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Biological Sciences at UEA
Find out more about studying Biological Sciences at UEA, and browse our other courses.
Find out moreBSc (Hons) Biomedical Science
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Science
- UCAS Course Code
- C520
- Typical Offer
- ABB including Biology or Human Biology (and other subject specific requirements)
- Contextual Offer
- BBC including Biology or Human Biology (and other subject specific requirements)
- Course Length
- 3 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2027
Other Course Options
Other Start Dates
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17th
UEA is ranked 17th overall for research quality in Biological Science
The Times Higher Education REF 2021 AnalysisCourse Overview
Why Biomedical Science at UEA?
Train for a vital healthcare career helping to diagnose diseases in real clinical laboratory settings. Our IBMS-accredited degree prepares you for registration and employment in NHS pathology laboratories.
Why choose UEA?
- Professional accreditation: IBMS-accredited course meeting national standards for Biomedical Scientist training and NHS laboratory careers
- Clinical collaboration: Taught with Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital clinicians and senior biomedical scientists using real clinical case material
- Flexible pathways: Shared first year with Biomedicine lets you switch courses as your career interests develop
What is BSc Biomedical Science?
Biomedical Science applies laboratory science to understanding, diagnosing and monitoring disease to support patient care.
You’ll study haematology, immunology, microbiology and genetics, learning how laboratory tests guide treatment decisions.
The course progresses from core cell biology and human physiology to complex diagnostics and includes an independent research project. Graduates successfully enter NHS laboratories, research, and healthcare industries.
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Accreditations
The Biomedical Science degree programme is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS).
Careers
Career Pathways
With a degree in Biomedical Science, you could develop a career as a:
- Biomedical Scientist: Analyse patient samples in diagnostic laboratories to support disease diagnosis and treatment
- Clinical Laboratory Scientist: Work in specialist or private laboratories supporting medical testing and screening programmes
- Regulatory Affairs Scientist: Evaluate medicines, medical technologies, and safety standards for regulatory organisations
- Biotechnology Scientist: Develop diagnostics, vaccines, and new biological technologies for healthcare
- Pharmaceutical Scientist: Research, test, and develop medicines within pharmaceutical companies
Career Support
You’ll build career-ready skills through clinical case studies, employer talks, and engagement with NHS laboratories. Practising biomedical scientists will also share real-world insight and support your professional development. Dedicated sessions supported by Career Central will help you strengthen your CV, interview skills, and career confidence. You’ll also receive guidance on NHS training routes and postgraduate study options.
After the Course
Graduates can begin the IBMS registration portfolio while working in an NHS laboratory training role. Successful completion supports eligibility to apply for HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist. Many graduates progress quickly into permanent NHS positions across diagnostic pathology disciplines. Others enter research, biotechnology or postgraduate study in biomedical and clinical sciences.
Study and Modules
Structure
Your first year introduces the scientific foundations of biomedical science and biomedicine. You'll study how cells, tissues and organs function in health, and how biological processes change during disease.
You’ll develop core knowledge in cell biology, genetics, biochemistry and human physiology while exploring major health challenges such as infection, ageing and cancer. Practical laboratory classes build essential skills in microscopy, experimental techniques and data analysis, helping you gain confidence working safely in a laboratory environment.
Alongside scientific learning, you’ll begin developing professional and academic skills, including scientific communication, teamwork and critical thinking, preparing you for later clinical applications.
Compulsory Modules
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Structure
In your second year, you’ll move from biological principles to understanding disease within a clinical laboratory context. You'll explore how patient samples are analysed and how laboratory investigations support diagnosis and treatment decisions.
You’ll study the major pathology disciplines found in NHS laboratories, including blood science, microbiology, cellular pathology, genetics and immunology. Practical sessions and case-based teaching help you interpret results and understand how laboratory findings guide patient care.
By the end of the year, you'll understand how scientific knowledge is applied to real diagnostic testing and gain experience working with techniques used in professional laboratory practice.
Compulsory Modules
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Structure
Your final year focuses on applying advanced biomedical science knowledge to complex human diseases and clinical investigation. You'll develop the ability to interpret evidence, evaluate diagnostic approaches and understand how laboratory science informs treatment decisions.
You'll complete an independent research project, designing and conducting experiments, analysing results and presenting your findings. This allows you to specialise in an area of interest and develop skills valued by employers and postgraduate study.
The year also strengthens professional readiness through scientific communication, problem-solving and analytical thinking, helping you prepare for laboratory training roles, research positions or further study.
Compulsory Modules
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning, and Assessment
Teaching and Learning
You’ll learn through a combination of lectures, workshops and practical laboratory classes led by research-active scientists and clinicians. Teaching integrates scientific theory with clinical case examples to demonstrate how laboratory investigations support patient care. Many sessions use real diagnostic scenarios and data interpretation activities to develop analytical and problem-solving skills. Recorded materials and online resources support revision and independent study throughout the course.
In year one, you’ll develop core laboratory skills, scientific communication and data analysis while building understanding of human biology and disease.
Year two teaching focuses on interpreting patient test results and understanding investigations used across NHS diagnostic pathology disciplines.
In your final year, you’ll undertake an independent research project and advanced case-based learning, preparing for laboratory training roles and the possibility of postgraduate study.
Assessment
Assessment methods reflect the skills required in scientific and clinical laboratory practice. You’ll complete a mixture of coursework and examinations across the course.
Coursework includes laboratory reports, data analysis, written assignments and presentations. Assessments emphasise interpretation, problem solving and application of scientific knowledge to clinical scenarios.
Year one assessments develop study skills and scientific writing through laboratory reports, coursework and introductory examinations.
In year two, you’ll complete case-based assessments, data interpretation tasks and examinations reflecting diagnostic laboratory investigations.
Year three assessment includes a substantial research project, scientific presentations and advanced written examinations.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language at minimum grade 4 or grade C, and Mathematics at minimum grade 4 or grade C.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies(opens in a new window) page.
- Contextual Offers
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes(opens in a new window).
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
A levels
ABB including Biology or Human Biology and one of the following subjects: Geography, Chemistry, Physics, Computing Science, Psychology or Mathematics.
Contextual offer: BBC including Biology or Human Biology and one of the following subjects: Geography, Chemistry, Physics, Computing Science, Psychology or Mathematics.
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDM in Applied Science (Medical Science/Biomedical Science) or Forensic and Criminal Investigation
Contextual offer: DMM in Applied Science (Medical Science/Biomedical Science) or Forensic and Criminal Investigation
Applicants studying Forensic and Criminal Investigation must be taking one of the following modules: Physiology and Human Body Systems, Environmental Forensics, Forensic Genetics, or Microbiology and Microbiological Techniques.
BTEC in Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration are all excluded from our BTEC offers.
Access to HE Diploma
Pass Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 30 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 15 credits at Level 3, including 12 credits in Biology and 12 credits in another science, Computer Science, Psychology or Maths.
Contextual Offer: Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Merit in 30 credits at Level 3 and pass in 15 credits at Level 3 including 12 credits in Biology and 12 credits in another science, Computing Science, Psychology or Maths at Merit.T levels
Obtain an overall Merit. We accept: Science.
Foundation Year options:
If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes such as - BSc Biomedicine and Biomedical Science with a Foundation Year
- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
International Baccalaureate
32 points overall including HL5 in Biology and another science, Computer Science, Psychology or Mathematics.
Irish Leaving Certificate
3 subjects at H2, 3 subjects at H3 including Biology/Human Biology and one of the subjects listed below.
Accepted subjects: Chemistry, Physics, Computing Science, Psychology or Mathematics.
Scottish Highers
AAABB including Biology/Human Biology and one of the subjects listed below.
Accepted subjects: Chemistry, Physics, Computing Science, Psychology or Mathematics.
Scottish Advanced Highers
BCC including Biology/Human Biology and one of the subjects listed below.
Accepted subjects: Chemistry, Physics, Computing Science, Psychology or Mathematics.
A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- Progression
Once enrolled onto a course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.
- Recent Study
We would prefer you to be able to demonstrate evidence of recent academic study within 5 years of the start of the course. If your last qualification will have been completed more than 5 years ago by the time the course starts, please contact Admissions.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language at minimum grade 4 or grade C, and Mathematics at minimum grade 4 or grade C.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies(opens in a new window) page.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. For specific details about your country, view our information for International Students(opens in a new window).
A levels
ABB including Biology/Human Biology and one of the subjects listed below.
Accepted subjects: Geography, Chemistry, Physics, Computing Science, Psychology or Mathematics.
International Baccalaureate
32 points overall including HL5 in Biology and another science, Computer Science, Psychology or Mathematics.
- UEA International Study Centre
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, UEA International Study Centre(opens in a new window) offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree.
- English Foreign Language
English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
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IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies(opens in a new window) for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, UEA International Study Centre offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:
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- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- Progression
Once enrolled onto a course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.
- Recent Study
We would prefer you to be able to demonstrate evidence of recent academic study within 5 years of the start of the course. If your last qualification will have been completed more than 5 years ago by the time the course starts, please contact Admissions.
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Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2027/28 are:
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UK Students: £10,050
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International Students: £29,300
We estimate living expenses at £1,171 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here(opens in a new window).
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships(opens in a new window) for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see additional course fees for details of course-related costs.
How to Apply
How to apply
Apply for this course through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Services (UCAS), using UCAS Hub.
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information: