BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science (with Foundation year)
Course overview
Start date
September 2021
Subject area
Biological and Medical Sciences
Attendance
Full-time, 4 years
Full-time, 5 years
Part-time
Learning
On campus, dual delivery
Course summary
Our foundation year is perfect if you want to study for a degree in biomedical science but you don’t have the standard qualifications, if you’re not sure if this is the right degree for you or you’re coming from an extended break in education.
Our foundation year modules will bring you up to speed with the needed academic skills and give you a firm grounding in the subject. After which you can stay on your chosen BSc or change to one of our other eligible BSc degrees.
Whether it’s investigating a type of cancer or understanding the cause of food poisoning, biomedical scientists play a crucial role in diagnosing disease and evaluating effective treatment.
Doctors make decisions based on the results of tests carried out by biomedical scientists in the pathology laboratory, while patients benefit from their experience and expertise. Without their skills, key hospital departments such as Accident and Emergency couldn’t operate effectively.
Our course offers an in-depth understanding of the causes of disease and the practical ways in which they can be investigated in the laboratory. These are the fundamental areas of knowledge that you’ll need as a biomedical scientist.
Course Leader Dr Claudio Scotti believes the popularity of the course is because it's “broad-based”. It’s ideal for students who want to make a career in bioscience but have not yet decided in exactly what area to specialise.
The course, which offers extensive laboratory training, shares a common first year with other bioscience degrees, so you’ll have the option to switch to a similar degree course at the end of your first year if you wish.
The course is also available with a year-long work placement between years two and three. If you choose this option, you’ll have the chance to spend your third year working in a laboratory, adding valuable practical experience to your growing academic knowledge.
Return to campus: dual delivery
In a Covid-secure environment, enjoy learning on our state-of-the-art campuses and flex between online delivery
Find out morePlacement
Optional placement year available
IBMS Accredited
Our course is extremely popular because it’s fully accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) - the professional body for biomedical scientists in the UK. This recognition is crucial for your future career opportunities.
1st
Top UK modern university for Research quality ( Biological Sciences, CUG, 2018)
88%
Student satisfaction
Biomedical Science has improved almost 30% in our overall satisfaction score in 3 years. We've worked hard and we're ranked highly by our own students, who have given us their seal of approval. (NSS, 2018)
Michael Shaw
Biomedical Science, BSc (Hons)
The lecturers at the School were very tenacious, inspiring me to better myself constantly. I never lacked encouragement. After three tough and testing years, I’m over the moon. I feel like I earned every bit of my first-class honours degree!
Fees and funding
Tuition Fee Loan
You can apply for a loan to cover the cost of your tuition fees, which will be paid directly to UEL. There are no up-front fees required. Repayment only starts after you finish your course and are earning over £25,000. If you haven’t finished repaying your loan after 30 years it will be automatically cancelled.
To apply visit gov.uk/student-finance
Maintenance Loan
You can apply for a loan to help with living costs such as food, travel and accommodation. How much you can borrow depends on where you live and study, and whether you are currently on welfare benefits. The maximum loan you can apply for is £12,382.
To apply visit gov.uk/student-finance
Supplementary Grants
The government also offer the following additional support:
- Parent’s Learning Allowance
- Adult Dependants' Grant
- Childcare Grant
- Disabled Students’ Allowance
For further information visit gov.uk/student-finance
All students will receive:
Bursaries Schemes for which you can apply
- Care Leaver and Foyer Bursary - up to £1,500
- Progression Bursary - up to £2,000
- Engagement Bursary - up to £2,000
- Hardship Bursary - up to £2,000
- Helena Kennedy Foundation - £1,500
- Going Global – awards range from £300 - £700
Scholarships Schemes for which you can apply
- Vice Chancellor Scholarship - up to £27,750 over three years
- Dean Scholarship - up to £13,500 over three years
- Civic Engagement Scholarship - £1,000
- EU Scholarship (EU Only) - £1,000
- ELSEF Scholarship - £1,000
- UTC Scholarship - £1,500
- Sports Scholarships - up to £6,000
There are a number of external organisations that offer financial help to
students. Please see the below list to view additional support options.
Alternatively, you can visit the Scholarship Search website.
Please note that the University of East London is not responsible for
the content of these external sites and is not associated in any way
with the funding schemes and their application processes.
Bank Of England Scholarship Programme
European Funding GuideThe Student Disability Association Fund
Some courses offer the option of a placement year, giving you the chance to gain valuable work experience in a relevant industry between your second and third years. If you are an international student on a Tier 4 visa, you are able to undertake a placement if it is an integral and assessed part of your course.
In 2018/19 placement year tuition fees are set at £1,060.
The Student Money Advice and Rights Team (SMART) are here to help you navigate your finances while you're a student at the University of East London.
We can give you advice, information and guidance on government and university funds so that you receive your full funding entitlement.
Email: study@uel.ac.uk
Phone: 020 8223 4444
Tuition Fee Loan
You can apply for a loan to cover the cost of your tuition fees, which will be paid directly to UEL. There are no up-front fees required. Repayment only starts after you finish your course and are earning over £25,000. If you haven’t finished repaying your loan after 30 years it will automatically be cancelled.
For information visit gov.uk/student-finance
Please note EU students can only apply for their funding using a paper application form.
To download a form visit www.gov.uk/student-finance-forms
All students will receive:
Bursaries Schemes for which you can apply
- Care Leaver and Foyer Bursary - up to £1,500
- Progression Bursary - up to £2,000
- Engagement Bursary - up to £2,000
- Hardship Bursary - up to £2,000
- Helena Kennedy Foundation - £1,500
- Going Global – awards range from £300 - £700
Scholarships Schemes for which you can apply
- Vice Chancellor Scholarship - up to £27,750 over three years
- Dean Scholarship - up to £13,500 over three years
- Civic Engagement Scholarship - £1,000
- EU Scholarship (EU Only) - £1,000
- ELSEF Scholarship - £1,000
- UTC Scholarship - £1,500
- Sports Scholarships - up to £6,000
There are a number of external organisations that offer financial help to
students. Please see the below list to view additional support options.
Alternatively, you can visit the Scholarship Search website.
Please note that the University of East London is not responsible for
the content of these external sites and is not associated in any way
with the funding schemes and their application processes.
Bank Of England Scholarship Programme
European Funding GuideThe Student Disability Association Fund
Some courses offer the option of a placement year, giving you the chance to gain valuable work experience in a relevant industry between your second and third years. If you are an international student on a Tier 4 visa, you are able to undertake a placement if it is an integral and assessed part of your course.
In 2018/19 placement year tuition fees are set at £1,060.
The Student Money Advice and Rights Team (SMART) are here to help you navigate your finances while you're a student at the University of East London.
We can give you advice, information and guidance on government and university funds so that you receive your full funding entitlement.
Email: study@uel.ac.uk
Phone: 020 8223 4444
At UEL, we understand that studying in another country is a big financial commitment. If you apply early for an undergraduate, you may be entitled to a scholarship of up to £3,000.You can find out more about the international scholarships here.
The Student Money Advice and Rights Team (SMART) also run an Emergency International Fund to assist international students in hardship.
You can contact our SMART team on 02082233333 or study@uel.ac.uk
As part of the Tier 4 student visa requirements, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) estimate that you will need £1,265* per month to cover your living costs. It includes expenses for accommodation, food and drink, travel within London, text books, entertainment, clothing, toiletries and laundry. Most Tier 4 students are required to show they have sufficient funds to cover the first nine months of the course before they start- a total of £11,385- in addition to the tuition fees. You can find more information about the specific requirements of the Tier 4 student visa here. The amount that you will spend can vary depending on your lifestyle. The UKCISA International Student Calculator can help you plan and manage your money.
* Please note the Immigration Rules are subject to change and this figure is likely to be increased by UKVI year on year. Please therefore check our ISA pages (www.uel.ac.uk/isa) for more information at the time of preparing your visa application.
Deposits and paying by instalments
International students are required to pay a deposit prior to being issued a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
Your remaining balance will be paid in five monthly instalments over your first term. The first of these instalments must be paid when completing your enrolment on arrival at UEL. Please follow the payment instructions here.
After the required payment has been made, you will be asked to complete the online International Student Reply Form to confirm your acceptance of our offer and of our terms of admittance and fees policy.
Our International team at UEL are available for advice and guidance on studying in London, fees, scholarships and visa requirements.
Email: international@uel.ac.uk
Entry requirements
- September 2021
-
Degree with Foundation Year
64
New UCAS Points
Access to HE Diploma (QAA approved) with 60 credits overall and 45 credits at Level 3
If you do not meet the academic English language requirements for your course, you may be eligible to enrol onto a pre-sessional English programme. The length of the course will depend on your current level of English and the requirements for your degree programme. We offer a 5-week and an 11-week pre-sessional course. Find out more.
Level 2 equivalences such as Level 2 Functional Skills in English / Maths, Level 2 Key Skills in Communication / Application of Number and Level 2 Adult Literacy / Adult Numeracy
Please note that some courses require applicants to meet the entry requirements outlined on the course page. Our pre-entry Information Advice and Guidance Team are able to provide further advice on entry requirements and suitability for study.
What you'll learn
This course is based on the study of the biology of disease. Your first year is common to all bioscience students at UEL and covers four areas: essential chemistry, cell biology, biochemistry and human anatomy and physiology.
In your second year, your five core subjects will be supplemented by optional work placements. You can choose a short placement or a full year away from the University. Taking a longer option will undoubtedly help your career prospects once you graduate.
In your final year, you’ll gain an understanding of what causes disease as well as studying clinical infection and immunity. You’ll do a core module in cellular pathology and blood science that will show you how to identify normal and pathological tissues using a microscope.
You’ll also undertake your own original research project in your final year, for which you’ll be generating and assessing data. You can do this through library work or in a laboratory. The choice is yours.
What you'll study and when
We consistently review our courses to ensure we are up-to-date with industry changes and requirements from our graduates. As a result, our modules are subject to change.
By the end of the degree you’ll gain the same qualification as those obtaining direct entry to the course but you’ll take one year longer to complete your studies.
- Academic & Communication Skills (core)
- Essential Maths & ICT (core)
- Human Biology (core)
- Chemistry of Life (core)
Essential Chemistry
Cell Biology
Introduction to Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Fundamentals in Human Anatomy and Physiology
Fundamentals in Microbiology
Level 4 Short Work Placement
Human Disease and Clinical Practice
Molecular Biology and Genetics
Infection and Immunity
Cellular Biochemistry
Haematology and Transfusion Science
Research and Career Development (Mental Wealth)
Level 5 Short Work Placement
Year Long Placement (Sandwich Year)
The extra placement year means it will take four years to complete your studies, instead of three.
Medical Microbiology
Cellular Pathology
Clinical Immunology
Clinical Genetics
Research Project and Career Enhancement Portfolio (Mental Wealth)
Level 6 Short Work Placement
How you'll be assessed
We’ll assess you with a mixture of coursework and exams. Coursework includes essays, research reports, group and seminar presentations and a final-year project. Most of the assessment in your first year is by coursework and we’ll give you as much feedback as possible.
In your third year, you’ll either take five core modules or undertake a work placement. We’ll assess you accordingly.
Foundation Year – 65% Portfolio/Coursework, 13% Group Project/Presentation, 13% Written Exam/Timed Assessment, 9% Case Study/PBL
Year 1 – 58% Portfolio/Coursework, 42% Laboratory/Practical/ICT
Year 2 – 42% Written Exam/Timed Assessment, 33% Portfolio/Coursework, 25% Laboratory/Practical/ICT
Year 3 – 42% Written Exam/Timed Assessment, 33% Laboratory/Practical/ICT, 17% Portfolio/Coursework, 8% Case Study/PBL
You’ll always receive detailed feedback outlining your strengths and how you can improve. We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 14 working days, although you will receive immediate feedback following many of our face to face assessments.
How you'll learn
We like to keep the learning varied and interactive at the University of East London, so you’ll be encouraged to participate in a wide range of subjects, including lectures, seminars, workshops, laboratory practicals and web-learning.
We’ll strongly encourage you to take the option of a full-year placement outside the University at the end of your second year. These placements represent great opportunities - jobs that can involve anything from sample collection in a laboratory to actually running supervised tests.
Recent history shows that many of these opportunities lead to full-time jobs. It’s a competitive process to land such an opportunity, but well worth it.
As Course Leader Dr Claudio Scotti says: “People are desperate to find work experience because without that, it’s not easy to find a job. If you have a work placement with us, though, you’ll have a head start.”
There are also opportunities to help out on research projects being carried out by our academic team. For example, students of Dr Scotti have aided his research into the health claims made by manufacturers of probiotic foods.
Your own research project could turn you into a prize-winner like one of our students, Dee Davis, who’s been recognised by the Society for General Microbiology for her microbiology and immunology research.
Each year you will spend up to 240 hours of timetabled learning and teaching activities. These may be lectures, workshops, seminars and individual and group tutorials. Contact hours may vary depending on each module.
The approximate percentages for this course are:
Foundation Year: 163 Hours – Taught Sessions, 37 Hours – Practical/IT Workshops, 800 Hours Independent Learning
Year 1: 180 Hours – Taught Sessions, 60 Hours – Practical/IT Workshops, 960 Hours – Independent Learning
Year 2: 175 Hours – Taught Sessions, 65 Hours – Practical/IT Workshops, 960 Hours – Independent Learning
Year 3: 184 Hours – Taught Sessions, 66 Hours – Practical/IT Workshops, 950 Hours – Independent Learning
Who will teach on this course
The teaching team includes qualified academics, practitioners and industry experts as guest speakers. Full details of the academics will be provided in the student handbook and module guides.
Your future career
Biomedical science is a constantly evolving field, and there are plenty of rewarding career opportunities for graduates.
The knowledge you’ll gain through your studies, combined with the practical experience of working in a pathology laboratory, will set you on an exciting path. Once you’ve got your Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) registration, you could find yourself working in the National Health Service, making a crucial contribution to modern healthcare.
Alternatively, you could end up working at the Health Protection Agency, the National Blood Authority or in private, university or forensic laboratories.
You might choose to work in veterinary science, a pharmaceutical company, the Health and Safety Executive or another government department.
Many of our graduates use their degree as a springboard for further study. They go on to complete an MSc or PhD in biomedical science or in a related subject such as physiotherapy, dentistry, medicine or pharmacy.
As this is a broad-based course that gives you an excellent overall knowledge of the subject, you could use it as a foundation to move into teaching.
One of the biggest advantages of studying biomedical science at UEL is the sheer breadth of topics covered, opening doors to a wide range of career options.
Explore the different career options you can pursue with this degree and see the median salaries of the sector on our Career Coach portal
