Doing it for real is the key to success.
You’ll have plenty of opportunities to get hands-on, using the same equipment and doing the same things they do in industry – in some of the UK’s best labs.
You'll study the key aspects of disease and disease prevention including immunology and virology, haematology, clinical biochemistry and histopathology.
Placements tell employers you know how to do it as well as the why. Our industry connections as well as the support you’ll get from our Employability team all add up to a valuable work placement experience. You can also gain a Diploma in Professional Practice when you take a placement - a valuable addition to your degree.
If you want to be an NHS Biomedical Scientist, this degree is a requirement for your registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). You’ll also need experience of working in an NHS laboratory and a training portfolio. We can support you to get both of these before you graduate by taking a work placement in an IBMS-approved laboratory, where you can complete your training portfolio.
This course is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS).
Student profiles
What you'll study
The key aspects of disease and disease prevention will be studied in both practical and theoretical contexts and will be used when considering complex health issues. The course covers all the major disciplines of:
- pathology
- histopathology
- clinical chemistry
- microbiology
- haematology
- transfusion science
- immunology and virology.
You will develop the skills and knowledge of these specific areas and in addition gain an understanding of the underlying principles of biochemistry, molecular biology and physiology.
Meet the Biomedical Team
You will work with our highly regarded academics, who are active in a broad range of research areas, achieving 100% world-leading or internationally excellent research impact (REF 2014).
Visit our Biosciences team pages to find out more about our approach to teaching, our partners and research interests.
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Year One
Introduction to Biochemistry
Study the key aspects of macromolecules, cell structure and function, and inter-relationships in both practical and theoretical contexts.
Practical Techniques for Biology
Considers the principles of experimental design, data collection and analysis, including techniques in centrifugation, chromatography, electrophoresis, microscopy and radiobiology.
Genetics and Immunology
Develops genetic concepts and introduces basic aspects of the immune system, including the molecules, cells and interactions involved.
Introduction to Microbiology
Study various groups of microbes, their function and roles, and consider the importance of the microbial world, the biology of micro-organisms, and medical, environmental and industrial microbiology.
Living Systems
Introduces levels of biological organisation from molecules to cells and ecosystems, providing a platform of knowledge and skills
upon which other modules are developed.Human Physiology
Introduces the physiology of human organ systems (respiratory, nervous, cardiovascular, urinary, endocrine and muscular) and examines the process of homeostasis.
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Year Two
Biomedical Science in Practice
Learn about key disciplines and current research topics in biomedical science as well as aspects of professional practice which
form an important part of your preparation for employment.Metabolism and its Control
Explore the central pathways of oxidative catabolism and anabolism of carbohydrates and fats in eukaryotic cells, and cover the biochemical basis of cellular signal transduction.
Molecular Biology and Protein Structure
Learn about the functions of polymerases, binding proteins, helicases, ligases, topoisomerases and promosomes in DNA replication as well as RNA polymerases.
Pathopharmacology
Considers disordered cellular and tissue physiology resulting from disease and drugs that can treat those diseases. You’ll develop an understanding of health and common illnesses.
Clinical Biochemistry
Study a variety of disorders and learn about their clinical symptoms, biochemical and molecular defects, detection, diagnosis and treatment.
Clinical and Public Health Microbiology
Learn the principles and applications of diagnostic and analytical microbiology in the monitoring and control of diseases caused by microbes.
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Year Three
This is your optional work placement year. See our excellent placement opportunities section below.
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Final year
Research Project
Learn practical research techniques, including a review of scientific writing and critical appraisals of published work, as well as oral presentations and plagiarism.
Immunology and Virology
Explore the molecular and cellular mechanisms of innate and adaptive immunology, analysing immune responses to infectious agents and cancer, and review the principles of vaccination.
Haematology and Transfusion Practice
Study the biological basis of diseases of the blood and blood-forming organs, and the principles of the techniques used in their investigation.
Cellular Pathology
Infectious Diseases and their Control
Covers the significance of infectious diseases in human medicine and looks at mechanisms of control of pathogenic microbes and how they can be used in prevention and treatment.
How you’re taught
You will typically study six modules each year. Each module normally has around 20 to 24 one-hour lectures. In addition there are regular seminars and tutorials to help with your studies. Across the three years you will have approximately 500 hours of laboratory experience. We believe the amount of time a student spends getting hands on experience in a laboratory is very important to prepare them for the world of work, which is why we incorporate such high levels of contact time in the labs.
You will be assessed on a variety of components including the following:
Coursework
- laboratory reports
- assignments
- poster presentations
- case studies
- final year research project / dissertation
Written
- multiple completion tests
- formal examinations.
Practical
- laboratory assessments
- oral presentations
Learn a new language
Alongside your study you also have the opportunity to learn a new language. The University Language Programme (ULP) is available to all students and gives you the option of learning a totally new language or improving the skills you already have. Find out more about the ULP.
Assessment methods
Year 1 - coursework (42%), written (50%), and practical (8%)
Year 2 - coursework (50%), written (42%), and practical (8%)
Year 3 - coursework (48%), written (40%), and practical (12%)
A placement year may be taken between year 2 and year 3 of study
Contact hours
A full-time student on average can expect to spend 1200 hours a year learning which will typically be broken down as follows:
Year 1 - lectures/seminars/workshops (23%) and independent study (77%)
Year 2 - lectures/seminars/workshops (21%) and independent study (79%)
Year 3 - lectures/seminars/workshops (20%) and independent study (80%)
A placement year may be taken between year 2 and year 3 of study
Careers and employability
Your career development
Our Biomedical students have entered careers in:
- hospital laboratories
- pharmaceutical industry laboratories
- management and pharmaceutical sales
- research and education.
Recent graduates have gone onto work in the following roles and companies:
- Glaxo Smith Kline – research scientist
- Nottingham University Hospitals – biomedical scientist
- UHCW NHS Trust – stop smoking adviser
- Coventry University Hospital – lab technician
- NHS – bowel cancer screening officer
- Thermo Fisher – research biomedical scientist
- NHS – medical lab assistant
- Dorset Health Care – information analyst.
Many also choose to undertake further study on one of our Masters-level courses or MPhil and PhD research degrees. Graduate salaries range from £16,000 to £30,000 per year.
Excellent placement opportunities
After the second year, you will have the opportunity to undertake a placement in industry, including overseas options. This will give you the chance to gain vital experience and put your knowledge into practice. Many students impress their employers on placement and are offered jobs at the end of their course.
Recent Biomedical Science students have secured placements in the following companies:
- GlaxoSmithKline
- Leicester Royal Infirmary
- Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital
- Givaudan
- John van Geest Cancer Research Centre
- Health Protection Agency
- Centre de Biologie et de Pathologie Lyon.
What our students say
To obtain a year's worth of work experience at a reputable company such as GSK was an opportunity not to be missed.
The experience has not only boosted my scientific skills in regards to my degree, but also improved my future job prospects. It has given me a unique set of skills that others graduates will not have, allowing me to stand out from the crowd. It also enabled me to integrate with a scientific community of friends, who are willing to help me with the development of my career, and in some cases, who you know can really make the difference.
Matthew Nicklin, BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science
GlaxoSmithKline, Laboratory Assistant (2011)
Facilities
Where will I study?
Teaching events are held across Clifton Campus, and include interactive workshops in spaces specifically designed for collaborative, hands-on learning.
We have the stimulating and creative environment needed to equip students with the knowledge and transferable skills to put them ahead of the graduate crowd. We provide first class facilities that enhance the quality of our education and push the boundaries of our research, these include:
Rosalind Franklin Building
The Rosalind Franklin Building provides some of the best laboratory teaching facilities for Bioscience and Chemistry in the UK. The large teaching laboratory space is equipped with modern IT facilities and equipment to ensure that our students get excellent training in practical laboratory techniques and modern analytical methods.
Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research Facility
This facility supports the School's extensive biomedical research activities.
Natural Sciences Research Facility
The Natural Sciences Research Facility supports and enhances the School's research in physics, biosciences, chemistry, imaging, materials and sport.
You will gain a range of laboratory skills throughout your programme both in the Rosalind Franklin building and other laboratories. In particular you will gain key skills and experience in the final year which will be directly relevant to the different disciplines in a Pathology Department and for a career in biomedical science.
Entry requirements
What are we looking for?
- A-levels – BBB, including Biology; or
- BTEC Extended Diploma – DDM, including relevant Biology modules; or
- 120 UCAS Tariff points from three A-levels or equivalent qualifications, including an A-level grade B equivalent in Biology; and
- GCSEs – English, Maths and Science grade C / 4
Other qualifications and experience
We consider equivalent qualifications and combinations, please see UCAS course search for details and use our calculator to help you work out how many UCAS points your qualifications relate to.
We may also consider credits achieved at other universities and your work/life experience through an assessment of prior learning. This may be for year one entry, or beyond the beginning of a course where applicable, for example, into year 2. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available for this route.
Contextual offers
As well as assessing your application and qualifications, we use contextual data and information to make offers for this course. Depending on your circumstances, we may make you an offer up to two grades below the standard entry criteria. Find out how we assess your application.
Getting in touch
If you need any more help or information, please email our Admissions and Enquiries Team or call on +44 (0)115 848 4200.
What are we looking for?
- A-levels – BBB, including Biology; or
- BTEC Extended Diploma – DDM, including relevant Biology modules; or
- 120 UCAS Tariff points from three A-levels or equivalent qualifications, including an A-level grade B equivalent in Biology; and
- GCSEs – English, Maths and Science grade C / 4
Applicants without A-levels will have their qualifications assessed for subject compatibility. We also consider equivalent qualifications and combinations. Please see UCAS Course Search for more details.
International qualifications
We accept qualifications from schools, colleges and universities all over the world for entry onto our UG and PG degrees. If you’re not sure how your international qualification matches our course requirements please visit our international qualifications page.
Foundation courses
If you are an international student who does not meet the direct entry requirements for this course, you can prepare for it at Nottingham Trent International College. Their Foundation Certificate in Science and Engineering (life sciences) offers students a guaranteed progression route to this degree on successful completion to the required level.
English language entry requirements
If English is not your first language you need to show us that your language skills are strong enough for intensive academic study. We usually ask for an IELTS test and we accept some alternative English language tests.
- For a list of our language requirements please visit our English language page.
- If you need to do a pre-sessional English language course to meet the English requirements please visit our pre-sessional English course page.
Help and support
If you have any questions about your qualifications or about making an application to the University please contact our International Team for advice.
How to apply
Ready to join us? Then apply as soon as you can. Just click the Apply button at the top of the page and follow the instructions for applying. Make sure you check the entry requirements above carefully before you do.
Writing your application and personal statement
Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. So include all of your qualifications and grades, including resits or predicted grades.
Your personal statement is a really important part of your application. It’s your chance to convince us why we should offer you a place! You’ve got 4,000 characters to impress us. Make sure you use them to show how your skills and qualities are relevant to the course(s) you’re applying for. For more hints and tips, take a look at our page on how to write a good personal statement.
Keeping up-to-date
After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU on our Your Application page. Good luck with your application!
Please read our notes on the University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised.
You can apply directly to the University for an undergraduate course if you’re not applying to any other UK university in the same year. If you are applying to more than one UK university you must apply through UCAS.
Apply as early as you can so that you have time to prepare for your studies. If you need a visa to study here you need to plan this into your application.
- For a step-by-step guide on making an application to the University please visit our how to apply page.
- For advice on applying for a visa please visit our visa information page.
- For advice on how to write a good personal statement please visit our personal statement page.
Keeping up-to-date
After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Good luck with your application!
Please read our notes on the University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised.
Fees and funding
Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there’s no need to feel anxious and confused about it. We hope that our fees and funding pages will answer all your questions.
For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service on telephone +44 (0)115 848 2494.
Additional Costs
Your course fees cover the cost of studies, and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team, and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses.
Library books
Most study modules will recommend one or more core text books, which most students choose to purchase. Book costs vary and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. Our libraries provide a good supply of essential text books, journals and materials (many of which you can access online) – meaning you may not need to purchase as many books as you might think! There may also be a supply of second-hand books available for purchase from previous year students.
A good supply of these essential text books are available in the University libraries which students can easily borrow or access directly whilst studying in the library.
Field trips
All essential field trip costs will be included in your course fees. There may be the opportunity to take part in optional field trips, which do incur additional costs.
Placements
If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst on placement. Many of our placement students do earn a salary whilst on placement which can help to cover these living costs.
Students may choose to apply for a placement option during their course. If successful, students will be expected to pay for accommodation, travel and living costs whilst on placement.If an NHS placement is taken you may be asked to pay for an IBMS Registration Portfolio which is needed to become HCPC registered upon graduation. The cost is approximately £130.
Print and copy costs
The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the Printing, photocopying and scanning information on the Library website.
Students will also be required to pay additional costs for poster preparation in their final year - estimated costs approximately £20 -£30.
Laboratory lockers
A deposit is required for laboratory lockers (approximately £5).
We offer prestigious scholarships to new international students holding offers to study at the University.
- For more information on these and other opportunities for funding please visit our international scholarships page.
- For information on how to pay your fees to the University please visit our international fee payment page.
Additional Costs
Your course fees cover the cost of studies, and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team, and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses.
Library books
Most study modules will recommend one or more core text books, which most students choose to purchase. Book costs vary and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. Our libraries provide a good supply of essential text books, journals and materials (many of which you can access online) – meaning you may not need to purchase as many books as you might think! There may also be a supply of second-hand books available for purchase from previous year students.
A good supply of these essential text books are available in the University libraries which students can easily borrow or access directly whilst studying in the library.
Field trips
All essential field trip costs will be included in your course fees. There may be the opportunity to take part in optional field trips, which do incur additional costs.
Placements
If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst on placement. Many of our placement students do earn a salary whilst on placement which can help to cover these living costs.
Students may choose to apply for a placement option during their course. If successful, students will be expected to pay for accommodation, travel and living costs whilst on placement.If an NHS placement is taken you may be asked to pay for an IBMS Registration Portfolio which is needed to become HCPC registered upon graduation. The cost is approximately £130.
Print and copy costs
The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the Printing, photocopying and scanning information on the Library website.
Students will also be required to pay additional costs for poster preparation in their final year - estimated costs approximately £20 -£30.
Laboratory lockers
A deposit is required for laboratory lockers (approximately £5).