Program Overview

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Introduction to the BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science (Including Foundation Year)

The BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science (including Foundation Year) is a four-year degree that provides students with the practical skills and knowledge needed to work in labs and hospitals across the NHS and private sector. This course is ideal for students who do not yet meet the entry requirements for the three-year version, as it offers a supported step up to university study.

Overview of the Course

The course starts with a Foundation Year, where students gain an introduction to biology, chemistry for biology, and mathematics and statistics for life sciences. Students then progress to the BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science, BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences, or BSc (Hons) Marine Biology. Throughout the course, students participate in various activities, such as Science Week at Public Health England (PHE) in Colindale, visits to hospitals in the Eastern Region, and the Biomedical Employability Day.

Who Should Apply

This course is suitable for:

• Future biomedical scientists
• Students wanting to work in the NHS
• Those aiming to advance medical research
• Future students of postgraduate medicine

What You Will Learn

The course covers a range of topics, including:

• Biology of disease: studying immunity and a range of diseases
• Health and medicine: exploring microbiology, biochemistry, medical genetics, haematology, and pharmacology
• Specialisation: tailoring your degree through your choice of applied modules into cancer, neurological disease, virology, and more

Your Learning Experience

The course offers:

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

Careers and Outcomes

A BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science degree prepares students for diverse careers in hospitals, clinics, healthcare companies, and more, including:

• 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 Cambridge, Chelmsford, Colchester, PHE in Colindale, Basildon, London, Bury St Edmunds, Harlow, Hastings, Ipswich, Norwich, Peterborough, Kent, Bedford, and Romford.

Why Choose This Course

The University of Essex is:

• Top university in England for providing NHS placements on its applied biomedical course
• 2nd in the UK for biosciences (Mail University Guide 2026)
• 3rd in the UK for anatomy and physiology (Guardian University Guide 2026)

Meet the Researchers

The course is led by experienced researchers, including:

• Professor Selwa Alsam, expert in biomedical science and course director of biomedical science
• Dr Efstathios (Stathis) Giotis, expert in biomedical science and bioinformatics

Entry Requirements

UK Entry Requirements

• Standard offer: 72 UCAS tariff points from at least two full A-levels, or equivalent, to include a science subject
• Examples of the above tariff may include:
  • A-levels: DDD (including a science subject)
  • BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma: MMP (in a science subject)
  • T-levels: Pass with E in core, depending on subject studied
• Level 3 (i.e., A-level, BTEC, etc.) scientific study, with considered science subjects including Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, Maths, Geography, Sports Science, and Applied Science
• Two GCSEs from Chemistry, Physics, and Biology at grade B/6 (or equivalent)
• All applicants must also hold GCSE Maths and Science at grade C/4 or above (or equivalent)

International and EU Entry Requirements

The University of Essex accepts a wide range of qualifications from applicants studying in the EU and other countries. International applicants should contact the University for more information.

English Language Requirements

• English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each component, or specified score in another equivalent test
• Details of English language requirements, including component scores, and the tests accepted for applicants who require a Student visa can be found on the University's website

Structure

The course offers a flexible structure with a mixture of core/compulsory modules and optional modules chosen from lists. The research-led teaching is continually evolving to address the latest challenges and breakthroughs in the field.

Components and Modules

• Year 0: Introduction to Biology, Chemistry for Biology, Mathematics and Statistics for Sciences, Communicating Science: Reading, Writing and Research Skills for Sports and Life Sciences
• Year 1: Quantitative methods for Life Sciences, Molecular Cell Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry of Macromolecules, Genetics and Evolution, General and Organic Chemistry, Anatomy and Physiology
• Year 2: 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, Molecular Biology: Genes, Proteins and Disease
• Final Year: Research Project in Biomedical Science, Biology of Disease, Pharmacology and Narcotics

Placement

Please note that vaccinations are required if students undertake an NHS placement.

Teaching

Undergraduate students in the School of Life Sciences typically attend two or three hours of lectures per week per module, plus two or three laboratory practices per module.

Fees and Funding

Home/UK Fee

• ｣9,790 per year

International Fee

• ｣21,500 per year

Scholarships and Financial Support

There may be scholarships, bursaries, or discounts available to help with the cost of this course.

What's Next

The University of Essex offers various events and resources to support students in their academic journey, including Open Days, campus tours, and online resources.