Biomedical Science with placement year

Program Overview

---

Biomedical Science with Placement Year - BSc (Hons)

Overview

Education in the Biomedical Sciences with placement in industry/research institute or period of study overseas, 4 years full time.

Summary

BSc Hons Biomedical Science with Diploma in Professional Practice (DPP)/Diploma in International Academic Studies (DIAS) 4 years full-time. In order to attain the DPP students normally undertake a placement in either industry or a research institute. To attain the DIAS students undertake a period of studies overseas at another educational institution.

Award

Bachelor of Science with Honours

Faculty

Faculty of Life and Health Sciences

School

School of Biomedical Sciences

Campus

Coleraine campus

UCAS code

B991

Start date

September 2026

With this degree you could become:

• Clinical Research Scientist
• Biomedical Scientist
• Laboratory Health Care Assistant
• Forensic Scientist
• Postgraduate Medicine
• Postgraduate Physician Associate
• Education

Graduates from this course are now working for:

• Pharmaceutical Diagnostic and Research Industries
• Biotechnology Industry
• Health and Social Care Trust Laboratories
• Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service
• Department of Justice NI
• National Health Service
• Education

About this course

Biomedical science is concerned with understanding how diseases develop and how they may affect the normal functioning of the body. The aim of the discipline is the investigation of the disease process and, ultimately, the development of methods for monitoring, diagnosing, treating and preventing disease.

Competencies in both personal and interpersonal skills have been given priority in the design of the course content, together with a firm knowledge and understanding of science. The excellent reputation of the course has meant that graduates have been extremely successful in finding high-level career employment and are readily accepted for higher degree programmes at the world’s greatest universities.

Associate awards

• Diploma in Professional Practice DPP
• Diploma in International Academic Studies DIAS
• Diploma in Professional Practice International DPPI

Attendance

Full-time 4 years.

Start dates

• September 2026

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

Learning and teaching in biomedical sciences is normally through a combination of face-to-face lectures, hands-on practical classes, tutorials, seminars, problem-based learning and computer–assisted learning.

Assessment in modules is through a combination of coursework completed during the semester and/or sessional written examinations.

Coursework can take the form of practical reports, written assignments, class tests, presentations, case studies and dissertations.

Modules

Year one

• Biochemistry
• Human Physiology & Anatomy
• Medical Cell Biology
• Chemistry and Pharmacology
• Practical and Laboratory Skills
• Scientific Communication and Data Health Science

Year two

• Cellular Pathology
• Haematology and transfusion science
• Clinical biochemistry
• Professional Practice
• Applied Genetics
• Microbiology
• Pathophysiology
• Immunology

Year three

• Diploma in International Academic Studies
• Placement: Diploma in Professional Practice

Year four

• Investigative project
• Clinical & Molecular Genetics
• Clinical Immunology & Medical Microbiology
• Molecular pathology
• Pharmacology and Evidence-Based Practice

Standard entry conditions

We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.

A level

Grades BBB

Essential Subjects:

Two subjects from Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Nutrition and Food Science, Physics.

Double Award Life and Health Sciences is acceptable as two subjects.

OR

One subject from Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Nutrition and Food Science, Physics, plus one subject from Environmental Technology, Geography, ICT, PE, Single Award Life and Health Sciences.

Applied General Qualifications

RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Applied Science / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma in Applied Science - Award profile of DDM

RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Applied Science / RQF OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Diploma in Applied Science - Award profile DM plus A Level grade B in any subject

RQF OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate in Applied Science / RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Applied Human Biology / RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Applied Science - Award profile of D plus A Level grades BB to include one subject from Biology, Chemistry, Food Science and Nutrition, Maths, Physics, Environmental Technology, Geography, ICT, PE, Single Award Life and Health Sciences.

Irish Leaving Certificate

120 UCAS Tariff Points with at least five higher-level subjects, including two science subjects at H3.

Essential Subjects:

Grades H3/H3 in two subjects from Biology, Chemistry, Home Economics, Mathematics, Physics.

OR

Grades H3/H3, with one subject from Biology, Chemistry, Home Economics, Mathematics, Physics, plus one subject from Agricultural Science, Geography, Physics/Chemistry, and Physical Education.

If Maths is not passed at H3, you will be required to achieve a minimum of H6/O4 in addition to the two science subjects. English is required at a minimum of H6/O4.

Scottish Highers

Grades BBBCC including BB in either:

Two subjects from Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics.

OR

One subject from Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics plus Geography or Physical Education.

English & Mathematics is required at Standard Level 1, 2, or 3.

Scottish Advanced Highers

Grades CCC including either:

Two subjects from Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Physics.

OR

One subject from Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Physics plus Geography or Physical Education

English & Mathematics required at Standard Level 1, 2, or 3

International Baccalaureate

An overall profile of 26 points with at least 13 points at higher level. This must include two subjects from Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, or Biology, with a minimum of 6 points achieved in each of the two specified subjects.

Access to Higher Education (HE)

Only science-based courses are acceptable, and modules will be specified.

An overall profile of 65% to include 65% in Level 3 modules. (120 credit Access Course) (NI Access Course).

An overall profile of 24 Distinctions and 21 Merits.(60 Credit Access Course) (GB Access Course).

GCSE

For full-time study, you must satisfy the General Entrance Requirements for admission to a first-degree course and hold a GCSE pass at grade C/4 or above in English Language. You must also hold a GCSE pass in Mathematics and Chemistry or Double Award Science at grade C/4 or above (or equivalent).

Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills- Communication will be accepted as equivalent to GCSE English.

Level 2 Essential / Key Skills in Application of Number is NOT regarded as an acceptable alternative to GCSE Maths.

English Language Requirements

English language requirements for international applicants
The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.

Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.

Careers & opportunities

Graduate employers

Graduates from this course are now working for:

• Pharmaceutical Diagnostic and Research Industries
• Biotechnology Industry
• Health and Social Care Trust Laboratories
• Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service
• Department of Justice NI
• National Health Service
• Education

Job roles

With this degree you could become:

• Clinical Research Scientist
• Biomedical Scientist
• Laboratory Health Care Assistant
• Forensic Scientist
• Postgraduate Medicine
• Postgraduate Physician Associate
• Education

Career options

A Biomedical Sciences graduate can specialize in several areas; as a healthcare scientist working in a clinical laboratory (following completion of a professional portfolio to register for clinical practice), their role is the diagnosis of disease, an evaluation of the effectiveness of treatment and screening via the analysis of fluids and tissue samples from patients; as a research scientist, working at the cutting edge of research to develop new technologies, tests and treatments for the detection, monitoring or treatment of disease; as a teacher, in science at post primary or as a lecturer in third level education; as a scientific writer; numerous opportunities exist for the qualified Biomedical Scientist.

• Graduates are eligible to apply for Hospital Laboratory Diagnostics (Trainee Biomedical Scientist enabling HCPC state registration after completion of portfolio)
• Opportunity to complete an MBiomedSci which involves one additional year of study consisting of online modules and an internship in the USA.
• Medicine/Physician Associate entry requires post graduate application.
• Teaching in Education requires PGCE.

Work placement / study abroad

Apply and test your knowledge in the “real world” by undertaking a supervised placement year of work experience in a research laboratory in the UK or abroad. The usual duration is 48 weeks.

Additionally, if you wish there is an option to transfer to an integrated Masters degree (MBiomedSci) upon completion of final year allowing you to study in the USA at a top research laboratory. The US laboratory is at the Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI). With this option you undertake online learning in the first semester (45 credit points) in addition to your duties in the host laboratory. The projects currently on offer range from developmental cardiology, eye diseases (such as diabetic retinopathy and retinoblastoma) as well as projects on chronic pulmonary disease.

Professional Recognition

Accreditations reflect the excellence of our teaching, research, and knowledge exchange and ensure our programmes realise the highest expectations. By studying at Ulster University you’ll gain insight and be at the forefront of current industry practices, while our many accredited degree programmes open doors to the world’s top professional organisations, making you more attractive to future employers and giving you a competitive edge in the job market.

Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS)

Accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS).

Fees and funding

2026/27 Fees

Undergraduate fees are subject to annual review, 2026/27 fees will be announced in due course.

See our tuition fees page for the current fees for 2025/26 entry.

Scholarships, awards and prizes

The following prizes are awarded to high performing students on this specific degree course:

(Year 1) Gerry Magee Award; (Year 2) IBMS Award: Haematology and Blood Transfusion; Cellular Pathology; Microbiology; Clinical Biochemistry; (Final year) IBMS President's Award; Northern Ireland IBMS Placement Award; Ulster Immunology group prize; Physiological Society Prize in Physiology; Randox Rising Star Award; The O’Kane Women in STEM Prize.

The following awards are also presented as part of the Randox Training Academy: Randox Rising Star Award; Randox Student Stellar Award; Randox Excellence Award

Additional mandatory costs

The costs for health screening and vaccinations are approximately £35 - 155 depending on the vaccinations required.

It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges) and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition fees.

Where a course has additional mandatory expenses (in addition to tuition fees) we make every effort to highlight them above. We aim to provide students with the learning materials needed to support their studies. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. Computer suites and free Wi-Fi are also available on each of the campuses.

There are additional fees for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.

Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as a part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs, as well as tuition fees.

See the tuition fees on our student guide for most up to date costs.

Contact

For more information visit

• Visit Faculty of Life and Health Sciences
• Visit School of Biomedical Sciences

Terms and Conditions

1. We prepare our prospectus and online information about our courses with care and every effort is made to ensure that the information is accurate. The printed version of the prospectus is, however, published at least a year before the courses begin. Information included in the prospectus may, therefore, change. This includes, but is not limited to changes to the terms, content, delivery, location, method of assessments or lengths of the courses described. Not all circumstances are foreseeable, but changes will normally be made for one of the following reasons:

• to meet external, professional, or accredited body requirements;
• to provide for exceptional circumstances due to reasons beyond our reasonable control;
• to improve or enhance your experience, or to adopt changes recommended in student feedback, with the aim of improving the student experience and/or student outcomes; and/or
• to ensure appropriate academic standards are met, for example in response to external examiners’ feedback.

2. If there are insufficient enrolments to make a course viable, it may be necessary for the University to withdraw a course. If you have received an offer for a course that we subsequently have to close, we will contact you as soon as possible to discuss alternative courses. If you do not wish to study any alternative courses at the University, you may withdraw your application by informing us by email to .
3. Please note that the University’s website is the most up-to-date source of information regarding courses, campuses and facilities and we strongly recommend that you always visit the website before making any commitments.
4. We will include a durable PDF when we send you an offer letter which will highlight any changes made to our prospectus or online information about our courses. You should read this carefully and ensure you fully understand what you are agreeing to before accepting a place on one of our courses.
5. The University will always try to deliver the course as described in the durable PDF you receive with your offer letter.
6. At any point after an offer has been made, students will be notified of any course changes in writing (usually by email) as soon as reasonably practicable and we will take all reasonable steps to minimise their impact where possible. The University will, where possible and reasonably practicable, seek the express consent of the student in regard to any changes concerning material or pre-contract information.
7. The University website will be updated to reflect the changed course information as soon as reasonably practicable.
8. If, after due consideration, you decide that you no longer want to study your course or to study at the University because of the changes, you may withdraw your application or terminate your contract with the University. In order to do so, you should notify us in writing by emailing (and update UCAS if applicable). We will, on request, recommend alternative courses that you could study with us, or suggest a suitable course at an alternative higher education provider.
9. If you do not agree that the changes are fair, you can seek redress under the Student Complaints Procedures (opens in new window).
10. Providing the University has complied with the requirements of all applicable consumer protection laws, the University does not accept responsibility for the consequences of any modification, relocation or cancellation of any course, or part of a course, offered by the University. The University will give due and proper consideration to the effects thereof on individual students and take the steps necessary to minimise the impact of such effects on those affected.
11. The University is not liable for disruption to its provision of educational or other services caused by circumstances beyond its reasonable control providing it takes all reasonable steps to minimise the resultant disruption to such services.
12. Further information can be found in our terms and conditions (opens in new window).

Student Terms and Conditions

The full Student Terms and Conditions 24/25 (opens in new window) is now available.

Testimonials

After completing my A levels, I was unsure of what I wanted to do or study but always had an interest in science. Through studying a Biomedical science degree, it allowed me to keep my options open and gain greater knowledge of the sciences with many modules in biology and chemistry.

What attracted me to the course was the ability to be able to take a placement year in professional practice between the second and final year of study. Having this opportunity enhances employability and through the university exposure to industrial links made it easier to look for and gain a suitable placement. Additionally, through completing placement, you receive a Diploma in Professional Practice.

Ulster University is one of the top Biomedical schools in the UK. Lecturers always have material readily available and provide increased support in areas of difficulty. Within the course there are also many opportunities to receive prizes for academic achievements. A highlight for me was obtaining the Gerry Magee prize for having the highest mark in Bioanalytical chemistry in first year. In the future my plans are to complete my placement, graduate, and pursue a career in research.

Rebecca Douglas, Year 2, Biomedical Science

Sustainability at Ulster

Ulster continues to develop and support sustainability initiatives with our staff, students, and external partners across various aspects of teaching, research, professional services operations, and governance.

At Ulster every person, course, research project, and professional service area on every campus either does or can contribute in some way towards the global sustainability and climate change agenda.

We are guided by both our University Strategy People, Place and Partnerships : Delivering Sustainable Futures for All and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Our work in this area is already being recognised globally. Most recently by the 2024 Times Higher Education Impact rating where we were recognised as Joint 5th Globally for Outreach Activities and Joint Top 20 Globally for Sustainable Development Goal 17: Partnership for the Goals.

Visit our Sustainability at Ulster destination to learn more about how the University strategy and the activities of Ulster University support each of the Sustainable Development Goals.

• Sustainability at Ulster University (opens in new window)

Faculty of Life and Health Sciences – Sustainability in Focus

Learning and Teaching

Our Faculty is dedicated to integrating sustainability across our curriculum, preparing students to address global environmental challenges.

• The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) have been incorporated throughout each course within the Faculty and each module outlines how and where they meet these SDG’s.
• Subject specific guidance on sustainability has been provided in the QAA benchmarks statements for Biomedical Science and Biomedical Sciences; Biosciences; Chemistry; Optometry; Psychology; Earth Sciences; Veterinary Nursing; Agriculture; Rural –Environmental Sciences; Animal Studies; Consumer Science; Forestry, Food Horticulture –and –Human Nutrition; Health Studies; Earth Sciences and Geography.

Research and Knowledge Exchange

Our Faculty has key centres of research excellence within all Schools and our interdisciplinary approach brings together researchers from diverse fields to develop impactful solutions.

• By advancing knowledge in various fields within the faculty, we aim to identify sustainable approaches to:
• Health promotion
• Achieving food security improved nutrition and promoting sustainable agriculture
• Ensuring healthy lives and promote wellbeing
• Promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all
• Achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls
• Ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
• Taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
• Conserving and sustainably using the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
• Promoting sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems
• Promoting peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development
• Implementation and revitalisation of the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development

External Partnerships

Collaboration is key to driving sustainability. Our Faculty partners with external stakeholders including professional bodies and learned societies to enhance the sustainability journey for all our students and to promote sustainable practices.

External partnerships enable us to apply research and innovation to real-world challenges. We drive meaningful change in local communities, industries, and global ecosystems, fostering a more sustainable society through impactful projects and community engagement.

Back to Top

• We are THE University of the Year 2024 (Times Higher Education 2024)

Learn More