Click here to edit using the old editor

BSc (Hons) - Biomedical Science

Dive into the fascinating world of Biomedical Science, where theory and practice come together in our cutting-edge laboratories. Develop the knowledge, skills, and curiosity to thrive in this vital field and make a lasting impact on healthcare.

Apply your theoretical learning through hands-on experience in our industry-standard labs. You will use the same equipment and techniques as professional biomedical scientists, gaining the practical skills and confidence needed for a fulfilling career.

Throughout your studies, you will be guided and inspired by expert tutors with real-world experience in the biomedical field. Our student-centred class environments ensure you receive the individual attention and guidance you need to reach your full potential.

You will also benefit from our strong collaborations with the NHS and industry partners–locally, nationally, and globally– helping you build valuable professional connections and prepare for success in this ever-evolving sector.

Apply via UCAS Register Interest

Book an Open Day

Carlisle - Fusehill Street All

Accredited by:

IBMS (Institute of Biomedical Science)

Course Overview

Our degree is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS), ensuring it provides you with the necessary background, knowledge, and skills to pursue your career as a biomedical scientist upon graduation. IBMS accreditation also means that your programme covers all elements that satisfy the QAA benchmark statements for Biomedical Science degrees.

The course provides flexibility to explore areas of biology such as cell and molecular biology, clinical biochemistry, haematology, immunology, genetics, and medical microbiology. You’ll gain an in-depth understanding of the complex science behind the cause, consequence, diagnosis, and treatment of illnesses.

You’ll also delve deep into blood sciences and clinical biochemistry, giving you the opportunity to expand your knowledge of diagnostic approaches, researching clinical markers, screening techniques and the role biomedical scientists can play in saving lives and improving health.

In our brand-new laboratories, you’ll put theory into practice, building a sound knowledge of cellular pathology, genetics, the human immune system, and biochemical pathways.

Thanks to our close partnerships with local hospitals, you’ll also have access to valuable opportunities, including work experience, clinical expert talks, visits and early career support.

A biomedical science degree offers diverse career paths in research laboratories, pharmaceutical industries, healthcare settings, government agencies, or academia. You could also proceed to apply to Study Medicine at the Pears Cumbria School of Medicine.

On this course you will...

Develop an enthusiasm for biomedical sciences and be involved in stimulating and hands-on learning opportunities.
Be assigned a personal tutor who will not just be your academic point of contact on the course but will, along with our careers service, help you to consider the wide range of jobs and further study options a degree in biomed can give you.
Have the opportunity to be involved with other science students on other courses to get a wider appreciation of the biosciences in an industrial, academic, economic, and social context.
Get time in labs to conduct experiments and procedures planned for you. But also learn to plan and carry out your own experiments independently with support and guidance.
Be introduced to a network of employers to gain a real-world insight, find work experience opportunities and learn more about the plethora of doors that this course can unlock.
Gain a knowledge and skills base from which will help you move towards a career in biomedical sciences or postgraduate study.

Apply via UCAS

Book an Open Day

Carlisle - Fusehill Street All

Key Details

Recruiting toUK / RoI / Settled in UK
EU / EEA / International
Course LocationCarlisle - Fusehill Street
Institute Institute of Science and Environment
UCAS CodeC912
Mode of DeliveryBlended learning
Course DurationFull-time: 3 Years
Study Options Integrated Foundation Year
Course Start PointSeptember
AwardBSc (Hons)
More informationProgramme Specification
Prospectus
Open DaysCarlisle - Fusehill Street
All

Minimum entry requirements

112-120

UCAS Tariff points

UK Tuition fees

£9,535

Entry year academic year 2025/26

£9,790

Entry year academic year 2026/27

International Tuition fees

£14,900

Entry year academic year 2025/26

£16,000

Entry year academic year 2026/27

Tuition Fees Policy

Course Structure

What you will learn

You will get an in-depth understanding of the complex science behind the cause, consequence, diagnosis and treatment of disease. You’ll learn how science can be applied to clinical practice and research, ultimately to make a difference to human lives through diagnosis and treatment of disease. Our brand new laboratories will support you in getting a sound knowledge of cellular pathology, molecular genetics, the human immune system and biochemical pathways.

We’ll delve deep into blood sciences and the immune system, giving you the opportunity to also expand your knowledge in the fields such as clinical biochemistry researching clinical markers, screening techniques and diagnostic approaches.

Year one

Introductory Biochemistry
Within this module the key aspects of macromolecules, cell structure, function and interrelationships and the processes and components that make up life at the molecular level shall be studied.
Cell Biology
Studies the interactions between molecules and systems in the eukaryotic cell with a view to understanding the ways in which cells both control division and differentiation to form specialised tissues.
Anatomy and Physiology
This module will provide students with an understanding and appreciation of basic human anatomy and physiology with particular focus on the musculoskeletal, nervous, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems.
Introductory Immunology and Microbiology
Introduces the various groups of microbes, their generalised structure, function and roles and consider the importance of the microbial world, the biology of micro-organisms and their potential in industry.
Molecular Biology
To provide an understanding of the basic concepts of genetics and genetic analysis alongside an understanding of the fundamental processes of inheritance and mutation, and how these are related to disease onset and susceptibility.
Practical Laboratory Science
To provide students in the Biological Sciences with the elementary laboratory and research skills required to pursue subsequent advanced modules.

Year two

Exploring Research
This module will help to provide you with the skills required to conceive, design, conduct and interpret scientific research. You will be guided in developing your ability to evaluate a range of quantitative and qualitative research methods and when it is appropriate to use them.
Human Genetics
Encompasses the organisation of the human genome the basis of genetic variation, relationship between mutations in or near genes and the manifestation of disease phenotype.
Infection and Immunity
Considers recent developments in the study of immunological and infectious diseases. You will learn about recognition of microbes by the specific immune system, and how the immune system protects against different pathogens.
Medical Microbiology
Biology of major pathogens, their host interaction, virulence factors and means for prevention, diagnosis and treatment. You will study the mechanisms of microbial pathogenicity, starting with transmission and entry into the host, progressing through adhesion and invasion, to host response.
Pharmacology and Physiology
Provides students with a detailed knowledge and understanding of human anatomy and physiology of the major body systems and an understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which neurotransmitters for example are capable of regulating the physiology of cells.
Cellular and Molecular Pathology
Looks at the role of molecular and cellular based diagnosis in a range of pathological conditions.An overview of key processes involved in diagnosis will be covered in particular the mechanism of fixation with particular reference to autolysis and putrefaction.

Year three

Integrated Biomedical Science
Brings together the contribution of different laboratory and non-laboratory specialities in the investigation of diseases.
Clinical Biochemistry
To discuss the principles of clinical biochemistry in relation to the diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of disease.
Haematology and Transfusion Science
This module aims to investigate the elements that constitute blood and the observed differences between the normal and diseased state. Technology utilised in the identification of key blood components will be studied as will the importance of transfusion science.
Dissertation module
To enable you to undertake an independent piece of in depth research into a topic of your choice. This module provides you with an opportunity to develop your research skills and gain valuable experience in project management.
Parasitology (Optional)
To advance knowledge of key concepts in parasitology by studying in detail major human and veterinary eukaryotic pathogens.
Toxicology (Optional)
To develop your knowledge of the principles of toxicology and enable you to gain an in-depth understanding of the effects of toxic chemicals on the body and the environment.
Advanced Genetics (Optional)
This module will discuss the application of molecular genetics to clinical diagnostics, microbial biotechnology, forensic science and disease treatment as well as providing an overview of current biotechnological advances.

Overview

112-120 UCAS Tariff Points. You can find out more about the tariff and qualification options from the UCAS tariff table. Offers are tailored to the individual applicant and their circumstances and can be across the tariff range. Applicants who meet our contextual information criteria will be offered at the bottom of the range.

GCSE English Language, Mathematics and Biology/Combined Science at grade 4/C or above.  Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Maths and Adult Literacy and Numeracy are also accepted.  A full list of acceptable level 2 qualifications can be found here: Level 2 Acceptable Entry Requirements .

Qualifications

Entry Requirements

GCSEs: GCSE English Language, Maths and Biology/Combined Science at C/4 or above.

A-levels: BBD - BBB to include Biology at C or above

T-levels: P (C+) – M. T Levels Healthcare Science; Health and Science are accepted for entry to this course.

Access to HE: 30 credits at Distinction, 6 at Merit and 9 at Pass - Science based

Scottish Highers: BBBC – AABB to include Biology

Irish LC Highers: B1, B2x3 – A2, B1x3 to include Biology

Other experience: IELTS 7.0 with no less than 7.0 in each element for applicants where English Language is not their first language.

Alternative routes: If you don’t think you’ll meet the criteria for this programme, check out our integrated foundation year.

Fair Admissions

When you apply, our Admissions specialists will review your whole application. We are looking for your potential to succeed so will assess your qualifications, any relevant work experience, your personal statement, and references.

Where you have received a conditional offer subject to achieving particular grades/UCAS tariff scores, and do not quite meet these scores, please try not to worry, where vacancies exist our Admissions specialists will review your whole application again and take account of any mitigating circumstances and reassess your suitability for the course.

Selection Criteria

As part of the application and selection process, we are looking for your commitment to this programme. In your personal statement, you should demonstrate your motivation for choosing this course and reflect upon any experience you have gained.

Contextual Admissions

We believe that qualifications and grades tell only part of the story. Where you grew up, what you have been through, and the opportunities available to you all shape what you have been able to achieve so far. Our contextual admissions approach means we look at your whole picture, not just your results.

If you meet one or more of our contextual criteria, you may be eligible for a contextual offer. This means we will make you an offer at a lower point in our published tariff range for level 4 entry. Any adjustment is applied once, regardless of how many criteria apply to you. We will never offer a place below the level at which we are confident you can succeed.

Who is eligible?

You may qualify for a contextual offer if you meet any of the following:

Where you live
You live in a postcode area with low participation in higher education (POLAR4 Quintile 1). Check your postcode here.

Your personal circumstances
You are, or have been:

A care leaver
Are estranged from both parents
Have, or have had, caring responsibilities
Receive, or received, Free School Meals during secondary education
Are a refugee
Are classed as armed forces families

Armed forces and veterans
You are a veteran, service leaver, or currently serving member of the armed forces.

Pre-entry activities (2027/2028 entry)
You have attended a University of Cumbria widening participation programme, such as our Masterclasses.

What does a contextual offer look like?

Where you are eligible, we will make you an offer at a lower grade or tariff point than the published standard. Course pages on this site include the standard entry requirements, the Contextual Admissions page will show you what a contextual offer would look like for your course. Your offer letter will confirm that your application has been considered contextually.

View contextual offer levels by course

Cumbria’s Alternative Route for Entry Scheme

If you are 21 or over and do not hold standard Level 3 qualifications, the CARE Scheme offers you a different way in. It is designed for people whose life experience, work, and motivation demonstrate the potential to succeed at degree level, even without the qualifications typically required.

The CARE Scheme involves two stages:

A written piece - you submit a short piece of writing that lets us assess your communication, motivation, ability to respond to a set question or task and your readiness for degree-level study.
An interview - one of our Academic team will speak with you about your application and ambitions.

Our decision takes into account everything we know about you: your written piece, the interview, your UCAS application, and any relevant professional context. For some Health, Social Care and Education programmes, there are additional requirements at interview stage.

If you are a veteran or service leaver, we recognise the skills and experience you bring and consider these as part of the CARE Scheme process.

Not sure if this applies to you?
Contact us at ugadmissions@cumbria.ac.uk and we will talk it through with you.

Language requirements

Please follow the link to check language requirements for this programme here.

Fees & Funding

Tuition Fees

UK Tuition fees

£9,535
Entry year academic year 2025/26

£9,790
Entry year academic year 2026/27

International Tuition fees

£14,900
Entry year academic year 2025/26

£16,000
Entry year academic year 2026/27

The figures above don't include accommodation and living costs.

Tuition fees are set annually and are subject to review each year. The University may therefore raise tuition fees in the second or subsequent years of a course, in line with inflation and/or the maximum permitted by law or Government policy. Students will be notified of any changes as soon as possible.

International Finance

At the University of Cumbria, we offer affordable tuition fees for international and EU students looking to study at one of our main four campuses. No matter your choice of course or career path, our International Team is here to support you.

Funding

We have a wide range of scholarships, bursaries, grants and funds available to support you throughout your studies with us. This includes the Cumbria Bursary - a non-repayable bursary designed to support first year students with a household income of less than £25,000.

More Information

Student Finance

Additional Costs

Stationery, printing and digital storage

Approximately £30 to £40 per year

RequiredPer yearStationery

You should budget for stationery and consumables for personal use. These may include notebooks, pens and pencils, digital storage devices, printing and photocopying. The amount you spend will depend on your study preferences.

Books and journals

Approximately £50 to £300 over the course of your studies

OptionalThroughout the courseBooks and journals

Most core textbooks and journals are available through the University library. You may choose to purchase personal copies of books or other resources used to support your studies.

Some courses recommend particular books or provide an estimated annual budget for purchasing personal copies. Search for your course below for details.

Technology requirements

Cost depends on the equipment and internet service you choose

RequiredThroughout the courseDigital learning and IT

You will need regular access to a laptop or computer capable of accessing the internet and running software such as a word processor and Microsoft Teams. Microsoft 365 is provided as part of your studies. You will also need a reliable internet connection. The amount you spend will depend on the equipment and internet service you choose.

Information on borrowing university laptops

Controls for the spotlight carousel

Location
Carlisle - Fusehill Street Campus
The Fusehill Street campus has been the setting of life-saving treatments since World War I. Now, it's home to world changers, life-savers, crime fighters, and entrepreneurs with access to high-quality facilities and innovative thinking.
Find out more

BSc (Hons) - Biomedical Science