Biomedical Science/Applied Biomedical Science BSc (Hons)

Study level: Undergraduate
Students in the SuperLab

Our Biomedical Science/Applied Biomedical Science degree integrates a range of biological disciplines to promote understanding of how the human body works and the biology of disease.

Course option

Year of entry

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

3 years full-time
4 years sandwich

UCAS codes

B940

Start date

January 2025 - condensed


Course overview

Key contributors to modern healthcare, biomedical scientists play a vital role in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of disease, monitoring treatments and developing advanced diagnostic tools or novel therapeutic strategies.

  • Throughout the course you will gain practical experience in the laboratories based in our state-of-the-art Alison Gingell Building. Here you will learn and develop the key skills and techniques required for working in a laboratory.
  • You will explore the human body in health and disease, from the functioning of whole body systems down to cell and molecular processes. 
  • Course content provides knowledge in the mechanisms, diagnosis and therapeutics of human disease with particular emphasis placed on the specialist areas of biomedical science: clinical biochemistry, medical microbiology, cellular pathology, haematology, immunology and genetics.
  • The January start for this course is condensed in Year 1. Please see the ‘How you’ll learn’ section below for more details.
A star in the centre of a rosette.

Rated Gold Overall

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023

Five stars in a speech bubble.

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

City buildings next to a tree.

Top 5 Student City in England (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2025

Why you should study this course

  • Well-equipped suite of analytical and biological laboratories where you can gain hands-on experience using industry-standard techniques4.
  • Support applying for placements in laboratory and industrial settings to gain crucial real-world experience2.
  • We focus on student-centred teaching in which you devise and carry out your own laboratory experiments so that you can demonstrate your ability to work independently and solve problems to future employers.
  • You’ll be taught by experienced academic staff who have a range of hospital and research laboratory experience, bringing their expertise into their teaching (staff subject to change).
  • To practice as a biomedical scientist, you must hold an IBMS (Institute of Biomedical Science) accredited degree1 and also be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Students are enrolled on Biomedical Science BSc (Hons) - those who undertake a 12-month placement between years two and three in an approved laboratory, and complete a training portfolio, are then transferred on to Applied Biomedical Science BSc (Hons) for the final year of study. The academic content of both courses is the same, however those on Applied Biomedical Science are eligible to apply for HCPC registration and biomedical scientist roles upon graduation (additional costs may apply).
  • If you choose to start this course in January you will study exactly the same course but over a slightly shorter timescale in Year 1. This is ideal if you missed the September start, want to transfer from a different university or course or just need a bit more time to prepare for life at university.

Accreditation and professional recognition

The degree is accredited1 and recognised by the following bodies:

Institute of Biomedical Science logo

Institute of Biomedical Science - Accredited Programme

Both the Biomedical Science and Applied Biomedical Science courses are accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) for the 2024/25 intake.


hcpc logo

Health and Care Professions Council

Applied Biomedical Science is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council.


Royal Society of Biology logo

The Royal Society of Biology

This course is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology (RSB) up to and including September 2028 entry for the purpose of meeting in part the academic and experience requirement for the Membership and Chartered Biologist (CBiol). This programme has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology following an independent and rigorous assessment. Accredited degree programmes contain a solid academic foundation in biological knowledge and key skills and prepare graduates to address the needs of employers. The accreditation criteria require evidence that graduates from accredited programmes meet defined sets of learning outcomes, including subject knowledge, technical ability and transferable skills.


Our Award-winning Green Superlab

With space for over 250 students and packed full of industry-standard equipment, the Coventry University Superlab is an amazing place to learn, experiment and discover. Find out what we’re doing in our Superlab to make it greener and reduce our waste and carbon emissions.

I chose Coventry University because of the university’s reputation and I chose biomedical science because I have always wanted to explore the world of science. The course has been great, with interesting topics and the university has been supportive with resources like the library, academic writing support, career counselling and student success coaches.

Jan Kwiatkowski, Biomedical Science BSc (Hons) student, quoted in 2023
People wearing white coats while working in a lab looking through microscopes

What you'll study

This course has a common first year.

The common first year enables you to work alongside students doing similar courses to you, to widen your knowledge and exposure to other subject areas and professions. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with other students, so you can share your insights and experience which will help you to develop and learn. 

If you discover an interest in a specific subject you have studied, upon successful completion of your first year, you could swap degrees with another course in your common first year (subject to meeting progression requirements).

Common first year courses

  • Biological and Forensic Sciences BSc (Hons)
  • Human Biosciences BSc (Hons)
  • Pharmacology BSc (Hons)

In the first year, the curriculum is shared across related courses allowing you to gain a broad grounding in the discipline before going on, in the second and third years, to specialist modules in your chosen field.

Modules

In Year two, you will develop more advanced knowledge and skills to do with infectious disease and immune defence, genetic basis of disease, haematology and blood disorders, cellular basis of disease and metabolic and endocrine disorders, among others. 

Modules

There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur between your second and final year of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future. 

If you choose to do a work placement year, you will pay a reduced tuition fee3 of £1,250. For more information, please go to the fees and funding section. During this time you will receive guidance from your employer or partner institution, along with your assigned academic mentor who will ensure you have the support you need to complete your placement. 

Modules

Year three aims to bring you to the level to enter the world of work by consolidating your knowledge and skills from years one and two. You could also work on a large final project in an area of your interest, with the support of a mentor.  

Modules

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.


How you'll learn

Throughout your studies, you will have the opportunity to develop a good knowledge of a range of disciplines and how they apply to human health and disease. Your course will be predominately taught via campus-based sessions, in the multi-million-pound Alison Gingell Building, and will include both theory classes, such as lectures and workshops, as well as laboratory-based practical classes4.

Our experienced teaching team currently includes staff with a variety of both research and industrial backgrounds including staff who are HCPC registered with interests and expertise in a wide range of disciplines which align to the course content (please note staff may be subject to change). The practical laboratory sessions will be supported by an extensive suite of biological and analytical laboratories, staffed by experienced technicians, allowing you to work in a professional environment from day one4.

If you choose to start this course in January it will be run as a condensed programme. You’ll start your course in January and finish your first year in August. Upon successful completion of Year 1, you will progress onto Year 2 in September and then continue to start subsequent years of your course in September, completing your degree at the same time as the September starters unless you opt to do a placement year.


Teaching contact hours

In a typical teaching week, you will have around 17 ‘contact’ hours of teaching. The contact hours may be made up of a combination of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, and online classes and tutorials. In addition, you will be expected to undertake a further 20 hours of self-directed study each week e.g. working on coursework assignments.

As an innovative and enterprising institution, the university may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the university may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.

Since COVID-19, we have delivered our courses in a variety of forms, in line with public authority guidance, decisions, or orders and we will continue to adapt our delivery as appropriate. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.


Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module.

Assessment methods include:

  • Core tests
  • Essays
  • Group work
  • Presentations
  • Reports
  • Projects
  • Coursework
  • Case studies
  • Portfolios
  • Competency tests
  • Individual assignments

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.  


International experience opportunities

Our sandwich degree option allows a work placement or study year, which can be taken abroad2. Previous students have undertaken fieldtrips to Malawi where they have educational engagement with groups of children participating in diverse community projects at local primary and nursery schools, assisted in monitoring the state of boreholes in rural villages, made sun dried bricks for building projects and climbing the challenging mount Mulanje.

We have previously run a number of field trips to European cities including Brno in the Czech Republic and Amsterdam. 

With the SuperLab, we can use so many different types of specialised equipment that are the same as those used in industry. One of my favourite things was designing an experiment as a group, which was really interesting because it was like a snippet of what my future career as a biomedical scientist could be.

Abhineet Purewal, Biomedical Science BSc (Hons) current student, quoted in 2021
Inside of a laboratory filled with people wearing white coats

Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2024/25 entry.

Requirement What we're looking for
UCAS points 120
A level BBB to include Biology. Excludes General Studies.
BTEC DDM in a Biological Science subject. Excludes Health and Social Care
International Baccalaureate 32 points to include 5 points in Biology at Higher Level.
GCSE 5 GCSEs graded 4/ C or above including English, Mathematics and two Science subjects.
Access to HE The Access to HE Diploma to include 30 Level 3 credits above Merit of which 15 must be at Distinction in Biology units. Plus GCSE English and Mathematics at grade 4 / C or above.

We recognise a breadth of qualifications, speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

Contextual offers and Fair Access Scheme

If you meet the criteria for our Fair Access Scheme, you could automatically receive a contextual offer that may be up to 24 UCAS points lower than our standard entry requirements. View the criteria for our Fair Access Scheme.

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:


You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

If you do not have the typical entry requirements, you may want to consider studying this course with an international foundation year. Upon successful completion our International Foundation Year - Biosciences will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to progress onto this undergraduate degree.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.0 overall (with at least 5.5 in each component area)

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course. 

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

Not got the required grades? We offer this degree with an integrated foundation year.


Fees and funding

2024/25 tuition fees.

Student Full-time Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man £9,250 per year Not available
EU £9,250 per year with EU Support Bursary**
£18,300 per year without EU Support Bursary**
Not available
International £18,300 per year Not available

If you choose to do a work placement2, you should consider travel and living costs to cover this. There is also a tuition fee3 of £1,250 that will cover your academic support throughout your placement year.

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our undergraduate finance page and see the University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

We offer a range of international scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our international scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them. Find out what's included in your tuition costs.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

  • Any optional overseas field trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
  • Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

Condensed course – January start date

If you choose to start this course in January please make sure you check the Fees and Finance page for more information. Although starting this course in January does not prohibit you from being eligible for student finance, the way it is paid in your first year differs from those who start their course in September.

If you start the course in January, your tuition fees will be paid in accordance with the university’s Tuition Fees, Refund and Withdrawal Terms and Conditions for January starters and for any further years of study, your fees will be paid in accordance with the terms for September starters.

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU Support Bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.


Facilities

This course is taught predominantly in the Alison Gingell building, Coventry University main campus. You will benefit from the outstanding facilities4 in our purpose-built Alison Gingell building, including our biomedical science SuperLab. This outstanding facility enables you to gain hands on experience in contemporary laboratory techniques including flow cytometry, real time PCR and automated analysers as used in hospital diagnostic laboratories.

superlab facilities

SuperLab

Our state-of-the-art SuperLab can hold up to 250 students at one time and has equipment that allows you to gain skills and experience with techniques and equipment that you will encounter in your graduate careers including biosafety hoods, flow cytometers and DNA sequencers.

Students in Analytical Chemistry female student using a petri dish

Analytical Chemistry suite

Students apply their practical and theoretical knowledge to real-life working scenarios. We use a new generation chromatography technique to analyse products ranging from pharmaceutical agents, to cosmetics, drinks and toxins.

Students using physiology testing equipment

Physiology suite

Separate physiology and health laboratory facilities enable the measurement of physiological parameters such as heart rate, blood pressure, lung function test and neuromuscular functioning.

 


Careers and opportunities

Biomedical Science BSc (Hons) enables you to develop knowledge, skills and competence to prepare you for a variety of careers in biomedical and biological science or for other graduate level roles.

These courses aim to prepare you for professional practice within the NHS or private sector as biomedical scientists (subject to further training, application and registration which may incur additional costs) and a range of other careers including research.

You will be supported in your studies by a team of academically and professionally qualified staff, who also bring their research and commercial expertise to the classroom. Students on placement are supported by a visiting university tutor. Our dedicated and committed staff team are passionate in supporting students through their studies and empowering them to succeed within their chosen career routes.

Possible destinations include hospital, public health and other diagnostic providers, clinical sciences, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, cancer research, microbiology, genetics and genomics laboratories. You may choose to continue your studies to MSc or PhD level to develop your specialist knowledge and research skills, or consider graduate entry to medicine or dentistry, Physicians Associate or teaching qualifications. Equally, the skills you will develop, such as problem-solving, analytical skills and written and oral communication, will enable you to access non-scientific careers such as graduate training schemes, civil service or managerial roles. Thus, the opportunities for graduates of biomedical sciences are diverse and exciting.  

Where our graduates work

You will have the opportunity to receive guidance during your studies on the professional routes available to you and the expectations of health professionals. We have excellent links with local employers and are actively in liaison with laboratory managers, training officers and other universities via the West Midlands Biomedical Science Training and Workforce Planning Group and the West Midlands Regional Training Committee (South).

On successful completion of the Biomedical Science BSc (Hons) degree, without a training placement, you can apply for Trainee Biomedical Science posts to enter NHS Health Care Scientist registration training programmes, for which you will typically undergo one to two years of further training to obtain an IBMS certificate of competence so that you can apply for HCPC registration, a legal requirement for anyone who wishes to practice using a title protected by the HCPC.

The scientific knowledge and skills you acquire during the course can be a useful basis for a career in teaching; technical and scientific writing; clinical trials; drug registration, patenting or monitoring; medical publishing or other information services; regulatory affairs or sales and marketing.  

Further study

The course is an excellent foundation for further postgraduate studies leading to a MSc or PhD. We run a range or related taught MSc courses that allow our graduates to specialise in the area that they have a passion for and would like to pursue a career in. These courses also have a ‘with professional experience’ option, allowing students to apply for and complete an extended period of experience in a professional environment.  

During my sandwich year, I completed a year-long placement at Public Health England that not only enhanced my personal and professional development but also solidified my ambition to work as a biomedical scientist. I had the opportunity to gain expertise and proficiency in laboratory skills and procedures during the placement year. Throughout the application process and interview preparation, I received one-to-one support and guidance provided by Coventry University's employability team and placement tutors.

Srushti Jariwala, graduate, Applied Biomedical Science BSc (Hons), quoted in 2022
Young female wearing a white coat looking through a microscope
Two students sat at a desk working on a laptop

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