BSc(Hons) in Biomedical Science
UWE Bristol
Key Information
Campus location
Bristol, United Kingdom
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
3 - 4 years
Pace
Full time, Part time
Tuition fees
GBP 15,250 / per year *
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
Request info
* home students per year: £9250 | international students per year: £15250
Introduction
This course gives you strong practical skills in the biomedical sciences, with the option to gain a year's experience with a leading employer in the UK or abroad.
Why study biomedical science?
To diagnose and treat diseases effectively, we need to understand the biology of disease and the science underpinning it, as well as the latest advances in medical science.
The strong analytical, problem-solving and communication skills this discipline requires makes biomedical scientists highly sought after in fields such as medical research, consultancy, education and management.
Why UWE Bristol?
BSc(Hons) Biomedical Science offers a hands-on approach to learning.
You'll get a strong grounding in modern biomedicine, and study the basic science core subjects and the biology of disease, alongside specialist biomedical subjects.
Gain wide-ranging experience and develop expertise in the areas that interest you most.
Work at the cutting-edge of biomedical science, using highly specialised equipment.
Build essential practical experience through placements and internships.
If you choose the sandwich option, you'll spend your third year working with an employer or at another university, in the pharmaceutical, healthcare, research or wider sector. This could be in the UK, in Europe or further afield.
With a strong focus on the application of science in the real world, this course is excellent preparation for wide-ranging science careers.
What can I do with a biomedical science degree?
Our graduates work in increasingly diverse types of roles. Many follow careers in this area, for example by becoming registered clinical Biomedical Scientists, or by working in research and development for organisations in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors.
Some also get jobs in sales, the media or education, and others study for postgraduate qualifications.
Through our partnership with the American University of Antigua (AUA), you could go on to study medicine there. You'd spend two pre-clinical years in Antigua, followed by two clinical years in the UK, USA or Canada. Scholarships are available for outstanding students.
Program Outcome
Professional accreditation
The course is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science.
Placements
Students who go on work experience tend to graduate with better degrees. Experience also hones your skills, industry knowledge and professional network, making you a sought-after graduate.
You'll get to work with major employers in the pharmaceutical or healthcare industry, with opportunities for placements, internships and volunteering.
We have links with lots of employers, such as GlaxoSmithKline, Novartis, ICI, government laboratories including CAMR and Porton Down, and university research centres.
If you choose the four-year (sandwich) course, you'll spend a year away from the University on a work placement after Year two. You'll do up to 40 weeks of work-based training in a specialised area of biomedical science.
You could choose to spend a year working overseas in destinations such as the USA, Malaysia, Germany or Switzerland.
You'll get help to find a placement and support from department staff and our award-winning careers service.
Career Opportunities
You'll graduate with the insight, tools and practical experience to make a valuable contribution to the health of the community.
Most graduates follow careers in biological sciences, particularly research and development work in the healthcare, pharmaceutical and education sectors.
As well as preparing you for a laboratory-based job, the course will give you the transferable skills employers value in a wide variety of roles, from medical sales and scientific writing to quality control and health and safety.
Some graduates use their qualifications to successfully apply for mature entry to medicine degrees, while others continue with MPhil/PhD research degrees or Master's courses.
Get inspired
Our award-winning careers service will develop your employment potential through career coaching and find you graduate jobs, placements and global opportunities.
We can also help find local volunteering and community opportunities, provide support for entrepreneurial activity and get you access to employer events.
Curriculum
Content
The optional modules listed are those that are most likely to be available, but they may be subject to change.
Year one
You will study:
- Biomedical Skills
- Infection and Disease
- Cells, Biochemistry and Genetics
- Anatomy and Physiology.
Year two
You will study:
- Molecular Cell Biology
- Applied Scientific Practice
- Studies in the Biology of Disease.
Plus optional modules from (the number dependent on credit requirements):
- Cell Signalling
- Microbiology
- Molecular Genetics
- Medicinal Chemistry
- Pharmacology
- Immunology
- Tissue and Tumour Science
- Blood Science
- Human Physiology.
Placement year (if applicable)
If you study on the four-year (sandwich) course, you'll spend a year away from the University on a work placement after Year two.
You will also study the Professional Practice in Applied Science module.
Final year
You will study:
- Research Dissertation Project or Research Experimental Project.
Plus one or more from (the number dependent on credit requirements):
- Haematology and Transfusion Science
- Clinical Biochemistry
- Medical Microbiology
- Applied Immunology
- Medical Genetics
- Cellular Pathology and Oncology
Plus optional modules (the number dependent on credit requirements) from:
- Antimicrobial Agents
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Pathophysiology
- Physical Activity, Nutrition and Health
- Neuroscience & Neuropharmacology
- Science Communication
- Epidemiology and Public Health
- Developmental and Stem Cell Science
- Medical Technology and Enterprise
- *Professional Practice in Applied Science
- Genomic Technologies.
*Compulsory if you do a placement.
The University continually enhances our offer by responding to feedback from our students and other stakeholders, ensuring the curriculum is kept up to date and our graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need for the real world. This may result in changes to the course. If changes to your course are approved, we will inform you.
This structure is for full-time students only. Part-time students study the same modules but the delivery pattern will be different.
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
Your overall entitlement to funding is based on how long the course is that you're registered on. Standard funding is allocated based on the standard number of years that your course lasts, plus one additional year.
You'll apply for funding each year that you study and Student Finance will take into account how long the course is in each year that you apply. So if you register for the four-year course and then transfer to the three-year course, the number of years you can apply for funding will change. Student Finance will reassess your funding based on how many years you have been in study, not just those years for which you received student finance.
Always seek advice before taking any action that may have implications for your funding.