BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences · BCUBachelor's degree · 3 years
Request information University profile
Birmingham City University · Undergraduate

BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences Bachelor's degree at Birmingham City University

BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences at BCU. You study core theory alongside research methods and applied practice, with options to develop specialist knowledge and undertake an independent project.

BSc (Hons)
Award
3
Years
Full-time
Study mode
77%
in work/study (15m)

About this course

Do you want a career in biomedical sciences? Our practice-led degree offers a unique insight into human life processes, as well as disease and health within the population. You also have the option to complete a sandwich year work placement. From the provider’s course page.

BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at BCU, based in City South Campus. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.

For Medical sciences graduates from this provider, 77% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 45% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £28,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)

For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Medicine & Dentistry, see the sections below.

Course evidence score

The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.

8.4
/ 10
Excellent
3 of 3 official measures
Student satisfaction
What students say in the National Student Survey
Excellent85

Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)

Graduate outcomes
In work or further study 15 months after graduating
Strong77

Moderate evidence Published sample: 55; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2022-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 77% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)

Continuation
Students who continue past their first year
Exceptional91

Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 91% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)

Curriculum & modules

Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.

Year One 6 modules
  • Essential Skills for the BiosciencesCore20 credits
    Module details

    In this module you will be taught a range of fundamental scientific skills that you will apply and develop across the course. You will embark on a range of instructional and investigative laboratory practicals, designed to introduce you to scientific instruments that are commonly used in biology labs. During these experiments you will generate your own data, which you will be shown how to analyse appropriately.

  • BiochemistryCore20 credits
    Module details

    Biochemistry is the study of the fundamental chemical and molecular reactions that occur within living organisms. The aim of this module is to introduce you to structure/function relationships of key biological molecules, as well as the fundamental biochemical reactions that occur within the human body.

  • Cell and Molecular BiologyCore20 credits
    Module details

    Cell and molecular biology are key disciplines within the biosciences. This module will introduce you to the 'cell' as a fundamental unit of life. You will learn about cell structure and function in the context of the tissue that cells belong to, protein synthesis and trafficking, cell communication and cell signalling, the cell cycle and programmed cell-death, and the significance of stem cells.

  • MicrobiologyCore20 credits
    Module details

    This module introduces you to the world of microbiology. The diversity of microorganisms, their habitats and relationships with humans will be explored. This module examines the properties of microorganisms, their structures and compositions and their interactions with the human body in health and disease. You will learn about how we grow different microorganisms, their classification and identification.

  • Human Anatomy and PhysiologyCore20 credits
    Module details

    This module will introduce you to the structure (anatomy) and function (physiology) of the adult human body. It aims to provide you with a solid grounding into the cells, tissues and organs that allow the different organ systems to function effectively, so that you can understand the pathophysiology resulting from dysfunction.

  • Introduction to PharmacologyCore20 credits
    Module details

    Pharmacology is the science of drugs and their effect on living systems. First defined in the 19th century, pharmacology began with studies of the biological effects of naturally occurring compounds. In more recent times, advancements in synthetic chemistry led to a revolution in the pharmaceutical industry, and in the science of pharmacology itself. These advancements have allowed the pharmaceutical industry to grow into a major contributor to the world's economy, with estimates the industry is

Year Two 6 modules
  • Professional Skills in Biomedical ScienceCore20 credits
    Module details

    This module will cover key professional skills that Biomedical Scientists are expected to demonstrate in the workplace. Quality assurance is an essential function of any medical laboratory, and you will be introduced to Quality Assurance in Biomedical Science. You will learn about accreditation of medical laboratories, the role of UKAS and the application of relevant ISO standards. You will be taught about quality management systems, roles and responsibilities, audits, SOPS, competency, and trai

  • Infectious Disease and ImmunityCore20 credits
    Module details

    This module will build upon the level 4 Microbiology module and introduce you to the anatomy and function of the immune system and immunopathology. In the medical microbiology section, we will introduce you to key pathogenic microorganisms and how they cause disease. Indicative topics will include epidemiology, virology, skin infections, GI tract infections, CNS infections, respiratory tract infections, UTI and STD infections.

  • Clinical BiochemistryCore20 credits
    Module details

    This module will introduce you to the underlying biochemistry of a range of different diseases, and the biochemical methods that can be used to investigate them. The module will include new point of care testing methods, and you will learn about the importance of quality assurance in the clinical biochemistry laboratory. You will also explore the role of clinical laboratories in therapeutic drug monitoring, and in detecting drugs of abuse.

  • Haematology and Transfusion ScienceCore20 credits
    Module details

    You will learn aspects of immunology and antibody production, inflammation, haemoglobin disorders, and blood cancers (leukaemia's and lymphomas). In addition, you will learn about blood transfusion science and organ transplantation, and the safety measures associated with the storage of blood products.

  • Pathophysiology and Cellular PathologyCore20 credits
    Module details

    The module will start with an understanding of the global burden of disease. Then you will be taught pathophysiology at the cellular level, including cell injury, aging and death, and inflammation. There will then be a focus on alterations caused by diseases and conditions in cardiac function, respiratory function, kidney function, gastro-intestinal tract, and neurological function.

  • Research Methods in BiosciencesCore20 credits
    Module details

    In this module you will explore the various types of research that are conducted in the Biosciences. You will learn how to find, read, and interpret scientific publications, and how to use existing research to form new and exciting research hypothesis. You will also learn about the legal, ethical and safety issues that surround different types of research in biomedical sciences too. We will introduce you to bioinformatics and other forms of big data that drive many new advances in healthcare and

Final Year 6 modules
  • Research ProjectCore40 credits
    Module details

    In this module you will complete a substantial piece of independent research, with the guidance and supervision of an academic member of staff. The module will provide you with an authentic experience of how scientific information is reviewed, and how novel information is acquired, analysed, and presented. You will be involved in the initial planning of the project, the continual project development, and be responsible for the communication of the research findings.

  • Integrated StudiesCore20 credits
    Module details

    In this module you will explore a range of human diseases through the interdisciplinary study of cellular pathology, clinical biochemistry, clinical immunology, haematology and transfusion science, clinical genetics, and medical microbiology. The module will provide you with a holistic understanding of the biomedical sciences by integrating and applying these various disciplines to analyse and solve complex clinical case studies.

  • Human Molecular GeneticsCore20 credits
    Module details

    In this module you will develop an in depth understanding how genomics, transcriptomics and proteomics have contributed to our understanding of a range of diseases and is transforming the diagnosis and clinical management of disease. You will explore the principles and applications of personalised medicine, emphasising the role of human molecular genetics in tailoring medical treatments to individual patients. This will be supported with recent case studies, providing insightful illustrations of

  • Clinical ImmunologyCore20 credits
    Module details

    This module aims to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of a broad range of advanced immunology topics. The module will build on the foundation of immunology knowledge provided in the 2nd year of the course, layering over clinical elements including the dysfunctional immune system and the aetiology of immune-mediated disease. You will review the 'bench-to-bedside' approach that underpins advancements in immune-biotechnology, and will evaluate the principles of antibody engineering, va

  • Biology of AgeingOptional20 credits
    Module details

    In this module you will explore the concept of ageing and its clinical importance. You will look at the physiological changes that occur in the body as we age and the pathophysiology of chronic diseases. To help with this you will have the opportunity to learn about and gain experience in utilising some of the clinical tests that are employed to diagnose diseases associated with ageing. The aim is to develop an understanding of the ageing process and be able to provide ideas on how it may be pos

  • Control of Global Infectious DiseaseOptional20 credits
    Module details

    Within the last decade, outbreaks and epidemics on the global scale have been experienced. The socioeconomic burden of infectious diseases globally is huge and recent experiences with epidemics and the COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the fragility of health systems globally as well as significant global healthcare inequities.

Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.

Course in depth

What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.

What you'll study

This practice-led degree combines core biomedical sciences with clinical experience and applied learning. You'll typically start by building foundations in anatomy, physiology and pathology, usually taught by body system, alongside clinical and communication skills developed from early on. Population health and ethics sit alongside this groundwork. As you progress, you move into clinical rotations across hospital and general practice settings, with specialty attachments in areas such as surgery, general practice, psychiatry and paediatrics. You'll pursue student-selected components tailored to your interests, often involving research. The course normally culminates in applied preparation for practice and assessment leading to professional registration. A sandwich year work placement is available if you wish to extend your studies.

Who it's for

You're drawn to understanding how the human body works and what goes wrong in disease. You're comfortable with scientific thinking and want practical, lab-based experience alongside theory. You're interested in how health and illness operate across whole populations, not just individuals. Studying this will involve laboratory work, data analysis and independent investigation, you'll need to be self-directed and willing to engage with complex material over three years.

University & format

This BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences is delivered at Birmingham City University, a public university located at City South Campus. The course is 3 years long, studied full-time, with teaching in English. It is recognised by a UK degree-awarding body, giving you a nationally recognised qualification. The university received a Silver award for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023.

Student satisfaction

How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.

The teaching on my course
85%
Learning opportunities
85%
Assessment and feedback
80%
Academic Support
85%
Organisation and management
82%
Learning resources
90%
Student voice
89%

Share of students responding positively.

Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)

Applicant information

The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.

Application timelineWhat happens next
  1. 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted

    Your application needs a reference before you can send it.

  2. 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications

    Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.

  3. 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice

    Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.

  4. 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline

    18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.

Show 5 later dates
  1. 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens

    Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.

  2. 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers

    Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.

  3. 2027 entryClearing opens

    Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.

  4. 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications

    Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.

  5. 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice

    Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.

Open daysOpen Day Book now

See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.

Entry & how to get in

Most entrants held A-levels or equivalent88% of accepted students came in with A-levels or equivalent (entrants over recent years).
Typical UCAS tariff: 96 - 111 pointsThe most common UCAS tariff band among accepted students. This is what entrants had, not a stated requirement.
Entry requirements are set by the universityGrades, subjects and contextual offers vary. Check BCU's official course page for the current offer.

Who gets in

What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.

UCAS tariff of entrants

Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.

Qualifications held on entry

QualificationShare
A-levels or equivalent88%
an Access course8%
another higher-education qualification2%
a Baccalaureate1%
No / unknown prior qualifications1%
Other1%

Entry & your chances

An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.

Accessible entry

Accepted students came in with a broad spread of qualifications and UCAS points. If you're worried about grades, this course has historically taken a wide range, and contextual offers may apply.

Will you get in? Plot your grades

Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.

Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.

Add your grades to see where you land

Your points will drop onto the distribution above, with an honest above / within / below read.

Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.

How to apply

Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.

Apply by13 January 2027, 18:00 UK timefor this course
Typical gradesBCCA-level equivalent admitted students held
  1. 1
    Register on UCAS Hub

    Create your UCAS application and add this course. One application covers up to five choices.

  2. 2
    Write your personal statement

    A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.

  3. 3
    Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time

    UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.

  4. 4
    Reply to your offers

    When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.

  5. 5
    Results day & confirmation

    On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.

💡 Many universities make a contextual (reduced-grade) offer, for example based on your school’s results, time in care, or where you live. Ask BCU whether you’re eligible before you apply; it can lower the grades you need.

Fees & funding

What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.

Tuition per year

Homeup to £9,790 / yr
International£18,570 / yr

Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).

Check fees at BCU →

For students who normally live in England

illustrative Maintenance Loan per year
£9,790tuition used per year, illustrative full-time England fee-cap scenario
illustrative borrowing over 3 years

2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.

Starting on or after 1 January 2027?

The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.

Paying for it

  • Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
  • Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
  • Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
  • Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.

England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.

Funding matched to this course

Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for

All BCU funding →
No verified named award is shown for this provider yet.

That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.

National funding for this subject

  • NHS Learning Support Fund: Eligible nursing, midwifery and allied-health students can receive a non-repayable training grant. Official guidance

We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.

StudyKit · free

Still deciding what to study?

StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.

Career quizApplication walkthroughSalary & CV check

Careers & earnings

What Medicine & Dentistry graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.

Graduate earnings: this course

WhenMedianTypical rangeGraduates
15 months after£28,000£25,000 – £28,50055
3 years after£31,500£26,000 – £36,500175
5 years after£36,500£30,000 – £45,500175

Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 55; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2022-23.

Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course

77%
in work or further study 15 months on
45%
in highly skilled work or study
91%
continue past their first year
80%
find their work meaningful
65%
say work fits their future plans
  1. 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
  2. 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in medicine & dentistry · 2–5 yrs
  3. 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
  4. 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs

How pay grows: this course vs Medicine & Dentistry nationally

Starting (15 months) HESA GO
£28,000
£27,000 – £32,000
After 3 years LEO
£31,500
£24,650 – £34,800
After 5 years LEO
£36,500
£29,325 – £41,400
national rangethis course’s medianaxis £23,000 – £43,000

National figures for Medicine & Dentistry graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.

Work out your pay

Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.

What happened to 100 students?

Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.

77 of 100

were in work or further study

15 months after graduation

46% working8% working and studying23% in further study45% in highly skilled work or study

Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 55; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2022-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.

Value compared with similar courses

How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Medicine & Dentistry courses at the same study level.

UK occupations graduates enter

Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.

  • Administrative occupationsSOC 2020 41 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £27,006
  • Science, engineering and technology associate professionalsSOC 2020 31 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £34,828
  • Business and public service associate professionalsSOC 2020 35 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £38,760
  • Caring personal servicesSOC 2020 613 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £23,668

Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 105; response rate: 60%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.

Job market & outlook

How Medicine & Dentistry graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.

89%
in work or further study 15 months after graduating, across Medicine & Dentistry courses nationally.
Graduate Outcomes
75%
of working graduates are in highly skilled work or further study.
highly skilled
90%
of students continue past their first year (still enrolled or completed).
continuation

How AI is changing the work

AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.

What AI takes off your plate

  • Routine information gathering
  • First-draft writing and summaries
  • Standard analysis and admin
  • Repetitive processing tasks

More human than ever

  • Judgement and original thinking
  • Working with and leading people
  • Owning and sense-checking AI output
  • Ethics and accountability

The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.

Roles & employers

Where Medicine & Dentistry graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.

Where they work

  • The NHS
  • Private practice
  • Research & academia
  • Public health

Is this course right for you?

The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.

💷

Student finance

For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.

📈

Where graduates go

77% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £28,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.

🎯

Your entry chances

Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.

Official-data snapshot

Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 8.4 out of 10: NSS 85.1% · in work or study 77% · continued 91%.

Who studies here and in this subject?

Provider- and UK subject-level context.

Birmingham City University

All students31,875
International15.9%
Aged 25+26.8%

Medicine and dentistry across the UK

Students85,345
Aged 25+28.8%

HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.

Local crime-data context

A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.

Around City South Campus

1,592 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.

Violent Crime 703Other Theft 150Vehicle Crime 126Public Order 116Criminal Damage Arson 83

Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.

Is Medicine & Dentistry right for you?

Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.

International students

What applying to BCU from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.

Tuition fees

International tuition is £18,570 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.

English language

Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.

Student visa

You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.

Scholarships & funding

Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check BCU’s funding pages.

Living costs

Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.

Working while you study

A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.

Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with BCU and gov.uk before you apply.

Common questions

Entry is historically accessible, accepted students came in with a broad spread of qualifications. The most common tariff band among recent entrants was 96 - 111 UCAS points. Use the calculator on this page to see where your predicted grades would put you; many universities also make lower contextual offers.
Set by BCU. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent. Check the university's course page for the exact offer.
For Medical sciences graduates from this provider, 77% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 45% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £28,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years. See Fees & funding on this page to work out your numbers.
No obligation

Request information about BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences

Prospectus, key dates, entry and funding, free to your inbox.

No spam · unsubscribe anytime.