Intro

Biomedical scientists help improve patient health and advance medical science, by investigating the diagnosis and treatment of disease.

Our Biomedical Science BSc(Hons) explores the complexities of the human body and develops the knowledge and confidence you need to begin a rewarding career in this field.

You’ll study biochemistry, pharmacology, genetics and evolution, human physiology, infection science and blood science and take part in project work, hospital visits and case studies.

Our Biomedical Science MSci course offers an extra year of study at masters level.

This course offers a guaranteed interview scheme with the Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS) for students wishing to pursue a degree in medicine. See the careers section for more information about entry and eligibility criteria.

Key facts

Location Brighton: Moulsecoomb

UCAS code B940

Full-time 3 years
With placement year 4 years

Accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) and the Royal Society of Biology (RSB).

What are my next steps?

Open days are the best way to find out about your course, the campus where you'll be based, and get a feel for the University of Brighton.

Book your place: Moulsecoomb campus open day 23 November

Or if you're ready, apply now with UCAS for 2025

Entry criteria

Entry requirements

A-levels or BTEC
Entry requirements are in the range of A-level BBB–BCC (120–104 UCAS Tariff points), or BTEC Extended Diploma DMM–MMM. Our conditional offers typically fall within this range.

A-levels must include two sciences, preferably biology and chemistry. If you do not have biology or chemistry at A-level, you must have the subject at AS-level with a minimum grade C.

BTEC should be applied science or similar subject.

International Baccalaureate
26 points, with three subjects at Higher Level. Higher level subjects to include two sciences.

Access to HE Diploma
Applications will be considered individually.

GCSE (minimum grade C or grade 4)
Applications will be considered individually.

Foundation degree/HND
May enable you to start the course in year 2.

Studied before or got relevant experience?
A qualification, HE credits, or relevant experience may count towards your course at Brighton, and could mean that you do not have to take some elements of the course or can start in year 2 or 3.

English language requirements
IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. Find out more about the other English qualifications that we accept.

International requirements and visas

International requirements by country
Country name
Albania
Algeria
Argentina
Australia
Austria
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Belarus
Belgium
Bermuda
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Botswana
Brazil
Bulgaria
Burma (Myanmar)
Cameroon
Canada
Chile
China
Colombia
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Ecuador
Egypt
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Ghana
Greece
Guyana
Hong Kong
Hungary
Iceland
India
Indonesia
Iran
Iraq
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Jamaica
Japan
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Kosovo
Kuwait
Latvia
Lebanon
Liechtenstein
Libya
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Macedonia
Malaysia
Malawi
Malta
Mexico
Moldova
Montenegro
Morocco
Namibia
Nepal
Netherlands
New Zealand
Nigeria
Norway
Oman
Pakistan
Palestinian National Authority
Philippines
Poland
Portugal
Qatar
Romania
Russian Federation
Saudi Arabia
Serbia
Sierra Leone
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Africa
South Korea
Spain
Sri Lanka
Syria
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
Tanzania
Thailand
Tunisia
Turkey
Uganda
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United States
Uzbekistan
Venezuela
Vietnam
Yemen
Zambia
Zimbabwe

We can help you meet our English language or academic entry requirements.

View our English language courses

For pre-sessional English preparation courses.

Visit our International College

For degree preparation courses.

Visas and immigration advice

Applying for a student visa

Check out our step-by-step guidance.

Contextual admissions

When you apply to Brighton we want to hear about who you are. Grades are never the whole picture; we're interested in things like creativity, resourcefulness, persistence and the capacity to think big and find new ways of doing things. And we recognise that not everyone has the same background. That's why we treat everyone who applies as an individual. We recognise many qualifications and we care about all of your achievements and the experiences you've had that set you apart.

Find out more

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Course content

Top reasons to choose this course

Professional accreditation from the Institute of Biomedical Science and the Royal Society of Biology.

Guaranteed interview scheme with BSMS medical school.

Specialist facilities such as atomic force microscopes, microbiology lab, molecular biology lab, and genomics/ proteomics facility for analysis of cell genes and proteins.

Learn with internationally recognised researchers who are part of the research Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Devices and Centre for Lifelong Health.

Employability and research built in from year 1.

Guest lectures from professionals.
Gain work experience on placement.

Year 1

You will learn the foundations of biomedical science and be introduced to lab techniques used in professional practice. You will study areas including genetics and molecular biology, biochemistry, human physiology, and infection science.

Modules

Essential Skills for Bioscientists

This module introduces the principles of the scientific method and a variety of study and communication skills that you’ll need during your degree. You’ll develop mathematical and statistical skills and apply them in the context of bioscientific data presentation and interpretation.
Fundamentals in Genetics and Evolution

Genetics is fundamental to understanding life sciences. In this module you will gain an understanding of how information is stored and inherited in living organisms. You will consider genetics from the perspectives of DNA structure, gene expression, genome replication, heredity, genes in populations, and evolution. You'll also be introduced to DNA-based laboratory techniques.
Introduction to Biochemistry

This module will introduce you to the fundamental concepts of biochemistry and pharmacology, as well as the principle techniques used in biochemical analysis. You will learn about biochemical compounds and the structure and function of the macromolecules that are created from them. The structure and function of enzymes will be covered, along with the principle metabolic pathways. You’ll also explore the theory and practical use of the most commonly used biochemical techniques.
Introduction to Human Physiology

This module will introduce you to human physiology. You'll explore anatomical structure, function, the principle of homeostasis, and neurological and hormonal control of the human body, its component parts and major systems, with appropriate examples of disease pathophysiology.
Introduction to Infection Sciences

This module will introduce to microorganisms and the components of the immune system. You will also learn about the main laboratory techniques used to grow and identify microorganisms and to detect and identify components of the immune system. Programmes which screen healthy people for disease will also be investigated.
Fundamentals in Blood Sciences

This module introduces biomedical science as a profession. You'll explore areas of blood sciences which include haematology, coagulation, blood transfusion and clinical biochemistry. Working through and interpreting case studies enables you to develop essential biomedical science knowledge and skills.

Year 2

You will build on knowledge gained in your first year, broaden your research and professional development skills, and explore topics that include diet and exercise, infection and immunity, human physiology, molecular cell biology, genetics and genomics, human biochemistry and metabolism.

Modules

Intermediate Blood Sciences
Research Skills and Professional Development
Infection and Immunity
Clinical Genetics and Molecular Biology
Intermediate Human Physiology
Human Biochemistry, Metabolism and Pharmacology

Three biomedical students in specialist lab with plasma samples

Placement year

You have the option of a year’s paid placement after your second year where you will spend a year working in a professional environment. It’s a great way to build on the skills you have developed on your course and to gain new ones. Our placements team can help you to find the job for you and you will also have the support of one of our lecturers while on placement.

Undertaking your placement in an accredited NHS training lab allows you to work towards the IBMS Certificate of Competence and the Registration Training Portfolio.

Other placement opportunities prepare you for work in a range of scientific areas and postgraduate research.

Our students have secured placements in organisations such as GlaxoSmithKline, Public Health England and Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust.

Three students testing plasma samples in biomedical science lab 2022

Final year

The focus is the final year of your biomedical science degree course is more on the clinical aspects: including blood sciences, cellular pathology, clinical immunology and microbiology, and innovations in bioscience research. You will undertake a project linked with one of our research groups.

Modules

Cellular Pathology
Advanced Diagnostics in Blood Science
Innovations in Bioscience Research
Clinical Microbiology and Immunology
Bioscience Research Project

Staff profile

Dr Nigel Brissett, course leader

I am a protein biochemist. My research explores the structural and molecular biology of protein/DNA interactions with a specific focus on the DNA damage response.

I like to draw on examples of my own and colleague's research experience when teaching students. This allows me to present my subject matter in relevant research-focused context. I am also a great believer in engaging students in conversation to address misconceptions and highlight potentially difficult concepts.

Currently, I teach a variety of material ranging from protein biochemistry to metabolic processes across different degree courses.

Find out more about Dr Nigel Brissett

More about this subject at Brighton

Come to an open day!

Join us for an undergraduate open day this autumn.

Try out university life at our summer schools

If you’re in year 12 or your first year of 6th form college, you have the chance to try out what it’s like to study at university at our on-campus, residential summer schools.

Carbon beads could reduce liver disease progression caused by unhealthy gut bacteria

University researchers have contributed to a study into innovative carbon beads aimed at reducing bad bacteria and inflammation linked to serious disease.

Science Saturday Club for students in Years 10 and 11 at the University of Brighton

I have learnt many facts and experiments from various sciences as well as the process of applying to university and what it maybe like.

Careers

Professional accreditation

This Biomedical Science degree is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science and meets the academic requirements for registration as a biomedical scientist
with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

This degree is also accredited by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of meeting in part the academic and experience requirement for the Membership and Chartered Biologist (CBiol). Accredited degree programmes contain a solid academic foundation in biological knowledge and key skills, and prepare graduates to address the needs of employers.

The accreditation criteria require evidence that graduates from accredited programmes meet defined sets of learning outcomes, including subject knowledge, technical ability and transferable skills.

RSB accreditation logo

Becoming a biomedical scientist

To work as a biomedical scientist in the UK you’ll need:

a degree qualification such as this course, accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS)

at least one year’s experience in an NHS approved lab as you work towards the IBMS Certificate of Competence and the Registration Training Portfolio

to achieve the IBMS Certificate of Competence which enables you to register with Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)

to register with the HCPC.

Lindsey Dixon, Chief Biomedical Scientist at Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS trust shares her experience with students

Facilities for learning

Your lab-based learning is in our specialist laboratories which are purpose-built for studying molecular biology, microbiology and ecology.

Our facilities include:

a dedicated microbiology lab with its own technical support team and preparation area
primary cell/tissue and secondary cell culture facility
molecular biology lab
RT-PCR equipment
image analysis suite with electron microscopes, a confocal microscope and atomic force microscopes.
genomics/proteomics facility for analysis of cell genes and proteins.

Click to view a virtual tour of some of our biosciences facilities.

Graduate destinations

Many of our graduates follow careers as biomedical scientists in the NHS as part of the biochemistry, pathology and microbiology teams.

You will have the skills and knowledge for careers in industries such as biotechnology, pharmaceutical development and forensic science. You will also be prepared for postgraduate study, academic research and teaching.

Route to medicine

Students on this course who fulfil the eligibility criteria are guaranteed an interview with the Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS) if they want to pursue a degree in medicine. You have the opportunity to apply either after year 1 or after your final year.

Entry requirements (after year 1)

GCSE grade B or equivalent in maths and English
If English is not your first language, an overall IELTS score of 7.0 with at least 7.0 in all sections
AAA at A-level, all obtained in one sitting (both chemistry and biology need to be passed at A-level with grade A; neither General Studies nor Critical Thinking are acceptable)
If you took the International Baccalaureate, 36 overall with grade 6 in Higher level chemistry and biology
Excellent term 1 class attendance record
A 70% average for term 1 modules

Entry requirements (after the final year)

GCSE grade B or equivalent in maths and English
BBB at A-level, all obtained in one sitting (both chemistry and biology need to be passed at A-level with grade B; General Studies and Critical Thinking are not acceptable)
If English is not your first language, an overall IELTS score of 7.0 with at least 7.0 in all sections
At least an upper second class degree
A 70% average for year 2 modules

You also need to:

take the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) in your year of application
make a UCAS application to BSMS by 15 October in your year of application
have an excellent record of class attendance (80%) and assignment submission by deadline (if applying after final year).

Further study

If you achieve the required standard in year 2, you can choose to progress from BSc directly to the third year of the Biomedical Science MSci and study towards a masters-level qualification.

We have opportunities for further postgraduate study in the following fields, all of which can be a springboard to PhD level:

Supporting your employability

Outside of your course, our Careers Service is here to support you as you discover (and re-discover) your strengths and what matters to you. We are here for you throughout your university journey as you work towards a fulfilling and rewarding career.

Connect with our careers team

Find part-time work that you can combine with your studies.
Find, or be, a mentor or get involved with our peer-to-peer support scheme.
Develop your business ideas through our entrepreneurial support network.
Get professional advice and support with career planning, CV writing and interview top tips.
Meet potential employers at our careers fairs.
Find rewarding volunteering opportunities to help you discover more about what makes you tick, and build your CV.

Whatever your career needs, we are here to help. And that's not just while you are a student, our support carries on after you've graduated.

Find out more about our Careers Service...

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Fees and costs

Course fees

UK (full-time) 9,250 GBP

International (full-time) 16,900 GBP

The fees listed here are for the first year of full-time study if you start your course in the academic year 2024–25.

You will pay fees for each year of your course. Some fees may increase each year.

UK undergraduate and some postgraduate fees are regulated by the UK government and increases will not be more than the maximum amount allowed. Course fees that are not regulated may increase each year by up to 5% or RPI (whichever is higher).

If you are studying part-time your fee will usually be calculated based on the number of modules that you take.

Find out more

Brighton Boost – cost of living help for our new undergrad students. Find out about how we can help with your study, accommodation or travel costs and more...
Fees, bursaries, scholarships and government funding info for UK and international undergraduate students
Student finance and budgeting while studying
Read our student contract and tuition fee policy (pdf) for more on University of Brighton tuition fees.

What's included

Here you’ll find details of specific resources and services that are included in the tuition fee for our biomedical science students. To help you to budget for your studies, there is also information on any additional costs that you may have to pay or can choose to pay in addition to your tuition fee.

Find out how tuition fees enable us to support all of our students with important services, facilities and resources across the university and check out our finance pages for info about fees, funding and scholarships along with advice on international and island fee-paying status.

You can chat with our enquiries team if you have a question or need more information.

What’s included in your tuition fee

The cost of project poster printing is covered for undergraduate School of Applied Science students.

The following items are covered by your fee where they are required or relevant.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – all students are provided with a laboratory coat and safety glasses.
The cost of laboratory consumables and equipment for your final year project.
Access to key subject journals databases such as Cochrane, Health and Medical Collection, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science – see the subject area in the library for an up-to-date list.
Course books, magazines and journals are available in the university libraries. You do not need to have your own copies.
Essential instruction booklets (laboratory handbooks) are provided.
A licence for relevant software such as Jamovi, Minitab and SPSS.
You will have access to computers and necessary software on campus – and can borrow a laptop from us if yours is broken or you don’t have a computer at home. Specialist equipment is provided to cover essential learning.
Travel is included for all mandatory taught field trips, but you’ll need to provide your own food and drink.
Undergraduate biomed students that work in a biomedical scientist NHS placement which is either unpaid or very low in salary can apply for £10,000 from Student Finance England.
If you choose to take an undergraduate optional placement year you can get 20% of your Student Finance England maintenance loan whilst on that placement.
Biomedical Science BSc(Hons) and MSci students who fulfil the eligibility criteria are guaranteed an interview with the Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS) if they want to pursue a degree in medicine. Applications to BSMS are still made using the UCAS system and you must select BSMS as one of your choices. UCAS costs are covered by you.

Additional course costs

You’ll need to budget for printing and stationery for personal study, and books if you decide to buy your own.
In most cases coursework submissions are electronic but you may wish to print notes which would involve an extra cost.
Many students choose to buy their own hardware, software and accessories. The amount spent will depend on your individual choices, but this expenditure is not essential to pass any of our courses.
Optional day trips may include additional costs, for example travel, accommodation, food and drink. This will vary depending on where and how long the field trip is, but we estimate around £30 per day for food and travel. Accommodation would be extra.
BSc and MSci students that are eligible and want to pursue a degree in medicine with the Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS) will need to budget for any cost needed to take the UCAT admissions test.
If you choose to take an optional placement year you’ll be expected to cover your own travel, accommodation, food and drink.
Optional eStudent membership of the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) is available to students currently studying an undergraduate or postgraduate biomedical science degree course. Currently £13 per year.

Location and student life

Campus where this course is taught

Moulsecoomb campus

Two miles north of Brighton seafront, Moulsecoomb is our largest campus and student village. Moulsecoomb has been transformed by a recent development of our estate. On campus you'll find new Students' Union, events venue, and sports and fitness facilities, alongside the library and student centre.

Over 900 students live here in our halls, Moulsecoomb Place and the new Mithras halls – Brunswick, Goldstone, Hanover, Preston and Regency.

Moulsecoomb has easy access to buses and trains and to all the exciting things happening in our home city.

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Accommodation

We guarantee an offer of a place in halls of residence to all eligible students. So if you applied for halls by the deadline you are guaranteed a room in our halls of residence.

Brighton: Moulsecoomb

Halls of residence
We have self-catered halls on all our campuses, within minutes of your classes, and other options that are very nearby.

You can apply for any of our halls, but the options closest to your study location are:

Mithras Halls are stylish new high-rises in the heart of the student village at our revitalised Moulsecoomb campus with ensuite rooms for more than 800 students.
Varley Park is a popular dedicated halls site, offering a mix of rooms and bathroom options at different prices. It is around two miles from Moulsecoomb campus and four miles from the city centre, and is easy to get to by bus.

Want to live independently?
We can help – find out more about private renting.

Modern accommodation at Moulsecoomb

Relaxing in halls near the campus

Student Union social space at Moulsecoomb

Local area

About Brighton

The city of Brighton & Hove is a forward-thinking place which leads the way in the arts, technology, sustainability and creativity. You'll find living here plays a key role in your learning experience.

Brighton is a leading centre for creative media technology, recently named the startup capital of the UK.

The city is home to a national 5G testbed and over 1,000 tech businesses. The digital sector is worth over £1bn a year to the local economy - as much as tourism.

All of our full-time undergraduate courses involve work-based learning - this could be through placements, live briefs and guest lectures. Many of these opportunities are provided by local businesses and organisations.

It's only 50 minutes by train from Brighton to central London and there are daily direct trains to Bristol, Bedford, Cambridge, Gatwick Airport, Portsmouth and Southampton.

Maps

Moulsecoomb campus map

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Support and wellbeing

Your course team

Your personal academic tutor, course leader and other tutors are all there to help you with your personal and academic progress. You'll also have a student support and guidance tutor (SSGT) who can help with everything from homesickness, managing stress or accommodation issues.

Your academic skills

Our Brighton Student Skills Hub gives you extra support and resources to develop the skills you'll need for university study, whatever your level of experience so far.

Your mental health and wellbeing

As well as being supported to succeed, we want you to feel good too. You'll be part of a community that builds you up, with lots of ways to connect with one another, as well having access to dedicated experts if you need them. Find out more about how we support your wellbeing.

Sport at Brighton

Sport Brighton

Sport Brighton brings together our sport and recreation services. As a Brighton student you'll have use of sport and fitness facilities across all our campuses and there are opportunities to play for fun, fitness or take part in serious competition.

Find out more about Sport Brighton.

Sports scholarships

Our sports scholarship scheme is designed to help students develop their full sporting potential to train and compete at the highest level. We offer scholarships for elite athletes, elite disabled athletes and talented sports performers.

Find out more about sport scholarships.

Student views

Nina Holling

"I went to several open days before deciding on a university, and I eventually chose Brighton because of its excellent laboratory facilities.

"During my degree, I was pleasantly surprised by the number of laboratory classes. The practical skills gained are not only important for students wanting to become biomedical scientists but also for those thinking about going into postgraduate degrees or research.

"Having lived in Brighton for the last five years, I have truly fallen in love with the city and the freethinking lifestyle. I have also grown very fond of the university and the staff working here, and I've stayed to study for a PhD in microbiology."

Stay in touch

Ask a question about this course

If you have a question about this course, our enquiries team will be happy to help.

01273 644644

Statistics

Find out more about how the academic year and degree courses are organised, and about learning and assessment activities you might get to grips with at Brighton. More specific information about this course is detailed in the programme specification (linked below). You can find out also about the support we offer to help you adjust to university life.

Course and module descriptions on this page were accurate when first published and are the basis of the course. Detailed information on any changes we make to modules and learning and assessment activities will be sent to all students by email before enrolment, so that you have all the information before you come to Brighton.

Discover Uni

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Course specification

Course specifications are the approved description of each course. They contain a breakdown of the content and structure of the course, learning outcomes and assessment. Course specs are updated following course changes.

Course specification