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
Biomedical science is concerned with the detailed study of the human body, both in health and disease, with emphasis on the diagnosis and understanding of disease states and the mechanisms involved.
In Year 1 you'll study the important fundamental sciences, including biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, and human anatomy and physiology.
In Year 2 you'll develop your understanding of a wide range of disease processes, combined with the principles of laboratory procedures used to aid diagnosis and treatment.
Between Years 2 and 3, the sandwich placement is an excellent opportunity to experience the reality of work, usually in a biomedical diagnostics laboratory, pharmaceutical industry or a research institute. You will put into practice what you have learned at the University, learn new skills and gain hands-on laboratory experience. All placement opportunities are competitive and you will have the support and guidance of your department, the Career Development Centre and the University’s Placement Officer.
As part of the placement year you will undertake an academic module which will contribute to your degree and, where applicable, undertake the Institute of Biomedical Science Certificate of Competence. Sandwich year placements can be in the UK or abroad.
In Year 3 you'll focus on the study of the complex nature of disease as it affects particular biological systems. You'll also study the laboratory procedures used in haematology, clinical immunology, cellular and molecular pathology, clinical biochemistry and medical microbiology, to diagnose and monitor disease. You'll also undertake a major research project, which will enable you to develop the skills you need for genuine scientific inquiry.
Course structure
Teaching includes tutorials, lectures and seminars, practical laboratory work and group activities, together with supervised use of facilities. Assessment is through a combination of exams and coursework (including essays, practical work, group work, presentations and reports).
You’ll receive continuous feedback through online activities, group and one-to-one tutorials and periodic reviews, designed to give you multiple points of guidance throughout your studies.
The following subjects are indicative of what you will study on this course.
Subjects of study include:
Core Study Areas
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Critical Skills for the Biomedical Sciences
- Functional Anatomy
- Human Physiology
Optional Study Areas
- Application of Biological Sciences
- Biological Chemistry
- Botany
- Fundamentals of Pharmachology
- Principles of Nutrition
Credit Level 4
Subjects of study include:
Core Study Areas
- Applied Pathobiology
- Infection and Immunity
- Medical Genetics and Genomics
- Metabolic biochemistry
- Professional Practice for Biomedical Scientists
- Research Methods
Optional Study Areas
- Bioinformatics
- Human Parasitology
- Medical Genetics in Practice
- Medical Physiology
- Molecular & Cellular Therapeutics
Credit Level 5
Sandwich placement year
The sandwich placement is an excellent opportunity to experience the reality of work, usually in a biomedical diagnostics laboratory, pharmaceutical industry or a research institute. You will put into practice what you have learned at the University, learn new skills and gain hands-on laboratory experience. All placement opportunities are competitive and you will have the support and guidance of your department, the Career Development Centre and the University’s Placement Officer.
As part of the placement year you will undertake an academic module which will contribute to your degree and, where applicable, undertake the Institute of Biomedical Science Certificate of Competence. Sandwich year placements can be in the UK or abroad.
Subjects of study include:
- Cellular and Molecular Pathology
- Clinical Immunology and Immunohaematology
- Diagnostic Biochemistry and Haematology
- Medical Microbiology in the Genomics Era
- Research Project
Credit Level 6
Professional accreditation
The degree is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS). Honours graduates can apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as Biomedical Scientists, provided they fulfil the additional HCPC requirements of competencies through suitable employment and completion of the IBMS certificate of competence.
The 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
With a growing global network of 3,000 employers, our Careers and Employability Service is here to support you to achieve your full potential.
Our central London location facilitates you in finding work experience, with numerous opportunities available within the biomedical laboratories in London, the UK and abroad.
You'll gain the knowledge and experience to work in areas such as laboratories, clinical trials, healthcare commerce, medical devices industries, regulatory affairs, research development, scientific writing, teaching and many more.
The University’s Careers and Employability Service has built up a network of over 3,000 employers around the world, helping all our students explore and connect with exciting opportunities and careers.
Career development
Our course has been designed to prepare you for a career in medical diagnostic, pharmaceutical and research environments. It provides you with a thorough education in the disciplines required to understand and investigate disease and enables you to develop your career in a variety of pathways in biomedical sciences.
We also have a strong record in preparing graduates for postgraduate study across a range of biomedical and molecular disciplines, as well as postgraduate teacher training.
We regularly monitor graduate career destinations and reflect on this information in the planning of the course curriculum.
Graduate employment
Graduates from Biomedical Sciences are widely sought after by employers. Major employment areas include:
- Clinical genetics laboratories
- Clinical trials
- Commerce (sales and marketing) related to healthcare and diagnostics products
- Diagnostic pathology and clinical laboratories
- Forensic laboratories
- Government or charity-funded research laboratories
- Medical devices and laboratory instrumentation industries
- NHS Blood and Transplant laboratories
- Private pathology laboratories
- Public Health England
- Regulatory affairs (drug registration and patents)
- Research development for pharmaceuticals
- Research laboratories in universities
- Scientific writing and publishing
- Teaching
- Veterinary and agricultural laboratories
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
Dr David Gaze
Lecturer in Clinical Biochemistry
David completed both Undergraduate and Postgraduate degrees in West Yorkshire followed by a PhD in Clinical Biochemistry in London. He is currently lecturer in Clinical Biochemistry at the University of Westminster and Honorary Cardiac Research Scientist within the Department of Chemical Pathology, Clinical Blood Sciences at St George's Hospital and Medical School, London.
Dr Gaze has authored and co-authored in excess of 150 peer reviewed papers and over 200 abstracts, as well as presented at over 50 internationally invited conferences. He is a peer reviewer of 25 medical journals. He has also won, individually and with colleagues, a number of prestigious awards.
He is also a member of the Royal Society of Medicine of London; The Association for Clinical Biochemistry, the American Association of Clinical Chemistry; Institute of Biomedical Sciences; Institute of Biology; European Society of Pathology; The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland and associate member of the Royal Institution of London.
Studying Biomedical Sciences with a sandwich placement puts students in a prime position for employment after graduation.
Course Team
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 – CCC to BBB, with two Science subjects from Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Maths
- International Baccalaureate – 96 to 120 UCAS Tariff points from the IB including a minimum of 4 in two HL science subjects
- BTEC Extended Diploma – MMM to DDM in Applied Science
- BTEC Diploma – DD to D*D* in Applied Science
- Access – 96 to 120 UCAS Tariff points from the Access course in Science
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 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.
View more information about our entry requirements and the application process
- International Baccalaureate – 96 to 120 UCAS Tariff points from the IB including a minimum of 4 in two HL science subjects
If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with 5.5 in each component.
More information
International Foundation course
We work in partnership with Kaplan International College London to provide Foundation Certificate courses for international students who don’t meet our Bachelor’s degree entry requirements. Find out how to apply for the Foundation Certificate course.
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: £9,250 (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
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
International tuition fee: £14,400 (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
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
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
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.
More information
Your Westminster
Book an open day. Order a prospectus. Sign up for newsletters.
Contact us
ALREADY HAVE YOUR RESULTS?
Call us now:
0800 027 9777 (UK)
+44 207 915 5415 (Overseas)
Opening hours: 10am–4pm (BST) Monday to Friday
You can also apply via our Clearing application form
ANY QUESTIONS?
Email us at [email protected] or speak to us on live chat.
Opening hours: 10am–4pm (BST) Monday to Friday