Biomedical Science BSc (Hons)

Why choose this course?

Biomedical Science is a course that covers a huge range of topics, such as cancer screening, diagnosing HIV, blood transfusion, the control of infections, immunology and conditions such as cancer and heart disease. It could be the ideal course for you if you enjoy laboratory investigation and the monitoring of diseases.

You'll be introduced to biological and chemical principles, molecular and cell biology, physiology, anatomy, biochemistry, and relevant laboratory techniques.

You'll also independently research a subject that interests you. This might include a laboratory-based project, analysis of survey information, or a review of scientific literature.

Attendance UCAS code/apply Year of entry
3 years full time B930 2024
4 years full time including sandwich year B931 2024
4 years full time including foundation year B948 2024
6 years part time Apply direct to the University 2024

This course is now full for 2023 entry – please apply for 2024 entry.

For 2024 entry, please submit your application before the UCAS deadline as this course may not be in a position to consider applications submitted after this date.

Location Penrhyn Road

Reasons to choose Kingston University

  • This degree is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS). If you also complete the IBMS Training Portfolio, you can apply to register as a Biomedical Scientist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
  • You'll gain first-hand experience of a busy research or diagnostic laboratory.
  • There is an opportunity to do a placement year in NHS laboratories, research institutes or drug companies.
  • 96.2% of students thought staff were good at explaining things (NSS 2023).

What you will study

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 1 offers a firm foundation in the biological and chemical principles upon which biomedical science is based, including various laboratory techniques. You will be introduced to molecular and cell biology, physiology, anatomy and biochemistry.

Core modules

Genes, Cells and Tissues

30 credits

This module introduces you to basic cell biology of prokaryotes and eukaryotes, molecular, organismal and population genetics, germ layers and basic tissue types in the human body, and a variety of microorganisms. Core factual material is provided in keynote lectures and supported via material available via StudySpace. Laboratory practicals give you the opportunity to learn selected current techniques used to study cells, tissues, chromosomes and microbial organisms. The module provides an essential introduction to modules at levels 5 and 6 that develops further knowledge in cell biology, anatomy, physiology, genetics and microbiology.

The Biochemical Foundations of Life

30 credits

Learn how the building blocks of life work together to create complex molecules that sustain us. Explore the role of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids in our bodies, and how they are broken down and used for energy.

Scientific and Laboratory Skills

30 credits

This first year module is a core module for all Bioscience and Forensic Science programmes, and provides a firm foundation in general scientific and laboratory skills that students require to successfully complete their programmes of study.  Students are introduced to the nature of studying in higher education, the need for effective time management and planning of work, the appropriate use of information sources, and to sources of information relating to careers in the biosciences.  Scientific analytical and lab/practical skills are developed, together with essential mathematics and statistical skills for life scientists.  A significant component of the module consists of the development of basic research skills such as practical skills in the laboratory, the principles of experimental design and the statistical analysis of data.

Human Physiology

30 credits

Understand how the human body works and how nutrition affects our health. Explore the fundamental physiological concepts behind topics such as homeostasis, cellular communication, and the movement of molecules through body compartments.

You will also cover the main physiological systems of the body, including the nervous, muscle, endocrine, respiratory, cardiovascular, renal, and of course, the digestive, systems.

Year 2 includes in-depth study of the more specialised aspects of biomedical science, particularly the nature and effects of human disease. You will develop your knowledge of microbiology and immunology and the cellular pathological changes that occur in medical conditions such as cancer and heart disease.

Core modules

Medical Physiology with Research Methods

30 credits

This is a core module for students studying Biomedical Science. The module aims to develop scientific, academic and research skills that were introduced at level 4, and to relate the application of these skills to the study of physiology. Research methods and employability skills are taught within the context of biomedical and associated employment opportunities. The module is designed to enhance students' understanding of the recurring physiological themes in non-communicable diseases, relating physiological systems to common chronic diseases and likely mechanisms involved. The module will further develop the study of human physiology from level 4, covering topics such as endocrinology, neurophysiology, cardiovascular, reproductive and respiratory physiology.

Infection and Immunity

30 credits

Discover how the human body fights infection. Learn about the different types of microorganisms that can cause disease and how our immune system works and protects us from disease. This knowledge will help prepare you for topics covered in more detail in your final year such as food microbiology, food allergy, and probiotics and to discuss the proposed role of specific nutrients, such as vitamin D, on the immune system (e.g., in respiratory disease and COVID-19).

Pathobiology

30 credits

This module discusses cellular mechanisms of disease. In addition it considers the role of cellular pathology in the context of other pathology disciplines such as Clinical Pathology. Particular emphasis is given to laboratory aspects of cellular injury and their application in routine diagnosis. The module is delivered through lectures, tutorials, poster presentation, practicals and demonstrations. Core factual material is provided via Canvas with keynote lectures used to explain concepts. Teaching and practical session are supported by online pathology material.

Optional modules

Molecular Biology of the Cell

30 credits

This is a core module taken by student in the fields of Biochemistry, Biological Sciences (Genetics and Molecular Biology route), Pharmacology, and is an option module taken by Biomedical Science and Biological Sciences (General route)

The module builds on topics covered in LS4001 (Genes, Cells and Tissues) and explores more advanced concepts in cell and molecular biology. The module provides insight into the structure and function of cells, and takes an integrated approach to looking at how cells respond to changes in their environment - from receptor interactions and intracellular signalling pathways through to the regulation of gene expression and changes in cellular processes.

Formal lectures are supported by laboratory classes, tutorials, workshops, independent study and further resources available on Canvas. The module also includes opportunities to develop both data-handling and written skills.

Proteins and Metabolism

30 credits

This module is core in the Biochemistry, Biological Sciences (Human Biology, Medical Biology, Genetics and Molecular Biology routes) and Nutrition (Human Nutrition). It is also an option module for Biomedical Science. The module provides students with knowledge of the structure and methods of analysis of proteins, with particular emphasis on enzymes. This is followed by the study of the major catabolic and anabolic pathways and investigates how organisms obtain and use energy. These processes, and their regulation in health and disease, are considered at the molecular level, which involves many proteins including enzymes.

Year 3 consists of specialist modules covering the theoretical and practical aspects of the major branches of biomedical science. These include clinical chemistry and haematology, clinical immunology and medical microbiology. The Clinical Applications of Biomedical Science module includes clinical case studies, integrating diagnostic procedures from across the course and developing awareness of contemporary issues within biomedical science.

Year 3 also includes a research project. This may be undertaken in University research laboratories or in a hospital or medical research laboratory. It enables you to carry out independent research in a subject that interests you, and gain first-hand experience of a busy research or diagnostic laboratory. The project could also be data analysis of survey information or a systematic review of scientific literature.

Core modules

Clinical Applications of Biomedical Sciences

30 credits

This is a core module in the Biomedical Science field. It can only be taken by those students who have successfully completed all the pre-requisite modules.  It is synoptic in nature, providing students with an opportunity to integrate the knowledge gained from all other modules on the Biomedical Science course. Case studies will be used to provide an overview of biomedical techniques and, more importantly, their applications in clinical diagnosis, prognosis and patient management, including drug interactions and the basis of individual variation in drug responsiveness. The use of pertinent clinical cases encourages students to think 'outside the box' and realise that when dealing with a real patient, knowledge gained from seemingly unrelated modules is required simultaneously in order to make a rational diagnosis.

The module will cover/review the following techniques and discuss their application in common diseases and clinical scenarios: immunoassay development and evaluation, infectious disease diagnosis and microbial identification, molecular and genetic approaches to disease diagnosis, biochemical analyses and histopathological examination of tissues.

Project (Bioscience)

30 credits

You will complete your own independent research project, with the guidance of an academic supervisor. There are several types of projects you can choose from, such as a laboratory or field-based project, data projects involving acquisition of data and information from surveys, questionnaires, computer simulations or bioinformatics, or a systematic review of research literature that includes the collection, comparison and original presentation of reported research data.

You will review and critically evaluate qualitative and quantitative data to predict and answer a research question, and produce a written report.

Clinical Chemistry and Haematology (Blood Sciences)

30 credits

This module evaluates the contribution of laboratory investigations to the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease in key areas such as renal disease, diabetes, anaemia, and haematological malignancies. The module also considers the role of the transfusion laboratory in the treatment of selected disorders.

Topics are introduced through a structured lecture series and further explored in practical laboratory sessions. Additional material is provided via Canvas, with tutorials used to support the practical programme and strengthen understanding of key concepts.

Throughout the module, case histories are used to illustrate current best practice in Clinical Chemistry and Haematology, and this is reinforced by keynote lectures from expert practitioners in the field. The module also places an emphasis on students' acquisition of the knowledge and practical skills required by employers.

Clinical Immunology and Medical Microbiology

30 credits

This is a core requirement for Biomedical Science and is an option for those on other Life Science degree courses (Biological Sciences (Medical Biology route), Medical Biochemistry and Nutrition). The module builds on and applies the learning achieved in the Level 5 Infection and Immunity (LS5008) module which is a prerequisite.

The module initially explores in detail diseases of: overactive immunity (e.g. autoimmune disease and hypersensitivity); and of immune deficiency (e.g. AIDS). It also explores other key areas of clinical immunology such as cancer immunology, monoclonal antibodies and laboratory diagnostics.

The module then explores infectious diseases and the principles and practise of the medical microbiology. Selected infectious diseases and their laboratory diagnosis are studied in depth using an organ system approach; for example, infections of the respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract, and urinary tract.

Please note

Optional modules only run if there is enough demand. If we have an insufficient number of students interested in an optional module, that module will not be offered for this course.

Foundation year

If you would like to study one of our science degrees at Kingston University but are not yet ready to join the first year of a BSc (Hons) course, you can include an extra foundation year within your chosen degree. Please see the science foundation year course page for details of modules.

Future Skills

Knowledge to give you the edge

Embedded within every course curriculum and throughout the whole Kingston experience, Future Skills will play a role in shaping you to become a future-proof graduate, providing you with the skills most valued by employers such as problem-solving, digital competency, and adaptability.

As you progress through your degree, you'll learn to navigate, explore and apply these graduate skills, learning to demonstrate and articulate to employers how future skills give you the edge.

At Kingston University, we're not just keeping up with change, we're creating it.

A female engineering student, in the engineering lab.

Entry requirements

Typical offer 2024

  • Degree 112-128 UCAS points from a minimum of three A-levels or equivalent Level 3 qualifications; Degree with foundation year 64.
  • A-levels to include Biology or Human Biology with a minimum of a grade C and at least one other science subject (Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology, Further Mathematics, Statistics or Marine Science). General Studies not accepted.

Alternatively, BTEC Extended Diploma in appropriate Science subject such as Science, Life Science, Applied Science, Medical Science or Forensic Science with grades DMM - DDM.

Candidates are normally required to hold five GCSE subjects at grade C/4 or above, including Mathematics and English Language.

Typical offer 2023

  • Degree 112-128 UCAS points from a minimum of three A-levels or equivalent Level 3 qualifications; Degree with foundation year 32.
  • A-levels to include Biology or Human Biology with a minimum of a grade C and at least one other science subject (Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology, Further Mathematics, Statistics or Marine Science). General Studies not accepted.

Alternatively, BTEC Extended Diploma in appropriate Science subject such as Science, Life Science, Applied Science, Medical Science or Forensic Science with grades DMM.

Candidates are normally required to hold five GCSE subjects at grade C/4 or above, including Mathematics and English Language.

Additional requirements

Entry on to this course does not require an interview, entrance test, audition or portfolio.

Alternative routes

We will consider a range of alternative Level 3 qualifications such as an Access Course in a relevant Science subject e.g. Biomedical Science, Forensic Science, Medicine and Medical, Biosciences, Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Science, Applied Science, Health and Human Sciences or Health Professions, which has been passed with 112 UCAS points.

Applications from those that have undertaken a Science foundation year will also be considered.

International

We welcome applications from International Applicants. View our standard entry requirements from your country.

All non-UK applicants must meet our English language requirements. For this course it is Academic IELTS of 6.0, with no element below 5.5.

Country-specific information

You will find more information on country specific entry requirements in the International section of our website.

Find your country:

Typical offer and UCAS points explained

Like most universities, we use the UCAS Tariff point system for our course entry requirements.

Find out more about UCAS Tariff points and see how A-level, AS level, BTEC Diploma and T-level qualifications translate to the points system.

Teaching and assessment

Guided independent study (self-managed time)

When not attending timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. This typically will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for final assignments. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, the library and CANVAS, the online virtual learning platform.

Academic support

Our academic support team here at Kingston University provides help in a range of areas.

Dedicated personal tutor

When you arrive, we'll introduce you to your personal tutor. This is the member of academic staff who will provide academic guidance, be a support throughout your time at Kingston and show you how to make the best use of all the help and resources that we offer at Kingston University.

Your workload

Type of teaching and learning

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 1
  • Scheduled learning and teaching: 313 hours
  • Guided independent study (self-managed time): 887 hours
Year 2
  • Scheduled learning and teaching: 223 hours
  • Guided independent study (self-managed time): 677 hours
Year 3
  • Scheduled learning and teaching: 210 hours
  • Placement: 240 hours
  • Guided independent study (self-managed time): 750 hours

Please note: the above breakdowns are a guide calculated on core modules only. Depending on optional modules chosen, this breakdown may change.

How you will be assessed

Type of assessment

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 1
  • Coursework: 45%
  • Practical: 15%
  • Exams: 40%
Year 2
  • Coursework: 33%
  • Practical: 7%
  • Exams: 60%
Year 3
  • Coursework: 38%
  • Practical: 24%
  • Exams: 38%

Please note: the above breakdowns are a guide calculated on core modules only. Depending on optional modules chosen, this breakdown may change.

Feedback summary

We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 20 working days.

Your timetable

Your individualised timetable is normally available to students within 48 hours of enrolment. Whilst we make every effort to ensure timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled learning and teaching can take place on any day of the week between 9am and 6pm. For undergraduate students, Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities, but there may be occasions when this is not possible. Timetables for part-time students will depend on the modules selected.

Class sizes

To give you an indication of class sizes, this course normally enrols 160 students and lecture sizes are normally 160-325.  However this can vary by module and academic year.

Who teaches this course?

This course is delivered by the School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry.

The School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry offers an outstanding and diverse portfolio of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in biological and biomedical sciences, chemistry, forensic science, pharmacy, pharmacological and pharmaceutical sciences, and sport science and nutrition.

We've invested heavily in the development of new facilities including laboratories for teaching and research to provide students with access to ultra-modern equipment in a wide range of teaching facilities.

Postgraduate students may run or assist in lab sessions and may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader.

Facilities

There is a wide range of facilities for practical work at our Penrhyn Road campus, where this course is based. You will have access to a modern environment with the latest equipment, including:

  • the £9.8 million Eadweard Muybridge building with state-of the art laboratories;
  • an exercise physiology and biomechanics lab;
  • modern applied biology and chemistry laboratories
  • specialist equipment, such as electron microscopes and spectrometers;
  • computing laboratories and a team of IT technicians to offer assistance; and
  • a newly refurbished state-of-the-art nutrition kitchen.

The Library offers:

  • subject libraries, plus a free inter-library loan scheme to other libraries in the Greater London area;
  • online database subscriptions; and
  • a growing selection of resource material.

Course fees and funding

2024/25 fees for this course

The tuition fee you pay depends on whether you are assessed as a 'Home' (UK), 'Islands' or 'International' student. In 2024/25 the fees for this course are:

 Fee category Amount
Home (UK students) £9,250*
Foundation Year: £9,250
International

Year 1 (2024/25): £17,800
Year 2 (2025/26): £18,500
Year 3 (2026/27): £19,200
Year 4 (2027/28): £20,100

For courses with a sandwich year, the fee for the placement year can be viewed on the undergraduate fees table. The placement fee published is for the relevant academic year stated in the table. This fee is subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body.

* For full-time programmes of a duration of more than one academic year, the published fee is an annual fee, payable each year, for the duration of the programme. Your annual tuition fees cover your first attempt at all of the modules necessary to complete that academic year. A re-study of any modules will incur additional charges calculated by the number of credits. Home tuition fees may be subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body. Full-time taught International fees are subject to an annual increase and are published in advance for the full duration of the programme.

Eligible UK students can apply to the Government for a tuition loan, which is paid direct to the University. This has a low interest-rate which is charged from the time the first part of the loan is paid to the University until you have repaid it.

2023/24 fees for this course

The tuition fee you pay depends on whether you are assessed as a 'Home' (UK), 'Islands' or 'International' student. In 2023/24 the fees for this course are:

 Fee category Amount
Home (UK students) £9,250*
Foundation Year: £9,250
International

Year 1 (2023/24): £15,800
Year 2 (2024/25): £16,200
Year 3 (2025/26): £16,600
Year 4 (2026/27): £17,000

For courses with a sandwich year, the fee for the placement year can be viewed on the undergraduate fees table. The placement fee published is for the relevant academic year stated in the table. This fee is subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body.

* For full-time programmes of a duration of more than one academic year, the published fee is an annual fee, payable each year, for the duration of the programme. Your annual tuition fees cover your first attempt at all of the modules necessary to complete that academic year. A re-study of any modules will incur additional charges calculated by the number of credits. Home tuition fees may be subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body. Full-time taught International fees are subject to an annual increase and are published in advance for the full duration of the programme.

Eligible UK students can apply to the Government for a tuition loan, which is paid direct to the University. This has a low interest-rate which is charged from the time the first part of the loan is paid to the University until you have repaid it.

Note for EU students: UK withdrawal from the European Union

The Government has recently announced that new students from the European Union and Swiss Nationals starting their course after August 2021 will no longer be eligible for a student loan in England for Undergraduate or Postgraduate studies from the 2021/22 academic year. This decision only applies to new EU students starting after 2021/22. If you are an existing/continuing EU student, you will continue to be funded until you graduate or withdraw from your course.

Need to know more?

Our undergraduate fees and funding section provides information and advice on money matters.

Additional costs

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs that are not covered by tuition fees which students will need to consider when planning their studies. Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, access to shared IT equipment and other support services. Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. 

Where a course has additional expenses, we make every effort to highlight them. These may include optional field trips, materials (e.g. art, design, engineering), security checks such as DBS, uniforms, specialist clothing or professional memberships.

Textbooks

Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. You may prefer to buy your own copy of key textbooks; this can cost between £50 and £250 per year.

Computer equipment

There are open-access networked computers available across the University, plus laptops available to loan. You may find it useful to have your own PC, laptop or tablet which you can use around campus and in halls of residence. Free WiFi is available on each campus. You may wish to purchase your own computer, which can cost between £100 and £3,000 depending on your course requirements.

Photocopying and printing

In the majority of cases, written coursework can be submitted online. There may be instances when you will be required to submit work in a printed format. Printing, binding and photocopying costs are not included in your tuition fees, this may cost up to £100 per year.

Travel

Travel costs are not included in your tuition fees but we do have a free intersite bus service which links the campuses, Surbiton train station, Kingston upon Thames train station, Norbiton train station and halls of residence.

Placements

If the placement year option is chosen, during this year travel costs will vary according to the location of the placement, and could be from £0 to £2,000.

Field trips

All field trips that are compulsory to attend to complete your course are paid for by the University. There may be small fees incurred for optional field trips such as travel costs and refreshments.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Kingston University will supply you with a lab coat and safety goggles at the start of the year.

Accreditation

This degree is accredited for 2022 entry by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS); we are currently renewing our accreditation for 2023 entry. It is not approved by The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) for Registration. However, when put together with completion of the IBMS's Registration Training Portfolio, it does provide eligibility to apply for HCPC Registration as a Biomedical Scientist. The IBMS Training Portfolio can potentially be completed during the placement year of the four-year sandwich course (B931); however the majority of students undertake this after graduation, once in appropriate employment.

What our students say

I am from Afghanistan, but came to study in the UK because of the high standard of education here. I chose this course because I am very interested in medicine and it has very good lecturers.

I have really enjoyed the medically-related modules. I like the practicals and you get lots of time for your own study. The lecturers are very good. They are positive, friendly and easy to get hold of.

Compared to my college, everything is very different. Teaching-wise, you have more opportunity to learn and the chance to improve your knowledge of specialist areas.

I've found it very easy to settle in at Kingston. I feel comfortable and more confident because of the knowledge I'm gaining at University. I am working in a pharmacy and the course makes it easier for me to connect with customers. I have a wider range of knowledge, which helps me to explain things to them.

The course has enabled me to apply for a career in medicine. After I graduate, I hope to go to medical college for another five years' training. I am looking forward to being accepted for this, and then becoming a doctor.

Shogofa Lalzad – Biomedical Science BSc(Hons)

It was challenging because I was learning new techniques and using equipment I hadn't used before, but also very rewarding when I finally ironed out the [DNA] code.

Jumping genes are quite well known and present in all life forms, but as yet not much work has been done on their presence with large amounts of DNA. The information I have uncovered will help scientists to keep chipping away at a puzzle that has been fascinating experts for years.

Alastair gained lots of new skills during his placement, according to Kew's Head of Genetics, Dr Mike Fay: "Alastair's breakthrough shows students on work research placements can achieve marvellous things.

"Working at Kew is a great way to kick-start their careers and gives students the opportunity to investigate a whole range of research interests that affect plant life around the globe.

"Sometimes, like Alastair, they are even lucky enough to discover something that will have a lasting impact on the wider research we do."

Alastair Muir – Biomedical Science BSc(Hons) 12 month work placement at Kew Gardens

After you graduate

Careers and progression

This degree provides excellent preparation for careers in science, health and education, and postgraduate studies such as medical and research degrees.

Examples of recent graduate destinations

Types of jobs

  • Medical laboratory assistant
  • Retinal screener
  • Hospital administrator
  • Product analyst
  • Phlebotomist
  • Senior healthcare technical officer
  • Teacher
  • Researcher
  • Lecturer

Employers

  • CL Medical
  • Oxbridge Centre
  • St George's Hospital
  • Ashford and St Peter's Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
  • Moorfields Eye Hospital
  • NHS
  • Royal Marsden Hospital
  • Cancer Research UK

Employability preparation at Kingston University

In addition to building expertise in your own discipline, our courses will also help you to develop key transferable skills that you'll need for professional life or further study once you graduate. 

As well as a range of careers and employability activities at Kingston, we also offer you the chance to apply and develop your skills in live contexts as an integral part of your course. Opportunities include:

  • placements;
  • working or studying abroad;
  • volunteering;
  • peer mentoring roles; and
  • internship opportunities within and outside the University.

In your final year, you'll get the opportunity to complete a major 'capstone' project where you can apply the knowledge and skills you have acquired to a range of real issues in different contexts. This is a great way to learn and is a valuable bridge to employment or further research at masters level.

Courses available after you graduate

If you decide that you would like to go on to postgraduate study after your undergraduate course, we offer our alumni a 10% discount on postgraduate course tuition fees. Here are some courses that might interest you:

What our graduates say

Having studied at Kingston already, I was aware of the great research facilities and industrial contacts that it held. Kingston is a super place to study and I have always been impressed with its commitment to students, student learning, and providing external research placements. There were also definite benefits of doing my MSc at the same university as my undergraduate degree including familiar faces, being local to home and knowing the surroundings.

For my MSc Research Project I was fortunate enough to be one of two students to complete their project at the Institute of Cancer Research - an amazing, but probably the most challenging 12 weeks ever.
I am now training to become a teacher through a Graduate Teacher Programme with the Thamesmead Teacher Training Partnership. I definitely feel my masters degree helped me secure this position, and will also definitely aid me in providing a foundation subject knowledge when teaching post 16 in the near future.

My MSc has enhanced my career prospects, showing that I can think and work at a higher level. Despite this, you can't expect to walk into a job on the basis of a masters. Experience and understanding of the job you are applying for is key. The final highlight for me was being asked to deliver the student 'vote of thanks' speech at graduation. A remarkable experience.

Daniel West – Biomedical Science BSc(Hons) and Cancer Biology MSc

Biomedical Science gave me a good understanding of both haematology and oncology, which helped me secure both my first two roles, and provided me with the foundation for my PhD.

In October 2003, I went on to join the Institute of Cancer Research. I now investigate novel compounds used to treat cancer. This means looking at the properties of a cancer and then creating a brand-new drug to treat it. I enjoy discovering new things and the interaction with people that my work provides.

I have found the most useful element of the Biomedical Science degree is that it is so wide-ranging. It covers everything from haematology to pharmacology and this, combined with the research project, which you can work on outside the University, enables you to keep your career options open. I feel it is a fantastic course.

When you are deciding what to study it is useful to have a rough idea of what you would like to do career-wise.  But you don't need to be too specific - by doing a wide ranging course such as this one, a lot of doors are still left open to you.

Wai Liu – Biomedical Science BSc(Hons)

Work placement year

How you can work in industry during your course

Placements:

  • provide work experience that is relevant to your course and future career
  • improve your chances of graduating with a higher-grade degree
  • enhance your CV
  • lead to a graduate job
  • enable you to earn a year's salary whilst studying (the vast majority of placements are paid)
  • help you to select your final-year project.

"To be successful, tomorrow's leaders will need to be far more rounded individuals than ever before. They will collaborate in pursuit of shared goals. They will guide, challenge and support...They will have an appetite for change and a hunger for continuous improvement, and they will have an ethos of learning and development..." Jeremy Darroch, Former Chief Executive, Sky.

"Doing a placement year effectively gives you one foot in the door of a future job and to stand out from the crowd... as well as enhancing my CV... and future interviews. It's a great motivator to be successful in my studies as it only serves to open even more doors and gain more skills." Placement student at Jagex Games Studios Ltd.

There is a lot of support available for students looking to secure a placement (e.g. a jobs board with placement vacancies, help with writing CVs and mock interviews). Getting a placement and passing the placement year are ultimately the student's responsibility.

Examples of placements

Placements can be with large multinational companies, international companies, local companies and small start-ups; offering a diverse range of posts. Here are some examples of employers and roles:

Construction-based placement employersConstruction-based placement roles 
RG Group
Multiplex
Costain
Willmott Dixon
Fluor
Assistant site manager
Assistant trades package manager
Assistant logistics manager
Health and safety officer
Construction engineer
Science-based placement employers Science-based placement roles
Reckitt and Benckiser
GSK
Drug Control Centre
Minton Treharne and Davies Ltd
Various local and international hospitals
Bioanalytical sciences
Lab assistant
Pharmacy assistant
Sports coach
Engineering-based placement employers Engineering-based placement roles
Airbus
BAM Nuttall
Nissan
Bosch
Wozair
Analysis of aircraft structure
Construction resources specialist
Site engineer assistant
Computing and IS-based placement employersComputing and IS-based placement roles
Disney
Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe
IBM
McKinsey
Intel
Database coordinator
Software developer
Website developer
App developer
Mathematics-based placement employersMathematics-based placement roles
Lloyds Banking Group
AXA
Allianz
PAU Education, Spain
Analyst
Investment solutions
Research analyst
Accounts assistant

Links with business and industry

Industrial placement

This course provides the opportunity to do an industrial placement.

Find out about studying this course part-time

The part-time course is half the workload of the full-time course, taking six years to complete rather than three. The course is flexible so you can switch to full-time study in Years 2 or 3 if you wish.

Before the course begins, you will meet with a tutor to discuss your time commitments. The course leaders will then try to let you know the timetable of lectures and seminar groups as soon as possible. On average, part-time students need to allow 10 hours a week to attend lectures and seminars, plus a further 10 to 15 hours for independent study, but this does vary.

Key information set

The scrolling banner(s) below display some key factual data about this course (including different course combinations or delivery modes of this course where relevant).

Course changes and regulations

The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course. Course changes explained.

Programme Specifications for the course are published ahead of each academic year.

Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.

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