Biomedical Science BSc

Our BSc Biomedical Science programme is accredited by both the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) and the Royal Society of Biology (RSB) and focuses on current clinical practice. It has been designed to provide you with the necessary academic requirements to allow you to apply to become a registered Biomedical Scientist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) upon graduation.

It covers a range of disciplines including cellular pathology, haematology, microbiology, and immunology, as well as common aspects of medicine and care, such as blood transfusions. It utilises research-led teaching to explore the physiology of the human body in health and disease and learn about cutting-edge medical research.

During your time on the course, you could get to:

• Learn how to set up and read an electrocardiogram (ECG).
• Determine blood groupings and screen patient blood films.
• Practice key techniques used in pathology laboratories like preparing and staining tissue samples, examining serum samples and working with laboratory analysers.
• Undertake your own research project, working with leading biological scientists.
   

Both the BSc Biomedical Science (3 year) course and BSc Applied Biomedical Science (4 year) course are accredited by the IBMS and RSB.

Placement year

The best way to prepare you for your future career is to gain experience in the real world of work. That's why our course offers you the option to complete an integrated placement year, taken between the second and final years of your degree.

BSc Biomedical Science students have the opportunity to use their placement year to complete a registration training portfolio within an IBMS-approved pathology laboratory. This allows you to apply for an IBMS Certificate of Competence, and subsequently, register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a biomedical scientist upon graduation.

Designed to make you stand out in the graduate crowd, you can also undertake placements in industrial or research laboratories, as well as non-laboratory settings.

Our students have completed placements in:

• NHS organisations
• Clinical trial companies
• Research institutes
• Pharmaceutical companies
• Medical sales
• Biotechnology companies

International students and post-study work visa

Aston University is a diverse, close community and welcomes international students. Students from over 120 different countries choose to study with us every year and Aston is not only a great place to study, based in the centre of Birmingham it’s also a great place to live.

The new post-study work visa enables international students to remain in the UK for two years after they have completed their studies to find work. 

For international students intending to do a foundation year, visit ONCAMPUS.

Course outline

Studying Biomedical Science at Aston University aims to provide you with the skills required to work in an NHS pathology laboratory, undertake medical research, and also understand the pharmaceutical industry. You’ll develop a thorough knowledge of the core principles of how the human body works and a deep understanding of the vital role biomedical scientists play in the healthcare sector.

Our teaching is research-led, meaning that you will learn about the research our world-leading academics are undertaking, particularly in your final year. We also make sure you gain exposure to experienced biomedical scientists via guest lectures, so you can hear first-hand what this rewarding role is really like.

From your first year at Aston, you’ll learn more about the careers available to graduates with Biomedical Science degrees, as well as spending time reflecting on the skills acquired and needed for your future career.

Modules

Year 1

Learn from a range of bioscience academics and complete a number of specialist sessions with practicing biomedical scientists. You’ll study the key biology topics that will form the basis of your biomedical science education, preparing you for specialist modules in later years. You will also develop the knowledge to undertake laboratory work safely.

Core modules:

• Biomolecules
• Cells to Systems
• Microbiology and Genetics
• Metabolism and Physiology for Biomedical Science

Year 2

Study new specialist subject areas and revisit previously studied topics at a deeper level. You’ll learn how to select appropriate experimental approaches and test hypotheses, in addition to participating in Problem-Based Learning (PBL), where you (as part of a group) will be set a problem and asked to provide a solution through independent research.

Core modules:

• Clinical Sciences
• Mechanisms of Pathology
• Cell Signalling and Physiology
• Clinical Genetics and Human Disease

Placement

Placement year (optional)

The optional placement year gives you the opportunity to gain valuable career-boosting experience by setting your studies in a real-world context of a working environment alongside professionals. You will get the chance to undertake your placement in a wide variety of settings such as hospitals, industrial or research laboratories or non-laboratory settings.

All students enrol onto the BSc Biomedical Science (3-year) course without placement. For students who wish to practice as a biomedical scientist in the NHS, this year is your opportunity to complete an IBMS registration training portfolio in a UKAS-accredited CPA hospital laboratory.

Students who go on to achieve minimum set grades during their degree and complete an accredited placement and registration training portfolio in an IBMS-approved pathology laboratory will graduate with a BSc Applied Biomedical Science qualification and be eligible to apply to the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) for registration as a biomedical scientist. This is opportunity is available to all home, EU and international students on the course as long as they meet the requirements as listed here.

The availability of NHS placements is limited and highly competitive. You will have to undergo an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and occupational health checks; the cost of these checks will be payable by the student.

Final Year 

You will acquire the skills required to undertake an individual original research project, study a small number of advanced topics, in addition to critically reflecting on the enhancement of patient care and the importance of codes and acts in the area of biomedical science.

Core modules:

• Immunology and Inflammation
• Clinical and Food Microbiology
• Research Project Preparation
• Research Project
• Professional Skills for Biomedical Scientists

In addition, you will complete one of the following two modules*:

• Cancer Biology
• Applied Microbiology
• Advanced Molecular Biology
• Bench to Bedside
  
  *Please note the availability of any optional modules will be subject to staff availability and a minimum number of students who express an interest in studying the optional modules.

GCSEs

Five GCSEs which must include Maths and English Language or English Literature all at grade C/4. Please note we do not accept Key skills or Functional Skills in place of these.

A Levels

• BBB in three A Level subjects including Biology.
• BBC in three A Level subjects including Biology and B in either Core Maths or Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).
• BCC in three A Level subjects including Biology for our contextual offer scheme.*

The following subjects will not be considered as one of the core three A Levels - General Studies, Critical Thinking, Citizenship Studies.

We welcome applications from students who have tried to improve their examination grades by taking resits and only your latest grades will be accepted. We treat these applications in exactly the same way as other applications.

BTEC

Contextual offer applicants need to achieve a grade C as listed below.

BTEC qualification name*	BTEC grades required	A Level requirements
Extended Diploma	Distinction*, Distinction*, Distinction* OR Distinction, Distinction, Distinction plus A Levels	This BTEC must be RQF – National in Applied Science D*D*D* (you do not require an additional A Level) OR This BTEC must be QCF in Applied Science DDD and you must also achieve grade B in A Level Biology OR If you are studying a non-science subject in this BTEC which is QCF or RQF – National then you must achieve DDD and grade B in A Level Biology.
Diploma (QCF) National Diploma	Distinction, Distinction (DD)	With this BTEC you must also achieve grade B in A Level Biology.
Subsidiary Diploma (QCF) National Extended Certificate	Distinction (D)	With this BTEC you must also achieve grades BB in two A Levels of which one must be Biology.
90 Credit Diploma (QCF)	Distinction, Distinction (DD)	With this BTEC you must also achieve grades BB in two A Levels of which one must be Biology.
National Foundation Diploma	Distinction (D)	With this BTEC you must also achieve grades BB in two A Levels of which one must be Biology.

*Please note that on the UCAS application form QCF BTEC Extended Diploma appears under the name BTEC Extended Diploma (QCF) and the RQF BTEC Extended Diploma appears under the name Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (1080) (2016 to Present). If you are unsure of which qualification you are taking, please contact your school or college provider to confirm.

T Level

We do not accept this qualification for this course.

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Standard offer: 31 points overall and must include grades 5, 5, 5 in Higher Level subjects which must include Biology. You must also have Standard Level grade 5 in both Mathematics and English Language.

Contextual offer: 28 points overall and must include grades 5, 4, 4 in Higher Level subjects which must include Biology. You must also have Standard Level grade 5 in both Mathematics and English Language for contextual offer students.*

Access to Higher Education

We accept the QAA-recognised Access Diploma which must consist of 45 credits at Level 3. You must obtain a minimum of 30 distinction and the rest must be at merit or distinction. Please note that we do not accept the English and Maths components within the Access qualification, and you must meet the GCSE entry requirement. Subjects Accepted: Applied Science, Biology combined with Chemistry, Biomedical Science, Biosciences, Combined Sciences, Health Sciences, Health Sciences Professions, Life Sciences and Sciences, and Medicine and Healthcare Professions.

Please note we do not accept Health and Social Care as it does not contain the amount of core science material required for subsequent undergraduate studies on this degree.

International Students

International qualifications

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of an English language qualification. Find out more about our English language requirements. International students can discover more about the qualifications we accept on our international pages.

International foundation programmes

If you do not meet our entry requirements, we have a range of pathway programmes offered by our partner, ONCAMPUS Aston, which you can complete to progress onto one of our degrees.

Other

Degree

Year 1

We consider applicants for year 1 entry who are undertaking a degree in a related field elsewhere. You must meet the GCSEs and A level (or equivalent) requirements as listed. Alongside this you must have gained (or be expected to gain) 60% overall and 120 credits with no fails at another recognised university.

In order to be considered you will need to submit a UCAS application as we do not accept direct applications, and this must include an academic reference.

Year 2 / year 3 / final year

We are not taking applications for Year 2, Year 3 or Final Year transfers.  

View our transfers policy

For further information regarding the transfers policy and Student Transfer Arrangements please see here. 

Age of qualifications

Applicants must normally have achieved their eligible academic qualifications for entry onto this course within the last three years. Applicants presenting qualifications older than three years will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Academic Admissions Lead.

External Foundation Programmes from another University

We consider external foundation programmes for entry into our year 1 programmes on a case-by-case basis. We will always require applicants to have met the following criteria prior to application:

•    5 GCSE’s at grade C/4 or above including Maths and English.
•    CCC at A Level, must include Biology

Any conditional offers made will be based on meeting a specific grade in your foundation programme.  In order to be considered you will need to submit a UCAS application as we do not accept direct applications.

Ministry of Defence

Aston University welcomes applications from candidates who intend to join the Ministry of Defence via the Army, Navy or Air Force. They are required to meet entry requirements as listed above. If your qualifications are not listed please email copies of your certificates, transcripts, resume (CV) to ugadmissions@aston.ac.uk for further review. Please note we do not accept direct applications and you will be required to submit a UCAS form.

DBS and fitness to practise

Full details of our DBS and fitness to practise regulations can be found here.

View our Admissions Policy under the 'Respect' tab on our Principles and Policies page.

Whilst the grades listed here are our entry requirements, we understand that predicted grades are only an estimate. We will therefore consider applicants with predicted grades that fall below these entry requirements if the application is of a high standard (however, initial offers will not be lower than stated above). We would also consider applicants with achieved grades of CCC and above which are below the listed requirements on a case by case scenario if the application is of a high standard, strong academic reference and any gaps in study are explained.

*For details on our Aston Ready contextual offer scheme, please see here.

The information contained on this website details the typical entry requirements for this course for the most commonly offered qualifications. Applicants with alternative qualifications may wish to enquire with the relevant admissions teams prior to application whether or not their qualifications are deemed acceptable. For less commonly encountered qualifications this will be judged on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the academic admissions tutor.

As a biomedical science student, you will be taught by our passionate academic experts in biosciences.

There is huge breadth of academic research undertaken across Aston which is integrated into our courses. It is this integration that gives Aston students a distinct advantage in their studies by ensuring we provide access to the latest trends, thinking, issues, and research.

You’ll encounter a wide range of teaching approaches, from lectures, and group work, to practical sessions, and interactive workshops and tutorials.

Each year of study is worth 120 credits, with each credit being equivalent to 10 learning hours. The learning hours may include, but are not limited to:  Lectures; seminars; tutorials; lab sessions; practicals; online activity; reading; other independent study; reflecting on assignment feedback; field trips; and work placements.

Assessments

We utilise a wide range of assessments linked to learning outcomes, such as:

• exams
• essay writing
• practical and laboratory reports
• presentations
• peer assessment.

Key course staff

“Our BSc Biomedical Science degree is accredited by both the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) and the Royal Society of Biology (RSB). It has been designed to provide you with the necessary academic requirements to allow you to apply to become a registered biomedical scientist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), while also providing a sound education in cutting-edge medical research. The course covers a range of disciplines, including cellular pathology, haematology, microbiology, physiology, and immunology, as well as common aspects of medicine and care such as blood transfusions and point of care testing.” Programme Director Dr Charlotte Law

*The United Kingdom government has confirmed that European Union (EU), other European Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss nationals commencing academic courses in England from August 2021 will no longer be charged the same tuition rates as Home students.

Further information

Tuition fees are reviewed annually and may increase in subsequent years in line with inflation linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI) to take account of the University’s increased costs of delivering the Programme. Any such increase shall always be in accordance with the law. When undertaking a placement year a placement year fee applies.

More information on fees https://www2.aston.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/student-finance

Scholarships

At Aston University we are committed to supporting the most talented and hardworking students to achieve their potential by providing a range of scholarships to help lower tuition and living costs. Find out more about our scholarships here. https://www2.aston.ac.uk/scholarships

Our biomedical science graduates often work in health, pharmaceuticals, or as HCPC registered Biomedical Scientists* within the NHS. Others choose careers in scientific writing, research, or undertake further study, including teaching qualifications, MSc, PhD or graduate entry medicine.

Recent graduate employers include:

• GlaxoSmithKline
• National University Health Systems
• NHS trusts such as: Birmingham Women's and Children's Hospital, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham and University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire
• Public Health England
• Raffles Diagnostica
• Randox Testing Service
• Secondary schools
• The Binding Site.
   

*If you complete an unaccredited placement, or choose not to complete a placement at all and later wish to practice as HCPC registered biomedical scientist, you will have to complete the following post-graduation:

• IBMS training and registration portfolio in an approved clinical laboratory
• Achieve a Certificate of Competence awarded by the IBMS

How does studying Biomedical Science at Aston University help prepare me for my career?

Our course provides the ideal blend of theoretical grounding, technical skills development, and industry know-how to make you lab-ready for any industrial placement or career.

To ensure you gain a solid understanding of the range of careers available to you and the role that biomedical scientists play in the wider healthcare field, you’ll be exposed to, and learn from a wide range of healthcare experts. This includes being taught by practising biomedical scientists and, where available, sessions with medical consultants, nurses, and patients about the role of biomedical scientists in patient care.

Will this course help me register as a professional Biomedical Scientist?

Yes! When you successfully complete our four-year degree with an integrated placement year in a UKAS-accredited CPA hospital laboratory and successfully graduate with a BSc Applied Biomedical Science qualification; you will be eligible to apply to the Health and Care Professions Council for registration as biomedical scientist. You can also choose to complete your IBMS portfolio post-graduation.  See our careers prospects section for more information.

Can I go on a placement year on this course?

Yes, you can. The course is designed to make you stand out in the graduate crowd.  You can undertake placements in laboratory settings such as hospital, industrial, or research laboratories, as well as non-laboratory settings. Aston have a dedicated Careers and Placements team who will provide you with ongoing support and an array of opportunities, including on campus placement fairs and CV surgeries, to help you source your placement.

Our students have completed placements in settings such as:

• Clinical trial companies
• Research institutes
• Pharmaceutical companies (eg. AstraZeneca and GlaxoSmithKline)
• Medical sales
• Biotechnology companies
• NHS trusts

What accreditation does this course have?

Our BSc Biomedical Science course is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology (RSB) and the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS). The BSc Applied Biomedical Science qualification is also approved by the Health and Care Professions Council.

What learning facilities can I expect?

• Extensive and well-equipped laboratories with a variety of equipment designed to support your learning in an industry-relevant environment.
• A recently refurbished, state-of-the-art cell culture laboratory
• 3D computer laboratories for virtual anatomy practicals
• Refurbished lecture theatres and seminar rooms
• Computer laboratories and a virtual learning environment used for general study, revision, and assessment. This platform allows you to access a comprehensive range of study materials, scientific journals, e-journals, databases, and Aston Library, fully refurbished and equipped for the digital age. Open 24 hours a day at key points throughout the year with a variety of study spaces, academic support advisors on hand and course texts available electronically or in book form.

Why should international students choose Aston University?

Study at Aston University and you will be part of a multi-cultural community located at the heart of the dynamic city of Birmingham. Our courses are practical, inspired by industry and many have internationally recognised accreditations. Renowned for our employability prospects and connections to business and industry, we provide outstanding career support, advice, and placement opportunities.

For those interested in working in the UK after they have graduated, the UK Government have created a new post-study work visa. For more information visit the government website.