Teaching and learning in 2021/22
If government restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic are required during the 2021/22 academic year, we are planning to teach through a flexible combination of online and onsite learning, in order to prioritise the safety of students and staff. For more details on changes to this course, see our planned undergraduate course changes page or postgraduate course changes page.
Course Overview
* Price per academic year
Course summary
Our Applied Biomedical Science BSc offers an integrated approach to the study of human health and disease, with an emphasis on the diagnosis and understanding of disease processes from a medical diagnostic perspective. This course is only open to you if you are employed in a suitable accredited biomedical laboratory able to support work-based learning, and you'll need a written statement of support from your employer.
The course builds on the practical knowledge developed within the workplace and provides underpinning knowledge essential to the development of practising biomedical scientists.
Initially, you'll study the important fundamental sciences, including biochemistry, cell biology, and human anatomy and physiology.
You'll develop your understanding of disease processes and the biology of the associated molecular changes, combined with the principles of laboratory procedures used to aid diagnosis.
As the course progresses, you'll focus increasingly on the complex nature of disease as it affects particular biological systems, and the study of disease processes.
Top reasons to study with us
- An accredited course – the degree is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council and accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science and the Royal Society of Biology
- Professional teaching staff – many staff in Biomedical Sciences are also members of the Institute of Biomedical Science and some are also HCPC Registered
- Career-led learning – the course helps students develop the practical skills they need for work undertaken in laboratory settings and produces graduates capable of carrying out scientific research
Course structure
Teaching includes lectures and seminars, practical laboratory work, group activities and tutorials, and supervised use of facilities.
Assessment is through a combination of exams and coursework (including essays, practical work, group work, presentations and reports).
The following subjects are indicative of what you will study on this course. Integrated with this programme is the Institute of Biomedical Science Registration Training Portfolio. This must be completed by the final year (Year 4).
Please note: this course is also offered as part of a degree apprenticeship programme. Apply now for the Healthcare Science Practitioner Apprenticeship – Applied Biomedical Science BSc Honours. Further details are available on our Degree apprenticeships page.
Subjects of study include:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Critical Skills for the Biomedical Sciences
- Functional Anatomy
- Human Physiology
Credit Level 4
Subjects of study include:
- Applied Pathobiology
- Infection and Immunity
- Learning in Professional Practice
- Medical Genetics and Genomics
Credit Level 4 and 5
Subjects of study include:
- Advanced Learning in Professional Practice
- Cellular and Molecular Pathology
- Metabolic Biochemistry
- Research Methods
Credit Level 5 and 6
Subjects of study include:
- Clinical Immunology and Immunohaematology
- Diagnostic Biochemistry and Haematology
- Medical Microbiology in the Genomics Era
- Research Project
- Registration Training Portfolio
Credit Level 6
Professional accreditation
The degree is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS), enabling you to fulfil all requirements for HCPC registration and membership of the Institute. This course is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of meeting in part the academic and experience requirement for the Membership and Chartered Biologist (CBiol).
Programme Specification
For more details on course structure and modules, and how you will be taught and assessed, see the programme specification.
For general enquiries about the course, please email [email protected]
To request an accessible version of the programme specification, please email [email protected]
Careers
This course is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) and the Royal Society of Biology (RSB).
This course is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
Our London location helps students to find relevant work experience in biomedical laboratories, often at a high professional level.
Career development
Students on the Applied Biomedical Science degree pathway need to already be employed as healthcare professionals in approved laboratories, whether in hospital or private diagnostic practices. Many students also undertake work experience at other stages of the course, often at a high professional level. Our location in London facilitates you in finding such experience, with numerous opportunities available within the biomedical laboratories in London, the UK and abroad.
Our aim is to foster a culture of gathering expertise, building professional networks, and expanding academic learning with the knowledge and skills gained in laboratory environments.
International Opportunities
Many of our courses offer international study and work experiences, and the University provides other global opportunities that all students can apply for - so whatever you're studying, you'll have the chance to go abroad.
Opportunities could include:
- Taking part in semester or year-long exchanges at institutions around the world
- Attending an international summer school or field trip
- Developing your CV through volunteering or work placements abroad
International experience broadens horizons, boosts self-confidence, and improves global understanding, alongside being fantastic for your career.
Find out more about our international opportunities, including funding options and where you can go.
Course Leader
Chrystalla Ferrier
Senior Lecturer
Senior Lecturer in Biomedical Sciences, HCPC Registered Biomedical Scientist, specialising in Clinical Biochemistry Chartered Scientist and Fellow at the Institute of Biomedical Science. Her expertise is in accreditation systems, distance learning and numeracy support.
Chrystalla joined the University of Westminster in 2009 and has led the Foundation Degree in Biomedical and Physiological Sciences since 2010. She leads modules at Levels 4, 6 and 7 and is a module tutor for two of the biomedical sciences core Level 4 modules. She also delivers short courses for professional practice CPD.
Enjoy your science studies, do your best, be proud of your achievements and most importantly know that this is just the start of a lifetime of inspiration.
Course Team
Why study this course?
Building on the practical knowledge you've developed in the workplace, this course will help you develop skills that are essential to practising biomedical scientists.
Many staff within Biomedical Sciences are also members of the Institute of Biomedical Science and some are also HCPC Registered.
A major project in your final year will allow you to develop skills for genuine scientific inquiry.
Open days
Join us at an open day either on campus or online or information session and get a feel for student life at the University of Westminster.
You'll get a chance to:
- Speak to our academic staff
- Take an in person virtual reality tour of our student halls
- Ask us any questions you may have about student finance and accommodation
- Find out more about the courses you are interested in
- Meet and talk to current students about their experiences
Entry Requirements
- A levels – BBC to ABB to include two science subjects from Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Maths
- International Baccalaureate – 27 points to include a minimum of 4 in two Higher Level science subjects. We also welcome applications from students taking the IB Career related Programme
- BTEC Extended Diploma – DMM to DDM in Applied Science
- BTEC Diploma – D*D*
- Access – 112 to 128 UCAS Tariff points from the Access course
In addition to one of the above, you should have:
- GCSE English Language grade 4/C – IB grade 4 Higher Level, GCSE Maths grade 4/C – IB grade 4
If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS score of 6.0 overall, with 5.5 in each component.
We also welcome applications from students who are taking a combination of qualifications listed above. For further information, please contact Course Enquiries.
This course is only open to you if you are employed in a suitable accredited UK biomedical laboratory, able to support work-based learning. You will need a written statement of support from your employer. Applicants will also be required to provide an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check certificate in addition to any academic conditions of their offer.
View more information about our entry requirements and the application process
Biomedical and Physiological Sciences Foundation Degree
If you are a healthcare professional in full-time employment in an NHS or private laboratory, but do not have the necessary qualifications for entry into the Applied Biomedical Science BSc Honours, you may choose to study the Biomedical and Physiological Sciences Foundation Degree, before progressing to the final two years of this degree.
- International Baccalaureate – 27 points to include a minimum of 4 in two Higher Level science subjects
If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS score of 6.0 overall, with 5.5 in each component.
This course is only open to you if you are employed in a suitable accredited UK biomedical laboratory, able to support work-based learning. You will need a written statement of support from your employer. Applicants will also be required to provide an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check certificate in addition to any academic conditions of their offer.
More information
Biomedical and Physiological Sciences Foundation Degree
If you are a healthcare professional in full-time employment in an NHS or private laboratory, but do not have the necessary qualifications for entry into the Applied Biomedical Science BSc Honours, you may choose to study the Biomedical and Physiological Sciences Foundation Degree, before progressing to the final two years of this degree.
Learn new skills
From Arabic to Spanish, you can learn a new language alongside your degree with our Polylang programme.
Our award-winning Creative Enterprise Centre offers industry networking events, workshops, one-to-one business advice and support for your startup projects.
We provide access to free online courses in Adobe and Microsoft Office applications, as well as thousands of specialist courses on LinkedIn Learning.
Fees and Funding
UK tuition fee: £6,935 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme
If you are an international student accepted on an undergraduate programme starting in September 2021 on the basis of an eligible EU qualification only, you will be awarded a tuition fee reduction which will align your fee more closely to the one for UK students. For more information, see the EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme.
Funding
As well as tuition fee loans, there is a range of funding available to help you fund your studies.
Find out about undergraduate student funding options.
Scholarships
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible undergraduate students, which cover all or part of your tuition fees.
Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.
Additional costs information
To check what your tuition fees cover and what you may need to pay for separately, see our What tuition fees cover page.
International tuition fee: £10,800 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme
If you are accepted on an undergraduate programme starting in September 2021 on the basis of an eligible EU qualification only, you will be awarded a tuition fee reduction of £4,500 per year, which will align your fee more closely to the one for UK students. For more information, see the EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme.
International student funding
Find out about funding for international students.
Additional costs information
To check what your tuition fees cover and what you may need to pay for separately, see our What tuition fees cover page.
Teaching and assessment
Below you will find how learning time and assessment types were distributed in the past on this course, through approximate percentages taken from previous cohorts. The graphs below give an indication of what you can expect. Changes to the division of learning time and assessment may be made in response to feedback and in accordance with our terms and conditions.
How you'll be taught
Teaching methods across all our undergraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application. Learning typically falls into three broad categories:
- Scheduled hours: examples include lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops, supervised time in a studio
- Placement: placement hours normally include placement opportunities, but may also include live projects or virtual activity involving employers
- Independent study: non-scheduled time in which students are expected to study independently. This may include preparation for scheduled sessions, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks, or revision
How you'll be assessed
Our undergraduate courses include a wide variety of assessments.
Assessments typically fall into three broad categories:
- Practical: examples include presentations, videos, podcasts, lab work, creating artefacts
- Written exams: end of semester exams
- Coursework: examples include essays, reports, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation
Data from the academic year 2019-20
Supporting you
Our Student Hub is where you’ll find out about the services and support we offer, helping you get the best out of your time with us.
- Study support — workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills
- Personal tutors — support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential
- Student advice team — provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas
- Extra-curricular activities — volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more
Course Location
With state-of-the-art science and psychology labs and refurbished computer suites, our Cavendish Campus offers our science and technology students a range of learning spaces that are both dynamic and inspiring.
Located in central London, our Cavendish Campus is just a five-minute walk from Oxford Street and Tottenham Court Road.
For more details, visit our Cavendish Campus page.
Contact us
We have an FAQs page if you are applying this year.
Or you can contact the Course Enquiries Team:
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
More information
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