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Our biomedical science degrees prepare you for working in the NHS as a biomedical scientist, industry, research and other related fields. Gain expertise in fields such as medical microbiology, immunology, haematology, cellular pathology and clinical biochemistry. Work towards one of four possible Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) accredited degree titles.
This unique course allows you to work towards one of four possible degree titles:
This is the core IBMS accredited degree that you are applying to and will start. Other routes below are optional and competitive and will be available to apply for during your studies.
Studying Biomedical Science will develop your knowledge of scientific investigation into human health and disease, through learning how the human body functions and what happens when disease affects it. You'll develop a thorough understanding of biomedicine and acquire specialist knowledge in medical microbiology, immunology, cellular pathology, haematology and clinical biochemistry.
The course content is the same as Biomedical Science, but you'll undertake a 40-week placement in an NHS lab between your second and final year. Placements are subject to availability and an interview with the placement provider is required. The placement allows completion of your IBMS registration portfolio and you'll be eligible to register as a Biomedical Scientist with the HCPC upon graduation.
The course content is the same as Biomedical Science, but you'll have the opportunity to undertake a placement year in industry between your second and final year of your degree. Placements are subject to availability and an interview with the placement provider is required.
Depending on the availability of suitable placements, and subject to interview, you may be able to switch from a degree in Biomedical Science to Healthcare Science, specialising in one of the following areas: Blood Sciences, Cellular Sciences, Genetic Sciences, and Infection Sciences. The course content is the same as Biomedical Science with increasing focus on your specialist area in year three, but includes a series of integrated clinical placements in an approved clinical training laboratory. The placements allow completion of your IBMS registration portfolio and you'll be eligible to register as a Biomedical Scientist with the HCPC upon graduation.
This course has been designed to develop Biomedical Scientists who will play a vital role in modern healthcare, but the course also follows a research-active curriculum, promoting development of a wide range of subject-specific and transferable skills valuable to employers.
Teaching methods include traditional lectures, lab-based learning, workshops, seminars, case-based learning, group work, and one to one tutorials. In addition, there is directed and independent study and use of the virtual learning environment.
If you choose to apply for Healthcare Sciences (Life Sciences) and are successful at interview, you will study the same course content as Biomedical Science with increasing focus on your specialist area in year 3, but will follow a series of integrated clinical placements each year in an approved clinical training laboratory.
For queries about part-time entry, please email the course leader Dr Noel Carter at noel.carter@sunderland.ac.uk.
Our typical offer is:
| Qualification | Minimum grade |
|---|---|
| High School Diploma along with one of the following at the required grade: SAT I and SAT II, ACT or Advanced Placement | GPA 3.0 or above and: Sat score of 1100/1600 from SATs AP (Grades 3+ in at least 2 subjects) ACT (score of 26+) |
If you don't meet our standard entry requirements, you can take one of the foundation pathways at our partners ONCAMPUS Sunderland. Find out more information and whether your course is eligible on our ONCAMPUS page.
If your qualification is not listed above, please contact the Student Administration team at studentadmin@sunderland.ac.uk for further advice.
Our admissions policy uses a range of flexible options to support you to study with us. This may include a reduced offer of up to 16 UCAS tariff points, (or equivalent). Find out if you are eligible.
If English is not your first language, please see our English language requirements.
For applicants wishing to apply for an NHS placement (applied or PTP route) during their studies, a clear DBS at the time of application to the placement (not to the course) is required. Additionally, due to course-specific regulations, an IELTS score of 7 is required for international applicants wishing to complete an NHS placement.
The annual, full-time fee for this course is:
*Undergraduate fees are set according to rules from Government in line with forecast inflation. The fee for your first year of study for 2025/26 will be £9,535. You will pay tuition fees for every year of study. Fees may increase every year based on the Retail Price Index.
Tuition fees for part-time students are £7,145 per 90 credits. Please note that part-time courses are not available to international students who require a Student visa to study in the UK.
Read more about EU fees and funding in our Help and Advice article.
If you currently serve (or have recently served) within the Armed Forces, the Ministry of Defence's ELCAS scheme may be able to help cover your funding for this course.
Take a look at the scholarships and bursaries that may be available to you.
This information was correct at the time of publication.
Your career options will vary according to the path you choose and the title of your final degree. Your experience and skills will also give you an edge in applying for any jobs where a strong science background is an advantage.
Potential employers include the NHS, medical research institutions, clinical laboratories, pharmaceutical drug companies, scientific distributors and manufacturers and molecular biology companies. Many of our students go on to further study including masters, PhDs, Medicine and teaching (via the PGCE route).
A compulsory 40-week placement in NHS pathology department is strongly associated with increased employability in the NHS upon graduation.
At an entry level, the work involves supporting healthcare professionals in diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of disease while working as part of a multidisciplinary team that includes doctors and nurses.
Blood Science / Cellular Science / Infection Science / Genetic Science
If you switch to this degree, you'll be well-prepared to apply for roles as a healthcare scientist or biomedical scientist in the NHS.
At an entry level, the work involves supporting healthcare professionals in diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of disease whilst working as part of a multidisciplinary team that includes doctors and nurses. Read more on NHS careers.
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