BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science

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)£9,535

Fee (Int)£17,500

LocationOn campus

Course summary

Our unique and flexible Biomedical Science course allows you to work towards one of four distinct degree titles. Each route has been designed to help you explore your interests and prepare for your ideal career in healthcare or research. Please note that some routes are dependent on placement availability and may 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. Study key areas like medical microbiology, immunology, cellular pathology, haematology, and clinical biochemistry to build a strong foundation in biomedicine.

Applied Biomedical Science

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

Biomedical Science (sandwich)

Similar to the core Biomedical Science course, this option includes the opportunity to spend a year gaining valuable experience in an industry setting.

Healthcare Science (Life Sciences)

Depending on placement availability, you may be able to transfer into this specialised route after starting the Biomedical Science course. You’ll focus on one of four areas: Blood Sciences, Cellular Sciences, Genetic Sciences, or Infection Sciences, and complete a series of integrated clinical placements in an approved training laboratory. Like the Applied route, this path includes completion of your IBMS registration portfolio and leads to eligibility for HCPC registration.

Both the Applied Biomedical Science and Healthcare Science (Life Sciences) degrees are approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and lead to eligibility to join the HCPC register as a Biomedical Scientist.

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 of these options may only be available if you’ve already studied specific required 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 alongside core modules on your course, you should choose an amount that totals 120 credits.

How you'll learn

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.

Healthcare Sciences

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.

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, or the 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, which must include mathematics 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.

Find out 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£9,535

International£17,500

Undergraduate fees are set according to rules from Government in line with forecast inflation. The fee for your first year of study for 2026/27 will be £9,535. 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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