Program Overview

Introduction to the BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science (NHS placement)

The BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science (NHS placement) is a four-year degree that includes a year on placement in the NHS. This program provides students with the practical skills, knowledge, and lab experience necessary to work in labs and hospitals across the NHS and private sector.

Overview of the Course

• The course starts in October 2026 and is taught full-time over four years.
• It is based at the Colchester Campus in the School of Life Sciences.
• The program is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) for the purpose of providing eligibility to apply for registration with the HCPC as a biomedical scientist.
• It is also accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS).

Why Choose This Course

• The course gives students key knowledge and modern strategies to diagnose and treat the human immune system, pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria, haematology and blood transfusion, cell pathology, and mechanisms of neurological diseases.
• In Year One, students participate in Science Week at Public Health England (PHE) in Colindale.
• In Year Two, students can visit hospitals in the Eastern Region and beyond.
• Students spend Year Three on placement within the NHS, developing laboratory skills and understanding different career paths in the sector.
• The Final Year includes attendance at the Biomedical Employability Day and the opportunity to contribute to the IBMS Congress.

Who Should Apply

• Future NHS professionals and biomedical scientists
• Students wanting to work in the NHS or private health sector
• Those aiming to advance medical research
• Future students of postgraduate medicine

What You'll Learn

• Biology of disease: Study immunity and a range of diseases
• Health and medicine: Explore microbiology, biochemistry, medical genetics, haematology, and pharmacology
• Specialise: Tailor your degree through your choice of applied modules into cancer, neurological disease, virology, and more

Your Learning Experience

• Expert teaching: Learn in a lively, friendly, and supportive community with research-led study and high-quality teaching from researchers across the spectrum of biology
• Specialist facilities: Access a range of equipment and facilities from teaching labs to bioimaging, bioinformatics, and biochemistry, and complete your final-year research alongside academics and research students in shared labs

Careers and Outcomes

A BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science (NHS placement) degree prepares students for diverse careers in:

• Biomedical science: NHS, andrology, clinical perfusion, microbiology, toxicology, biotechnology, forensic science, pharmaceuticals
• Medicine: Postgraduate medicine programmes
• Research: Postgraduate research programmes
• Education: Primary and secondary science and biology teaching

Employers of Graduates

Graduates from this course have progressed to roles in NHS Hospitals, including those in Cambridge, Chelmsford, Colchester, and more.

Entry Requirements

UK Entry Requirements

• GCSE: Mathematics C/4, plus one of the level 3 qualifications below
• A-levels: BBB - BBC or 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A-levels, including B in Chemistry or Biology and a second science or Mathematics
• BTEC: DDM - DMM or 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of the equivalent of 2 full A-levels
• Combined qualifications on the UCAS tariff: 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A levels or equivalent
• IB: 30-29 points in the IB diploma or 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of 2 Higher Level subjects including 5 in Higher Level Chemistry or Biology and a second science or Mathematics
• QAA-approved Access to HE Diploma: 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points, depending on subject studied
• T-levels: For our Life Sciences courses, we can consider T-levels taken in Science on a case-by-case basis

International & EU Entry Requirements

We accept a wide range of qualifications from applicants studying in the EU and other countries.

English Language Requirements

• English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall, or specified score in another equivalent test that we accept

Structure

The course structure includes:

• Year 1: Core modules such as Quantitative methods for Life Sciences, Molecular Cell Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry of Macromolecules, Genetics and Evolution, General and Organic Chemistry, Anatomy and Physiology, and Transferable Skills in Life Sciences
• Year 2: Core modules including Biomedical Science: Practice and Employability, Cell Biology and Cellular Pathology, Medical Microbiology, Haematology and Blood Transfusion Science, Clinical Biochemistry, Medical Genetics, Immunity in Health and Disease, and Molecular Biology: Genes, Proteins and Disease
• Year 3: NHS Placement Report
• Year 4: Core modules such as Research Project in Biomedical Science, Biology of Disease, Pharmacology and Narcotics, and optional modules

Fees and Funding

• Home/UK fee: £9,535 per year
• International fee: £24,360 per year
• Fees will increase for each academic year of study
• There may be scholarships, bursaries, or discounts available to help with the cost of this course

What's Next

• Open Days: Attend an Open Day to find out more about studying at Essex
• Applying: Applications for our full-time undergraduate courses should be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS)