Biomedical Science BSc (Hons)

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A group of female biomedical science students working together on practical skills training, in large laboratory.

Available with:

  • Foundation Year

Accreditations

IBMS Accredited

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Course Summary

This IBMS-accredited course enables you to gain an in-depth understanding of human health and disease, in addition to developing the essential laboratory skills needed to become an employable Biomedical Scientist within the NHS, or researcher within academia, industry or the healthcare sector. 

Our course is taught by enthusiastic academic and professional staff who will provide continuous support throughout your studies at Chester Medical School; they are research active and continually strive to promote research within all areas of biomedical science. Our lecturers have published research findings and discussed their work at national and international conferences, and you will have the opportunity to join a research team to undertake your dissertation in the final year. With strong links with local hospitals and NHS pathology labs, the course will further develop your understanding of the profession and prepare you for a number of careers in and out of science, such as research into disease mechanisms and cell biology, or medical writing.

Why you'll Love it

Enhancing your skills

A biomedical student using testing tube and sample collecting tray in a laboratory.

Teaching methods

A male student working at Laboratory desk with testing equipment. A tutor is standing next to wall screen.

IBMS accredited with placement opportunity

A female medical student wearing white lab coat is taking notes, and talking with male student standing in front of work desk.

What You'll Study

The Physical and Natural Sciences Foundation Year route is an ideal place to begin your journey in academic sciences.

The Foundation Year is designed to give you a strong knowledge and skills base aligned with your chosen four-year degree. Following a solid grounding in scientific principles or behavioural sciences in your first block of teaching, you will study bespoke modules aligned with your discipline. This could involve studying the human body in health and disease and how to encourage healthy and sustainable behaviours, or the biology of terrestrial and marine animals and the impacts of their interactions with humans, or you might focus on the physical sciences and how they can help change the world for the better. Whatever you aspire to, we can offer you a supportive and incremental introduction to your science degree.

MODULES

  • University Study Skills (20 Credits) Core
  • Independent Project (20 Credits) Core
  • Biology (20 Credits) Core
  • Health Studies (20 Credits) Core
  • Maths for Science (20 Credits) Core
  • Chemistry for Life Sciences (20 Credits) Core

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the course that will take the form of either core or option modules and should be used as a guide. We review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects. If during a review process, course content is significantly changed, we will

You will gain an understanding of concepts such as cell biology, microbiology, genetics, physiology and biochemistry. You will also gain core knowledge and competency within a lab environment.

MODULES

  • Cell Biology (20 Credits) Core
  • Introduction to Genetics (20 Credits) Core
  • Introduction to Microbiology (20 Credits) Core
  • Human Anatomy and Physiology (20 Credits) Core
  • Professional Skills for Life Sciences I (20 Credits) Core
  • Introduction to Biochemistry (20 Credits) Core

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the course that will take the form of either core or option modules and should be used as a guide. We review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects. If during a review process, course content is significantly changed, we will

Covers further core biomedical science disciplines such as immunology. You will enhance laboratory and research skills whilst gaining a deeper understanding of pathological processes and diagnostic approaches. There is also a competitive placement module open to apply for.

MODULES

  • Pathophysiology (20 Credits) Core
  • Biochemistry & Metabolic Regulation (20 Credits) Core
  • Diagnostics and Therapeutics (20 Credits) Core
  • Molecular Genetics and Genomics (20 Credits) Core
  • Immunology (20 Credits) Core
  • Professional Skills for Biomedical Science (20 Credits) Optional
  • BMS Work-based Placement (20 Credits) Optional

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the course that will take the form of either core or option modules and should be used as a guide. We review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects. If during a review process, course content is significantly changed, we will

You will heighten awareness of current advances and practice in the field of biomedical science. During your dissertation project, you will be able to specialise and focus on a specific area of interest within biomedical science.

MODULES

  • Dissertation (40 Credits) Core
  • Medical Microbiology (20 Credits) Core
  • Haematology & Transfusion Science (20 Credits) Core
  • Clinical Genetics (20 Credits) Core
  • Clinical Immunology (20 Credits) Core

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the course that will take the form of either core or option modules and should be used as a guide. We review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects. If during a review process, course content is significantly changed, we will

BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science

BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science

How you'll Learn

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This course consists of lectures, tutorials, and practical work

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This course has a mixture of coursework, online assessments and written examinations

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This course is designed around in-person study

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There may be some online learning activities

Our teaching on the course will be delivered through a diverse range of methods and styles, including lectures, small group tutorials, seminars, computer-based workshops, laboratory practical sessions, problem-based learning and e-learning. 

There is a strong practical focus facilitated by modern, spacious teaching laboratories, and our tutors will ensure you develop the lab skills you need to become an employable graduate. 

Learning is assessed by a balanced combination of examinations and coursework. Coursework assessments may consist of laboratory reports, data handling exercises, essays, and poster and oral presentations, allowing a full range of skills to be developed. The end-of-module assessment is normally by examination, consisting of a combination of multiple choice questions (MCQs) and both short and long answer questions. 

On this course, you have the opportunity to apply for a competitive placement module. If successful you will spend five weeks working in an NHS laboratory. You’ll have the chance to test-drive a future career, boost your CV and gain real work experience.

We work closely with local NHS Trusts and aim to provide students with opportunities to meet and speak to practicing Biomedical Scientists.

Where you'll study Exton Park, Chester

The location

Exton Park is close to the city centre of Chester, a city like no other and an amazing place to live as a student. While it is undoubtedly beautiful and packed with history, Chester is also a bustling 21st-century city balancing big-name shopping, eating and living with a thriving independent scene.

Modern learning resources and library

We have dedicated resources and IT services across campus, as well as our Seaborne Library; home to an extensive selection of books, e-books and e-journals, as well as bookable multimedia rooms, video conferencing space, 24-hour access computer labs, and The Hub; a comfortable two-floor study zone, suitable for independent and group study.

Seaborne library, seating and reception area.

Student Services

Exton Park is home to a number of our central support services, including Disability and Inclusion, Careers and Employability, and Student Support.

Fitness facilities

Exton Park boasts an impressive choice of indoor and outdoor sports and leisure facilities, which are used for both competitive and recreational sports. Our facilities include a swimming pool, gym, squash, and tennis courts, running track and two floodlit pitches.

A male student wearing goggles is swimming in the training pool between the red rope lane marker lines.

Chapel, chaplaincy and multi-faith spaces

Built in 1847 by former students, the University Chapel offers regular services and a venue to services. The University of Chester also has multi-faith spaces across the campus for prayer or quiet reflection.

Accommodation

Most of our student accommodation is located either on or near Exton Park.

Catering

We have several catering outlets available onsite, offering a wide selection of hot and cold food to students and visitors. Term-time Meal Schemes are also available for those students interested in non-residential catering schemes.

Entry Requirements

112UCAS Points

UCAS Tariff

112 points

GCE A Level

Typical offer – BCC-BBC ; either Biology, Chemistry or Applied Science is essential

BTEC

BTEC Extended Diploma: (Animal Management, Applied Science or Medical Science): Typical offer - DMM

International Baccalaureate

26 points including 5 in HL Biology/Chemistry

Irish / Scottish Highers

Irish Highers: H3 H3 H3 H3 H4 including H3 in Biology

Scottish Highers: BBBB including Biology

Access requirements

Access to HE Diploma (Science), to include 45 credits at level 3, of which 30 must be at Merit or above

T Level

T Level Science - Merit

OCR Cambridge Technicals

OCR Extended Diploma (Applied Science): DMM

Extra Information

Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced and A level General Studies will be recognised in our offer.  We will also consider a combination of A Levels and BTECs/OCRs. 

Students from countries outside the UK are expected to have entry qualifications roughly equivalent to UK A Level for undergraduate study and British Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) for postgraduate study. To help you to interpret these equivalents, please click on your country of residence to see the corresponding entry qualifications, along with information about your local representatives, events, information and contacts.

We accept a wide range of qualifications and consider all applications individually on merit. We may also consider appropriate work experience.

English Language Requirements

  • IELTS Academic: Undergraduate: 6.0 (minimum 5.5 in each band)
  • Postgraduate: 6.5 (minimum 5.5 in each band)

For more information on our entry requirements, please visit International Entry Requirements.

72UCAS Points

UCAS 

72 UCAS points

GCE A Level 

72 UCAS points from GCE A Levels, including a D at A Level

Biomedical Science - A Level in a science subject (Biology or Applied Science), or BTEC in Applied Science/ Animal Management

Other vocational qualifications at Level 3 will also be considered, such as NVQs

If you are a mature student (21 or over) and have been out of education for a while or do not have experience or qualifications at Level 3 (equivalent to A Levels), then our Foundation Year courses will help you to develop the skills and knowledge you will need to succeed in your chosen degree. 

BTEC 

BTEC Extended Diploma MMP

BTEC Diploma MM

Irish / Scottish Highers 

Irish Higher - H4, H4, H4, H4

Scottish Highers – CCCC

International Baccalaureate 

24 points

Access requirements 

Access Diploma - Pass overall

T Level

Pass D or E on the Core

Extra Information / General Entry Requirements 

Certain courses may require that you have studied a specific subject at GCE A Level (or acceptable alternatives): 

  • Animal Behaviour - A Level in Biology/Applied Science, or BTEC in Animal Care/Management/Applied Science 
  • Biochemistry - A Level in Chemistry, or BTEC in Applied Science (which must include Chemistry modules) 
  • Biology – A Level in a science subject (Biology or Applied Science), or BTEC in Applied Science/ Animal Management 
  • Biomedical Science - A Level in a science subject (Biology or Applied Science), or BTEC in Applied Science/ Animal Management 
  • Biotechnology - A Level in a science subject (Biology or Applied Science), or BTEC in Applied Science/Animal Management 
  • Bioveterinary Science - A Level in a science subject (Biology or Applied Science), or BTEC in Applied Science/Animal Management 
  • Forensic Biology - A Level in a science subject (Biology or Applied Science), or BTEC in Applied Science/Animal Management (can also consider AQA Level 3 Extended Certificate in Applied Science) 
  • Marine Biology - A Level in a science subject (Biology or Applied Science), or BTEC in Marine Biology/Applied Science/Animal Management  
  • Medical Science - A Level in Biology/ Chemistry/ Science, or BTEC in Applied Science, or WJEC Level 3 Applied Diploma in Medical Science 
  • Medical Science (Shrewsbury) - A Level in Biology/Human Biology/Chemistry/Science, or BTEC in Applied Science 
  • Microbiology - A Level in Biology/Chemistry/Science, or BTEC in Applied Science  
  • Nutrition and Exercise Science - A Level in Biology/Chemistry, or BTEC in Applied Science. We also require GCSEs in English Language and Maths at grade C/4 or above 
  • Pharmacology - A Level in Chemistry/ Applied Science  
  • Physical Education – an A Level in a sport-related subject is required for BTEC and OCR courses. We also require a GCSE in English Language and Maths at grade C/4 or above 
  • Zoology – A Level in a science subject (Biology or Applied Science), or BTEC in Applied Science/Animal Management

Fees and Funding

£9,535per year for a full-time course (2025/26)

Our full-time undergraduate tuition fees for Home students entering University in 2025/26 are £9,535 a year, or £1,590 per 20-credit module for part-time study.

You can find more information about undergraduate fees on our Fees and Finance pages.

Students from the UK, Isle of Man, Guernsey, Jersey and the Republic of Ireland are treated as Home students for tuition fee purposes.

Students from countries in the European Economic Area and the EU will pay International Tuition Fees.

Students who have been granted Settled Status may be eligible for Home Fee Status and if eligible will be able to apply for Tuition Fee Loans and Maintenance Loans.

Students who have been granted Pre-settled Status may be eligible for Home Fee Status and if eligible will be able to apply for Tuition Fee Loans.

£14,450*per year for a full-time course (2025/26)

The tuition fees for international students studying Undergraduate programmes in 2025/26 are £14,450 per year for a full-time course. This fee is set for each year of study.

The University of Chester offers generous international and merit-based scholarships, providing a significant reduction to the published headline tuition fee. You will automatically be considered for these scholarships when your application is reviewed, and any award given will be stated on your offer letter.

For courses with a Foundation Year, the tuition fees for Year 1 are £10,750 and £14,200 for Years 2-4 in 2025/26.

For more information, go to our International Fees, Scholarship and Finance section.

Irish Nationals living in the UK or ROI are treated as Home students for Tuition Fee Purposes. 

Your course will involve additional costs not covered by your tuition fees. This may include books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery and related materials, specialist clothing, travel to placements, optional field trips and software. Compulsory field trips are covered by your tuition fees. 

If you are living away from home during your time at university, you will need to cover costs such as accommodation, food, travel and bills. 

You may choose to purchase professional body accreditations or subscriptions. Such costs are not compulsory. As an example, the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) E-student Membership costs around £12 per year. 

Your Future Career

Job Prospects

Our graduates have been successful in securing a variety of roles within the NHS, including medical laboratory assistants, associate practitioners, and Trainee Biomedical Scientists. Students have also been successful in none NHS roles such as pharmacology and research. 

Progression options

  • Biotechnology MSc 
  • Cardiovascular Disease MSc 
  • Careers and Employability
  • postgraduate study
  • Haematology MSc 
  • Infection and Immunity MSc

Careers service

The University has an award-winning Diabetes MSc  service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.

Careers and Employability aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.

We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability. We provide access to part-time jobs, extra-curricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs and Exercise Medicine MSc, PGDip, PGCert .

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