BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science Full-time

Build on your knowledge of biology or chemistry. Gain expertise in fields such as medical microbiology, immunology, haematology, cellular pathology and clinical biochemistry. Work towards one of four possible degree titles.

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A student in a Biomedical Science laboratory holding up a Petri dish

Start date/study mode:

UCAS codeB940

Duration3 years

Fee (UK)£9,790

Fee (Int)£17,500

LocationOn campus

Course summary

This flexible course allows you to work towards one of four distinct degree titles. We design each route to help you explore your interests and prepare for your ideal career in healthcare or biomedical research. Please note that some routes are dependent on placement availability. They may also require a successful interview with a placement provider.

Biomedical Science

Explore the science behind human health and disease. You’ll gain in-depth knowledge of how the body functions and what happens when things go wrong. Build a strong foundation in biomedicine by studying key areas such as:

Medical microbiology
Immunology
Cellular pathology
Haematology
Clinical biochemistry. to build a strong foundation in biomedicine.

Applied Biomedical Science

This route follows the same curriculum as Biomedical Science. However, it includes a 40-week NHS laboratory placement between your second and final year. During the placement, you’ll complete your Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) registration portfolio. This will put you on track to register as a Biomedical Scientist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) after graduation.

Biomedical Science (sandwich)

You'll study the same curriculum as the core Biomedical Science course. However, this route includes the opportunity to spend a year gaining valuable experience in an industry setting.

Healthcare Science (Life Sciences)

You may be able to transfer onto this specialised route after starting the Biomedical Science course. This is dependent on placement availability. You’ll focus on one of four areas:

Blood Sciences
Cellular Sciences
Genetic Sciences
Infection Sciences

You'll complete a series of integrated clinical placements in an approved training laboratory. This route includes completion of your IBMS registration portfolio and leads to eligibility for HCPC registration.

Applied Biomedical Science and Healthcare Science (Life Sciences) are approved by the HCPC.

Why Sunderland for Biological Sciences

Accreditations and approvals

Accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS), the professional body for those who work within the field of biomedical science
Our Healthcare Science courses are accredited by the National School of Healthcare Science.

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

We design the course content to develop biomedical scientists who'll play a vital role in modern healthcare. The course also follows a research-active curriculum, so you'll develop a wide range transferable skills that are valuable to employers.

Teaching methods include:

Traditional lectures
Lab-based learning
Workshops
Seminars
Case-based learning
Group work
One-to-one tutorials.

There's also directed and independent study and use of the virtual learning environment.

Healthcare Sciences

If you choose to apply for Healthcare Sciences (Life Sciences) and are successful at interview, you'll study the same course content as Biomedical Science. You'll increase 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.

Entry requirements

Our typical offer is 104-120 UCAS Tariff points from a combination of acceptable Level 3 qualifications, which may include:

A Levels
T Levels
BTEC Diplomas/Extended Diplomas
Scottish and Irish Highers
Access to HE Diplomas
International Baccalaureate.

Level 3 qualifications must include Chemistry or Biology. We accept a maximum of 6 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. If you've studied for a GCSE which has a numerical grade, you'll need to achieve a grade 4 or above.

See how many points your qualifications are worth using the UCAS Tariff calculator(opens in new tab).

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're eligible for a tariff point reduction.

If English isn't your first language, please see our English language requirements.

Fees and finance support

UK£9,790

International£17,500

Undergraduate fees are set according to rules from Government in line with forecast inflation. If you're a Home fee-paying student, the fee for your first year of study for 2026/27 will be £9,790. You'll pay tuition fees for every year of study. Fees may increase every year based on the Retail Price Index.

Check your fee status(opens in new tab).

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. Read more about funding for Armed Forces personnel.

See all course tuition fees.

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