The human body is a complex home to diverse systems each working to maintain the life that we often take for granted. Your natural inquisitive personality and fascination for the science behind clinical practice will help you carve a career in the diagnosis and treatment of disease, and the advancement of modern medicine.
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. By putting your lab coat on you will put theory into practice in our brand new laboratories too, 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.
Support
We are here to make your experience at university as easy as possible. Whether you need advice on finances, childcare, travel or placements, we have award-winning* support. From online study skills before you start, to a personal tutor and helpful staff on-site, we’ll help you get the most out of your university experience.
WE ARE RANKED
IN THE TOP 10 NATIONALLY FOR STUDENT SATISFACTION OUT OF 101 PROVIDERS*
&
2nd FOR STUDENT SATISFACTION IN THE NORTH WEST FOR BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES*
*Complete University Guide 2021
Your Future
This course will give you the skills and knowledge to work in any aspect of Biomedical Science or continue with post graduate study. Our course is a stepping stone which can enable you to pursue a career as:
- Medical researcher, hospital and government laboratories, pharmaceutical and biotechnological research and development, teaching, Clinical scientist, biochemistry.
- Clinical scientist, genomics.
- Clinical scientist, haematology.
- Clinical scientist, immunology.
- Clinical Scientist, Microbiology
- Physician Associate
Or as a stepping stone to enter Medicine via the graduate entry, fast track process.
Tour our £3.5 million state-of-the-art-facilities:
Course study options
We also offer this course with an integrated foundation year - click below for more information.
Course outline
Course summary
Do you want to help diagnose and treat diseases? Fascinated by the science behind clinical practice? Then you might want to try a career in biomedical science.
You'll ultimately be prepared for a future investigating the diseases which attack the human body and be ready to play a part in advancing modern medicine with this biomedical course.
Why Choose University of Cumbria?
We’ve created this course so you learn how science can be applied to clinical practice and research - ultimately, so you can make a difference to people’s lives through the diagnosis and treatment of disease in the future.
You won’t just secure your academic knowledge through lectures - you’ll be putting on your lab coat to learn with hands-on sessions in our new laboratories.
And, you’ll work in small learning groups, so tutors are always on hand to help with your studies and research.
- Gain a sound knowledge of immunology, cell and molecular biology to biochemistry and pharmacology
- Study laboratory-specialist subjects - clinical biochemistry, cellular pathology, haematology and clinical genetics
- Hone research and laboratory skills, crucial for your future as a scientist
- Develop all the skills and techniques required for diagnosis and research into disease - the skills employers will demand
- Learn in our new laboratories
- Taught by academic tutors with a wealth of experience in the field
- Keep up-to-date with topical developments in the biomedical industry
- You’ll be based in Carlisle, within 30 minutes of Scotland in one direction and the stunning Lake District National Park – now a UNESCO World Heritage site - in the other. And, you'll be close to the spectacular North West coastline, so you’ll never be stuck for something to do outside of your studies.
The knowledge and experiential skills you achieve on this course will pave the way for a career in medical research, hospital and government laboratories, pharmaceutical and biotechnological research and development.
So, our course really will enable you to gain the academic knowledge and sound lab skills you need for a future in Biomedical Science.
You will research the pathobiology of human disease, looking at the specifics of the disease process through clinical laboratory studies. You'll be introduced to clinical biochemistry, cellular pathology, haematology and clinical genetics, gaining a complete understanding of the complex science behind the cause and treatment of disease.
You'll learn about cellular pathology, molecular genetics, the human immune system and biochemical pathways whilst using up-to-date equipment in our new laboratories. Year Four delves deep into blood sciences and you will also have the opportunity to further your knowledge in the field of neuroscience or clinical biochemistry researching clinical markers, screening techniques and diagnostic approaches. You will also research and produce a dissertation.
Modules
Year one
Compulsory modules
- Introductory Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Introductory Immunology and Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Practical Laboratory Science
Year two
Compulsory modules
- Biochemical Pathways
- Human Genetics
- Infection and Immunity
- Medical Microbiology
- Pharmacology and Physiology
- Cellular Pathology
Year three
Compulsory modules
- Bioethics
- Clinical Biochemistry
- Haematology and Transfusion Science
- Dissertation module
Year Three (optional)
- Parasitology
- Epigenetics and Development
- Toxicology
- Advanced Genetics
Programme Specification
Programme specification
For detailed summary of all course content please read our programme specification for this course.
Assessment, Feedback, and Teaching and Learning methods
Full details are available in the programme specification.
Timetables
The teaching timetable should be available from the end of August. Access to the timetable is through the Student Hub – you will be able to access the Student Hub after you have completed online registration. The teaching day is 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday; please keep your other commitments open until confirmation of your teaching timetable, and bear in mind that many courses will offer placements or fieldwork which sometimes extends into the evenings and weekends.
Entry requirements
Have a question about our entry requirements?
Entry Requirements
96 - 120 UCAS tariff points to include A level Biology at grade C or above (or equivalent qualification). GCSE in English, Maths and Science at grade C/4 (or equivalent). Potential to succeed can be measured in a number of ways including academic qualifications and skills obtained outside academic study such as work experience. We have a points range so we can take into account all of the information on your application form and adjust the offer from the evidence provided.
Find out more about qualification options from the UCAS tariff table.
Please check selection criteria for any additional entry requirements.
Selection criterea
If you are over 21 and returning to study after being in relevant employment for a minimum of 3 years and do not meet the published entry requirements for Year 1 of our degree courses, please do not assume you are not qualified to join us. Our experienced Admissions and Academic staff will review your prior qualifications and professional experience to support your application. We also offer Integrated Foundation Year programmes to support your return to education which are specifically designed for students who have the ability to study for a degree but may not have all the necessary qualifications, skills or experience to join the degree in Year 1. Contact our Course Enquiries Team for more information.
Going to higher education can transform a person’s life. We use contextual admissions to make sure that we are accessible to everyone who has the potential to succeed. Qualifications and grades are important, but they are considered alongside other information that helps universities to identify potential and widen access to university level study. For some individuals, the disadvantages they have experienced in their life mean that they have not been able to demonstrate their full academic potential. Where a person lives and their personal circumstances can all affect their educational attainment. We take this context into account and look for an applicant’s potential when making admission decisions. For 2021 the University of Cumbria will make offers to applicants that live in postal code regions with the lowest participation in Higher Education (Polar 4 quintile 1 and 2 – you can check your postcode here https://www.officeforstudents.org.uk/data-and-analysis/young-participation-by-area/search-by-postcode ) Care leavers and mature students returning to education we will make an offer at the bottom of any UCAS Tariff range. Attendance at our Masterclasses and Summer Schools will also allow applicants to receive an offer lower within the tariff range. Find out more about our events at but must meet the terms and conditions of these events.
Application information
Full-time courses
Apply online through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), between September and January; they will send your application on to us. Applications submitted after this date will be considered late and the course you have applied for might be full by this time; however, we will consider you for alternative suitable courses.
Their website www.ucas.com provides all the information you need about universities, courses, locations, entry requirements and financial support. You are allowed to select up to five course choices. You need to use the correct UCAS campus and course codes as not all courses are offered at every campus. You will be asked for the following information when you apply online:
Institution code name: UoC
Institution code: C99
Campus location:
- A Ambleside
- B Brampton Road, Carlisle
- E University of Cumbria at Energus, Workington
- F Fusehill Street, Carlisle
- L Lancaster
- T University of Cumbria in London
- Y University of Cumbria at Furness College, Barrow-in-Furness
Part-time courses
Applications should be made online directly to the university; visit our website or contact enquirycentre@cumbria.ac.uk for details and guidance. There is no official closing date but we would encourage you to apply as early as possible, as many courses are competitive.
What makes a good application?
We consider all aspects of your application, not simply your qualifications and grades. We look at your academic background and performance, relevant experience (particularly for professional courses where some voluntary or paid experience is required) and your reference. Above all, we look for motivation, commitment and potential-evidence that you can benefit from study at higher education level.
Make sure you include:
- Relevant qualifications/evidence of ability: check our website for the specific entry requirements required for each course. Tell us your previous academic results and your projected grades.
- A supportive reference, from an employer or your school or college.
- A good personal statement.
- Explain clearly what attracts you to the course and tell us about your wider interests and experience. If you are applying for a course that incorporates professional training and placements, you should include any relevant experience or visits you have made in the workplace. Highlight your individual strengths and qualities, personal skills, capacity for teamwork, contribution to the community and your enterprise, originality and determination. Select some activities which bring out these qualities.
What next?
When we receive your application, we will send you an acknowledgement and if you are successful at this stage you will get either an offer (with an invitation to visit the campus to which you have applied), or an invitation to interview on a particular date. If we are not able to offer you a place on your chosen course we will usually try to offer you a place on a similar course and will contact you to discuss this. Alternatively, if we think you are suitable, but cannot offer you a place on your preferred campus because of the level of competition, we will offer you a place at another campus if one is available.
And if I accept?
The admissions team will contact you and send further information from February onwards about accommodation, and from May/June onwards about preparing to join the university. If you have any other queries, please telephone the admissions offices for information and advice on 0845 6061144.
Deferred entry
We welcome applications for deferred entry on some courses. If you have specific plans during your year out, indicate these on your personal statement as they may be relevant to your course and could enhance your application.
International students
Applications for full-time undergraduate study are made through UCAS. Please see the international pages of our website for full details of our entry requirements (including English-language skills) as well as contacts for advice and support.
From 2009 the UK Border Agency introduced a Points-Based Immigration System (PBS) for students coming to the UK from outside the European Economic Area (EEA). Students entering higher education will need to obtain a Confirmation of Acceptance (CAS) plus finance confirmation to obtain a Tier 4 student visa. UK education providers are licensed by the UK Border Agency. When students apply for their visa (or entry clearance) they will need a valid Certificate of Acceptance of Studies from the university. Please note that a CAS is not a guarantee that a visa will be issued.
See the following websites for further details: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/studyingintheuk
Student finance
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.
Student FinanceAdditional costs
All students will need to purchase stationery, course books and personal equipment. Extra costs may also be applicable to cover field trips, membership fees etc. The following PDF link below provides an overview of these costs for this course.
Additional costsResources and facilities
Our academic staff have extensive teaching, research and professional expertise, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to your studies. Our new high-quality teaching laboratory space is fitted with the latest technology and equipment to support your education. You'll make full use of the lab space available to broaden your skills set and ultimately enhance your employability.
