Intro

With an extra year of integrated study at foundation level, this course opens up opportunities in the sciences if you don't hold the required scientific A-levels or equivalent qualifications to go straight on to the Biomedical Science BSc(Hons), want to change career or simply want to explore the options offered by university-level science before deciding on your specific pathway.

The foundation year gives you the support, knowledge and skills you need. On successful completion of the foundation year, you can progress directly to the Biomedical Science BSc(Hons).

Our teaching is informed by research that ensures it is kept relevant and current. You will have the opportunity to complete a project in an active research laboratory. Our researchers are working on the development of novel biomedical products and pioneering new approaches to regenerative medicine, and the treatment of cancer, asthma, diabetes and other chronic diseases.

You’ll put your learning into practice through project work, hospital visits and case studies. Visits from clinical and biomedical scientists and placement opportunities help prepare you for work and give you a feel for what it’s really like to be a biomedical scientist.

See our upcoming events

Key facts

Location Brighton: Moulsecoomb

UCAS code B942

Full-time 4 years
With placement year 5 years

Accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) and the Royal Society of Biology (RSB).

Apply now with UCAS for 2023

Course content

Course structure

Our course provides a strong foundation in clinically related subjects such as the blood sciences, cell pathology microbiology, human physiology and pharmacology.

These subjects are supported by studies in fundamental scientific disciplines such as cell and molecular biology, genetics and biochemistry.

You will learn through lectures, fieldwork, group work, practical classes and independent study. Assessment involves the use of essays, exams, presentations, practical exercises and communication exercises, which vary between different modules.

Foundation year

During your foundation year you’ll be introduced to key concepts in biology, chemistry and data handling to prepare you for study at undergraduate level. You’ll also develop your skills in problem solving, analysis and communication.

Modules

Foundation Biology
Foundation Chemistry
Data Handling
Study Skills

Close up of a pharmacy student in white coat and safety glasses

Year 1

You will learn the foundations of biomedical science and be introduced to lab techniques used in professional practice.

Modules

Essential Skills for Bioscientists

This module introduces the principles of the scientific method and a variety of study and communication skills that you’ll need during your degree. You’ll develop mathematical and statistical skills and apply them in the context of bioscientific data presentation and interpretation.
Introduction to Genetics and Molecular Biology

This module will provide you with a conceptual and procedural understanding of the modern evolutionary synthesis of natural selection, Mendelian inheritance and population genetics culminating in the emergence of modern molecular biology. The recognition of DNA as the archetypical material responsible for information transfer, the discovery of the mechanisms of information flow in biological systems (eg transcription and translation) and the development and application of modern recombinant DNA techniques are also studied.
Introduction to Biochemistry and Bioanalytical Techniques

This module will introduce you to the fundamental concepts of biochemistry and the principle techniques used in biochemical analysis. You will learn about the different classes of biochemical compounds and the structure and function of the macromolecules that are created from them. The structure and function of enzymes will be covered, along with the principle metabolic pathways. You’ll also explore the theory and practical use of the most commonly used biochemical techniques.
Introduction to Human Physiology

This module will introduce you to human physiology. You'll explore anatomical structure, function, the principle of homeostasis, and neurological and hormonal control of the human body, its component parts and major systems, with appropriate examples of disease pathophysiology.
Introduction to Infection Science

This module will introduce to microorganisms and the components of the immune system. You will also learn about the main laboratory techniques used to grow and identify microorganisms and to detect and identify components of the immune system. Programmes which screen healthy people for disease will also be investigated.
Introduction to Biomedical Science

The module introduces the biomedical science profession in the UK, including the organisation of subject-specific disciplines and the professional and regulatory structures. This will be set in the context of a broad perspective of biology of disease and techniques used in laboratory investigation in the pathology disciplines. There will be a focus on principles underlying laboratory techniques in haematology and clinical biochemistry to investigate disease.

Year 2

You will build on knowledge gained in your first year, broaden your research and professional development skills, and explore topics that include diet and exercise, infection and immunity, human physiology, molecular cell biology, genetics and genomics, human biochemistry and metabolism.

Modules

Research Skills and Professional Development
Diet and Exercise in Health
Infection and Immunity
Molecular Cell Biology, Genetics and Genomics
Intermediate Human Physiology
Human Biochemistry and Metabolism

Close up of a student in a white coat looking into a microscope

Placement year

You have the option of a year’s paid placement after your second year where you will spend a year working in a professional environment. It’s a great way to build on the skills you have developed on your course and to gain new ones. Our placements team can help you to find the job for you and you will also have the support of one of our lecturers while on placement.

An optional placement year in an accredited NHS training lab allows you to work towards the IBMS Certificate of Competence and the Registration Training Portfolio.

Other placement opportunities prepare you for work in a range of scientific areas and postgraduate research.

Our students have secured placements in organisations such as GlaxoSmithKline, Public Health England and Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust.

Final year

The focus is more on the clinical aspects of biomedical science, including blood sciences, cellular pathology, clinical immunology and microbiology, and innovations in bioscience research. You will undertake a project linked with one of our research groups.

Modules

Blood Sciences
Cellular Pathology
Innovations in Bioscience Research
Clinical Immunology and Microbiology
Biology Experimental Project

Two lab students cooperating on an experiment

Staff profile

Dr Louise MacKenzie, course leader

I teach on the Biomedical Science course, which covers human biology, pathophysiology and diagnostics used to help guide NHS hospitals to treat patients. The areas I teach on are mostly the biochemistry and pharmacology aspects that help towards your understanding of Biochemistry and Blood Sciences.

A great deal of time is spent learning laboratory skills. The practical’s cover a great deal of topics, it's an opportunity to put theory into practice and experience what it is like to work in a laboratory environment. We have great contacts at the local hospital, and you will have guest speakers come and talk about Biomedicine from a range of backgrounds.

I run projects for third years, which involves trying new drugs on pancreatic cells that release insulin. Other projects that I run involve hospital data from patients who have had COVID-19.

I love working with the students, since I want to share my love for my research and for science generally. Seeing the penny drop and individuals suddenly understanding some new concept is always wonderful to see. Having a good discussion with students in the lecture hall or labs is always something I look forward to.

My favourite place to be in Sussex is standing in the sea at Seaford, where you can see the Seven Sisters and enjoy swimming in the cold water.

Find out more about Dr MacKenzie

Our latest news

Meet us at our postgraduate event

There’s no better way to explore your future study opportunities than by meeting lecturers and researchers at a postgraduate event.

Come to an applicant event

Our applicant events are a great way to learn more about your course after you have applied, to get to know us better and make sure we are the right university for you.

My placement experience at University Hospitals Sussex Pathology East

How I felt starting my placement and the advice I would give to others My placement was in the Cellular Pathology department at University Hospitals Sussex Pathology East.

Media fellowship puts biomedical expert behind the scenes at the BBC

University of Brighton’s Dr Sarah Pitt will team up with the BBC Science Unit as part of a Media Fellowship from the Association of British Science Writers.

Careers

Professional accreditation

The BSc(Hons) degree is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science and meets the academic requirements for registration as a biomedical scientist
with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

The BSc(Hons) element of the course is also accredited by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of meeting in part the academic and experience requirement for the Membership and Chartered Biologist (CBiol). Accredited degree programmes contain a solid academic foundation in biological knowledge and key skills, and prepare graduates to address the needs of employers.

The accreditation criteria require evidence that graduates from accredited programmes meet defined sets of learning outcomes, including subject knowledge, technical ability and transferable skills.

RSB accreditation logo

Becoming a biomedical scientist

To work as a biomedical scientist in the UK you’ll need:

a degree qualification that is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) (like this BSc)

at least one year’s experience in an NHS approved lab as you work towards the IBMS Certificate of Competence and the Registration Training Portfolio

to achieve the IBMS Certificate of Competence which enables you to register with Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)

to register with the HCPC.

Lindsey Dixon, Chief Biomedical Scientist at Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS trust shares her experience with students

Facilities for learning

Your lab-based learning is in our specialist laboratories which are purpose-built for studying molecular biology, microbiology and ecology.

Our facilities include:

a dedicated microbiology lab with its own technical support team and preparation area
primary cell/tissue and secondary cell culture facility
molecular biology lab
RT-PCR equipment
image analysis suite with electron microscopes, a confocal microscope and atomic force microscopes.
genomics/proteomics facility for analysis of cell genes and proteins.

Click to view a virtual tour of some of our biosciences facilities.

Graduate destinations

Many of our graduates follow careers as biomedical scientists in the NHS as part of the biochemistry, pathology and microbiology teams.

You will have the skills and knowledge for careers in industries such as biotechnology, pharmaceutical development and forensic science. You will also be prepared for medicine, dentistry, postgraduate degrees (MSc, MRes or PhD), academic research and teaching.

Further study

If you achieve the required standard in year 2 of the BSc(Hons), you can choose to progress from BSc directly to the third year of the Biomedical Science MSci and study towards a masters-level qualification.

We have opportunities for further postgraduate study in the following fields, all of which can be a springboard to PhD level.

Supporting your employability

Outside of your course, our Careers Service is here to support you as you discover (and re-discover) your strengths and what matters to you. We are here for you throughout your university journey as you work towards a fulfilling and rewarding career.

Connect with our careers team

Find part-time work that you can combine with your studies.
Find, or be, a mentor or get involved with our peer-to-peer support scheme.
Develop your business ideas through our entrepreneurial support network.
Get professional advice and support with career planning, CV writing and interview top tips.
Meet potential employers at our careers fairs.
Find rewarding volunteering opportunities to help you discover more about what makes you tick, and build your CV.

Whatever your career needs, we are here to help. And that's not just while you are a student, our support carries on after you've graduated.

Find out more...

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Entry criteria

Flexible admissions

When you apply to Brighton we want to hear about who you are. Grades are never the whole picture; we're interested in things like creativity, resourcefulness, persistence and the capacity to think big and find new ways of doing things. And we recognise that not everyone has the same background. That's why we treat everyone who applies as an individual. We recognise many qualifications and we care about all of your achievements and the experiences you've had that set you apart.

Find out more

Graphic with the text 'Potential + possibility'

Entry requirements

UCAS tariff
72 tariff points. Level 3 Key Skills and General Studies will count towards the tariff.

A-levels
DDD including two full science A-levels.

International Baccalaureate
24 points, with Higher level biology and chemistry at grade 4.

Other qualifications
If you have completed an Access course or BTEC diploma we will consider your application on an individual basis; relevant experience may also be taken into account.

GCSE (minimum grade C or grade 4)
English and maths.

Studied before or got relevant experience?
A qualification, HE credits or relevant experience may count towards your course at Brighton, and could mean that you do not have to take some elements of the course or can start in year 2 or 3.

English language requirements
IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. Find out more about the other English qualifications that we accept.

International requirements and visas

International requirements by country
Country name
Albania
Algeria
Argentina
Australia
Austria
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Belarus
Belgium
Bermuda
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Botswana
Brazil
Bulgaria
Burma (Myanmar)
Cameroon
Canada
Chile
China
Colombia
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Ecuador
Egypt
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Ghana
Greece
Guyana
Hong Kong
Hungary
Iceland
India
Indonesia
Iran
Iraq
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Jamaica
Japan
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Kosovo
Kuwait
Latvia
Lebanon
Liechtenstein
Libya
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Macedonia
Malaysia
Malawi
Malta
Mexico
Moldova
Montenegro
Morocco
Namibia
Nepal
Netherlands
New Zealand
Nigeria
Norway
Oman
Pakistan
Palestinian National Authority
Philippines
Poland
Portugal
Qatar
Romania
Russian Federation
Saudi Arabia
Serbia
Sierra Leone
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Africa
South Korea
Spain
Sri Lanka
Syria
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
Tanzania
Thailand
Tunisia
Turkey
Uganda
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United States
Uzbekistan
Venezuela
Vietnam
Yemen
Zambia
Zimbabwe

We can help you meet our English language or academic entry requirements.

Visit our language centre

For English language preparation courses.

Visit our International College

For degree preparation courses.

Visas and immigration advice

Applying for a student visa

Check out our step-by-step guidance.

Why choose an integrated foundation year?

This integrated, preparatory course is suitable for applicants with a wide range of backgrounds and qualifications who, for a variety of reasons, may not feel ready to begin study at undergraduate level. This may apply to mature students who have had a break from education and may have vocational experience in addition to academic qualifications. Students who do not have the subject-appropriate A-levels or equivalent qualifications for the undergraduate course may also benefit.

Fees

Course fees

UK (full-time) 9,250 GBP

International (full-time) 16,400 GBP

What's included

You may have to pay additional costs during your studies. The cost of optional activities is not included in your tuition fee and you will need to meet this cost in addition to your fees. A summary of the costs that you may be expected to pay, and what is included in your fees, while studying a course in the School of Applied Sciences in the 2022–23 academic year are listed here.

Where required:
- all students are provided with a laboratory coat, safety glasses and log book.
- a budget to cover laboratory consumables and equipment for your final year project is included in the fees for all students.
- access to key subject journals and subject specific databases is provided, as well as a site licence for industry-standard chemical drawing software.
- essential instruction booklets (laboratory handbooks) are provided, as is project poster printing and thesis binding. However, you should budget for books, printing and stationery for personal study.
For our ecology and conservation courses there are compulsory field trips for which you should budget up to £200. There are also optional field trips for which you may choose to budget up to £2,700. You may also need to buy appropriate clothing for outdoor use.
DBS checks for MPharm students are included in the fee.
Costs for MPharm placement travel is reimbursed up to a specified amount depending on location of placement.
The independent mapping project is a mandatory part of the Geology BSc(Hons) involving independent fieldwork that is undertaken in the summer between years 2 and 3. The cost of this fieldwork is not included in the fee, and you will need to meet this additional cost yourself.
Travel and accommodation costs are included for all mandatory taught residential field trips, but you’ll need to provide your own food and drink.
Optional placements and day trips may include additional costs. This will vary depending on where and how long the field trip is but you should budget approximately £1,500.
Some students require specialist outdoor equipment and/or personal protective equipment (PPE) and should budget up to £100.
If you choose to take an optional paid placement you’ll be expected to cover your own travel, accommodation, food and drink.
You will have access to computers and necessary software, however many students choose to buy their own hardware, software and accessories. The amount spent will depend on your individual choices but this expenditure is not essential to pass any of our courses. Find out what free software is available from the University of Brighton.
In most cases coursework submissions are electronic but students may wish to print notes which would involve an extra cost.

You can chat with our enquiries team if you have a question or need more information. Or check our finance pages for advice about funding and scholarships as well as more information about fees and advice on international and island fee-paying status.

Info

The fees listed here are for full-time courses beginning in the academic year 2023–24.

Further tuition fees are payable for each subsequent year of study and are subject to an annual increase of no more than 5% or RPI (whichever is the greater). The annual increase for UK students, who are subject to regulated fees, will increase no more than the statutory maximum fee.

You can find out more about our fees in the university's student contract and tuition fee policy (pdf).

The tuition fee you have to pay depends on a number of factors including the kind of course you take, and whether you study full-time or part-time. If you are studying part-time you will normally be charged on a pro rata basis depending on the number of modules you take.

Location and student life

Campus where this course is taught

Moulsecoomb campus

Two miles north of Brighton seafront, Moulsecoomb is our largest campus and student village. Over the last four years Moulsecoomb has undergone a major transformation, planned with accessibility, inclusivity and sustainability in mind.

Over 900 students live here in our halls, Moulsecoomb Place and the new Mithras halls – Brunswick, Goldstone, Hanover, Preston and Regency.

On campus you’ll find professional-standard facilities and learning resources for all of our subjects and a brand new academic building Elm House, alongside the library, student centre, fitness facilities and the Students’ Union.

Moulsecoomb has easy access to buses and trains and to all the exciting things happening in our home city.

Accommodation

Brighton: Moulsecoomb

We guarantee an offer of a place in halls of residence to all eligible students.

Halls of residence
We have halls of residence across Brighton in the city centre, Moulsecoomb, Varley Park and Falmer.

Moulsecoomb campus is linked to Mithras halls and Varley Park. All halls are self-catered.
Varley Park offers a mix of rooms. It is around two miles from Moulsecoomb campus and four miles from the city centre. Public transport in the city is excellent, and there’s a shuttle bus between our Brighton campuses during term time.

Want to live independently? We can help – find out more about private renting.

Modern accommodation at nearby Varley Halls

Modern accommodation at nearby Varley Park

Relaxing in halls near the campus

Students eating at the Hub

Local area

About Brighton

The city of Brighton & Hove is a forward-thinking place which leads the way in the arts, technology, sustainability and creativity. You'll find living here plays a key role in your learning experience.

Brighton is a leading centre for creative media technology, recently named the startup capital of the UK.

The city is home to a national 5G testbed and over 1,000 tech businesses. The digital sector is worth over £1bn a year to the local economy - as much as tourism.

All of our full-time undergraduate courses involve work-based learning - this could be through placements, live briefs and guest lectures. Many of these opportunities are provided by local businesses and organisations.

It's only 50 minutes by train from Brighton to central London and less than 40 minutes to Eastbourne. There are also daily direct trains to Bristol, Bedford, Cambridge, Gatwick Airport, Portsmouth and Southampton.

Maps

Moulsecoomb campus map

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Support and wellbeing

Your course team

Your personal academic tutor, course leader and other tutors are all there to help you with your personal and academic progress. You'll also have a student support and guidance tutor (SSGT) who can help with everything from homesickness, managing stress or accommodation issues.

Your academic skills

Our Brighton Student Skills Hub gives you extra support and resources to develop the skills you'll need for university study, whatever your level of experience so far.

Your mental health and wellbeing

As well as being supported to succeed, we want you to feel good too. You'll be part of a community that builds you up, with lots of ways to connect with one another, as well having access to dedicated experts if you need them. Find out more.

Sport at Brighton

Sport Brighton

Sport Brighton brings together our sport and recreation services. As a Brighton student you'll have use of sport and fitness facilities across all our campuses and there are opportunities to play for fun, fitness or take part in serious competition.

Find out more about Sport Brighton.

Sports scholarships

Our sports scholarship scheme is designed to help students develop their full sporting potential to train and compete at the highest level. We offer scholarships for elite athletes, elite disabled athletes and talented sports performers.

Find out more about sport scholarships.

Student views

Nina Holling

"I went to several open days before deciding on a university, and I eventually chose Brighton because of its excellent laboratory facilities.

"During my degree, I was pleasantly surprised by the number of laboratory classes. The practical skills gained are not only important for students wanting to become biomedical scientists but also for those thinking about going into postgraduate degrees or research.

"Having lived in Brighton for the last five years, I have truly fallen in love with the city and the freethinking lifestyle. I have also grown very fond of the university and the staff working here, and I've stayed to study for a PhD in microbiology."

Stay in touch

See our upcoming events

If you have a question about this course, our enquiries team will be happy to help.

01273 644644

Statistics

Find out more about how the academic year and degree courses are organised, and about learning and assessment activities you might get to grips with at Brighton. More specific information about this course is detailed in the programme specification (linked below). You can find out also about the support we offer to help you adjust to university life.

Course and module descriptions on this page were accurate when first published and are the basis of the course. Detailed information on any changes we make to modules and learning and assessment activities will be sent to all students by email before enrolment, so that you have all the information before you come to Brighton.

Discover Uni

Discover Uni enables you to compare information when choosing a UK university course. All UK universities publish Discover Uni data on their website.

Programme specification

The programme specification is the approved description of each course. They give a detailed breakdown of the content and structure of the course, and are updated following course changes.

Programme specification