DEGREE GUIDE

Biomedicine

What do Biomedical Sciences degrees involve?

Biomedical Sciences degrees teach you how the human body functions, how diseases develop, and how medical research drives healthcare advancements. You will explore key areas such as human physiology, pathology, immunology, genetics, and medical microbiology. These courses help you develop strong analytical, laboratory, and problem-solving skills while learning how to diagnose diseases, analyse biological samples, and research new treatments. You will also gain hands-on experience through laboratory work, experimental techniques, and clinical research projects. With a combination of scientific study and practical application, you’ll be prepared for careers in medical research, diagnostics, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare innovation.

Example
Modules

Fundamentals of the Living Cell: Study how cells function by exploring structures like membranes and organelles, and processes such as protein synthesis and energy production.

Physiology: Learn how the human body works at the system level, from the beating heart to how we breathe, digest food and maintain balance and temperature.

Molecular Biology: Examine how DNA is replicated and how genes are switched on and off, controlling protein production in cells.

Common Degree Names

💼 Placement years are commonly available in hospitals, diagnostic labs, and research institutions.
🌍 Study abroad is offered at some universities.

BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science
BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science
BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences with Human Biology
BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacology
MSci Biomedical Science

MSci is a four-year integrated Master’s degree offered at several institutions.

Level 3 (A-level / IB Diploma (HL) / Scottish Highers)

Biomedical Science investigates how the human body works and what happens when things go wrong – from infections to cancer. Because you'll work in laboratories studying diseases at the molecular level, universities need strong science foundations.

You'll need:

Biology – essential for almost all Biomedical Sciences degrees

Subjects that strengthen your application:

Chemistry – required by many universities and strongly preferred by most
Maths or Physics – often useful for lab-based or research-focused degrees

✨ Biology and Chemistry together keep the widest range of options open. With Biology plus another science or Maths, choices may be more limited.

Universities may also consider:

BTEC Extended Diplomas in Applied Science, often with Distinctions in relevant Biology and Chemistry units. Some universities may also ask for an additional A-level in Chemistry or Maths.
T-levels in Science may be accepted by some universities—always check individual course pages

✨ Course requirements can vary quite a bit between universities—check university websites carefully, especially around whether Chemistry is required or just recommended.

Level 2 Qualifications (GCSE / MYP / National 5)

You’ll usually need:

GCSE English Language, Maths, and Science at grade 4/C or above, or equivalent qualifications like National 5s or MYP

📘 Some competitive courses may ask for higher grades (5/B or above) in Maths and Science subjects.

💬 Interviews
Most universities don’t require interviews for Biomedical Sciences. However, some courses at highly competitive universities (like Oxbridge or certain Russell Group institutions) may include one.

📝 Admissions Tests

Oxford may require the BMAT, though requirements are changing—check current course information
Cambridge typically includes a written assessment as part of the interview
Most other universities do not require a test

🔍 Work Experience
Not required—but experience in a lab, hospital, pharmacy, or research setting can strengthen your personal statement and help you explore whether the field is right for you.

If your qualifications don't match the usual entry requirements, there are some other possibilities.

🌱 Science Foundation Year
If you don’t meet the standard subject or grade requirements, some universities offer a foundation year in Biomedical or Life Sciences. This can be a great option if you're missing Chemistry or need to boost your academic preparation.

🎓 Access to HE Diploma (Science)
An Access to HE Diploma in Science with strong units in Biology and Chemistry is accepted by many universities—especially for students returning to study. Look for courses that include lab-based assessments and aim for Distinctions in science units.

💼 Level 3 Apprenticeships
While apprenticeships won’t typically lead directly into Biomedical Science degrees, roles like Healthcare Science Assistant or Lab Technician can give you practical experience that may support an application—particularly if combined with further study or a foundation year.

Is this degree right for you?

Members can explore whether this degree fits who they are:

Skills you'd develop and whether they match your strengths
How this aligns with your interests, motivators and values
Career paths and where graduates end up

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Skills you would develop in a Biomedicine degree

Scientific & Laboratory Methods: Learn to carry out experiments, analyse biological samples, and use advanced lab techniques.
Research & Data Analysis: Collect, interpret, and present data to investigate diseases and develop treatments.
Analytical & Critical Thinking: Examine complex biological information and draw logical conclusions.
Problem-Solving: Find solutions to medical and biological challenges using scientific approaches.
Attention to Detail: Work carefully and accurately when handling experiments and data.
Digital Literacy & IT Skills: Use specialist software and databases for research and analysis.
Communication (Written, Verbal, Digital): Present findings and explain scientific concepts clearly.
Teamwork & Collaboration: Work with scientists, researchers, and clinicians on projects and studies.
Adaptability & Resilience: Adjust to new discoveries, changing research priorities, and unexpected results.
Sustainability & Ethical Awareness: Understand ethical issues and responsible practices in medical research.

Is this a good fit for you?

Use the tabs to explore the kind of person that this would be a good fit for. Do you share the Interests, Motivations and Values that people who thrive in this course tend to have? How does it compare to your Holland code?

Not sure what your Holland Code is? Want to get a better understanding of yourself to help you understand if this would fit you? Explore our pages on Self-Knowledge here.

Interests that would make a Biomedicine degree a good match for you

Careers a Biomedicine degree could lead you to