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Biomedical Science BSc(Hons)

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Start Dates

21 September 2026

Duration

3 years full-time 4 years inc. placement year

UCAS Tariff

104-112


Recent Awards For Excellence

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About this course

Overview

Why choose Huddersfield for this course?

  • Learn from expert staff at a TEF Gold-rated university, ranked in the top five in England for doctoral-qualified staff (HESA 2025).
  • During your optional placement, you'll gain lab experience, explore career options, and build networks for your future career.
  • Prepare for careers in healthcare, biotech, and research, or progress to further study in biomedical science.

Accreditation and Professional Links

Recognised connections to give you an extra edge when you graduate. Read More

Studying biomedical science gives you the foundational knowledge needed to perform clinical research and promote the health of both humans and animals. This Biomedical Science BSc(Hons) degree course explores key subject areas, including blood science, immunology, physiology and pathology.

You’ll start the course alongside our other biological science students, building up your knowledge in medical pharmacology, microbiology and biochemistry before specialising in areas like haematology and clinical pathology. In your final year, you’ll explore some of the latest developments in biomedical science by carrying out an independent research project.

Why study Biomedical Science BSc(Hons)

With accreditation by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS), this course equips you with the ability to:

  • prevent, screen, diagnose and treat chronic diseases
  • understand the science of major and emerging infectious diseases
  • perform statistical analysis, write and conduct presentations as part of research.

You’ll gain relevant real-world experience throughout this course. You’ll be taught by leading doctoral-level academics through lectures, seminars, and sessions, which will give you the chance to gain hands-on experience using modern, scientific instruments in our specialist biological sciences labs.

Following your first two years in the course, you’ll also have the opportunity to put your knowledge and skills to the test in an optional supervised work placement year.

Career opportunities after the course *

Laboratory Technicians

Laboratory Assistants

Biology Technicians

Biological Science Technicians

Pharmaceutical Technicians

*Lightcast

Who can apply?

Entry Requirements

BBC-BCC at A Level including a grade B in either Biology or Chemistry. The endorsement for practical work is an essential part of Science A-Level study, and is a requirement for entry to our degree course.
DMM in BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Applied Science.
112-104 UCAS tariff points from a combination of Level 3 qualifications including a minimum grade B in either Biology or Chemistry A Level.
Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits at Merit or above to include modules in relevant Science subjects.
Merit at T Level in Science.
112-104 UCAS tariff points from International Baccalaureate qualifications which should include modules in a relevant Science subject.


If you do not have the appropriate qualifications for direct entry to this degree you may be able to apply to our Science Extended Degree (BCF0).

Applications are also welcomed from mature candidates capable of benefiting from the course.

If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum requirements of an English Language qualification. The minimum for IELTS is 7.0 overall with no element lower than 6.5, or equivalent. Read more about the University’s entry requirements for students outside of the UK on our International Entry Requirements page.

For further information please see the University's minimum entry requirements.

What will you learn?

Course Details

This module provides you with the key Year 1 skills for successful completion of an Honours Degree in Biomedical science. You'll have the opportunity to gain early awareness of career pathways in Biomedical Science, HCPC registration and the IBMS Registration Training Portfolio from qualified Biomedical Scientists. Basic generic skills involving literacy, numeracy and use of IT are applied to summarising, understanding, interpreting and presenting data generated by laboratory investigations. Throughout the module the emphasis is on learning the skills that will be used in various parts of the degree programme. Acquisition of learning skills takes precedence over memorising facts. Learning about current topics in biomedical science involves finding peer-reviewed scientific literature (using library facilities and database searches), and summarising it with source attribution as a report using correct scientific style. Basic statistics is taught using spreadsheet and statistics programs. You'll have the chance to build up a portfolio of evidence relating to your skills for Personal Development Planning.

The module considers genetic analyses in a number of systems. Mendelian genetics is considered together with linkage and pedigree analysis and their uses in identifying genes. The genetic systems of microbes are introduced with examples of the strategies employed to make use of these systems. Allele inheritance is considered at the population level, along with the concept of evolution. The Tree of Life is also discussed. Finally, the module contains an introduction to basic cytology, the cellular basis of life is considered and a comparison between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells performed. The concept of 'compartmentalisation' is dealt with, where organelles are dealt with individually. Cell culture techniques are introduced and the problems associated with packaging DNA in a eukaryotic chromosome discussed.

​Biochemistry 1 gives a basic account of the structure and function of biological macromolecules, particularly proteins and is illustrated by reference to such molecules as haemoglobin. A firm grounding in enzyme action is provided and this is supported by a number of practical classes. The relationship between genes and proteins and the Central Dogma of Molecular Biology are emphasised. A foundation in the study of metabolism is provided, directing you towards an understanding of the underlying principles rather than rote learning of metabolic pathways. The subject provides the basis for further studies in subjects such as Cell Structure and Pharmacology. The subject is delivered by formal lectures and in laboratory classes. However your learning is supported by tutorial classes, the provision of web-based material and, where necessary, a limited amount of individual tuition.

This module covers all the major organs of the body together with models of normal and abnormal bodily function. Emphasis will be directed to the concept of homeostasis and the integration of dynamic processes involved in the maintenance of health.

This module introduces you to the fundamental concepts of pharmacology. The four main types of regulatory proteins (receptors, enzymes, transporters and ion channels) are discussed as potential drug targets in various organ systems. The physical processes of drug absorption and distribution around the body is also discussed, followed by a detailed account of drug metabolism and elimination. This module gives you an understanding of basic pharmacokinetics, including single-compartment and two-compartment models. You'll be introduced to competitive antagonism. Desensitisation and tolerance will also be discussed with relevant examples.

This module aims to introduce you to the full range of microbial life and the techniques used to study microorganisms and begins by introducing the diversity and countless activities of microbes. Subsequently, the structural and functional components of the cell and the similarities and differences of prokaryotes and eukaryotes are highlighted. Control of microbial growth, nutritional categories of microbes and environmental factors influencing the growth and viability of microbes are also investigated. The module then examines the biology of eukaryotes (fungi, algae and protozoa) by exploring classification, growth, asexual and sexual reproduction and nutritional adaptations. Finally, the classification of microorganisms using the Whittaker five kingdom system and the Woese three domain system is reviewed, as well as criteria for the identification of microbes. The associated practical classes are designed to develop your laboratory skills and familiarity with the basic microbiological methods.

This module further develops your professional skills including writing, presentations, using statistical analysis and other elements relevant to the final year research projects in Biomedical Science. Teamwork skills are promoted in a group presentation in one term. In the other term, you'll have an opportunity to research a biomedical science topic in depth and, building on the skills learned in year one, to write a report on the topic. Personal tutorial meetings promote employability skills including further development of the CV and Personal Development Planning as well as a continuation of enterprise and employability skills through the tutorial programme. Research ethics and health and safety aspects are also considered in preparation for your final year research (capstone) project.

In this module you'll have the opportunity to study and investigate the different elements that constitute blood in normal and diseased states. The structure, function and production of different blood cells (erythrocytes, neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils, platelets) will be described. The nature and diagnosis of anaemias, haematological malignancies, haemorrhagic and thrombotic diseases will be discussed. Red blood cell structure, surface proteins, disorders and metabolism will be described in detail with emphasis on the blood group antigens and their relevance to transfusion science. The methods for separation, storage and use of blood components (e.g. packed red blood cell concentrate, platelet concentrate, fresh frozen plasma and cryoprecipitate) will be described. The causes of possible adverse effects of blood transfusion will be discussed alongside the modification/testing of blood products to reduce these complications.

This module seeks to give you an understanding of the essential processes involved in information storage and use in living cells together with the modern methods of molecular biology used to analyse genes and their expression. The essential properties of DNA and RNA together with their replication, transcription and translation into protein are discussed in some depth for both eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms. The large variety of recently developed methods, which allow the identification, isolation and the characterisation of genes from potentially any living organism is introduced. The major enzymes used for DNA manipulation are discussed together with strategies for cloning the genes in different hosts. Analytical techniques such as DNA sequencing and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are dealt with in some depth. In addition, the utilisation of the isolated genes both in genetically modifying organisms and in analytical techniques are introduced. Here particular emphasis will be given to what has been learned about the way in which the expression of genes is controlled. Lectures each week are supplemented with tutorials to help build up your confidence with the material. Sessions include restriction mapping, model building in gene expression strategies and the experimental methodologies from the lectures. There is a major practical element involving the isolation of DNA from bacteria, analysis by gel electrophoresis and bacterial transformation etc.

The module builds on the basic physiology that was studied in the first year. The organisation and regulatory roles of the nervous system are considered and their interaction investigated. The central nervous system (CNS) will be investigated and the functions associated with its anatomical regions. Interactions such as sensory and motor integration, sleep-wake cycles and higher mental functions (consciousness and memory) will also be introduced. Endocrine physiology and hormonal control will also be considered with integration of activities of the nervous and endocrine systems.

The aims of this module are to introduce you to a range of pathogens responsible for major and emerging infectious diseases globally. To outline how pathogen biology not only influences pathology and transmission of disease, but is also the target for therapeutic intervention. We'll provide you with an overview of the drug discovery pipeline and other factors involved in the control of infectious diseases. This module also covers the mechanisms of action of existing and potential new therapies and discusses the significance of infectious diseases in the context of 21st century life. It also introduces the emerging importance of the commensal microflora and the concept of dysbiosis in the aetiology of a range of pathologies. The bases of pathogenicity and virulence for a range of bacterial, eukaryotic and viral pathogens will be addressed alongside discussion of current and prospective treatments for the diseases caused by these micro-organisms. The emerging importance of commensal microflora and the concept of dysbiosis in the aetiology of a range of human pathologies and antibiotic/drug-resistance are also important themes in this medical microbiology-themed module. Infectious diseases significant in a UK context and more widely in a global context will both be addressed. Lectures and assessment will cover bacterial, viral, and eukaryotic pathogens, which are the aetiological agents of human disease in tropical and temperate countries. Lecture content will include discussion of leading causes of mortality globally: e.g. cholera, malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV-AIDS. Threats posed by antibiotic resistance, challenges and opportunities associated with new medicine development, and the significance of emerging diseases against a backdrop of climate change will all be addressed.

​This module will extend and develop your understanding and knowledge of cell biology with a particular focus on how cells communicate and the importance of this for multicellularity. Key themes include regulation of the passage of molecules across the cell membrane, intracellular and cell surface receptors, signal transduction pathways and second messengers. The role of the cytoskeleton, the extracellular matrix and selective cell adhesion in formation of tissues are also considered. You will gain an understanding of different techniques that are used to study cell biology. The practical component of this module will help you to develop your laboratory practical skills and ability to analyse and present acquired data.

This placement year allows you to experience employment within organizations related to your chosen course. To enable you to relate knowledge, skills and techniques which are studied on the course to the work context, and to allow you to practise a range of technical and social skills covered on your course. You'll have the opportunity to gain experience and maturity to support your academic studies, to develop contacts with potential employers and construct work experience profiles commensurate with the demands of future employers. The placement is normally 48 weeks in duration during which time you'll receive at least 1 visit from the Supervised Work Experience visiting tutor. You'll normally be allocated a workplace mentor who will ease your integration into the organization and take responsibility for your supervision. The actual content of placements varies depending on the specific background and demands of individual students and the opportunities available within differing employing organizations.

The aim of this module is to give you experience in conducting a piece of independent research relevant to Biomedical Science. Under the supervision of a member of academic staff, you'll conduct a project centred on Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), data generation, critical analysis and application of results. Supervisors outline the aims of the project and direct you to the most recent literature. Prior to experimentation, you'll be expected to undertake a comprehensive review of the literature related to your project and will be given guidance on appropriate experimental methods. Results are presented in a written report and through presentations to student peers and academic staff. Module-specific tutorials will run in conjunction with personal academic tutorials. Tutorials will be given on Health and Safety, SOPs, Intellectual Property, research ethics and project planning and management.

This module covers the use of molecular genetic and cytogenetic techniques to delineate the cause and treatment of disease and illnesses and delivers an introduction to genetic counselling. The module begins with an account of the aetiology of human genetic disease and how DNA technology has aided disease gene mapping, cloning and sequencing and gives you an overview of gene and mutation databases. The latest methods used for disease diagnosis are then discussed, including fluorescence in situ hybridisation and high-throughput DNA sequencing. Prenatal diagnosis, population screening and ethics in medical genetics are discussed. You'll also be introduced to the concepts and tools for the study of complex diseases. The current state of gene therapy and animal models for human disease are also considered. The module highlights two particular diseases of interest – the diagnosis, molecular pathology and treatment of cystic fibrosis and the genetics and epigenetics of diabetes.

This module provides a comprehensive overview of adaptive and innate immunity. Detailed discussion is also provided for a broad range of parasites, bacterial pathogens and viruses and the dynamic interaction occurring after infection of a susceptible host: the host’s immune response; the evasion, inactivation, and/or manipulation strategies deployed by the microbial invader. Key experimental techniques commonly used in immunology research and in the diagnosis/monitoring of disease are also discussed.

This module provides the opportunity for you to learn about a range of different chronic diseases that can affect human health and quality of life. The underlying biology associated with some of these chronic diseases will be studied, the mechanism(s) by which they arise or develop and current treatments. There will be a particular focus on cancer as an example of a complex chronic disease. Other chronic diseases to be studied will be chosen to reflect recent advances in knowledge or treatment of a disease.

Cellular pathology is the microscopic examination of normal and abnormal cells (cytopathology), and tissues (histopathology) for indicators of disease. You'll have the opportunity to prepare and analyse specimens with disease-relevant markers and familiarise themselves with the use of light microscopy and interpretation of generated data. Immunohistochemistry slides will be prepared, processed and stained with antibodies and staining patterns will be compared between normal and diseased tissues. Lectures will be sectioned into an introduction to anatomy followed by an introduction to tissue architecture and organ function with particular reference to pathological diseases including cancer. The theory and concepts of clinically relevant techniques such as histochemistry and immunohistochemistry utilising chromogenic or fluorescent detection will be discussed with special reference to standardised clinical pathology services. Clinical biochemistry is the investigation of the function and dysfunction of systems, organs and tissues by the measurement of biochemical markers. Lectures will expose you to the broad range of function tests (e.g. liver, cardiac, kidney, pancreatic, thyroid function tests). The different biochemicals used as tumor markers will be described with an overview of the methodology used in laboratory tests. Methods for detection of triglycerides and LDL cholesterol will be discussed alongside the factors which may affect the accuracy of the test. Therapeutic drug monitoring will be discussed with reference to optimizing individual dosage regimens appropriate for the clinical condition. Quality Control in a clinical laboratory will be discussed with tutorials on the use of Levey-Jennings Charts and Westgard rules.

Teaching and Assessment

Discover what to expect from your tutor contact time, assessment methods, and feedback process.

Global Professional Award

At Huddersfield, you’ll study the award-winning Global Professional Award (GPA) alongside your degree* — so you’re ready for the career you want, whatever subject you choose.

Interested in a placement?

Placements

In the third year of this course, you’ll get the chance to step out of the classroom and into the real world on an optional placement year working in an active biomedical sciences lab in a hospital. This is when you’ll really be able to see your knowledge in action, pick up valuable skills for your future career and boost your employability to help you hit the ground running after graduation.

You could stay to do your placement in the UK or experience a new culture and work abroad for one year. Where could this year take you?

Previous students in the Biological Sciences subject area have undertaken placements with ALS Laboratories (UK) Ltd, GAMA Healthcare, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine (LICAMM), Merck, Sharp & Dohme (MSD), Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, University of Huddersfield and University of Huddersfield IPOS.

Going on placement meant I learnt new skills and techniques and had my findings reported back to local coroners to identify causes of death.

- Isabel Gatenby
Medical Biology BSc(Hons), placement with West Yorkshire Analytical Services, Morley

Where could this lead you?

Your Career

Graduates from our Biological Sciences courses can consider a wide range of career options in areas such as medical research, the NHS, molecular sciences, medical genetics, pharmaceuticals, developing scientific patents, medical sales or marketing, medical writing and teaching.

This is a new course and therefore there are no graduates as yet. However, previous graduates from other Biological Sciences courses at Huddersfield have gone on to work in roles such as Clinical Bioinformatician at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Laboratory Technician at ALS, Microbiology Medical Laboratory Technician at IDEXX Laboratories and Nuclear Medicine Sales Executive at Bartec Technologies.**

**LinkedIn and University of Huddersfield

87%
87% of students from this subject area were in work or further study within 15 months after graduating.

* HESA Graduate Outcomes 2022/23, UK Domiciled

Joint 1st
For Biomedical Sciences, we’ve ranked Joint 1st in the UK for Graduate prospects.

* Complete University Guide, 2026

88.5%
88.5% of participants from the school of Applied Sciences agreed learning resources were high quality.

* National Student Survey (NSS), 2025

I love working in a fast-paced laboratory specialising in animal health. The University of Huddersfield has provided me with in-depth content and hands-on labs, broadening my knowledge and organisational skills to kick start my microbiology career.

- Tina Waring
Medical Biology BSc(Hons) graduate with Research Placement, now Microbiology Lab Technician at IDEXX Laboratories.

How much will it cost?

Fees and Finance

£9,790 per year

This information is for Home students applying to study at the University of Huddersfield in the academic year 2026/27.

Please note that tuition fees for subsequent years may rise in line with inflation (RPI-X) and/or Government policy. 

From January 2027 the UK government is launching a new student funding system for people starting university education. Read more about the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE).

For detailed information please visit https://www.hud.ac.uk/study/fees/

£17,600 per year

This information is for international students applying to study at the University of Huddersfield in the academic year 2026/27.

Please note that tuition fees for subsequent years may rise in line with inflation (RPI-X) and/or Government policy. 

For detailed information please visit https://www.hud.ac.uk/international/fees-and-funding/

Home

The tuition fee for a placement year is £1000. If you go on work experience or work placement, you will need to fund your own travel and/or accommodation costs to and from the placement.  Please be aware that if your placement is outside of the UK, you will still be responsible for your travel and living expenses and may need to consider issues like health care and insurance costs.

International

The tuition fee for a placement year is £3,300. If you go on work experience or work placement, you will need to fund your own travel and/or accommodation costs to and from the placement.  Please be aware that if your placement is outside of the UK, you will still be responsible for your travel and living expenses and may need to consider issues like health care and insurance costs.

Optional purchase of academic textbooks. For example, the book series Fundamentals of Biomedical Science (Oxford University Press). Books are between £26 and £43 each. Copies are available in the University library.

Scholarships and Bursaries

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Tuition Fee Loans

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What’s included in your fee?

We want you to understand exactly what your fees will cover and what additional costs you may need to budget for when you decide to become a student with us.

If you have any questions about Fees and Finance, please email the Student Finance Team.

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Why Hud

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Careers support

We know you’re coming to university to study on your chosen subject, meet new people and broaden your horizons. However, we also help you to focus on life after you have graduated to ensure that your hard work pays off and you achieve your ambition.

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Student support

At the University of Huddersfield, you’ll find support networks and services to help you get ahead in your studies and social life. Whether you study at undergraduate or postgraduate level, you’ll soon discover that you’re never far away from our dedicated staff and resources to help you to navigate through your personal student journey.

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Teaching Excellence

Great teaching is engaging and inspiring — it helps you reach your full potential and prepares you for the future. We don’t just teach well — we excel — and we have the awards and recognition to prove it.

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Inspiring Academics

Our researchers carry out world-leading work that makes a real difference to people’s lives. Staff within the Department of Physical and Life Sciences may teach you on this course.

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Research Excellence

You’ll be taught by staff who want to support your learning and share the latest knowledge and research.

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Accommodation

Looking for student accommodation? Huddersfield has you covered. HudLets has a variety of accommodation types to choose from, no matter what your preference. HudLets is the University’s approved accommodation service, run by Huddersfield Students’ Union.

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Further Study

If you want to continue your learning beyond your undergraduate degree, there is a range of financial support available for postgraduate study, including discounts for Huddersfield graduates.

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