Biomedical Science BSc (Hons)
Course Overview - Biomedical Science BSc (Hons)
Course information
Our (Hons) BSc Biomedical Science programme is accredited by both the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) and the Royal Society of Biology (RSB), and focuses on current clinical practice. Designed to provide you with the necessary academic requirements to become a registered Biomedical Scientist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) upon graduation, covering a range of disciplines including cellular pathology, haematology, microbiology, and immunology, as well as common aspects of medicine and care, such as blood transfusions....
<strong>Course information</strong><br/>Our (Hons) BSc Biomedical Science programme is accredited by both the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) and the Royal Society of Biology (RSB), and focuses on current clinical practice. Designed to provide you with the necessary academic requirements to become a registered Biomedical Scientist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) upon graduation, covering a range of disciplines including cellular pathology, haematology, microbiology, and immunology, as well as common aspects of medicine and care, such as blood transfusions.<br/><br/>Research-led teaching is utilised to explore the physiology of the human body in health and disease and learn about cutting edge medical research. Students will get to:<br/><br/><br/>• Learn how to set up and read an electrocardiogram (ECG).<br/><br/><br/><br/>• Determine blood groupings and screen patient blood films.<br/><br/><br/><br/>• Practice key techniques used in pathology laboratories like preparing and staining tissue samples, examining serum samples and working with laboratory analysers.<br/><br/><br/><br/>• Undertake an individual research project, working with leading biological scientists.<br/><br/><br/><br/>• All 3rd and 4th year BSc Biomedical Sciences courses are accredited by the IBMS.<br/><br/><br/><br/><strong>Placement year</strong><br/>The best way to prepare you for your future career is to gain experience in the real world of work. Thats why our course offers you the option of an integrated placement year between the second and final years of your degree. BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science students can use their placement year to complete a registration training portfolio within an IBMS-approved pathology laboratory. This allows you to apply for an IBMS Certificate of Competence, and subsequently, register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a Biomedical Scientist upon graduation.<br/><br/>Designed to make you stand out in the graduate crowd, you can also undertake placements in industrial or research laboratories, as well as non-laboratory settings. Our students have completed placements in:<br/><br/><br/>• NHS organisations<br/><br/><br/><br/>• Clinical trial companies<br/><br/><br/><br/>• Research institutes<br/><br/><br/><br/>• Pharmaceutical companies<br/><br/><br/><br/>• Medical sales<br/><br/><br/><br/>• Biotechnology companies<br/><br/><br/><br/><strong>International students and post-study work visa</strong><br/>Students from over 120 countries choose to study with us every year and Aston is not only a great place to study, based in the centre of Birmingham it’s also a great place to live. The new graduate visa enables international students to remain in the UK for two years after completing studies to find work. For International Students intending to do a foundation year, visit ONCAMPUS.<br/><br/><strong>Course outline</strong><br/>Studying Biomedical Science at Aston University gives you the abilities needed to provide healthcare, 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.<br/><br/>Our teaching is research-led; meaning you learn about the research our world-leading academics are doing, particularly in your final year. We also ensure you gain exposure to practicing Biomedical Scientists via guest lectures, so you can hear first-hand what this rewarding role is really like.<br/><br/>From your first year at Aston you’ll learn more about the careers available to graduates with Biomedical Science degrees, as well as spending time reflecting on the skills acquired and needed for your future career.<br/><br/><strong>Key course benefits:</strong><br/>• Dual accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) and the Royal Society of Biology (RSB).<br/><br/><br/><br/>• The chance to apply for HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council) registration after graduation.<br/><br/><br/><br/>• Boost your employability with an optional placement year designed to set your studies in a real-world context.<br/><br/><br/><br/>• Ranked top 15 in the UK for Biomedical Science, and ranked 1st in the UK for student to staff ratio (Biomedical Science, Guardian University Guide 2025).<br/><br/>
Course Information
2 options available
Some courses vary and have tailored teaching options, select a course option below.
Course Details
Information
Study Mode
Sandwich
Duration
4 Years
Start Date
14/09/2026
Campus
Main Site
Application Details
14 January
Application deadline
Provider Details
Codes/info
Course Code
C900
Institution Code
A80
Points of Entry
Year 1
Entry Requirements
UCAS Tariff
Not Accepted
Scottish Higher
B,B,B,C,C
which must include Biology.
Access to HE Diploma
D:15,M:30,P:0
Successful completion of the QAA-recognised Access Diploma with 45 credits at Level 3. You must obtain a minimum of 15 Distinctions and 30 Merits. Please note that we do not accept the English and Maths components within the Access qualification so you must meet the GCSE entry requirement. Subjects accepted: Applied Science, Biology combined with Chemistry, Biomedical Science, Biosciences, Combined Sciences, Health Sciences, Health Sciences Professions, Life Sciences and Sciences. Please note that we do not accept Health and Social Care as it does not contain the amount of core science material required for subsequent undergraduate studies on this degree.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
31
STANDARD: 31 points overall and grades 5, 5, 5 in Higher Level subjects which must include Biology. You must also have Standard Level grade 5 in both Mathematics and English Language. OR CONTEXTUAL: 28 points overall and grades 5, 4, 4 in Higher Level subjects which must include Biology. You must also have Standard Level grade 5 in both Mathematics and English Language for contextual offer students (more details https://www.aston.ac.uk/undergraduate/contextual-offer-aston-ready).
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DDD
DDM
National Extended Diploma (RQF/AAQ) in Applied Science: DDD - Standard Offer DDM - Contextual Offer National Extended Diploma (RQF/AAQ) in any subject: Standard - DDD + one A-Level at grade B in Biology Contextual - DDM + one A-Level at grade B in Biology
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
H3,H3,H3,H3,H4
Pass the Irish Leaving Certificate with 5 subjects at Higher Level. Must achieve H3, H3, H3, H3, H4 and includes Biology at grade H3 or above.
GCSE/National 4/National 5
Five GCSEs at grade C/4 or above, which must include Mathematics and English Language/Literature. Please note that we do not accept Key Skills or Functional Skills in place of these.
Pearson BTEC Diploma (QCF)
DD
Diploma (QCF) in any subject: Standard - DD + one A-Level at grade B in Biology Contextual - DD + one A-Level at grade C in Biology
Pearson BTEC Extended Diploma (QCF)
DDD
DDM
Extended Diploma (QCF) in Any Subject: Standard - DDD + one A-Level at grade B in Biology Contextual - DDD + one A-Level at grade C in Biology
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DD
National Diploma (RQF/AAQ) in any subject: Standard - DD + one A-Level at grade B in Biology Contextual - DD + one A-Level at grade C in Biology
Scottish Advanced Higher
C,C,C
which must include Biology.
Pearson BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (QCF)
D
Subsidiary Diploma (QCF) in any subject: Standard - D + two A-Levels at grades BB of which one must be Biology. Contextual - D + two A-Levels at grades BC of which one must be Biology.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
D
National Extended Certificate (RQF/AAQ) in any subject: Standard - D + two A-Levels at grades BB which must include Biology Contextual - D + two A-Levels at grades BC which must include Biology
Pearson BTEC Certificate (QCF)
Not Accepted
Pearson BTEC 90-Credit Diploma (QCF)
DD
90 Credit Diploma (QCF) in any subject: Standard - DD + two A-Levels at grades BB of which one must be Biology. Contextual - DD + two A-Levels at grades BC of which one must be Biology.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
Not Accepted
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
D
National Foundation Diploma (RQF/AAQ) in any subject: Standard - D + two A-Levels at grades BB which must include Biology Contextual - D + two A-Levels at grades BC which must include Biology
A level
B,B,B
B,C,C
BBB in three A Level subjects including Biology. BBC in three A Level subjects including Biology and B in either Core Maths or Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). BCC in three A Level subjects including Biology for our contextual offer scheme.* Contextual offers are made as part of Aston University's Aston Ready Scheme. Please see the criteria and further details at https://www.aston.ac.uk/undergraduate/contextual-offer-aston-ready. RESIT APPLICANTS: We welcome applications from students who are resitting to improve their grades. Only the highest grades achieved will be considered, and resit applications are treated the same as all others. PREDICTIONS AND ACHIEVED GRADES: At Aston University, we are committed to an inclusive admissions process, ensuring every applicant has the best possible opportunity. While our listed grades are the official entry requirements, we understand that predicted grades are only estimates. We may consider applicants predicted to achieve CCC or higher, provided they meet the subject-specific requirements. This allows applicants the opportunity to improve on their predicted grades. However, any offer made will contain the listed grade requirements. If you are applying as a private resit candidate, we s
T Level
Not Accepted
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024)
This will be accepted in place of one A Level, but not in place of the subject specifics stated.
WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
This will be accepted in place of one A Level, but not in place of the subject specifics stated.
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Fees and funding
| Region | Costs | Academic Year | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales | £9,535 | 2025/26 | Year 1 |
| EU, International | £22,575 | 2025/26 | Year 1 |
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