Why study biomedical science? Careers, salary and next steps

From blood tests and biopsies to infection screening and disease monitoring, biomedical science plays a central role in modern healthcare. Behind many clinical decisions is laboratory analysis carried out by highly trained professionals who generate accurate results clinicians can rely on.

For students interested in biology, chemistry and medicine, biomedical science offers a career that is intellectually demanding and socially valuable. It's a field that combines scientific knowledge with practical problem-solving and has applications across healthcare, research and industry.

What is biomedical science?

Biomedical science focuses on the study of the human body, disease processes and the laboratory techniques used to investigate them. Biomedical scientists analyse blood, tissues and other samples to help detect illness, monitor treatment and support diagnosis.

Their work underpins a wide range of services, including haematology, microbiology, clinical biochemistry, immunology and histopathology. In practice, that means contributing to everything from identifying infections to supporting cancer diagnosis and long-term condition management.

What can you do with a biomedical science degree?

A biomedical science degree can lead to a range of career paths, depending on your interests and further training.

• Hospital and clinical laboratories

Many graduates aim to work in NHS or private diagnostic laboratories, where they help process and interpret samples that inform patient care.

• Research

Biomedical science also opens doors to research roles in universities, charities, pharmaceutical companies and specialist institutes. These roles focus on understanding disease, improving diagnostics and developing new treatments.

• Pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries

Graduates may move into drug development, quality assurance, regulatory affairs or laboratory-based product testing in the life sciences sector.

• Public health and specialist services

Some graduates build careers in infection control, screening services, epidemiology or related areas where laboratory science supports population health.

• Science communication, policy and managemen

A strong scientific background can also be valuable in roles that involve translating complex information for wider audiences or helping shape healthcare services and strategy.

What kind of salary could I make?

Salary will vary by sector, experience and location. In the NHS, biomedical scientist roles commonly begin on Agenda for Change Band 5, which for 2026/27 runs from £32,073 to £39,043. More senior roles at Band 6 range from £39,959 to £48,117, while Band 7 roles range from £49,387 to £56,515 (NHS).

Opportunities also exist beyond the NHS in pharmaceutical, biotechnology and research settings, where pay structures differ. What makes the sector attractive to many students is not only earning potential, but also the breadth of career options and the continued need for scientific expertise across healthcare and industry.

Why does accreditation matter?

Students who want to become HCPC-registered biomedical scientists should pay close attention to course accreditation and training routes.

The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) protects the title “biomedical scientist”, and registration requires an approved route. This normally means completing a degree accredited by The Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) and the IBMS Registration Training Portfolio in an approved laboratory (IBMS).

That means prospective students should look carefully at how a course supports professional registration, placements and employability.

Do I need a postgraduate degree?

Not always. Many graduates begin their careers immediately after their undergraduate degree and develop through workplace training.

However, postgraduate study can be useful for students who want to specialise, move into research, or progress into advanced and leadership roles. Areas such as cancer biology, clinical biochemistry, genetics and immunology may all be explored further at master’s or doctoral level.

Study biomedical science at UEL

Our BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science is IBMS accredited, with a focus on hands-on learning and placement opportunities designed to support your career development.

Looking for a degree that connects laboratory science with real-world healthcare impact? Biomedical science offers a strong foundation for a wide range of careers.