Course summary
The Aston BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science programme is designed to equip you with a comprehensive understanding of biomedical science and the practical skills necessary to excel professionally. We provide you with the skills required to work in an NHS pathology laboratory, undertake medical research, and understand the pharmaceutical industry. You’ll develop a thorough knowledge of the core principles of how the human body works and a deep understanding of the vital role biomedical scientists play in the healthcare sector. You will develop the skills, insights, and confidence required to become an outstanding biomedical scientist, well-equipped to excel in a variety of healthcare settings. Our teaching at Aston School of Biosciences is research-led, meaning that you will learn about the research our world-leading academics are undertaking, particularly in your final year. We also make sure you gain exposure to experienced biomedical scientists via guest lectures, so you can hear first-hand what this rewarding role is really like. Key course benefits: • Dual Accreditation: The degree is recognised by both the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) and the Royal Society of Biology (RSB), which adds value to your qualification. • HCPC Registration: There is an opportunity to complete an Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) registration portfolio during the placement year, which allows you to register as a biomedical scientist with the HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council) on graduation, opening doors to a wider range of career opportunities. • Top Ranked Programme: Aston's Biomedical Science programme is ranked in the UK’s Top 15 (Guardian, 2024), so you're studying in a highly respected course. • Great Student Experience: 90.7% of students agree that their teachers explain the course material well (NSS, 2024), so you’ll have a solid support system throughout your studies. Placement year This is a 3 or 4 year programme with optional placement year. You’ll have the opportunity to use your placement year to complete a training portfolio within an IBMS-approved pathology laboratory, which means you can apply for the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) Certificate of Competence. After you graduate, you'll be able to register as a biomedical scientist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Facilities Extensive and well-equipped laboratories with a variety of equipment designed to support your learning in an industry-relevant environment . Cutting edge laboratory equipment, such as: Various types of microscopes, including light microscopes, and fluorescence microscopes, spectrophotometers which are used to measure the absorption or emission of light by chemical substances, cell culture facility, flow cytometer, and bioanalyser, similar to what would be used in an NHS laboratory, polymerase chain reaction machines for DNA amplification, and electrophoresis tanks and gel documentation systems for separating and analysing DNA, RNA, and proteins. Career prospects Our Biomedical Science BSc (Hons) degree equips students with a strong foundation in human biology, laboratory skills, and clinical knowledge. Many graduates go on to become HCPC-registered Biomedical Scientists in NHS laboratories, while others pursue healthcare roles such as Physician Associate training or postgraduate medicine. Graduates also enter the pharmaceutical industry, pursue scientific writing careers, scientific research, or continue their studies through teaching certifications, an MSc masters study level, or a PhD. No Foundation Programme available Your UCAS Application: Explain any gaps in your education, list full qualification names, provide an academic reference, and include predicted grades (even if sitting privately). More tips: https://shorturl.at/cNR2e
Modules
For a full list of modules and course objectives, visit the course page on Aston University's website: https://www.aston.ac.uk/study/courses/biomedical-science-bsc/
Assessment method
Our Biomedical Science curriculum utilises a range of different assessment types and the assessment strategy reflects the national educational requirements in the FHEQ and the requirements of the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS). We utilise a wide range of assessments linked to learning outcomes such as exams, essay writing, practical and laboratory reports, presentations, and peer assessment.
Professional bodies
Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.
- Biomedical Science, Institute of
- Royal Society of Biology
How to apply
This course is not open to application until the 13th May 2025.
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
Please select a course option – you will then see the application code you need to use to apply for the course.
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
International applicants
Please visit our helpful webpage for International Applicants: https://www.aston.ac.uk/international
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - BBB - BCC
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DDD - DDM
Access to HE Diploma - D: 15 credits M: 30 credits P: 0 credits
Scottish Higher - ABBBB
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DD
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - D
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016) - D
Scottish Advanced Higher - BBC
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 31 points
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024)
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H3, H3, H3, H3, H4
GCSE/National 4/National 5
T Level - Not accepted
Offer Holder Days Once you have received an offer, you will be invited to an Offer Holder Day to discover more about the course and Aston University.
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
https://www.aston.ac.uk/study/courses/biomedical-science-bsc
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
England | £9535 | Year 1 |
Northern Ireland | £9535 | Year 1 |
Scotland | £9535 | Year 1 |
Wales | £9535 | Year 1 |
International | £21500 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Sponsorship information
Please visit our helpful webpage for applicants: https://www.aston.ac.uk/undergraduate/your-application/funding
Provider information
Aston University, Birmingham
Aston Triangle
Birmingham
B4 7ET