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Biomedical Science

BSc (Hons)

Undergraduate degree - single honours

Award
BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science
School/s
School of Sciences
Campus or location
Newton Park
Course length
Three years full time, or four years full time with professional placement year. Part time available.
UCAS codes
Institution Code: B20
Course Code: BMS1 or BMS2 (with professional placement year)
Campus Code: A,BSU

Entry requirements

We accept a wide range of qualifications for entry to our undergraduate programmes. The main ones are listed under 'Typical offers' in the main column below. For combined courses, please check both subjects. If your qualification is not listed, please email admissions@bathspa.ac.uk with your specific details.

Our practical, lab-based Biomedical Science degree prepares you for a career where you can make a difference.

  • Explore the molecular basis of disease and how this can be used in healthcare.
  • Learn through a multidisciplinary approach that includes physiology, biochemistry and psychology.
  • Develop the knowledge and practical skills you'll need for biomedical and life sciences careers.

Biomedical science is at the heart of diagnosing, monitoring and treating disease. It's also key to the development of new drugs and treatments.

On our Biomedical Science degree, you'll learn how the human body works, exploring the cellular, molecular and genetic basis of disease. You'll gain the practical skills needed to succeed in a wide range of biological and medical science careers, such as hospital laboratory work, roles in research, or in industry.

Drawing on content from across the life sciences, and with the option of a placement year, this course is designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills you'll need to contribute to whichever branch of biomedical science you wish to follow.

The course is aligned with the specific and vocational requirements detailed in the QAA Subject Benchmark Statement for Biomedical Sciences, ensuring that you'll develop the expertise needed for professional practice.


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“The lecturers at Bath Spa provided me with an in depth knowledge of human body systems. Focused laboratory sessions offered the opportunity to develop my understanding of human anatomy on a histological level. The lecturers went above and beyond to answer any queries and always made the time for one-to-one student tutorials and have supported me with my career aspirations.”

Emily McCarthy, Biology (Human Biology) student

What you'll learn

Overview

You'll be taught human biology, exploring how the body and cells work, before moving on to learn about disease and pathology. Research skills are core to this Biomedical Science degree, and you'll develop practical laboratory skills as well as communication, teamworking and problem-solving skills, ensuring you'll graduate ready for the workplace or further study.

Course structure

Year one
You'll be introduced to the essentials of anatomy and physiology, biochemistry, and microbiology as well as cell biology and genetics. We focus on practical sessions to reinforce theoretical knowledge in the different areas, and help you develop confidence in key practical lab skills. You'll also gain a foundation in academic writing, data collection, analysis and communication.

Year two
You'll work on a team project with a focus on research and how to design and conduct experiments to address a scientific question. You'll continue to develop your understanding of different branches of biomedical science, with haematology, immunology and biochemistry being taught alongside pharmacology and toxicology. There will also be options to study broader areas such biotechnology and microbiology. You'll have the option to complete a work placement, giving you real world experience of the biomedical sector.

Year three
You'll cover fundamental topics such as clinical biochemistry, medical microbiology, genetics and immunology, all while you look in depth at mechanisms of disease. You'll complete an independent dissertation project, using your research and practical skills to investigate a selected biomedical topic. The dissertation includes elements of project management, completing appropriate ethical and risk assessments, logistical planning and detailed data analysis.

How will I be assessed?

There are a wide range of assessments including practical report writing, essays, investigative reports, blogs, group and individual presentations, lab skills assessments, interpretation tests and exams.

How will I be taught?

The theory will be delivered through interactive lectures and seminars, with more applied content in workshops, practical lab sessions, supervised projects and case studies.

To find out more about how we teach and how you'll learn, please read our Learning and Teaching Delivery Statement.

Course modules

This course offers or includes the following modules. The modules you take will depend on your pathway or course combination (if applicable) as well as any optional or open modules chosen. Please check the programme document for more information.

Year one (Level 4) modules
  • Biomedical Skills
  • Introduction to Biochemistry
  • Infection and Immunity
  • Anatomy and Physiology
  • Cell Biology and Genetics
  • The Microbial World
Year two (Level 5) modules
  • Research Skills for Biomedical Science
  • Blood Science
  • Pathophysiology and Nutrition
  • Pharmacology and Toxicology
  • Biology Work Placement
  • Microbial Applications and Biotech
  • Biology in Society
  • Human Nutrition
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Professional Placement Year
Year three (Level 6) modules
  • BMS Dissertation Planning
  • BMS Dissertation Publication
  • Clinical Biochemistry
  • Mechanisms of Disease
  • Applied Sport and Exercise Nutrition
  • Epidemiology and Public Health
  • Food Safety
  • Advanced Topics in Psychology

Opportunities

Study abroad

As part of your degree, you could study abroad on a placement at one of Bath Spa’s partner universities.

Work placements, industry links and internships

You'll have the option to take a professional placement year between your second and final year, and shorter placements are available in the second year as part of a work placement module. These placements give you an opportunity to gain experience in a clinical setting or patient-focused role, which is highly attractive to employers.

Careers

A degree in Biomedical Science can lead to a range of careers. You could become a biomedical scientist or medical laboratory assistant, or conduct biomedical or life sciences research. You'll also be well-placed to take on roles within the pharmaceutical industry, forensic science and medical sales. You may also choose to pursue further study, such as in medicine.

Global Citizenship

If you’re a full-time undergraduate student starting your first year at Bath Spa University, you can apply for the Certificate in Global Citizenship, which you’ll study alongside your degree.

You’ll gain global awareness and add an international dimension to your student experience, and funding is available. On successful completion of the programme, you’ll be awarded a Certificate in Global Citizenship. This is in addition to your degree; it doesn’t change your degree title or results.

Adobe Creative Campus

Develop a wealth of indispensable digital skills that you can take into your future career. One of only three Adobe Creative Campuses in the UK, we provide all Bath Spa students with access to the full Adobe Creative Suite, giving you the tools to communicate creatively, whatever your course or chosen professional field.   

Facilities and resources

Where the subject is taught

You'll have access to our:

  • Laboratories
    Located in the Gardens area of the Newton Park campus, we have a number of well­-equipped and recently refurbished laboratories dedicated to a variety of practical work. Some are used for specialist microbiological culturing and analysis, others for biochemistry and physiology.
  • Low Hazard Laboratory Space
    We have a ‘low ­hazard’ laboratory space where you can carry out activities such as the preparation and assessment of food, exercise or psychological studies.
  • Biology Resources Room
  • Commons building
  • Newton Park library
  • Virtual Learning Environment
Resources

Biomedical Science students have access to dedicated labs containing modern equipment, including high-precision instrumentation (Atomic Emission Spectrophotometer, GC, HPLC), genetic and cell culture facilities, microscopy, physiological data acquisition systems and physiology equipment.

Professional placement year

Overview

This optional placement year provides you with the opportunity to identify, apply for and secure professional experience, normally comprising one to three placements over a minimum of nine months. Successful completion of this module will demonstrate your ability to secure and sustain graduate-level employment.

By completing the module, you'll be entitled to the addition of 'with Professional Placement Year' to your degree title.

Preparation

Before your Professional Placement Year, you'll work to secure your placement, constructing a development plan with your module leader and your placement coordinator from our Careers and Employability team.

How will I be assessed?

On your return to University for your final year, you'll submit your Placement Portfolio, detailing your development on your placement.

Fees

2024 entry
Student Annual tuition fee
UK full time £9,250
UK part time £4,625
International full time £16,905

Professional Placement Year

During the placement year, the fee is reduced to 20% of the full time fee. This applies to UK and EU/International students.

  • UK: £1,850
  • International: £3,381

Interested in applying?

What we look for in potential students

We're looking for motivated, committed students who wish to push the boundaries of their academic knowledge and get the best possible preparation for their future career. You’ll want to become a socially-engaged global citizen, ready to make a difference.

This is a very practical course, so enjoyment of working in a laboratory setting is also key, alongside interest and engagement with the wider healthcare sector.

Typical offers

We accept a wide range of qualifications for entry to our undergraduate programmes. The main ones are listed below:

  • A Level – grades BBB-BCC including a grade B in Biology, Human Biology or Chemistry.
  • BTEC – Extended Diploma grades from Distinction Distinction Merit (DDM) to Distinction Merit Merit (DMM) in a related subject.
  • T Levels – grade Merit preferred in a relevant subject.
  • International Baccalaureate - a minimum of 32 points are required with a minimum of Grade 5 in Biology or a related subject at Higher Level.
  • Access to HE courses - typical offers for applicants with Access to HE will be the Access to HE Diploma or Access to HE Certificate (60 credits, 45 of which must be Level 3, at Merit or higher) in a science or related subject.

If you don’t meet the entry requirements above, we may be able to accept your prior learning or experience from outside of formal education. See our Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) page to learn more.

English Language Requirements for International and EU Applicants

IELTS 6.5 - for visa nationals, with a minimum score of IELTS 6.0 in each element.

Course enquiries

For further information about the programme or entry requirements, please email us at admissions@bathspa.ac.uk.

How do I apply?

Ready to apply? Click the 'apply now' button in the centre of this page.

Need more guidance? Head to our how to apply pages. 

Subject leader: Samantha Lane
Email: s.lane@bathspa.ac.uk

Website feedback to web@bathspa.ac.uk