becoming qualified and registered as a biomedical scientist has allowed me to progress in my career.
Rob Armstrong
Read Rob Armstrong's story

What you'll study

Many of our courses include a range of modules you can choose from. Some options may only be available if you’ve already studied specific modules. If you’re not sure what you need before picking a module, your course leader can help.

Undergraduate module credits should total 120 credits per academic year. If optional modules are available, choose an amount that totals 120 credits.

How you'll learn

You'll learn through:

Traditional lectures
Interactive laboratory and simulation practical sessions
Seminars
Verbal presentations and posters
Group work
Case-based learning
Directed learning
Research project supervision.

Your assessment will be through formative and summative assignments throughout the apprenticeship.

You're required to complete the IBMS registration portfolio to enable you to be eligible to apply for HCPC registration to practise as a biomedical scientist. This also prepares you for undertaking mandatory continuous professional development (CPD) by collating a professional portfolio through all stages of learning.

The EPA starts with the examination board and finishes when the Approved Education Provider submits the required documentation to HCPC. You're not required to carry out any additional assessments. Once passed, you can apply for HCPC registration.

Entry requirements

Admission is subject to you being employed by an organisation and remaining in employment with an organisation throughout the duration of the course. The employer must confirm you comply with apprentice eligibility criteria.

Our typical offer is 112 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of two A Levels or equivalent (for example, 1x AVCE double award) including biology or chemistry. Please note, we don't accept General Studies AS or A Level.

We accept a maximum of 20 points from Level 3 Key Skills qualifications. You also need three passes at GCSE grade C or above. This must include Maths and English language, or a minimum of Level 2 Key Skills in Communication and Application of Number, and Information Technology. If you've studied for a GCSE which has a numerical grade, you'll need to achieve a grade 4 or above.

If you're studying an Access to Higher Education course, this must be accredited by the Quality Assurance Agency. We require successful completion of the course, as well as GCSE grade C or above in Maths and English Language (or the equivalent as part of your course).

If English is your second language, we require a minimum of IELTS 7.0 (or equivalent) with a minimum of 6.0 in each element.

To search for apprenticeships offered by employers in your area go to: gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship(opens in new tab).

Fees and finance support

Larger organisations can use their apprenticeship levy and government top-up to pay tuition and professional fees of higher apprenticeships. For smaller employers, the government pays 95%, with the remainder co-invested by the business.

For a discussion around your specific requirements please call 0191 515 3361(opens in new tab) or email apprenticeships@sunderland.ac.uk(opens in new tab).

Apply now

Start date/study mode:

UK students

Apprenticeship September 2026
Application deadline is 1 July 2026

To apply for a higher or degree apprenticeship, you must have an employer in place to support you on the course. If you're interested in applying and have an employer in place, please email apprenticeships@sunderland.ac.uk(opens in new tab) and we'll send you the relevant application link.

To search for apprenticeships offered by employers in your area go to: gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship(opens in new tab).

For a discussion around your specific requirements, or if you're an employer interested in creating a vacancy, please call us on 0191 515 3361(opens in new tab) or email apprenticeships@sunderland.ac.uk(opens in new tab).

Disclaimer

We want to make sure you have clear and accurate information about our courses. Our website always shows the latest updates. If you’ve applied and you're offered a place, we’ll contact you in writing if anything important changes.

For more information, view our programme specifications. These include course content, learning outcomes, and the skills you'll gain.