BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science (with integrated foundation year) · University of CumbriaBachelor's degree · 4 years
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BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science (with integrated foundation year) Bachelor's degree at the University of Cumbria

BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science (with integrated foundation year) at University of Cumbria. The integrated foundation year supports you into honours-level study, building your scientific foundation before you progress to specialised biomedical modules.

BSc (Hons)
Award
4
Years
Full-time
Study mode
90%
in work/study (15m)

About this course

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BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science (with integrated foundation year) is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at the University of Cumbria, based in In Carlisle. It runs 4 years, studied full-time.

For Medical sciences graduates from this provider, 90% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 90% 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.

8.7
/ 10
Excellent
3 of 3 official measures
Student satisfaction
What students say in the National Student Survey
Exceptional97

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
Exceptional90

Limited evidence Published sample: 25; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 90% (2021-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)

Continuation
Students who continue past their first year
Strong75

Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 75% (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 University Skills 1
    Module details

    This module develops your academic and professional skills required for effective learning and successful progression through your chosen honours degree programme and beyond.

  • Essential University Skills 2
    Module details

    You will expand your learning in the areas of research, writing structure and reflective learning. You will also gain skills in presenting research to an audience and in reflecting on your development throughout your integration foundation year.

  • Essential Biology
    Module details

    To develop knowledge and understanding of the fundamental principles of biology, essential to further study in your chosen field.

  • Scientific Investigation
    Module details

    To explore the protocols associated with scientific investigation.

  • Essential Chemistry
    Module details

    To develop knowledge and understanding of the fundamental principles of chemistry, essential to further study in your chosen field.

  • Environmental Sciences
    Module details

    Introduces field-based skills akin to the natural sciences with interdisciplinary content which relates Human Ecology to Toxicology, Public Health, Epidemiology and Parasitology. Giving you a good foundation in the basic principles required for your degree.

Year two 6 modules
  • Introductory Biochemistry
    Module details

    Within this module the key aspects of macromolecules, cell structure, function and interrelationships and the processes and components that make up life at the molecular level shall be studied.

  • Cell Biology
    Module details

    Studies the interactions between molecules and systems in the eukaryotic cell with a view to understanding the ways in which cells both control division and differentiation to form specialised tissues.

  • Anatomy and Physiology
    Module details

    This module will provide students with an understanding and appreciation of basic human anatomy and physiology with particular focus on the musculoskeletal, nervous, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems.

  • Introductory Immunology and Microbiology
    Module details

    Introduces the various groups of microbes, their generalised structure, function and roles and consider the importance of the microbial world, the biology of micro-organisms and their potential in industry.

  • Molecular Biology
    Module details

    To provide an understanding of the basic concepts of genetics and genetic analysis alongside an understanding of the fundamental processes of inheritance and mutation, and how these are related to disease onset and susceptibility.

  • Practical Laboratory Science
    Module details

    To provide students in the Biological Sciences with the elementary laboratory and research skills required to pursue subsequent advanced modules.

Year three 6 modules
  • Exploring Research
    Module details

    This module will help to provide you with the skills required to conceive, design, conduct and interpret scientific research. You will be guided in developing your ability to evaluate a range of quantitative and qualitative research methods and when it is appropriate to use them.

  • Human Genetics
    Module details

    Encompasses the organisation of the human genome the basis of genetic variation, relationship between mutations in or near genes and the manifestation of disease phenotype.

  • Infection and Immunity
    Module details

    Considers recent developments in the study of immunological and infectious diseases. You will learn about recognition of microbes by the specific immune system, and how the immune system protects against different pathogens.

  • Medical Microbiology
    Module details

    Biology of major pathogens, their host interaction, virulence factors and means for prevention, diagnosis and treatment. You will study the mechanisms of microbial pathogenicity, starting with transmission and entry into the host, progressing through adhesion and invasion, to host response.

  • Pharmacology and Physiology
    Module details

    Provides students with a detailed knowledge and understanding of human anatomy and physiology of the major body systems and an understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which neurotransmitters for example are capable of regulating the physiology of cells.

  • Cellular and Molecular Pathology
    Module details

    Looks at the role of molecular and cellular based diagnosis in a range of pathological conditions.An overview of key processes involved in diagnosis will be covered in particular the mechanism of fixation with particular reference to autolysis and putrefaction.

Year four 7 modules
  • Integrated Biomedical Science
    Module details

    Brings together the contribution of different laboratory and non-laboratory specialities in the investigation of diseases.

  • Clinical Biochemistry
    Module details

    To discuss the principles of clinical biochemistry in relation to the diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of disease.

  • Haematology and Transfusion Science
    Module details

    This module aims to investigate the elements that constitute blood and the observed differences between the normal and diseased state. Technology utilised in the identification of key blood components will be studied as will the importance of transfusion science.

  • Dissertation
    Module details

    To enable you to undertake an independent piece of in depth research into a topic of your choice. This module provides you with an opportunity to develop your research skills and gain valuable experience in project management.

  • ParasitologyOptional
    Module details

    To advance knowledge of key concepts in parasitology by studying in detail major human and veterinary eukaryotic pathogens.

  • ToxicologyOptional
    Module details

    To develop your knowledge of the principles of toxicology and enable you to gain an in-depth understanding of the effects of toxic chemicals on the body and the environment.

  • Advanced GeneticsOptional
    Module details

    This module will discuss the application of molecular genetics to clinical diagnostics, microbial biotechnology, forensic science and disease treatment as well as providing an overview of current biotechnological advances.

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 course integrates a foundation year with a four-year honours degree in biomedical science, building systematically from core life sciences to clinical practice. You'll usually begin with anatomy, physiology and pathology taught by body system, alongside clinical and communication skills and population health from Year 1. Years 2–3 move towards applied learning through hospital and GP placements across medicine, surgery and specialties such as paediatrics, psychiatry and obstetrics. You'll undertake student-selected components allowing deeper exploration of areas you choose, often incorporating research. The final year emphasises assistantship and preparation for practice, with an elective placement typically abroad, culminating in assessments leading to professional registration.

Who it's for

You're suited to this course if you're drawn to understanding human biology at a practical level and enjoy working with scientific equipment and data. You'll thrive if you're methodical, curious about how biological systems work, and comfortable with both theoretical study and hands-on laboratory work. The foundation year means you don't need prior science qualifications, it's designed for those whose current qualifications don't yet meet honours entry standards but who are committed to developing the knowledge and rigour biomedical science demands. You'll find this course rewarding if you want a direct pathway into laboratory-based or clinical science roles.

Careers & job market

Across Medicine & Dentistry courses nationally, 89% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months, and 75% of those working are in highly skilled roles or further study. Graduate earnings figures show typical starting salaries (15 months after graduation) at £27,000–£32,000 nationally, rising to £29,325–£41,400 after five years. Biomedical science graduates commonly pursue roles in hospital laboratories, pharmaceutical research, clinical diagnostics, or further training in specialised fields. Your independent project and research skills make you competitive for graduate-entry schemes in NHS pathology services, research institutions, and diagnostics companies.

University & format

The University of Cumbria, a publicly funded university founded in 2007, offers this BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science with integrated foundation year in Carlisle. The course runs full-time over 4 years, taught in English. As a recognised UK degree-awarding body, your degree is nationally recognised. The university holds a Silver award for teaching quality from 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
100%
Learning opportunities
96%
Assessment and feedback
98%
Academic Support
95%
Organisation and management
100%
Learning resources
97%
Student voice
91%

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.

Entry & how to get in

Most entrants held A-levels or equivalent65% of accepted students came in with A-levels or equivalent (entrants over recent years).
Typical UCAS tariff: 128 - 143 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 the University of Cumbria'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 equivalent65%
another higher-education qualification20%
an Access course10%
Other10%

Entry & your chances

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

Offer-based entry

Entry is set by the university and based on your offer. Use your predicted grades to see how you compare, then check the university's stated requirements.

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 gradesAABA-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 University of Cumbria 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£25,000 / yr

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

Check fees at University of Cumbria →

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 4 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 University of Cumbria funding →

Named awards published by the university. Compare the eligibility and application route before budgeting for one.

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

Amounts, exclusions and deadlines can change. An award is not guaranteed unless the university confirms it.

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£27,000 – £30,00025
3 years after£33,000£29,000 – £37,50095
5 years after£38,500£32,000 – £42,00085

Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 25; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23.

Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course

90%
in work or further study 15 months on
90%
in highly skilled work or study
75%
continue past their first year
95%
find their work meaningful
95%
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
£33,000
£24,650 – £34,800
After 5 years LEO
£38,500
£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.

90 of 100

were in work or further study

15 months after graduation

80% working10% working and studying0% in further study90% in highly skilled work or study

Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2021-23. Limited evidence. Published sample: 25; treat comparisons cautiously. 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.

This course £38,500Peer median £34,500Middle 50% £31,500–£38,500
74th percentile

Compared with 804 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.

UK occupations graduates enter

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

  • Other Health ProfessionalsSOC 2020 225 · 80% of published destinations · ASHE median £42,902

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: 70; 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

90% 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 8.7 out of 10: NSS 96.7% · in work or study 90% · continued 75%.

Who studies here and in this subject?

Provider- and UK subject-level context.

University of Cumbria

All students9,065
International2.6%
Aged 25+63.7%

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 In Carlisle - Fusehill Street

1,445 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.

Violent Crime 611Public Order 173Shoplifting 173Criminal Damage Arson 106Other Theft 85

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 University of Cumbria from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.

Tuition fees

International tuition is £25,000 / 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 University of Cumbria’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 University of Cumbria and gov.uk before you apply.

Common questions

Entry is offer-based and set by the university. The most common tariff band among recent entrants was 128 - 143 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 the University of Cumbria. 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, 90% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 90% 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.
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