About Biomedical Science, BSc (Hons) - at University of Portsmouth

Overview

Biomedical scientists help identify rare diseases, diagnose disease, research disease processes and monitor patients’ treatment. On this accredited BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science degree, you’ll develop the expertise you need to start making your own contribution to the medical advances of the future. 

This course is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) – a mandatory requirement if you want to work in the NHS after graduation. It's also accredited by the Royal Society of Biology.

Course highlights

• Put your knowledge to the test in our labs and simulation facilities, which are kitted out with industry-leading microscopes, spectroscopy and chromatography equipment
• Get involved with internationally recognised biomedical research into fields like neuro-oncology (the study of brain and spinal cord cancers) at our Institute of Life Sciences and Healthcare
• Take an optional work placement year at an Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) approved clinical training laboratory, and you'll be eligible to apply for registration as a Biomedical Scientist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) when you graduate
• Have a chance to take an international placement within a recognised biomedical research organisation as part of the Turing Scheme

Accredited by:

This programme has been accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) and 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.

Careers and opportunities

Whether it's processing tests for diseases such as coronavirus or providing diagnosis services to GPs, accident and emergency departments and other health services, registered Biomedical Scientists play a key role in public health.

They analyse fluid and tissue samples from patients in order to identify diseases or evaluate the effectiveness of different treatments. In fact, more than 70% of NHS diagnoses are based on lab findings by biomedical scientists, so it's a profession that's always in high demand.

On this BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science degree, you’ll learn to diagnose, monitor and manage health conditions. You’ll learn from our outstanding team of biomedical scientists and researchers whose work is shaping the understanding of conditions, such as brain tumours.

HCPC registration

After you've graduated and completed 12 months of work-based learning within an Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) approved clinical training laboratory, you'll be eligible to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and work as a Biomedical Scientist in the NHS and private settings.

Royal Society of Biology membership

You can also apply for Associate Membership of the Royal Society of Biology, which gives you access to professional networks and exclusive grants and awards.

What areas can you work in with a biomedical science degree?

You can use your biomedical science knowledge in related fields such as:

• scientific research
• teaching (with further training)
• scientific writing
• medical sales
• medicine and dentistry (with further training at medical or dental school)
• becoming a Physician Associate (with further training)
• postgraduate study or research

Graduate roles and destinations

Roles recent graduates have gone on to do include:

• biomedical scientist
• clinical trial coordinator
• medical lab assistant
• science teacher
• dental nurse
• medical affairs executive

They've gone on to work for companies such as:

• Pall Europe
• Pfizer
• Roche
• Viapath
• Imperial College London
• Bristol Royal Infirmary

Potential salary

As a biomedical scientist in the NHS in 2021, you could expect a starting salary of £25,655 moving up to £31,534 (Band 5).

With more experience, you could earn from £32,306 to £39,027 (Band 6) and with a role as a senior biomedical scientist, you could make between £40,057 (Band 7) and £53,219 (Band 8a), or more as a consultant biomedical scientist.

Placement year

After your second or third year, you can do an optional work placement year to get valuable longer-term work experience in the industry. Placements give you the opportunity to apply what you've learnt so far in a real workplace, boosting your employability and making you attractive to employers after graduation.

If you do your placement in an IBMS-approved NHS pathology laboratory, you can complete the IBMS registration portfolio. This means you'll be eligible to apply for registration with the HCPC as a Biomedical Scientist when you graduate.

Our students have completed clinical placements at the following hospitals:

• University Hospital Southampton
• Queen Alexandra Hospital, Portsmouth
• Royal Bournemouth Hospital
• Poole Hospital
• Salisbury District Hospital

Whichever route you choose, you'll receive support and guidance. Our specialist team of Science and Health Careers advisors can help you with finding a work placement and improving your employability skills. They'll provide you with a database of placement vacancies, support with your job search – including help with applications and interviews – and support throughout your placement year.

Summer research placement

You'll also have the opportunity to apply to a study exchange scheme, which involves a summer research placement through the Turing Scheme.

Ongoing careers support

After you graduate, you can get help, advice and support for up to 5 years from our Careers and Employability Service as you advance in your career.

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Entry requirements for this course

Contact University of Portsmouth to find course entry requirements.

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