BSc (Hons) Biomedicine with a Placement Year
Course options
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Science
- UCAS Course Code
- C93P
- Typical Offer
- AAB (specific subject requirements apply)
- Contextual Offer
- BBB (specific subject requirements apply)
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2024
Why you should choose us
Course Overview
Study Biomedicine and you’ll get to apply your passion for human biology to tackle Grand Challenges such as stem cell biology, ageing, cancer, arthritis and cardiovascular disease – placing you right at the forefront of the battle to improve human health.
Our BSc Biomedicine with a Placement Year degree will teach you how to apply cellular and molecular techniques to the understanding and treatment of human diseases. You’ll explore areas such as human physiology, antibiotic resistance, pathogens and genetics. And you’ll discover a host of additional topics including ophthalmology, metabolic disorders and gastroenterology.
You’ll train in a wide range of modern biochemical, molecular and imaging techniques as well as the practice of testing ideas by experiment. And you’ll be able to take advantage of our teaching laboratories, which offer state-of-the-art equipment and facilities.
This four-year degree programme follows the structure of our BSc Biomedicine, while giving you the opportunity to spend your third year on a biomedicine related work placement
A placement year makes an invaluable addition to your scientific knowledge and skills, increasing your employability and giving you the chance to put your first two years of learning into practice.
Watch this short video to find out more about UEA's Biomedicine and Biomedical Sciences courses
Placement Year and Study Abroad
On this course, you’ll spend your third year working on a placement that is relevant to your interests, gaining experience and skills that are highly valued by future employers. You will be expected to seek your own work placement, and at the start of your second year you’ll be asked to write a CV and to apply to a range of employers. Not only will this ensure that you work within your preferred field, it will also provide you with the essential job-hunting skills you will require after graduation. We will, of course, offer our guidance and support whilst students are identifying and negotiating placement opportunities.
During this year, you’ll be supported by a placement supervisor and a mentor from the university. You and your placement supervisor will feed back during the placement to ensure that it is progressing well, and your UEA mentor will visit you during the year.
Please note that we cannot guarantee any student a work placement as this decision rests with potential employers. If you are unable to secure a work placement by the end of your second year you will have the option to apply to transfer onto the equivalent degree programme without a placement year.
Accreditations
Our Biomedicine degree is not accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science. We have chosen not to have our degree accredited to enable you to make choices about the final year modules that best reflect your interests and to give you maximum flexibility in your graduate destinations.
If becoming a Biomedical Scientist within the NHS is your goal, we offer an accredited programme: BSc Biomedical Science and BSc Biomedical Science with a Placement Year in NHS. Our Biomedicine and Biomedical Science programmes share a common first year, so you can make an informed choice at the end of the first year about which programme to study.
Alternatively, following a biomedicine degree, you can undertake the NHS Scientist Training Programme after you graduate or submit your details of your Biomedicine degree to the IBMS for their consideration. Based on the modules that you have chosen during your degree, the IBMS will then inform you of any top-up modules that you may need to take.
Study and Modules
Structure
Our three-year degree programme will introduce you to aspects of biomedicine, biochemistry, and molecular and cellular biology. As you progress in your studies, our module options will give you the opportunity to specialise in areas of your choice. In your final year, you’ll complete a substantial research project under the supervision of experts in biomedical research.
Your first year will provide an introduction to many aspects of biomedicine, biochemistry and molecular and cellular biology and human physiology through our compulsory core modules. You’ll also receive training in essential scientific methods and techniques, such as applied maths and statistics.
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
You’ll be taught by leading academic researchers who are experts in their fields of study. In addition, the clinical aspects of your course will be partly taught by biomedical scientists and consultants from the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.
During the first year, the majority of your learning will take place in lectures, seminars and practical laboratory sessions, which will provide you with hands-on experience as well as invaluable contact time with lecturers.
Problem posing and solving skills are promoted through seminars and group discussions. And mathematical and statistical skills are a major focus of both semesters of your first year.
Independent study and Support
You’ll have plenty of opportunities to develop your independent study skills. You will have 24/7 access to our state-of-the-art University library and to online resources via our Virtual Learning Platform.
You’ll be assigned an Academic Adviser who will provide you with guidance and support throughout your studies.
Assessment
We use a range of assessment methods throughout the course to best reflect the subject matter in hand. These include formal examinations, online quizzes, laboratory practical reports, poster and oral presentations, essays and data handling worksheets.
The percentage of coursework and examinations will vary depending on your modules. Although most of your fist year modules are assessed through a mixture of coursework and examination,assessemnt in ‘Professional Skills for Biosciences is coursework based only.
Structure
You’ll spend your second year studying a further range of core subjects, designed to build on the knowledge and skills you have developed in your first year.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 20)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
You’ll be taught by leading academic researchers who are experts in their fields of study. In addition, the clinical aspects of your course will be partly taught by biomedical scientists and consultants from the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.
In the second year the majority of your teaching will take place in lectures, seminars and practical laboratory sessions, which will provide you with hands-on experience as well as invaluable contact time with lecturers.
You will build on the analytical skills you developed in the first year and gradually move more towards independent study. You will develop further your critical thinking and analysis by exploring the plethora of resources that will be made available to you. Our state-of-the-art University Library is open 24/7 and all the resources will be made available online through our Virtual Learning Platform.
Your Academic Advisor will continue to provide support and guidance, as and when you need it (though you are required to meet your adviser at least twice per academic year).
Assessment
We use a range of assessment methods throughout the course to best reflect the subject matter in hand. These include formal examinations, online quizzes, practical reports, poster and oral presentations, essays and data handling worksheets.
Your balance of coursework and examinations will vary depending on your module choices. Typically, in the second year most of the modules are assessed with several items of coursework (up to 40 or 50%) and a formal end of semester exam (60 or 50%). A small number of year 2 modules are 100% coursework assessed.
Structure
You’ll spend your third year on a work placement, gaining experience and developing your skills and knowledge. We have established links throughout the UK and beyond, and we will help you identify and compete for appropriate positions.
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
You will spend the third year of your studies in a work placement of your choice. There will be no formal teaching but you will stay in contact with the University via our placement officer and your Academic Advisor.
Assessment
Your placement year will be assessed by an extended written report and a presentation upon returning to UEA, which will be graded on a pass or fail basis.
Structure
In your final year, you’ll tailor your learning to focus on your own specific interests, choosing from a list of up to ten optional modules. You’ll also develop key skills in data analysis, and you’ll undertake a substantial research project.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 60)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 40)Optional C Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)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 in the first two years of study the majority of the teaching sessions will consist of lectures, seminars and practical laboratory sessions, which will provide you with hands-on experience as well as invaluable contact time with lecturers.
A substantial component of your final year will be the undergraduate research project. Together with your Advisor you will choose your project out of a list of topics that cover the breadth of biomedical science and reflect the excellent research that is taking place across the Norwich Research Park. You will get the chance to put your knowledge and skills into practice by demonstrating analytical and critical thinking, experimental design as well as presentation and communication skills.
Assessment
We use a range of assessment methods throughout the final year of your course to best reflect the topic of study. These include formal examinations, project reports, practical laboratory reports, poster and oral presentations, essays and data handling worksheets.
The overall profile of your assessments will vary depending on your module choices. Most final year modules are assessed through a mixture of coursework and examination, but a few (like Science Communication) are assessed only through coursework.
Entry Requirements
- A Levels
- AAB including Biology or Human Biology and one of the following subjects: Chemistry, Physics, Computing Science, Psychology or Mathematics. A-Level General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted. Where applicable Science A Levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element. If you are taking an EPQ and three A-levels, we may offer you a one grade reduction on our advertised typical offer alongside an A in the EPQ.
- T Levels
- Obtain an overall Pass including an A in the core of the T Level and a Distinction in the Occupational Specialism. Acceptable subjects are: Science.
- BTEC
- DDD in Applied Science or Applied Science (Medical Science). Excludes Public Services, Uniformed Services, Forensic Science and Business Administration. See below for accepted subjects and combinations.
- Contextual Offer
A Level- BBB, including Biology or Human Biology and one of the following subjects: Chemistry, Physics, Computing Science, Psychology or Mathematics
BTEC L3 Extended Diploma- DDM in Applied Science or Applied Science (Medical Science)
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.
- Scottish Highers
- AAAAA including grade A in Biology and one of the following subjects: Chemistry, Physics, Computing Science, Psychology or Mathematics. A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable.
- Scottish Advanced Highers
- BBC including Biology and one of the following subjects: Chemistry, Physics, Computing Science, Psychology or Mathematics. A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable.
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- 4 subjects at H2, 2 subjects at H3 including Biology and one of the following subjects: Chemistry, Physics, Computing Science, Psychology or Mathematics.
- Access to HE Diploma
- Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 36 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 9 credits at Level 3 including 12 credits in Biology and 12 credits in Chemistry, Physics, Computing Science, Psychology or Mathematics.
- International Baccalaureate
- 33 points with HL5 in Biology and one of the following subjects: Chemistry, Physics, Computing Science, Psychology or Mathematics.
- GCSE
You are required to have Mathematics at a minimum of Grade B / 5 and English Language at a minimum of Grade C / 4 or above at GCSE.
- 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:
• Pre-sessional English at INTO UEA
• Academic English at INTO UEA
- Interviews
Most applicants will not be called for an interview and a decision will be made via UCAS Hub. However, for some applicants an interview will be requested. Where an interview is required, the Admissions Service will contact you directly to arrange a time.
- 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.
- Intakes
This course is open to UK and International applicants. The annual intake is in September each year.
Additional Information or Requirements
Extended Diploma: DDD in Applied Science or Applied Science (Medical Science)
Diploma: DD in Applied Science or Applied Science (Medical Science) plus B at A-level in Biology/Human Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computing Science, Psychology or Mathematics.
Extended Certificate: D plus AB at A-level in 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.
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.
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.
We welcome and value a wide range of alternative qualifications. If you have a qualification which is not listed here, or are taking a combination of qualifications, please contact us via Admissions Enquiries.
International Requirements
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. View our International Students pages for specific information about your country.
INTO University of East Anglia
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:
International Foundation in Pharmacy Health and Life Science
Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
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
Apply for this course through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Services (UCAS), using UCAS Hub.
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
When you graduate, you will have comprehensive knowledge of the fundamental scientific techniques required for research and clinical investigation into human health and disease.
You’ll leave UEA ready to pursue a wide range of career paths, including industry, management or teacher training. Alternatively, you might choose to progress to a higher degree. Many go on to take posts in universities, or research laboratories within the fields of medicine or industry.
The School works together with UEA’s Careers Service to offer support at every stage of your course, from choosing a career through to applying for graduate jobs and further study.
Careers
Example of careers that you could enter include:
- Medical research
- Industrial research
- Pharmaceutical industry
- Academia
- Teaching
- Management
Discover more on our Careers webpages.