Program Overview

Biomedical Science BSc

The University of Sheffield offers a three-year BSc Biomedical Science course that focuses on the human body and its ability to control health and disease, from genes to whole-body systems. Students will study human physiology, pharmacology, and molecular and cell biology before applying this knowledge to important issues in clinical medicine.

Course Description

The course is about the human body and our ability to control it during health and disease, from genes to whole-body systems. Students will discover the basis of genetic diseases, the physiology of ageing, and take on challenges like how to tackle antimicrobial resistance.

Modules

• First Year:
  • Experimental Skills for Bioscientists
  • Professional Skills for Bioscientists
  • Building Blocks of Life
  • Diversity of Life
  • Fundamentals of Physiology and Neuroscience
• Second Year:
  • Advanced Professional Skills for Bioscientists
  • Experimental Skills in Cell Biology and Pharmacology
  • Optional modules:
    • Key Concepts in Cell Biology
    • Introduction to Human Anatomy
    • Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology
    • Physiology of Cells and Systems
    • Development, Stem Cells, Regeneration and Ageing
    • Microbiology
    • Molecular Genetics and Genomics
• Third Year:
  • In-depth research project in an area of biomedical science
  • Optional modules (example topics):
    • Human evolutionary anatomy
    • Sensory neuroscience and behaviour
    • Biological basis of neurodegeneration
    • Membrane dynamics and receptors
    • Genome stability and cancer biology
    • Immunology
    • Forensic anatomy
    • Pharmacology of cardiovascular and respiratory disease
    • Physiology and pathophysiology
    • Human genetics
    • Stem cell biology and regenerative medicine
    • Animal models of human disease and development
    • Medical microbiology
    • Reproductive biology

Learning and Assessment

• Learning: lectures, small group tutorials and workshops, practical sessions in the lab, and research projects
• Assessment: exams, tests, presentations, coursework, and practical work

Entry Requirements

• Standard Offer:
  • A Levels: AAB, including two science subjects
  • A Levels + a fourth Level 3 qualification: ABB, including two science subjects + B in the EPQ; ABB, including two science subjects + B in Core Maths
  • International Baccalaureate: 34, with 6,5 (in any order) in two Higher Level science subjects; 33, with 5 in two Higher Level science subjects, and B in the extended essay
  • BTEC Extended Diploma: DDD in Applied Science (Basic, Biomedical Science, or Analytical & Forensic Science streams only), or Health and Social Care
  • BTEC Diploma: DD in Applied Science + A at A Level
  • T Level: Not accepted
  • Scottish Highers + Advanced Higher/s: AABBB + AB in two science subjects
  • Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels: B + AA in two science subjects
  • Access to HE Diploma: Award of the Access to HE Diploma in Science, with 45 credits at Level 3, including 36 at Distinction (all in science units) and 9 at Merit
• Access Sheffield Offer:
  • A Levels: ABB, including two science subjects
  • A Levels + a fourth Level 3 qualification: ABB, including two science subjects + B in the EPQ; ABB, including two science subjects + B in Core Maths
  • International Baccalaureate: 33, with 5 in two Higher Level science subjects
  • BTEC Extended Diploma: DDD in Applied Science (Basic, Biomedical Science, or Analytical & Forensic Science streams only), or Health and Social Care
  • BTEC Diploma: DD in Applied Science + B at A Level
  • T Level: Not accepted
  • Scottish Highers + Advanced Higher/s: ABBBB + AB in two science subjects
  • Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels: B + AB in two science subjects
  • Access to HE Diploma: Award of the Access to HE Diploma in Science, with 45 credits at Level 3, including 30 at Distinction (all in science units) and 15 at Merit
• Other Requirements:
  • GCSE Maths grade 4/C
  • Science subjects include Biology/Human Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Further Maths, Physics, Psychology, or Geography
  • English language requirements: GCSE English Language at grade 4/C; IELTS grade of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component; or an alternative acceptable English language qualification

Graduate Careers

Graduates with a degree in Biomedical Science from the University of Sheffield have a wide range of career options. Many pursue a research career, working within higher education, for public bodies, or in research and development institutions around the world. Others are interested in industrial research, joining pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and consumer goods companies. Some graduates go on to work in healthcare, joining the NHS, private healthcare providers, or charities. Further study in areas including veterinary science, physiotherapy, or teaching, or taking the next step towards a PhD, is another popular route.

School of Biosciences

The School of Biosciences brings together more than 100 years of teaching and research expertise across the breadth of biology. It is home to over 120 academics who are actively involved in research at the cutting edge of their field, sharing their knowledge with nearly 2,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students.

University Rankings

• A world top-100 university (QS World University Rankings 2026, 92nd)
• Number one in the Russell Group (based on aggregate responses, National Student Survey 2025)
• 92 per cent of research is rated as world-leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2021)
• University of the Year for Student Experience (The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026)
• Number one Students' Union in the UK (Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2024, 2023, 2022, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017)
• Number one for Students' Union (StudentCrowd 2024 University Awards)
• A top 20 university targeted by employers (The Graduate Market in 2024, High Fliers report)

Fees and Funding

• Fees:
  • Home students: £9,535 (2025 annual tuition fee)
  • Overseas students: £30,570 (2025 annual tuition fee)
• Additional Costs:
  • The annual fee for the course includes a number of items in addition to tuition. If an item or activity is classed as a compulsory element for the course, it will normally be included in the tuition fee.
• Funding Your Study:
  • Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for a bursary, scholarship, or loan to help fund your study and enhance your learning experience.
  • Use the Student Funding Calculator to work out what you’re eligible for.
  • £2,500 per year scholarships for international students

Placements and Study Abroad

• Placement:
  • You may have the opportunity to add an optional placement year as part of your course, converting the three-year course to a four-year Degree with Placement Year.
  • A placement year will help you to gain an insight into possible careers, develop a range of transferable skills, build a professional network, and get a feel for what you do and don’t like doing.
• Study Abroad:
  • Spending time abroad during your degree is a great way to explore different cultures, gain a new perspective, and experience a life-changing opportunity that you will never forget.
  • You can apply to extend this course with a year abroad, usually between the second and third year.
  • The University has over 250 University partners worldwide. Popular destinations include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, Singapore, and Hong Kong.