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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) Biomedicine
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Science
- UCAS Course Code
- C930
- 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 Start Dates
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90%
Of graduates go on to work and/or study within 15 months after the course
Graduate Outcomes Survey 2022-23Course Overview
Why Biomedicine at UEA?
Explore the biological mechanisms of disease through research-led teaching and advanced laboratory investigation. Share your first year with Biomedical Science before choosing your specialist pathway.
Why choose UEA?
- Top-ranked course: Biomedical Sciences at UEA is ranked 6th in the UK (Guardian UK University Guide 2026)
- Flexible studies: Share a common first year with Biomedical Science before choosing your specialist research-focused route
- State-of-the-art-facilities: Gain hands-on experience in modern laboratories, including the Bob Champion Research and Education Building
What is BSc Biomedicine?
Biomedicine explores how molecular and cellular processes drive human health and disease. You’ll study genetics, cell biology, human physiology, cancer biology, infection and immune responses, exploring how research informs medical advances.
The course emphasises experimental design, data analysis and independent investigation, culminating in a substantial research project.
Graduates successfully progress into research, biotechnology, pharmaceutical development and postgraduate study.
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Accreditations
If becoming a Biomedical Scientist within the NHS is your goal, then you can undertake the NHS Scientist Training Programme after you graduate or submit your details of your Biomedicine degree to the IBMS for their consideration. Based on the modules that you’ve chosen during your degree, the IBMS will then inform you of any top-up modules that you may need to take.
Careers
Career Pathways
With a degree in Biomedicine, you could develop a career as a:
- Biomedical Research Scientist: Investigate disease mechanisms in universities, research institutes, or pharmaceutical laboratories
- Biotechnology Scientist: Develop new diagnostics, vaccines, and biological technologies for healthcare
- Pharmaceutical Scientist: Support drug discovery, clinical trials, and the development of new medicines
- Graduate Entry Medicine Student: Use your biomedical science background to progress into medical training
- Science Policy Advisor: Apply scientific expertise in regulatory, advisory, or science communication roles
Career Support
You’ll build employability through research-led teaching, laboratory training, and problem-based learning. Scientists actively involved in research will contribute directly to your teaching. Dedicated sessions supported by Career Central will help you develop your CV, interview skills, and postgraduate applications for up to three years after graduation. The shared first year also gives you the flexibility to switch to Biomedical Science if your interests change.
After the Course
Graduates progress into research laboratories, biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. Many continue into MSc or PhD programmes in biomedical and translational sciences. The degree provides strong preparation for graduate medicine applications. Transferable analytical and laboratory skills are valued across healthcare and science sectors.
Study and Modules
Structure
Your first year provides a strong scientific foundation in the biology of human health and disease. You’ll study alongside Biomedical Science students, exploring core areas such as cell biology, genetics, biochemistry and physiology while developing practical laboratory skills.
This shared year allows you to experience both professional and research-focused perspectives before choosing your specialist pathway. It ensures you can make an informed decision about your future direction.
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, the focus shifts towards understanding disease mechanisms at molecular and cellular levels. You’ll explore how genetic variation, immune responses, metabolic pathways and cellular dysfunction contribute to complex conditions such as cancer, infection and inflammatory disease.
Teaching emphasises experimental design, interpretation of scientific literature and analysis of research data. Laboratory sessions develop technical confidence and investigative thinking, mirroring approaches used in biomedical research environments.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 20)Optional C Modules
(Credits: 20)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 deepens your engagement with cutting-edge biomedical science. You’ll choose specialist topics reflecting current research advances and emerging technologies in areas such as precision medicine, molecular therapeutics and advanced cellular biology.
A substantial independent research project forms the centrepiece of the year. You’ll design experiments, analyse data and communicate your findings, developing the independence and analytical skills essential for research careers or postgraduate study.
By graduation, you’ll understand not only how diseases are diagnosed, but how new knowledge is generated to transform future healthcare.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 60)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)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 lectures, workshops and practical laboratory classes delivered by research-active scientists.
Teaching integrates current biomedical research into core scientific concepts and disease mechanisms. Laboratory sessions develop experimental skills, data analysis and investigative thinking. Online resources and guided reading support independent study throughout the course.
In year one, you’ll develop core laboratory competence and scientific communication skills alongside Biomedical Science students.
Year two teaching emphasises experimental design, interpretation of research data and understanding molecular disease mechanisms.
In year three, you’ll complete advanced research-focused study and an independent project, developing scientific independence and analytical confidence.
Assessment
Assessment methods reflect the skills required in biomedical research and scientific investigation. You’ll complete a mixture of coursework and examinations across the course. Coursework includes laboratory reports, data analysis, essays and scientific presentations. Assessments emphasise critical thinking, interpretation of evidence and experimental reasoning.
Year one assessment develops scientific writing, quantitative analysis and laboratory reporting skills.
In year two, you’ll complete research-focused coursework, data interpretation tasks and written examinations.
Year three assessment centres on a substantial independent research project and advanced scientific analysis.
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 C or grade 4 and Mathematics at minimum grade C or grade 4.
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 plus 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.
For Forensic and Criminal Investigation applicants MUST be studying 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
Access to Science pathway.
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, Computing 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 pathway
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 with HL 5 in Biology and another science, Computing Science, Psychology or Mathematics.
Irish Leaving Certificate
3 subjects at H2 and 3 subjects at H3, including Biology and another science, Computing Science, Psychology or Mathematics.
Scottish Highers
AAABB including A in Biology and another science, Computing Science, Psychology or Mathematics.
Scottish Advanced Highers
BCC including Biology and another science, 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 C or grade 4 and Mathematics at minimum grade C or grade 4.
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 or Human Biology and one of the following subjects: Chemistry, Physics, Computing Science, Psychology or Mathematics.International Baccalaureate
32 points overall with HL5 in Biology and another science, Computing 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
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
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: