Program Overview

Applied Biomedical Science (Distance Learning) (Degree Apprenticeship) BSc (Hons)

Overview

This three-year degree apprenticeship is designed for existing medical lab support staff who want to qualify as biomedical scientists and develop their knowledge of pathological disciplines. The course is studied alongside an existing job, and tuition fees are covered by the Government and the employer, meaning no cost to the student.

Key Information

• Typical offer: 112-120 UCAS points from 3 A levels, or equivalent, to include 80 UCAS points in specific subjects
• Study mode and duration: 3 years full-time by distance learning
• Start date: September 2025

Course Information

Typical Offer

• A levels: BBB-BBC
• UCAS points: 112-120 from 3 A levels, or equivalent, to include 40 points from Biology and 40 points from a second Science subject or Mathematics
• Applicants aged 16-18 must have acceptable Level 2 qualifications in English and Maths, such as GCSE with grade C/4 or above or Functional Skills

Selection Process

• All applicants will be required to complete a Skills Gap Analysis before completing an application form
• All applicants will be invited to attend an academic interview and may be asked to submit a portfolio of work or undertake additional assessment
• Applicants must pass Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and Occupational Health checks before starting the course

Course Highlights

• Learn about the main pathological disciplines, including haematology, blood transfusion, microbiology, clinical biochemistry, histology, and immunology
• Develop skills in interpreting data in a laboratory context
• Opportunity to apply for membership to the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS), subject to accreditation approval
• Improve communication skills in scientific and analytical writing
• Earn a degree qualification while working, with the Government and employer covering tuition fees

Accreditation

This degree apprenticeship course is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS), the professional body for Biomedical Scientists, subject to approval.

Modules

• Year 1:
  • Cells to Systems (DA) - 20 credits
  • Experiential 1 (DA) - 40 credits
  • Pathological Sciences 1 (DA) - 20 credits
• Year 2:
  • Barriers to Disease, Immunity and Immune Dysfunction (DA) - 20 credits
  • Experiential 2 (DA) - 20 credits
  • Experiential Practice in Biomedical Science (DA) - 20 credits
  • Pathological Sciences 2 (DA) - 20 credits
  • Practical Biomedical Science in Practise (DA) - 20 credits
• Year 3:
  • Experiential 3 (DA) - 40 credits
  • Genetic Basis of Disease (DA) - 20 credits
  • Integrated Pathology (DA) - 20 credits
  • Professional Practise in Biomedical Science (DA) - 20 credits

Careers and Opportunities

• Registered Biomedical Scientists play a key role in public health, analysing fluid and tissue samples from patients to identify diseases or evaluate the effectiveness of different treatments
• Career paths include:
  • Main pathology disciplines, such as haematology, biochemistry, blood transfusion, microbiology, histology, or immunology
  • Molecular medicine
  • Genetics
  • Government and professional research
• With further training and experience, this qualification allows progression to roles such as:
  • Section leader
  • Laboratory manager
  • Consultant Biomedical Scientist

Supporting You

• Personal tutor
• Workplace mentor
• Learning support tutors
• Laboratory support
• Academic skills support
• Wellbeing and mental health support
• Disability advice and additional support
• Library support
• Mathematics and stats support
• Support with English

Course Costs and Funding

• The course fee is shared between the Government and the employer (£27,000 paid over 3 years), meaning no cost to the student
• Additional course costs:
  • Accommodation and living costs
  • Recommended reading
  • General costs
  • Final year project
  • Travel

How You'll Spend Your Time

• Study days will vary, but will be the same days of the week each year
• You'll spend about 20% of your time on activities that contribute to your degree apprenticeship, including training for new responsibilities

Teaching

• Teaching on this course includes a mix of face-to-face and online activities, such as:
  • Face-to-face seminars
  • Workplace training sessions
  • Work-based practice and proficiency testing
  • Recorded online lectures
  • Online extension activities
  • Online self-assessment quizzes
  • Case study analysis

Assessment

• You'll be assessed through:
  • Written exams
  • Multiple choice assessments
  • Interpretation of case studies
  • Portfolios of work
  • Written evidence sheets
  • Learning contracts
  • Short video documentary productions
  • Proficiency testing
  • Final year research project
  • IBMS registration portfolio (subject to accreditation approval)