BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science
Course options
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Science
- UCAS Course Code
- C520
- Typical Offer
- ABB (specific subjects required)
- Contextual Offer
- BBC (specific subjects required)
- Course Length
- 3 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2025
Why you should choose us
Course Overview
NHS Biomedical Scientists have long been at the frontline in the fight against human disease, and never has this been more apparent than during the COVID19 pandemic.
Our BSc in Biomedical Science prepares you to tackle current challenges in the field of biomedical science. You’ll study state-of-the-art advances in human health and disease and be trained in the latest techniques to work in medical NHS laboratories.
We offer two degree programmes: Biomedicine (BSc hons) which is focused on biomedical research and its translation into the clinic; and Biomedical Science (BSc hons) which is directed at training the next generation of Biomedical Scientists to work in medical NHS laboratories. If you're unsure which programme to choose, it's worth noting that the first-year curriculum is identical for both. This allows you to make a decision at the end of your first year regarding which specialisation to pursue in years two and three. For example, if you initially enroll in Biomedical Science, you’ll have the flexibility to switch to Biomedicine at the end of your first year, and vice versa, ensuring you can align your studies with your evolving interests and career goals.
UEA is at the heart of the Norwich Research Park (NRP) which is a world-class environment for biomedical research. In collaboration with Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (and several other NHS Trust partners) we’ve developed a cutting-edge degree programme. You’ll benefit from our collective expertise which will help you to foster a deep understanding of disease processes in the context of laboratory investigation for improved diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of disease.
In addition to microbiology, Biomedical Scientists can specialise in disciplines such as haematology, immunology, cell pathology, clinical chemistry and clinical genetics. The future of healthcare provision and the advancement of healthcare innovations hinge on cultivating and recruiting the next generation of highly qualified biomedical researchers, scientists, and healthcare professionals. Join us and embark on a journey to help shape the future.
Accreditations
This Biomedical Science degree is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS).
Study and Modules
Structure
In year two, you’ll build on the fundamentals from year one to develop a deep understanding of human disease processes within the context of clinical laboratory investigation. You’ll acquire essential knowledge and skills related to major pathology service units in the NHS, such as blood science, clinical genetics, cellular pathology, medical microbiology, and clinical immunology.
Complementary studies in human physiology, anatomy, and cell biology will provide a solid reference to human health and tissue homeostasis. This foundation is crucial for understanding the molecular and cellular basis of human disease and how this knowledge is translated into diagnosis, monitoring, treatment, and disease prevention.
Overall, year two modules will foster a comprehensive understanding of disease processes within laboratory investigations and offer you hands-on experience in specialised clinical laboratory disciplines.
Compulsory Modules
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
In year two, most of your learning will occur through face-to-face lectures, seminars, and workshops. Many of these sessions are recorded and can be accessed on the Blackboard virtual learning environment (VLE). Practical laboratory sessions will be held in the multidisciplinary STEM teaching laboratory. In your modules, you’ll engage in applied work, including collecting, analysing, and reviewing data, as well as observing disease processes with a focus on critically assessing existing knowledge. Seminars and workshop group discussions will help you refine your problem-posing and problem-solving skills.
Assessment
Assessment strategies are designed to determine your achievement of learning outcomes and competencies. These are both formative and summative and include self and peer assessment. Assessment is progressive in terms of level and content and leads to effective feedback to enable you to develop your knowledge and skills.
Assessment includes:
- unseen examinations, computer-based assessments
- laboratory reports
- research project report
- reflective reports
- work experience assessment
- observed professional practice
- online activities, essays, summaries and assignments
- data interpretation exercises
- critical analysis of case-studies
- oral, poster, and other presentations such as journal articles.
All assessments are described by an assessment brief detailing the submission format, submission date and assessment description. Feedback for formative and summative course work assignments will be provided electronically in the virtual learning environment in the combined form of annotated scripts and coursework feedback forms. Coursework feedback will feedforward progressively to help your academic understanding and performance throughout the programme.
The balance of coursework and examinations will vary in accordance with the modules. For example, many of our modules are split 50% coursework, 50% examination, but a number are 100% coursework.
Structure
In year two, you’ll build on the fundamentals from year one to develop a deep understanding of human disease processes within the context of clinical laboratory investigation. You’ll acquire essential knowledge and skills related to major pathology service units in the NHS, such as blood science, clinical genetics, cellular pathology, medical microbiology, and clinical immunology.
Complementary studies in human physiology, anatomy, and cell biology will provide a solid reference to human health and tissue homeostasis. This foundation is crucial for understanding the molecular and cellular basis of human disease and how this knowledge is translated into diagnosis, monitoring, treatment, and disease prevention.
Overall, year two modules will foster a comprehensive understanding of disease processes within laboratory investigations and offer you hands-on experience in specialised clinical laboratory disciplines.
Compulsory Modules
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
In year two, most of your learning will occur through face-to-face lectures, seminars, and workshops. Many of these sessions are recorded and can be accessed on the Blackboard virtual learning environment (VLE). Practical laboratory sessions will be held in the multidisciplinary STEM teaching laboratory. In your modules, you’ll engage in applied work, including collecting, analysing, and reviewing data, as well as observing disease processes with a focus on critically assessing existing knowledge. Seminars and workshop group discussions will help you refine your problem-posing and problem-solving skills.
Assessment
As for year one, the focus on assessment will continue, using a variety of formats depending on the module. All assessments come with an assessment brief that outlines the submission format, due date, and assessment description. Feedback for both formative and summative coursework assignments will be provided electronically through the virtual learning environment, using a combination of annotated scripts and coursework feedback forms. This feedback will progressively enhance your academic understanding and performance throughout the programme.
The ratio of coursework to examinations varies by module. For instance, many modules are assessed with a 50/50 split between coursework and examinations, while some are entirely coursework-based.
Structure
In your final year, you'll engage in a combination of academic and professional modules designed to deepen your understanding of how detailed biomedical science knowledge translates into improved diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of diseases. Additionally, you’ll undertake an independent research project.
Final-year modules focus on the sophisticated integration of disciplines within biomedical science necessary to comprehend complex human diseases affecting the blood, circulatory, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, reproductive, musculoskeletal, and nervous systems. You'll study conditions such as cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, arthritis, sickle cell anemia, hypertension, infertility, cystic fibrosis, and Parkinson’s Disease.
Compulsory Modules
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
As for previous years, in year three most of your learning will take place through in-person lectures, seminars, and workshops, with recordings available on the Blackboard virtual learning environment (VLE) for later review. Practical laboratory sessions will be conducted in the multidisciplinary STEM teaching laboratory. Your modules will involve applied tasks such as data collection, analysis, and review, along with observations of disease processes, emphasising the critical evaluation of current knowledge. In seminars and group discussions during workshops, you’ll develop your problem-posing and problem-solving abilities.
During your final year dissertation project, you’ll develop your skills in research design and analysis, developing the independent study skills you’ll use throughout your career.
Assessment
In your final year, assessment will continue as before, in a variety of formats depending on the module. All assessments include a brief that specifies the submission format, deadline, and assessment details. Feedback for both formative and summative coursework will be delivered electronically via the virtual learning environment, combining annotated scripts and feedback forms. This feedback is designed to progressively improve your academic understanding and performance throughout your degree.
The balance between coursework and examinations will depend on the module. For example, many modules have a 50/50 split between coursework and exams, while others are assessed entirely through coursework.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language at minimum grade 4 or grade C, and Mathematics at minimum grade 5 or grade B.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Contextual Offers
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
A levels
ABB including Biology/Human Biology and one from Chemistry, Physics, Computing Science, Psychology or Mathematics.
Contextual offer: BBC including Biology/Human Biology and one from Chemistry, Physics, Computing Science, Psychology or Mathematics.
Where applicable Science A levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element. Not accepted: Critical Thinking and General Studies.
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDM in Applied Science or Applied Science (Medical Science) or Forensic and Criminal Investigation
Contextual offer: DMM in Applied Science or Applied Science (Medical Science) or Forensic and Criminal Investigation
Applicants studying Forensic and Criminal Investigation must be taking one of the following modules: Physiology and Human Body Systems, Environmental Forensics, Forensic Genetics, or Microbiology and Microbiological Techniques.
Combinations of BTEC and A levels
Diploma: DD in Applied Science or Applied Science (Medical Science) or Forensic and Criminal Investigation plus B at A level in one of the following subjects: Biology/Human Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computing Science, Psychology or Mathematics OR DD in any subject plus BB at A level including Biology/Human Biology and either Chemistry, Physics, Computing Science, Psychology or Mathematics.
Contextual offer: DD in Applied Science or Applied Science (Medical Science) or Forensic and Criminal Investigation plus C at A level in one of the following subjects: Biology/Human Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computing Science, Psychology or Mathematics OR DD in any subject plus BC at A level including Biology/Human Biology and either Chemistry, Physics, Computing Science, Psychology or Mathematics.
Extended Certificate: D in Applied Science or Applied Science (Medical Science) or Forensic and Criminal Investigation plus BB at A level including Biology/Human Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computing Science, Psychology or Mathematics OR D in any subject plus BB at A level including Biology/Human Biology and either Chemistry, Physics, Computing Science, Psychology or Mathematics.
Contextual offer: D in Applied Science or Applied Science (Medical Science) or Forensic and Criminal Investigation plus BC at A level including Biology/Human Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computing Science, Psychology or Mathematics OR D in any subject plus BC at A level including Biology/Human Biology and either Chemistry, Physics, Computing Science, Psychology or Mathematics.
BTEC in Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration are all excluded from our BTEC offers.
Applicants studying Forensic and Criminal Investigation must be taking one of the following modules: Physiology and Human Body Systems, Environmental Forensics, Forensic Genetics, or Microbiology and Microbiological Techniques.
Where applicable Science A levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element. Not accepted: Critical Thinking and General Studies.
Access to HE Diploma
Pass Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 30 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 15 credits at Level 3, including 12 credits in Biology and 12 credits in another science, Computer Science, Psychology or Maths.
T levels
Obtain an overall Pass including a B in the core of the T Level and a Distinction in the Occupational Specialism. We accept: Science.
Foundation Year options:
If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes such as - BSc Biological Sciences with a Foundation Year.
- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
International Baccalaureate
32 points overall including HL5 in Biology and another science, Computer Science, Psychology or Mathematics.
Irish Leaving Certificate
3 subjects at H2, 3 subjects at H3 including Biology/Human Biology and one of the subjects listed below.
Accepted subjects: Chemistry, Physics, Computing Science, Psychology or Mathematics.
Scottish Highers
AAABB including Biology/Human Biology and one of the subjects listed below.
Accepted subjects: Chemistry, Physics, Computing Science, Psychology or Mathematics.
Scottish Advanced Highers
BCC including Biology/Human Biology and one of the subjects listed below.
Accepted subjects: Chemistry, Physics, Computing Science, Psychology or Mathematics.
A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- Recent Study
We would prefer you to be able to demonstrate evidence of recent academic study within 5 years of the start of the course. If your last qualification will have been completed more than 5 years ago by the time the course starts, please contact Admissions.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language at minimum grade 4 or grade C, and Mathematics at minimum grade 5 or grade B.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. For specific details about your country, view our information for International Students.
A levels
ABB including Biology/Human Biology and one of the subjects listed below.
Accepted subjects: Chemistry, Physics, Computing Science, Psychology or Mathematics.
Where applicable Science A levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element. Not accepted: Critical Thinking and General Studies.
International Baccalaureate
32 points overall including HL5 in Biology and another science, Computer Science, Psychology or Mathematics.
- INTO UEA
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO UEA offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree.
- English Foreign Language
English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
-
IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study.
-
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- Recent Study
We would prefer you to be able to demonstrate evidence of recent academic study within 5 years of the start of the course. If your last qualification will have been completed more than 5 years ago by the time the course starts, please contact Admissions.
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
View our information for Tuition Fees.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of course-related costs.
How to Apply
How to apply
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information:
Employability
After the Course
In addition to gaining scientific and professional skills and knowledge in biomedical science, you’ll also develop transferable skills in areas of research and communication, IT, data collection, analytics and critical thinking, to name but a few. This combination will make you highly employable. Graduates from our Biomedically-facing programmes have gone on to establish careers in pharmaceuticals, the food and brewing industries, medical laboratories, forensic sciences, teaching, science communication, medicine and more. Several of our graduates have progressed on to higher degrees (e.g. MSc, PhD).
Careers
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
- Biomedical Scientist (NHS)
- Pharmaceutical research and development
- Clinical trials and regulatory sector
- Education: university, college and school teaching
- Research laboratories in universities
- Government or charity-funded research laboratories and institutes
Discover more on our Careers webpages.