Biomedical Science BSc(Hons) (with integrated foundation year)

Course in brief

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, 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 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 pioneering new approaches to regenerative medicine, asthma and diabetes care, and leading the development of novel biomedical products.

You will put theory into practice using specialist equipment, while the optional placement year will prepare you for a future in a range of scientific areas or postgraduate research. Hospital visits and lectures from visiting clinical and biomedical scientists enhance your learning experience and provide professional context for your study.

Guaranteed interview scheme for medicine

All students on this course who fulfil the eligibility criteria are guaranteed an interview with the Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS) if they want to pursue a degree in medicine.

See the Course in Detail section for information about entry requirements and eligibility.

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)

Apply now with UCAS for 2019 entry

Entry criteria

Entry requirements

The entry requirements listed here are our typical offer for this course for 2019 entry and should be used as a general guide. We operate a flexible admissions policy – this means that different applicants may be made higher or lower offers for the same course, depending on their other achievements.

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.

Other qualifications
We will consider applicants who have completed an Access course, BTEC diploma or International Baccalaureate on an individual basis; relevant experience may also be taken into account.

GCSE (minimum grade C or grade 4)
At least three subjects including English language, maths and a science.

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.

For non-native speakers of English
IELTS 6.0 overall, with 6.0 in writing and a minimum of 5.5 in the other elements.

International equivalencies

International equivalencies by country

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 institute

For English language preparation courses.

Visit our International College

For degree preparation courses.

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.

Course in detail

Course structure

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

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
Introduction to Genetics and Molecular Biology
Introduction to Biochemistry and Bioanalytical Techniques
Introduction to Human Physiology
Introduction to Infection Science
Introduction to Biomedical Science

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

Biology,_Biomedical_Science,_Ecology_030

Placement year

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

Facilities

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 with access to rtPCR equipment and an Image Analysis Suite that houses electron microscopes, a confocal microscope and atomic force microscopes.

You will also benefit from access to a genomics/proteomics facility, allowing for analysis of cell genes and proteins.

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

Guaranteed Interview Scheme for Medicine

All of the students on this course who fulfil the eligibility criteria are guaranteed an interview with the Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS) if they want to pursue a degree in medicine.

Two versions of the scheme are available: the first allows you to transfer after year 1, and the second allows you to transfer after your final year. Both require you to take the BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT) in the year you apply.

Entry requirements (after year 1)

GCSE grade B or equivalent in maths and English
If English is not your first language, an overall IELTS score of 7.0 with at least 7.0 in all sections
AAA at A-level, all obtained in one sitting (both chemistry and biology need to be passed at A-level with grade A; neither General Studies nor Critical Thinking are acceptable)
If you took the International Baccalaureate, 36 overall with grade 6 in Higher level chemistry and biology
Excellent term 1 class attendance record
A 70% average for term 1 modules

Entry requirements (after the final year)

GCSE grade B or equivalent in maths and English
If English is not your first language, an overall IELTS score of 7.0 with at least 7.0 in all sections
At least an upper second class degree
A 70% average for year 2 modules

You also need to:

take the BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT) in your year of application
make a UCAS application to BSMS by 15 October in your year of application
show evidence of healthcare-related work experience in your UCAS personal statement and
have an excellent record of class attendance (80%) and assignment submission by deadline (if applying after final year).

Staff profile

Peter Bush, Course Leader

"I joined the University of Brighton in 2008 to lecture physiology. Now, as Biomedical Science course leader, it is my responsibility to make sure the degree remains relevant for the biomedical sciences, and provides our students with the opportunity to fulfil their potential and have varied and successful careers.

Alongside my academic duties I have a number of research interests, which help to keep my lectures informed and up to date. My research encompasses most things related to cartilage, including cartilage degeneration in osteoarthritis, and the mechanisms of bone lengthening by growth plate cartilage. Our final year project students have the opportunity to be directly involved in these areas of study."

Course statistics

Unistats and key information sets

Unistats enable you to compare information when choosing a UK university course. All UK universities publish Unistats data on their website.

Programme specification

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

Programme specification

These charts give an indication of how much time you will spend on different activities at each level of the course, and an indication of the balance of assessment by coursework, and written and practical exams. For courses with option modules, actual proportions will depend on the modules you choose.

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 above). You can find out also about the range of support we offer to help you adjust to university life.

Overall workload

Assessments

Careers and employability

You will be prepared for a career in biomedical science as part of the NHS pathology team, or for a career in areas such as biotechnology, pharmaceutical development and the forensic civil services. Graduates can also progress to graduate-entry medicine or postgraduate study.

You can find out more by reading the Career Planning Agreement (pdf) for this course.

Biology, Biomedical Science, Ecology_018

Fees and funding

Your fees

UK/EU (full-time) 9,250 GBP

International (full-time) 14,460 GBP

The fees listed here are for full-time courses beginning in the academic year 2019–20.

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/EU 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.

What's included in the fee?

When costs such as health or DBS checks, or use of specialist materials are incurred as a mandatory requirement of the course they are included in your tuition fee.

You may incur additional costs depending on the optional modules or activities you choose. 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. Before you apply check with the school that provides your course using the contact details in the Find out more tab (at the end of this page) for advice about what is included and what optional costs you could face so you can budget accordingly.

See our finance pages for advice about funding and scholarships as well as further information about fees and advice on international and island fee-paying status.

Location and living here

Location

About Brighton

Forward-thinking and welcoming, the city of Brighton & Hove is a community of creative and diverse people who share values like sustainability and inclusivity – just like its university.

Miles of pebble beaches, hundreds of bars, restaurants and clubs, a packed calendar of culture, music and sport and great independent and high street shopping attract visitors from all over the world. By the end of your course you’ll still be finding new things to enjoy about the city.

The Brighton Festival, England’s largest arts festival, takes place every May – as does the Great Escape Europe’s leading industry showcase for new music, 300 bands perform over three days at venues across the city. Major events celebrate Pride, digital culture, cinema, photography, food and the winter solstice. Our own Brighton Graduate show is a highlight, turning the university into the largest exhibition space in the south east as we celebrate the outstanding creativity of our students.

As a student here you’ll have a unique opportunity to experience what the city has to offer. Volunteering and placement opportunities enable you to play your part in the events, organisations and communities that make Brighton such a compelling place to be.

Campus where this course is taught

Moulsecoomb campus

Two miles north of Brighton seafront, Moulsecoomb is our largest campus. Subjects taught here include architecture, business, computing, construction, engineering, geography, product design, law and pharmacy.

On campus you will find professional-standard facilities including a flight simulator, trading room, design and digital media suites and specialist research laboratories, alongside the library, student centre, a nursery, fitness facilities and Students’ Union. There are excellent public transport links.

The Big Build
A major transformation of our Moulsecoomb campus began in summer 2018. By the time the Big Build is complete, there’ll be new halls of residence, academic building, and Students’ Union and fitness facilities – all created with sustainability, inclusivity and community in mind.

As the development grows it will provide many exciting learning opportunities for our students, ranging from live projects, placements and internships with the companies involved to guest lectures and site visits. Find out more...

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Accommodation

Brighton: Moulsecoomb

We have halls of residence across the city in Grand Parade, Moulsecoomb, Varley Park and Falmer.

Eligible students can apply for any of these options. Find out if you are eligible…
You’ll be prioritised for accommodation in the halls that are linked to your teaching base, subject to availability.
Moulsecoomb campus is linked to Varley Park and Moulsecoomb Place halls.
- Varley Park offers a mix of rooms and catering options. Varley Park 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.
- Moulsecoomb Place halls are catered and are located on campus.

We also offer Unihomes and Unilets, student houses that we let out to our students on behalf of private landlords. This option provides the most choice and flexibility and can work particularly well when you’re balancing learning with placements and other commitments.

There’s plenty of support if you choose private rented accommodation. We manage our own studenthomes database of properties. And we run our housemates service over the summer for students, new and returning, looking for a place to live.

Find out more on our accommodation webpages.

Moulsecoomb Place accommodation close to the Moulsecoomb campus

Student in the Moulsecoomb Place hall of residence

Maps

Accommodation

University building

Moulsecoomb campus map

Find out more

Biomedical science news

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

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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."