BSc Biomedical Sciences (2-year degree)

This course is a unique 2-year programme taught at our Crewe campus awarding graduates of this course a BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Sciences degree.

Biomedical science focuses on how cells, organs and metabolic systems function in the human body. Through this understanding of health and disease processes, new treatments and therapies can be created or developed, contributing to necessary advances toward solving significant health problems facing today’s society

Key benefits

• Our programme introduces its students through clinical, laboratory and theoretical training to be adaptable and prepared for an ever changing healthcare, industrial or commercial environment.
• Our teaching strategy promotes student centred learning with a focus on small tutorials and workshops rather than large lecture based programmes.
• If wishing to study medicine students who are predicted, or achieve, a 2.1 will be eligible to make an application to The University of Buckingham MB ChB Selection Process.
• Our Programme costs the same in tuition fees as a traditional 3 year BSc. Programme. In fact on average there is a saving of around £12000 living costs when studying an accelerated programme.
• We believe our graduates are better prepared for further study. Students who can complete a 3 year course in just 2 years may appeal to universities when applying for intensive courses such as medicine, dentistry or postgraduate study.
• When in employment, employees do not get a long summer break and neither do our students. This informs prospective employers that our graduates are already accustomed to the demands of the workplace which enables our graduates stand out from the crowd.

Subject requirements

Required subjects: Chemistry and Biology

Preferred subjects: None

A-Levels

Required grades: BBC

Equivalent qualifications

• International Baccalaureate: 30 points
• Approved Medical/Biomedical foundation programme
• Irish Leaving Certificate
• Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers
• Access to HE Diploma
• BTEC programme of study, however, students who have a BTEC as their highest attained qualification will normally be offered the Medical Foundation programme.

Equivalent International Qualifications

Prospective international applicants with other qualifications should contact us for an individual assessment.

English language requirements

If English is not a student’s native language, they are normally expected to have passed a recognised test in English to the level of IELTS Academic score of 6.5 or equivalent (with no less than 6.0 in each section). IELTS General Training is not suitable for this level.

The programme is taught using a range of teaching methodologies such as lectures, small group tutorial sessions, problem-based learning, one-to-one personal tutoring, seminars, practicals and personal assessments.

Level 4 (October-June)

• Skills for Science
• Molecular Cell Biology
• Brain, Muscle and Coordination
• Gut, Hormones and Metabolism
• Circulation and Fluid Balance
• Matter and Energy in Medicine

Level 5 (July-December)

• Haematology and Transfusion Science
• Clinical Immunology and Microbiology
• Clinical Pathology and Pharmacology 1
• Integrated research Skills

Level 6 (February-July)

• Clinical Genetics
• Clinical Biochemistry
• Clinical Pathology and Pharmacology 2
• Independent Research Project

A prediction of a 2.1 will guarantee an interview at our Medical School as well as being considered by many other medical and dental schools in the UK.

Past graduates have also gone on and completed an MSc and PhD.

Typical employers

Common employers of biomedical sciences graduates include:

• Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
• Medical Research Council (MRC)
• NHS, including NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT)
• Public Health England

You may also look for opportunities with academic departments at universities, forensic, charity or government-funded laboratories, veterinary services or private pathology laboratories.

The food and drink, biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries employ graduates in areas such as research and development, quality assurance and sales. Publishing companies and the specialist press may also employ biomedical sciences graduates as writers or editors.

With such a wide range of careers open to you as a biomedical graduate, it is important to make sure you explore and research your options thoroughly so that you can make informed decisions about your future.

The following websites provide helpful information for career research:

• Prospects – What can I do with Biomedical degree
• Health Careers
• NHS Scientist Training Programme
• Institute of Biomedical Science
• The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry
• British Medical Association
• The Dental Schools Council
• Directory of International Biomedical Associations

Biomedical Scientists are regulated professionals and you will need to gain registration from the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) to practise in the NHS. This is achieved by completing the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) portfolio while working in an approved laboratory. With our accelerated 2 year degree The University of Buckingham like some other UK programmes does not currently provide this opportunity. It is possible to complete the IBMS portfolio after graduation, while working as a Trainee Biomedical Scientist or perhaps as a laboratory assistant in the NHS. Such opportunities can be fiercely competitive.

Transferable Skills for your CV

You will gain experience in laboratory work during your degree and this will equip you with the skills you need to plan, conduct and evaluate experiments. It will also enable you to comply with health and safety regulations and research and interpret scientific literature.

Transferable skills gained on your course include:

• analytical and problem-solving skills
• computing and the use of statistics
• data analysis, evaluation and interpretation
• project management
• numeracy
• organisation and time management
• oral and written communication
• team working – from laboratory work or activities such as sport, societies or voluntary work

The University reserves the right to increase course fees annually in line with inflation linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI) to take account of the University’s increased costs of delivering educational services. If the University intends to increase your course fees it will notify you via email of this as soon as reasonably practicable.

Course fees do not include additional costs such as books, equipment, writing up fees and so on. Where applicable, these additional costs will be made clear.

We welcome applications in two different ways – directly via our online application form or through UCAS.

If you’re interested in transferring to Buckingham from another university then please get in touch to talk through your options.