Biomedical Science BSc (Hons)
Course Overview - Biomedical Science BSc (Hons)
The Aston BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science programme is designed to equip you with a comprehensive understanding of biomedical science and the practical skills necessary to excel professionally. We provide you with the skills required to work in an NHS pathology laboratory, 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. You will develop the skills, insights, and confidence required...
The Aston BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science programme is designed to equip you with a comprehensive understanding of biomedical science and the practical skills necessary to excel professionally. We provide you with the skills required to work in an NHS pathology laboratory, 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. You will develop the skills, insights, and confidence required to become an outstanding biomedical scientist, well-equipped to excel in a variety of healthcare settings.<br/><br/>Our teaching at Aston School of Biosciences is research-led, meaning that you will learn about the research our world-leading academics are undertaking, particularly in your final year. We also make sure you gain exposure to experienced biomedical scientists via guest lectures, so you can hear first-hand what this rewarding role is really like.<br/><br/><strong>Key course benefits:</strong><br/>• Dual Accreditation: The degree is recognised by both the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) and the Royal Society of Biology (RSB), which adds value to your qualification.<br/>• HCPC Registration: There is an opportunity to complete an Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) registration portfolio during the placement year, which allows you to register as a biomedical scientist with the HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council) on graduation, opening doors to a wider range of career opportunities.<br/>• Top Ranked Programme: Astons Biomedical Science programme is ranked in the UK’s Top 15 (Guardian, 2024), so youre studying in a highly respected course.<br/>• Great Student Experience: 90.7% of students agree that their teachers explain the course material well (NSS, 2024), so you’ll have a solid support system throughout your studies.<br/><br/><strong>Placement year</strong><br/>This is a 3 or 4 year programme with optional placement year. You’ll have the opportunity to use your placement year to complete a training portfolio within an IBMS-approved pathology laboratory, which means you can apply for the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) Certificate of Competence. After you graduate, youll be able to register as a biomedical scientist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).<br/><br/><strong>Facilities</strong><br/>Extensive and well-equipped laboratories with a variety of equipment designed to support your learning in an industry-relevant environment .<br/>Cutting edge laboratory equipment, such as: Various types of microscopes, including light microscopes, and fluorescence microscopes, spectrophotometers which are used to measure the absorption or emission of light by chemical substances, cell culture facility, flow cytometer, and bioanalyser, similar to what would be used in an NHS laboratory, polymerase chain reaction machines for DNA amplification, and electrophoresis tanks and gel documentation systems for separating and analysing DNA, RNA, and proteins.<br/><br/><strong>Career prospects</strong><br/>Our Biomedical Science BSc (Hons) degree equips students with a strong foundation in human biology, laboratory skills, and clinical knowledge. Many graduates go on to become HCPC-registered Biomedical Scientists in NHS laboratories, while others pursue healthcare roles such as Physician Associate training or postgraduate medicine. Graduates also enter the pharmaceutical industry, pursue scientific writing careers, scientific research, or continue their studies through teaching certifications, an MSc masters study level, or a PhD.<br/><br/><strong>No Foundation Programme available</strong> <strong>Your UCAS Application:</strong> Explain any gaps in your education, list full qualification names, provide an academic reference, and include predicted grades (even if sitting privately). More tips: https://shorturl.at/cNR2e
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.
Search Undergraduate Courses at Aston University
Find more courses from Aston University with our undergraduate course search.
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 |
undergraduate Universities
undergraduate Uni's
.jpg)
,-Bristol.jpg)
