BSc Biomedical Science

Biomedical science lab

Undergraduate

BSc Biomedical Science

Gain the knowledge and skills to drive innovation that saves lives.

Key information

Study mode

Full-time

Course length

3 years

Typical offer

112 points

A Level grades: BBC

UCAS code

BC99

Choose an option

Start date

Course overview

A Biomedical Science degree from Hull opens doors to a career in laboratory science and beyond.

Biomedical science applies biological principles to medicine. It explores the physiological processes and functions of the human body to appreciate disease processes, diagnosis and treatment.

This is a dynamic topic with continual advancements in health care and science driving innovation and research. Through supported laboratory learning, you'll gain a deep understanding of the human form and function in health and disease.

You'll gather the knowledge and skills for employment in a variety of settings – including potentially life-saving work at the cutting edge of health research.

This course is accredited by The Institute of Biomedical Science - so you can be confident that it's been approved by expert academics and professionals as meeting industry standards.

Learn more about your course in our subject sessions

On-demand session

Biomedical Science

biomedical-science-subject-session
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Six reasons to study Biomedical Science at Hull

  1. Drive innovation that saves lives
  2. 4th in the UK for overall student satisfaction**
  3. Gain a deep understanding of the human form and function
  4. Accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science
  5. 92.9% of students in work or further study 15 months after graduating†
  6. Access to the Medical Research and Teaching Building at Castle Hill hospital
This degree is IBMS-accredited

What you'll study

The course consists of 120 credits per year. Most modules are 20 credits, meaning you’ll study six modules each year. Some longer modules, such as a dissertation, are worth more (e.g. 40 credits). In these cases, you’ll study fewer modules - but the number of credits will always add up to 120.

First year modules

  • Core

    Biochemistry

    How does metabolism work? On this module, we illuminate the biochemical pathways that utilise sugars, proteins and lipids for energy generation by our cells and our bodies.

    Cell Structure and Function

    Gain an understanding of cell organisation. In practical sessions you’ll learn how to use a light microscope, produce clear scientific figures and measure the size and number of cells.

    Principles of Genetics

    Explore core genetic concepts leading to an understanding of how genetics underlies the biological and molecular traits observed in organisms. 

    Microbiology and Immunology

    Examine the wonderful world of microorganisms and the defence against "bad" microbes (pathogens) by the intricate human immune system. 

    Skills for Biomedical and Forensic Scientists

    Discover and master the skills necessary to be a successful scientist. This module introduces you to essay writing and the scholarship skills you’ll use in your career.

    Human Physiology

    Explore topics including the circulatory system, blood and cardiac and skeletal muscles; the nervous system; reproduction; respiration; the gastro-intestinal system; and the endocrine system.

Second year modules

  • Core

    Molecular Genetics and Proteomics

    Gain practical laboratory skills as you develop your understanding of how genetic information encoded by the DNA is regulated in health and disease. 

    Blood Sciences

    ​Blood science is the study of blood as a marker of disease. Through lab sessions and lectures, you'll explore clinical biochemistry, haematology and hospital transfusion practice. 

    Clinical Microbiology and Immunology

    Discover the world of clinically important microorganisms, how they drive disease and treatment options. Explore healthy and discorded human immunobiology, autoimmunity, allergies and transplantation.

    Professional and Research Skills for Biomedical Scientists

    Alongside developing your research skills in biological disciplines, you'll complete assessments such as applying for a job by submitting a CV and cover letter. 

    Biological Basis of Disease

    In this module, you will gain an understanding of the biological, biochemical and genetic basis of several diseases including cancer and cardiovascular diseases.

    Molecular Cell Biology and Histopathology

    ​Discover the important role histopathology plays in the diagnosis of disease, prognosis and treatment. Explore the journey that tissue biopsies take from the patient to the microscope.​

Final year modules

  • Core

    Independent Research Project

    You'll have the opportunity to work on your own lab-based or bioinformatic-based project. For many students, this is the highlight of their degree, as it's a chance to show off their skills in a real-world environment.

  • Optional

    Human Genetics

    Examine human disease and the underlying genetic causes. Learn about cytogenetics and genetic counselling, as well as the inheritance of recessive and dominant diseases.

    Cellular Pathology

    Explore the pathological presentation of several major diseases and their impact on society. Input from NHS clinical staff allows you to explore the benefits of population screening. 

    Clinical Biochemistry

    In this module, you will gain knowledge about theoretical and practical aspects of routine clinical biochemistry analysis, including contact with NHS clinical biochemists.

    Clinical Haematology

    Investigate the mechanisms at the core of human haemostasis, haemotological mailgnancy and life saving transfusion science. This module is extensively taught by specialist practitioners alongside senior colleagues from the NHS and industry. 

    Medical Microbiology

    Explore pathogen-host interactions, the latest research developments and changing treatment options for some of the most important infectious diseases affecting our society.

    Muscle Fitness and Failure

    Discover the cellular and biochemical mechanisms controlling muscle physiology in health and disease. You'll also explore how cardiovascular research informs clinical practice.

    Molecular and Medical Parasitology

    Explore how medically important parasites have a major impact on populations around the globe. You'll also develop practical skills in parasitology.

    Cancer Biology

    Gain an understanding of the key concepts in cancer biology. You'll learn how current research impacts diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients.

All modules are subject to availability and this list may change at any time.

How you'll study

Throughout your degree, you’re expected to study for 1,200 hours per year. That’s based on 200 hours per 20 credit module. And it includes scheduled hours, time spent on placement and practical laboratory sessions. How this time’s divided among each of these varies each year and depends on the course and modules you study.

Overall workload

If you’re enrolled on a full-time programme of study, you’ll be expected to complete about 40 hours of academic work each week.

How you’ll learn

Indicative assessment proportions

60%
40%
  • Examination

    Written assessment typically includes exams and multiple choice tests.

  • Coursework

    Coursework typically includes essays, written assignments, dissertations, research projects or producing a portfolio of your work.

Overall workload

If you’re enrolled on a full-time programme of study, you’ll be expected to complete about 40 hours of academic work each week.

How you’ll learn

Indicative assessment proportions

34%
66%
  • Examination

    Written assessment typically includes exams and multiple choice tests.

  • Coursework

    Coursework typically includes essays, written assignments, dissertations, research projects or producing a portfolio of your work.

Overall workload

If you’re enrolled on a full-time programme of study, you’ll be expected to complete about 40 hours of academic work each week.

How you’ll learn

Indicative assessment proportions

34%
66%
  • Examination

    Written assessment typically includes exams and multiple choice tests.

  • Coursework

    Coursework typically includes essays, written assignments, dissertations, research projects or producing a portfolio of your work.

Anna Reynard Biomedical Scientist at Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

"I would not have been able to get into the career that I love without my degree at Hull."

Biomedical science students in the lab

Foundation year

We offer a foundation year to boost your skills and knowledge if you don't quite meet our academic entry requirements.

Biomedical Science PhD student in the Allam Laboratories

NHS collaboration

Designed with major input from Hull University Teaching Hospitals Trust, you'll have access to facilities like the Medical Research and Teaching Building, based at Castle Hil hospital.

Entry requirements

Typical offer

  • A level grades BBC

  • BTEC grades DMM

  • Points required 112

Work out your estimated points

Don't meet our requirements?

We offer a Foundation Year to boost your skills and knowledge – it’s a great way to make your way into higher education.

Switch to the foundation year

Points can be from any qualification on the UCAS tariff, but must include at least 80 points from

  • A levels
  • BTEC Subsidiary Diploma, Diploma or Extended Diploma
  • OCR Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma, Diploma or Extended Diploma
  • CACHE Diploma or Extended Diploma
  • Irish Leaving Certificate
  • Scottish Highers
  • Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma
  • or a combination of appropriate Level 3 qualifications
  • Applicants should have A level Biology/Applied Science at Grade C or above (or merit from relevant BTEC). Applicants taking the reformed A-level must also Pass the practical element.

Alternative qualifications

  • IB Diploma: 28 points including 5 in HL Biology
  • Pass Access to HE Diploma overall with a minimum of 112 UCAS tariff points including a minimum of 18 credits at Merit in Biology

Worried you don’t quite meet our entry requirements?

We consider experience and qualifications from the UK and worldwide which may not exactly match the combinations above.

But it’s not just about the grades – we’ll look at your whole application. We want to know what makes you tick, and about your previous experience, so make sure that you complete your personal statement.

If you have any questions, our admissions team will be happy to help.

Don't meet our requirements?

We offer a Foundation Year to boost your skills and knowledge – it’s a great way to make your way into higher education.

Switch to the foundation year

If you require a Tier 4 student visa to study or if your first language is not English you will be required to provide acceptable evidence of your English language proficiency level.

This course requires academic IELTS 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in each skill. For Foundation Year, we require IELTS 5.5 overall, with 5.5 in each skill. See other English language proficiency qualifications accepted by this University.

If your English currently does not reach the University's required standard for this programme, you may be interested in one of our English language courses.

Visit your country page to find out more about our entry requirements.

Our lecturers

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Take a tour of the facilities

Take a 360-degree look at one of our laboratories where you'll gain the skills to work at the cutting edge of health research.

Explore the virtual tour

Fees and funding

UK

£9,250 per year*

EU/International

£18,300 per year

International applicants may need to pay a tuition fee deposit before the start of the course. Visit our tuition fee deposit page for more information.

*The amount you pay may increase each year, in line with inflation - but capped to the Retail Price Index (RPI).

UK students can take out a tuition fee loan to cover the cost of their course and a maintenance loan of up to £9,978 to cover living costs.

Substantial discounts are available for International students.  

More information on fees can be found in the Money section of our website.

Your tuition fees will cover most costs associated with your programme (including registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examination).

There are some extra costs that you might have to pay, or choose to pay, depending on your programme of study and the decisions you make. The list below has some examples, and any extra costs will vary.

  • Books (you’ll have access to books from your module reading lists in the library, but you may want to buy your own copies)
  • Optional field trips
  • Study abroad (including travel costs, accommodation, visas, immunisation)
  • Placement costs (including travel costs and accommodation)
  • Student visas (international students)
  • Laptop (you’ll have access to laptops and PC’s on campus, but you may want to buy your own)
  • Printing and photocopying
  • Professional-body membership
  • Graduation (gown hire and photography)

Remember, you’ll still need to take into account your living costs. This could include accommodation, travel and food – to name just a few. 

An affordable city for students

From bills, to meals, to pints – you’ll find that your money goes a lot further in Hull.

Your future prospects

  • Biomedical scientist
  • Forensic scientist
  • Biotechnologist
  • Toxicologist
  • Healthcare scientist
  • Medical research scientist

Some biomedical scientists work in laboratories for the NHS and private sector. Modern laboratories are the hi-tech hubs of hospitals, at the cutting-edge of medical technology.

You will be eligible to work in academic research, the health service, in biomedical scientist roles, in medical institutions and in education.

Our graduates go into a diverse range of other careers with employers such as ConocoPhillips, RB, Smith & Nephew, Covance, independent diagnostic and QC testing laboratories, the Civil Service, pharmacies, various hospitals and the NHS. 

Open Day at University of Hull

Ready to apply?

You can apply for this course through UCAS. As well as providing your academic qualifications, you’ll be able to showcase your skills, qualities and passion for the subject.

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† UK domicile full-time first degree leavers, Graduate Outcomes survey for the academic year 2018/19, published by HESA July 2021.

** The Guardian University Rankings 2023