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What makes Biomedical Science at Worcester special?

Our Biomedical Science degree is at the forefront of understanding, diagnosing and treating human disease through laboratory and scientific investigations. Qualified biomedical scientists are highly sought after in pathology centres, forensic science laboratories, research institutions and in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries.

You'll gain the scientific and practical knowledge and skills to diagnose disease, evaluate disease progression and the effectiveness of medical interventions. Investigating potential treatments, researching drug and equipment development, testing emergency blood transfusions and screening for diseases are just a few examples.

Our teaching staff have an excellent research portfolio, which includes working in NHS diagnostic pathology laboratories. The team place a strong emphasis on biomedical diagnostics, so research opportunities will be available throughout the course.

Overview

Overview

Key features

  • Accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS)
  • Professional links give you the chance to put theory into practice through projects linked to the NHS and the wider industry of biomedical science
  • Brand new laboratories and specialist equipment – an inspiring environment for you to gain practical skills and to develop your research ideas
  • Taught by internationally recognised scientists
  • Strong emphasis on practical and laboratory work
ibms

IBMS Accreditation

This course is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS). We also offer IBMS-accredited top-up modules; please go to the ‘How much will it cost?’ section below for further information.

A student is using a pipette

12th in the UK for Graduate Prospects

Our Biomedical Science course is 12th in the UK for Graduate Prospects in the Complete University Guide 2024.

Three Counties Medical School

The Three Counties Medical School opened in September 2023 and is now seeking applications from both UK and International graduates.

At Worcester we have an excellent reputation for educating nurses, midwives, physician associates, paramedics, and other healthcare professionals with an interdisciplinary and inter professional approach. This has been achieved by close collaboration with the NHS and our graduates in these disciplines are highly regarded within the local healthcare community.

We are building on our existing strengths in healthcare education, and our strong links with the NHS, to establish the Three Counties Medical School.

Find out more about the Three Counties Medical School

Register your interest

Enter your details below and we will keep you up to date with useful information about studying at the University of Worcester.


Lecturer's view

Student view

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

  • 96 UCAS Tariff points MUST include A Level Biology, Human Biology or Chemistry and A Level in another science, Maths or Statistics
  • 104 UCAS Tariff points MUST include A Level Biology, Human Biology or Chemistry

Other qualifications, such as BTEC in Applied Science or equivalent, and Access to Higher Education (with at least 15 credits of Biological Sciences gained), will also be considered.

T Levels may be used to meet the entry tariff requirements for this course. Find out more about T levels as UCAS tariff points here.

English Language Requirements

Applicants for this course must also have a good command of reading, writing and spoken English and will need to meet the HCPC’s English language requirements for regulation as a Biomedical Scientist at the point of graduation (see below).

To apply for this course, applicants whose first language is not English are required to provide a language test certificate as evidence of their proficiency and must ensure that it is, or is comparable to, IELTS level 6.0 with a score of at least 5.5 in each component. At the point of graduation, applicants whose first language is not English are required to provide a language test certificate as evidence of their proficiency and must ensure that it is, or is comparable to, IELTS level 7.0 with no element below 6.5 (HCPC, 2017).

Don't quite meet the entry requirements or returning to education? Consider studying a Biological Science with Foundation Year.

Other information

International Students – Making an Application

If you are applying as an EU or Non-EU student you are strongly advised to apply online through the Universities & Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).

If you are using The Common Application, you can add the University of Worcester to your list of colleges via this link and complete the application there. Further information can be found here “Making an International Application”.

Mature Students

We welcome applicants who hold alternative qualifications/experience and mature students who can demonstrate the ability to benefit from the course and show their potential to complete the course successfully. Although recent preparatory study at an appropriate level (e.g. an Access to Higher Education Diploma) is recommended, students may be considered on the basis of prior evidenced professional/work experience and/or other assessment procedures, and the assessment of personal suitability. University Admissions Office staff can offer information, advice and guidance on this process. The university website also provides information about studying as a mature student.

Two students looking into their microscopes whilst the lecturer leans over the lab counter to talk to them.

Biological sciences foundation year

If you don't quite meet the entry requirements or you're returning to education then you might consider studying this degree with a foundation year.

Find out more about courses with a foundation year
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Our Open Days are the perfect way to find out.

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Course content

Course content

Year 1

Mandatory

 

  • Cell Biology
  • Chemistry for the Life Sciences
  • Health and Disease
  • Introduction to Evolution and Genetics
  • Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology
  • Professional Development in Biomedical Science

 

Year 2

Mandatory

 

  • Clinical Immunology
  • Microbiology
  • Molecular and Cellular Biology
  • Professional Aspects of Biomedical Science
  • Project Development
  • Systems Physiology 1

 

Year 3

Mandatory

 

  • Research Project
  • Cell Pathology
  • Clinical Biochemistry for Biomedical Science
  • Haematology and Transfusion Science
  • Infection Science and Antimicrobial Resistance
  • Neuroendocrinology

 

Optional

 

  • Pharmacology
  • The Biochemistry of Cancer

 

First Year Module in Focus: Health and Disease

This module will survey the epidemiology of the most common human diseases contracted in developed nations, give insight into the pathophysiology of these conditions and an overview of modern treatments. Finally, given estimates of the general effect of genetics versus environment on our health, we cover life-style strategies to minimise, delay and perhaps avoid the contraction of these diseases. The module also focuses on the development of skills essential for working in a multidisciplinary team in the medical or biosciences whatever your vocation.

Second Year Module in Focus: Systems Physiology I

The first semester of this module is devoted to the physiology of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Over 12 weeks, both of these systems will be thoroughly described, including examples of pathologies encountered in clinics or GP surgeries. Dissections and the heart and lungs will be performed to highlight how anatomical structures support physiological functions, in both organs. A practical session will also be devoted to studying how hydration affects the cardiovascular system, with students as participants.

The second semester will focus on sensory physiology (the different senses to detect light, sound, touch, taste and smell), gastrointestinal and renal physiology. Again, dissections of several organs will also be performed in these 12 weeks. Students will also measure their own creatinine levels. The module concludes with how the renal and cardiovascular systems are intertwined. Understanding how the human body works is at the centre of this module. Skills acquired herein will include statistical analyses, report writing, critical analysis of experiments and their interpretations, as well as analysing how pathologies can be explained by organ dysfunction.

Third Year Module in Focus: Clinical Biochemistry

The module concentrates on clinical utility and understanding how biochemical investigations are used in clinical medicine for disease diagnosis. Disease diagnosis is a complex process, which involves an account of patient history plus signs and symptoms in conjunction with various biochemical, biological and histological clinical tests.

Throughout this module you will consider the biochemical and metabolic changes that occur during human disease states, gaining knowledge on how blood electrolyte and pH homeostatic changes can be used to diagnose certain conditions. You will also develop and understanding of how biochemical markers can be used to determine organ and endocrine gland involvement and appreciate the biochemical alterations that occur in chronic illness such as, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer. Specific case histories will be used to interpret real clinical data with respect to disease diagnoses with you becoming diagnosticians.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching and assessment

We enable you to develop the independent learning capabilities that will equip you for lifelong learning and future employment, as well as academic achievement.

A mixture of independent study, teaching and academic support through the personal academic tutoring system enables you to reflect on progress and build up a profile of skills, achievements and experiences that will enable you to flourish and be successful.

Teaching

You are taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, group work, interactive workshops and laboratory practicals. Interactive workshops take a variety of formats and are intended to enable the application of learning through discussion and small group activities. Seminars enable the discussion and development of understanding of topics covered in lectures, and laboratory practicals are focused on developing subject specific skills and applied individual and group project work.

In addition, meetings with personal academic tutors are scheduled on at least 4 occasions in the first year and three occasions in each of the other years of a course.

You have the opportunity to engage with professional Biomedical Science practitioners and visit relevant potential employers in a range of different modules in each year.

You will use a range of excellent laboratory facilities, computing suites and software relevant to Biomedical Science throughout the course.

Contact time

In a typical week you will have around 16 contact hours of teaching and in the final year you will have slightly less contact time in order to do more independent study.

The nature of your contact time will vary from module to module but for a 15-credit module it will typically be structured around:

  • 4–8 hours of interactive workshops
  • 4–7 hours of supervised laboratory practicals
  • 1 hour of group workshops
  • 1 hour of Study Skills (first year only)

Independent self-study

In addition to the contact time, students are expected to undertake around 24 hours of personal self-study per week. Typically, this will involve:

  • Reviewing lecture notes and reading around topics to reinforce and expand on content
  • Directed and self-directed reading and watching of video content
  • Working through problems in appropriate texts and online
  • Preparation of coursework assignments and revising for exams
  • Working with colleagues on team tasks and projects

Independent learning is supported by a range of excellent learning facilities, including the Hive and library resources, the virtual learning environment, and extensive electronic learning resources.

Teaching staff

You will be taught by a teaching team whose expertise and knowledge are closely matched to the content of the modules on the course. Our biomedical team is made up of senior academics, professional practitioners with clinical experience, demonstrators and technical laboratory officers. The team includes internationally-recognised scientists whose specialist areas include: cardiovascular disease, wound healing, cancers, diabetes and dementia-related disorders.

Postgraduate research students who have undertaken teacher training may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader. Teaching is informed by research and consultancy, and 56 per cent of University lecturers have a higher education teaching qualification or are Fellows of the Higher Education Academy. You can learn more about the staff by visiting our staff profiles.

Assessment

The course provides opportunities to test understanding and learning informally through the completion of practice or ‘formative’ assignments. Each module has one or more formal or ‘summative’ assessment, which is graded and counts towards the overall module grade.

The precise assessment requirements for an individual student in an academic year will vary according to the mandatory and optional modules taken, but a typical formal summative assessment pattern for each year of the course is: 

Year 1
  • 4 x practical reports/files
  • 3 x exams
  • 2 x short in-class test assessments
  • 2 x group-based oral presentations
  • 2 x essays
  • 1 x practical test
Year 2
  • 6 x exams
  • 3 x practical reports/handbooks
  • 1 x research proposal
  • 1 x group report
  • 1 x reflective report
  • 1 x practical test
Year 3
  • 6 x exams
  • 2 x essays
  • 1 x research project dissertation
  • 1 x poster presentation
  • 1 x interim review
  • 1 x practical test
  • 1 x group report
  • 1 x individual presentation
  • 1 x practical report / 1 x group poster

Feedback

You will receive feedback on practice assessments and on formal assessments undertaken by coursework. Feedback on examination performance is available upon request from the module leader. Feedback is intended to support learning and you are encouraged to discuss it with personal academic tutors and module tutors as appropriate.

We aim to provide you with feedback on formal course work assessments within 20 working days of hand-in.

Programme specification

For comprehensive details on the aims and intended learning outcomes of the course, and the means by which these are achieved through learning, teaching and assessment, please download the latest programme specification document.

Meet the team

You will be taught by a teaching team whose expertise and knowledge are closely matched to the content of the modules on the course.

Here are a few members of the department who currently teach on this course:

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Dr Steven J Coles

Steve joined the University of Worcester in 2013, following 5 years post-doctoral experience at Cardiff University, School of Medicine (Section of Haematology), working with Professors Tonks and Darley. During his time at Cardiff, Steve investigated the role of the immune checkpoint molecule, CD200, in a type of blood cancer known as acute myeloid leukaemia (AML).

Since joining us, Steve has introduced several new modules to the Biological and Biomedical Sciences curriculum that align with his expertise, including: Immunology and  Biochemistry of Cancer.

Steve has also helped to establish and lead the Worcester Biomedical Research Group, where the research focuses on Cancer, Neurodegeneration and Cardiovascular Disease.

Dr Allain Bueno

Dr Allain Bueno

Dr Bueno joined the University of Worcester in January 2012, after 4 years of Post-doctoral experience at the Institute of Brain Chemistry and Human Nutrition in London, working with Prof Michael Angus Crawford, one of the pioneers in fatty acid metabolism and brain composition.

Dr Bueno investigated in his PhD the effects of dietary fats on adipose tissue metabolism, and how different types of fat can influence disorders such as inflammation and diabetes. In his MPhil Dr Bueno investigated the impact of surgical removal of fat pads on metabolic adaptations in obesity induced by diet and by neurochemical malfunctioning.

Dr Bueno graduated as a Biomedical Scientist – Medical Modality – from Paulista School of Medicine, Sao Paulo Federal University in Brazil. He has extensive experience in clinical sciences, having worked and taught in a leading Tertiary Referral Hospital. His current area of research includes the biochemistry of dietary fats and their role in oxidative stress, brain metabolism and function.

Dr Amy Cherry

Dr Amy Cherry

Amy is the Course Leader for our BSc Biomedical Science course.

Amy’s research focuses on understanding how proteins work at the molecular level and on how one can use knowledge of protein structure to tackle disease. Her PhD was sponsored by GlaxoSmithKline and investigated the molecular mechanism of Hepatitis C virus replication and possible inhibition strategies which can be used in drug development. Following this, she was awarded a Career Development Fellowship from the Medical Research Council to study proteins involved in DNA repair. She then moved to the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm where she studied molecular details of the Hedgehog signalling pathway.

Since joining us, Amy has continued her research as part of the Worcester Biomedical Research Group, studying proteins involved in leukaemia and neurophysiology.

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Dr Emma Edwards

Dr Emma Edwards is a lecturer and admissions tutor for Biomedical Science.  She has an interest in virology and immunology, but also teaches extensively on the foundation year for biological science.  She has significant experience in community engagement, she has spoken at many public events about viruses and their impact and co-authored a book about the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic.

Mathieu photo

Dr. Mathieu Di Miceli

Dr Mathieu Di Miceli is a lecturer within the School of Science and the Environment. Mathieu joined the University in 2021 after his long background in neuroscience. Mathieu has developed his skills in electrophysiology in Dr Gronier’s (De Montfort University) and Dr Layé’s (Université de Bordeaux) laboratories, studying the neurophysiological mechanisms following psychostimulant exposure, as well as the link between dietary lipid intake and synaptic plasticity. As a member of the Worcester Biomedical Research Group, he is currently investigating the pathological alterations that can lead to neurophysiological dysfunctions in the brain, using in silico modelling of neural circuits. Mathieu is an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and his teaching is focused on anatomy, physiology, neuroscience, pharmacology, epidemiology, genomics and bioinformatics.

Photo JW

Dr Joanne Whittaker (nee Croudace)

Dr Joanne Whittaker is an Immunologist. Her PhD was undertaken at the University of Birmingham and focussed on Dendritic cell immunotherapy.  Following awarding of her PhD she worked in the field of stem cell transplantation, with a particular focus on the early reconstitution of the immune system and the role of T cells in the development of graft vs host disease.  As well as having a passion for immunology, Joanne is keen to inspire others through teaching and research supervision.

Qualifications

PhD – Dendritic cell Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham (2009)

MRes – Molecular and cellular immunology and oncology, University of Birmingham (2006)

BSc – Biochemistry and Neuroscience, Keele University (2004)

dr-kate-ashbrook

Dr Kate Ashbrook

Kate's background includes four years of post-doctoral studies at the University of Bath and a period as a field researcher for the Canadian Wildlife Service where she contributed to long-term monitoring of a seabird colony in Nunavut, Canada.

Her research interests focus on using modelling to understand the dynamics of ecological systems and inform conservation management.

mike wheeler

Dr Mike Wheeler

Dr Mike Wheeler is Course Leader for Medical Sciences and joined the University of Worcester in 2010 after researching in the area of plant molecular genetics. Mike developed a strong background in the biology of cell signalling in plants, with specific research into the mechanisms of self-incompatibility in poppy and the control of polarity in pollen tubes of tobacco.

In addition to his research into plant molecular genetics Mike is also developing means of using molecular biology to solve problems in conservation biology which is a longstanding passion of his. In this area Mike is currently developing eDNA (environmental DNA) techniques to assess the effect of invasive and non-native species on species of conservation concern. Mike is also concerned with projects to help people engage with nature as a means to combatting poor mental health. He leads bird walks around the campus and is involved with projects aimed at increasing birdlife around campus to enrich the environment. He is currently involved in a scheme to improve winter feeding for farmland birds at Lakeside campus in partnership with the local RSPB group. He is a member of the Sustainable Environments Research Group.

Careers

Careers

Employability

A Biomedical Science degree from the University of Worcester will prepare you for work in diagnostic pathology laboratories in the NHS and in the private sector. You will also gain the skills necessary to work in other laboratory settings such as research institutes, government laboratories and the pharmaceutical industry.

Alternatively, you may wish to branch out into other related areas such as patent law, medical sales, teaching or other healthcare professional careers such as medicine, dentistry or physician associate. The Biomedical Science degree is also an ideal platform to progress to other postgraduate qualifications in order to launch a research career.

Graduates of our Biomedical Science BSc have gone on to work in the following areas:

  • as HCPC-registered Biomedical Scientists in the NHS
  • in cellular pathology, medical microbiology, and clinical immunology diagnostic laboratories in the NHS
  • as Laboratory Technicians / Scientists at different Contract Research Organisations
  • as a Digital Forensic Technician
  • as Physician Associates, having completed an appropriate MSc
  • as Secondary School Science Teachers, having completed an appropriate PGCE
  • have secured PhD positions at several HE institutions
  • have secured a place on a graduate-entry Medicine degree
  • have undertaken Masters degrees (MRes/MSc) in various disciplines (e.g., Cancer and Genomics, Cardiovascular Science, Haematology, Immunology, Physiotherapy, Psychology, Science Communication, Scientific Research and Communication) and PGCEs at several HE institutions, including Worcester
  • as a Finance Graduate at a Banking Group
Cody Barry

Cody Barry

Third year Biomedical Science student Cody is undertaking her research project, drawing on the skills and interests she has gained throughout the degree. Her project is focusing on the interactions of Hedgehog signalling proteins, more specifically, determining if the gene expression of GLI1 is affected by RNF5 knockdown in an acute myeloid leukaemia cell line.

After studying the Molecular and Cellular Biology module on the course, Cody was inspired to choose this area of research as her focus for the project. Cody gained an understanding in molecular genetics, cell signalling and the techniques used to analyze gene expression.

Cody has received a tremendous amount of support from her tutors; her research supervisor Dr Amy Cherry has been extremely helpful in guiding Cody through her research proposal and project.

Cody believes the knowledge and skills she has gained so far will help her greatly with further postgraduate studies, especially one in research.

Charley Todd

Charley Todd

After teaching herself A-level Biology and Chemistry to earn a place on Worcester’s Biomedical Science course, mother-of-three Charley Todd has now been inspired to take her studies further.

Charley, who returned to education from a career in project management, achieved First Class Honours in her degree. She is now doing a Bioscience PhD and is pleased to be celebrating her success. “It’s a relief to have graduated! It has been a difficult four years due to external factors such as Covid-19.”

“The Biology department at the University of Worcester does a fantastic job of supporting students with a range of abilities and post-graduate aspirations. My personal academic tutor was fantastic throughout, but particularly helpful in discussing my options during the lockdown periods when I had to decide how best to balance my degree with homeschooling two children. I was also really lucky to have the opportunity to participate in a molecular biology summer project, which improved my lab skills and gave me the confidence to apply for a PhD.”

Two students are walking next to each other and smiling

Careers and Employability

Our Graduates pursue exciting and diverse careers in a wide variety of employment sectors.

Find out how we can support you to achieve your potential
Costs

Fees and funding

Full-time tuition fees

UK and EU students

The standard fee for full-time home and EU undergraduate students enrolling on BA/BSc/LLB degrees and FdA/FdSc degrees in the 2024/25 academic year is £9,250 per year.

For more details, please visit our course fees page.

International students

The standard tuition fee for full-time international students enrolling on BA/BSc/LLB degrees and FdA/FdSc degrees in the 2024/25 academic year is £16,200 per year.

For more details, please visit our course fees page.

Part-time tuition fees

UK and EU students

The standard tuition fees for part-time UK and EU students enrolling on BA/BSc/LLB degrees and FdA/FdSc degrees in the academic year 2024/25 are £1,156 per 15-credit module, £1,542 per 20-credit module, £2,312 per 30-credit module, £3,083 per 40-credit module, £3,469 per 45-credit module and £4,625 per 60 credit module.

For more details, please visit our course fees page.

Top up Modules

We also offer ‘top-up modules’ to individuals who have asked the IBMS to evaluate their non-IBMS-accredited degree and have then been told they require further supplementary education to meet the benchmark academic requirements for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a Biomedical Scientist. For further information on these ‘top-up modules’, please contact the Course Leader, Dr Raymond Camilleri at r.camilleri@worc.ac.uk.

Additional costs

Every course has day-to-day costs for basic books, stationery, printing and photocopying. The amounts vary between courses.

If your course offers a placement opportunity, you may need to pay for an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check.

Accommodation

Finding the right accommodation is paramount to your university experience. Our halls of residence are home to friendly student communities, making them great places to live and study.

We have over 1,000 rooms across our range of student halls. With rooms to suit every budget and need, from our 'Traditional Hall' at £131 per week to 'En-suite Premium' at £221 per week (2024/25 prices).

For full details visit our accommodation page.

How to apply

How to apply

Applying through UCAS

Biomedical Science BSc (Hons) – B900

UCAS is the central organisation through which applications are processed for entry onto full-time undergraduate courses in Higher Education in the UK.

Read our How to apply pages for more information on applying and to find out what happens to your application.

Get in touch

If you have any questions, please get in touch. We're here to help you every step of the way.   

Dr Amy Cherry

Course Leader

Dr Emma Edwards

Admissions Tutor