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Biomedical Science at University of Plymouth - UCAS

Course options

2024 - 20252025 - 2026
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There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

University of Plymouth has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

Open days

26Apr
University of Plymouth - Open Day
Undergraduate
18Jun
University of Plymouth - Open Day
Undergraduate

Course summary

Experience research-informed education by exploring the scientific basis of human health, disease and therapeutics. You'll benefit from a rich and varied learning environment that highlights recent developments and examines how these inform clinical and diagnostic practice. Receive the input of internationally-recognised researchers and NHS staff and open up a range of employment opportunities in both industrial and public research laboratories.

  • Stand out with a degree accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS).
  • Delivered by the Faculty of Health and enhanced by links with healthcare professionals.
  • Develop practical skills, critical thinking and professional competence.
  • Taught components of the course are enriched by the varied research activities of staff within the school.
  • LABplus is a unique open access laboratory and resource centre designed for students studying science and engineering courses. The lab provides a flexible workspace, computing facilities, specialist software, access to microscopes, microscope cameras and bespoke resources.
  • Experience more with an optional placement year.
  • Gain a positive learning experience within a work setting that will support your studies and future employability – the school offers 12 work placements between Stage 2 and the final year of your programme.
  • The school typically offers a limited number of research summer placements – these are available at the end of Stage 1 and at the end of Stage 2. These competitive placements are available for students who demonstrate excellent performance in their studies and allow students to gain valuable research experience within the Biomedical Research Group.
Progression options This course has up to ten ring-fenced places available at the end of year 1 for progression onto medicine and dentistry. Applicants must meet the following requirements for consideration:
  • Minimum of AAB at A level to include A grades in Biology and one other science from Chemistry, Maths, Physics, or Psychology. General Studies will not be accepted.
  • Over 70% average across all Year 1 modules.
  • Satisfactory DBS check and Occupational Health screening.
We also have an additional route for our Biomedical Science graduates. This involves an enhanced admissions process, as follows:
  • On track to gain 1st Class (over 70%) OR already holds a 1st Class Biomedical Science degree with us achieved in the two years prior to applying.
  • GAMSAT requirement waived.
  • Satisfactory performance in interview.
  • Satisfactory DBS check and Occupational Health screening.
For further information regarding admissions and interviews please contact us at [email protected].

Modules

In your first year, you'll start building a foundation for future learning. You'll develop key skills in communication, data acquisition and analysis. In your second year, you'll focus on developing a deeper understanding of core biomedical disciplines, with an emphasis on the scientific understanding of pathological processes and diagnostic practice. You'll examine key laboratory techniques and acquire research skills. You have the option to take up a work placement as part of your degree course between the end of Year 2 and the final year of your degree. Students can choose to apply for an Industrial or NHS placement. Industrial placements are usually 6 month or 12 month duration and upon successful completion, students will gain the Certificate of Industrial Experience. NHS placements are minimally a 40 week duration full-time or the equivalent. Those successfully completing an NHS placement and the IBMS v4 portfolio, will gain the Certificate of Competence from the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS). Students who have completed a full IBMS accredited degree (BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science; 360 credits) as well as the Certificate of Competence are eligible to apply to the HCPC to register as a Biomedical Scientist. Your final year will support your critical thinking and enhance your practical competency. A personal research project allows you to study an area of biomedicine in detail. You will have a choice of research-led topics that discuss current developments and the implications for human health and clinical practice. The modules shown for this course or programme are those being studied by current students, or expected new modules. Modules are subject to change depending on year of entry.

Professional bodies

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

  • Biomedical Science, Institute of

Qualified teacher status (QTS)

To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:

  • Course does not award QTS

How to apply

31Jan

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
  • Year 2
  • Year 4

International applicants

The University of Plymouth has a dedicated International Student Advice (ISA) service who will support you from the day you accept an offer at the University, right through to graduation. They will offer help and advice so you can get the most out of your studies, and your time in the UK, visit www.plymouth.ac.uk/student-life/services/international-students/international-student-advice for more information. Once you have applied through UCAS, your conditional offer letters will also be sent to you by email, so be sure to enter your current email address on your application and to check this email regularly. You'll need your unconditional letter, and the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) that we'll send you, when applying for your student visa to the UK. A tuition fee deposit will be required before we'll send you the CAS. We're a licenced Sponsor under the Points Based System. To comply with our duties as a Sponsor, we're required to check other aspects of your application in addition to your academic achievements, for example any previous studies, financial status and your immigration history in the UK. For course entry requirements (inc. English requirements) please refer to the specific page for the course you are interested in (www.plymouth.ac.uk/study). A recognised English language qualification (e.g. IELTS) would be required or successful completion of one of the University's pre-sessional English Language courses. Check our country pages to find out more about application from your specific home country www.plymouth.ac.uk/international/study/international-students-country-guides. International fees, please visit our fees and funding pages www.plymouth.ac.uk/study/fees. If you have any questions please contact [email protected]

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

GCSE English and Maths at Grade C/4 or above are required for this course.

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6with 6.0 in all elements.

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students
90%
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
90%
Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

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

For all information about tuition fees, please visit our fees and funding pages at www.plymouth.ac.uk/study/fees * Fees are correct at the time of publication and may be subject to change.
Biomedical Science at University of Plymouth - UCAS