Biomedical Science BSc Honours
Taught by expert researchers and supported with placements at London's leading hospitals, you will develop vital skills for an outstanding career in laboratories and research
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Viewing course details for 2025 year of entry
- Code
- C700
- Attendance
- Full-time
- Start
- September 2025
- Fees
- £9,250 (UK) | £16,600 (INT)
- Duration
- 3 years full-time
- Course Leader
- Beata Burczynska
- Study mode
- On campus
- Location
- Hendon campus
- Entry Requirements
- 112 UCAS points
- Placement year
- Yes
- School / Department
- Faculty of Science and Technology
Our biomedical science degree allows you to gain specialist skills that can open up career opportunities in hospital laboratories and scientific research.
Why choose BSc Biomedical Science at Middlesex?
This course is designed to help you develop valuable professional expertise and attributes in the field of biomedical science.
In addition to excellent labs on campus, you will have the option to refine your skills and extend your experience in a commercial, research or NHS pathology laboratory.
What you will gain
Our biomedical science degree gives you the skills, knowledge and hands-on experience you need to succeed in the medical and healthcare sector and related industries.
You'll develop professional skills which will help you work in a variety of fields including research, laboratory work or postgraduate study.
Our course is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (under review June 2024), which means you’ll graduate with a professional qualification that will give you a competitive edge in pursuing your career ambitions.
By spending additional placement time in a hospital laboratory (on the Applied Biomedical Science course or by working in an accredited hospital laboratory after graduation) you will gain Health Care Professions Council (HCPC) registration. This means you can work as a professional Biomedical Scientist.
Accreditations
Our Biomedical Science BSc is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS), which is a requirement for Health
Care Professions Council (HCPC) registration. This course is under re-accreditation review in June 2024.
What you will learn
This course gives you a solid foundation in the underlying principles of biomedical science and develops your practical skills through laboratory-based experiments and problem-based learning.
Studying biomedical science in London means you’ll get plenty of opportunities to build your professional skills, knowledge and ethical values.
Within the 4-year Applied Biomedical Science course, you’ll also have the option to apply for a year-long laboratory placement in pathology labs. Past students have taken placements at the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, The Doctors Laboratory, Health Services Laboratories.
You'll explore key developments in scientific research and medicine including innovative work on biomarkers, cancer treatments and rapid testing of infectious diseases.
Using real-life clinical laboratory challenges, you’ll develop a specialist knowledge of microscopy, blood typing, DNA analysis and cancer identification.
On this course, you will enjoy:
- Practical sessions in modern laboratory facilities, with insights into the latest scientific techniques, instruments and equipment
- Workshop sessions, with personalised support that’s tailored to your studies and your future career ambitions
- Opportunities to explore the next generation of scientific instrumentation for molecular techniques, microbiology and proteomics
Personal support from our student learning and graduate academic assistants who are passionate about biomedical science and dedicated to helping you achieve your full potential.
3 great reasons to pick this course
About your course
Here is a brief overview of what you will study each year:
Your first year covers biomolecular, cells and human sciences as well as a module on professional practice in Biomedical Science.
This module aims to provide you with an understanding of the biomedical profession and employment opportunities. In addition, the module facilitates development of basic laboratory skills, safe laboratory practice, and appropriate administrative, communication and practical skills required for successful academic and professional progress, and to work in a clinical laboratory environment.
The module is designed to provide an understanding of different areas in biomedical science used to investigate human diseases. The module encompasses theoretical knowledge and laboratory training in medical microbiology, haematology and blood transfusion, genetics, and cellular science.
The module aims to provide you with an introduction to the classification, structure and function of cells and microbes and examples of disease that result from abnormal structure and/or function. Another key aim of this module is to enable you to acquire laboratory skills required to study cells and microbes.
This module aims to provide you with the knowledge and understanding of human anatomy and physiology required to underpin your future learning. The unifying theme of homeostasis is used to show how a healthy structure and function are maintained and how failures of homeostasis can result in disease.
This module provides you with the skill and underpinning knowledge to pursue further studies in biological and biomedical sciences. Particular emphasis is placed on the basic principles of biochemistry for life sciences and genetics.
You will explore criminal law, tort, contemporary criminological theory and victimology. You will also be able to choose between EU law and UK and European Human Rights as an elective. However, if you wish to become a barrister, then you must choose EU law.
The module aims to provide you with the skills necessary to plan, implement, analyse and report project-based work, with the focus on preparation for the final year project module. The module also develops your core research skills fundamental to a scientific research design, irrespective of discipline. Specific research skills include analytical techniques appropriate to your course requirements.
This module aims to provide you with the knowledge and understanding of disease processes and most common diseases. It also examines the multidisciplinary nature of disease investigation, management and prevention.
This module introduces methods that are used to investigate infections. You will become familiar with aseptic techniques and culturing, isolation, enumeration, and observation of infectious agents in microbiology laboratory. This module also aims to you with understanding of the principles and practice of microbiological test procedures used to diagnose infectious disease and the methods used to control spread of infection.
The module aims to provide you with a working knowledge of the principles and practice of blood sciences and to gain experience in the application of commonly used techniques.
The module aims to provide you with a working knowledge of the principles and practice of cellular pathology and to gain experience in the application of commonly used techniques and the delivery of cellular pathology services. Emphasis is placed on the use of histological equipment, and on routine and special staining techniques for the demonstration of pathological conditions.
The overall aim is that you understand and gain experience in the principles, practice, quality assurance and applications of commonly employed methods of molecular biology and genetics used in the investigation of disease.
In your final year, you will take specialised modules in transplantation, blood transfusion, clinical biochemistry and medical microbiology or cellular molecular pathology. You will also take a final dissertation project this year.
You may take a year-long placement either after year 2 or year 3 of your study. See our placements section for further details.
This module will reinforce and expand on your year 1 and 2 modules. The overall aim is that you understand and gain experience in a range of core and specialised methods and techniques from across the blood sciences with applications to immunology and specialist biochemistry, understanding their importance in the clinical investigation of patients.
This module will build on the skills you acquired when undertaking a Research Methods and Professional Practice module and from the knowledge gained throughout the course to date. Further development of analysis, critical thinking and scientific literary style will be promoted. You will pursue areas of individual interest in the subject area appropriate to your target award and have the opportunity of gaining increased theoretical and practical knowledge in a chosen specialist field. You will gain individual research experience in an area that may provide future employment opportunities. Personal responsibility for your own learning through self-directed study and supervised preparation will be fostered. This is an integral part of the degree programme, furthering the development of skills in critical analysis and reflection.
This module aims to provide you with a critical understanding of pathogenicity and emergence of bacterial, fungal, viral, and parasitic infections. In addition, you will become familiar with the principles and practice of laboratory and point-of-care test procedures used to diagnose infectious disease and monitor the effectiveness of the treatments. You will also gain an insight into the methods used to control infections in healthcare settings and in the community.
The aims of this module are to develop the student’s knowledge and appreciation of the principles of cellular and molecular pathology. Emphasis is placed on the range of pathologies affecting a number of organ systems, the diagnostic strategies and skills used to identify them.
Year 4 - Applied Biomedical only
The module will provide you with an opportunity to develop and then consolidate your knowledge and understanding of the day-to-day management and routines of hospital pathology laboratories. In addition, you will be able to acquire the knowledge and skills required for registration as biomedical scientists with the Health and Care Professions Council and prepare for the IBMS assessment of their Registration Portfolio.
To find out more about this highly regarded course, please download the Biomedical Science BSc Programme Specification (PDF).
We review our courses regularly to improve your experience and graduate prospects so modules may be subject to change.
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Teaching
You'll be taught by an experienced teaching team with a wide range of expertise and professional experience.
You'll be taught by an experienced teaching team with a wide range of expertise and professional experience.
The team includes academics, medical doctors, professional practitioners, and technical staff. Graduate teaching assistants or trained PhD students and Students Learning Assistants will support teaching sessions.
The course combines practical sessions with lectures, seminars and workshops. Sessions in our laboratory facilities, which feature new-generation equipment, provide you with the space to understand key principles, techniques and applications, allowing you to investigate patient conditions and provide diagnoses.
Seminars and workshops are a great opportunity to discuss what you have learnt with your peers and tutors. Most seminar groups have about 30–40 students.
Your work will be divided into credits. Each credit is equal to 10 hours of study time. You will complete 120 credits per year of study, which are broken down into modules of typically 15 or 30 credits.
Your learning will be supported by using interactive teaching platforms and virtual labs providing a realistic laboratory experience. You'll have access to several online learning tools which can be used at your own pace, and in your own time.
You'll work on problem-solving exercises and patient case studies, take part in class discussions and presentations, and build up a portfolio of work. You'll do some work in groups to straighten your collaboration and leadership skills. An important part of the course involves designing and undertaking your own research project in your final year. You'll also undertake personal study in your free time.
Research
Multidisciplinary research at Middlesex University focuses mainly on cancer diagnosis and therapy, reproductive biology, blood disorders, immunology, medical microbiology and medical engineering.
You'll develop your skills on the newest equipment in our Sciences and Technology facilities which include microbiology and molecular biology labs, a bioscience suite, cell and tissue culture labs, Centre for Investigative & Diagnostic Oncology, mass spectrometry and analytical facilities.
In your final year, you will be working with one of our Research Groups on a dissertation project:
- Diagnostic Biomarkers Research Group
- Molecular Biology group
- Biophysics and Bioengineering group
- Reproductive Biology group.
You will be studying at our leafy north London campus in Hendon.
Whether you are studying full or part-time – your course timetable will balance your study commitments on campus with time for work, life commitments and independent study.
We aim to make timetables available to students at least 2 weeks before the start of term. Some weeks are different due to how we schedule classes and arrange on-campus laboratory sessions.
Typical weekly breakdown
During your first year, your weekly timetable will typically consist of:
- 5 hours lectures
- 5 hours seminars or workshops
- 1 hour of supervised practicals.
Teaching vs independent learning
Outside of teaching hours, you’ll learn independently through self-study which will involve reading articles and books, working on projects, undertaking research, and preparing for assessments including coursework, presentations and exams.
Your independent learning is supported by the library and study hub, laptop hire, and with online materials in MyUniHub.
Here is an indication of how you will spend your time:
Year 1
| Percentage | Hours | Typical activity |
|---|---|---|
| 22% | 260 | Teaching, learning and practice-based learning |
| 78% | 940 | Independent learning |
Year 2
| Percentage | Hours | Typical activity |
|---|---|---|
| 28% | 339 | Teaching, learning and practice-based learning |
| 72% | 861 | Independent learning |
Year 3
| Percentage | Hours | Typical activity |
|---|---|---|
| 19% | 223 | Teaching, learning and practice-based learning |
| 81% | 977 | Independent learning |
Our excellent teaching and support teams will help you develop the skills relevant to your degree from research and practical skills to critical thinking. And we offer free 24-hour laptop loans with full desktop software, free printing and Wi-Fi to use on or off campus, even over the weekend.
Your learning will be assessed regularly. The exact balance will depend on the modules you are taking. The table below is a good guide.
| Year | Coursework % | Written Exams % | Practical exams % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 70 | 30 | |
| Year 2 | 62.5 | 37.5 | |
| Year 3 | 62.5 | 25 | 12.5 |
We'll test your understanding and progress with informal and formal tests including closed book on-campus exams.
The informal tests usually take place at least once per module, from which you’ll receive feedback from your tutor. The grades from these tests don’t count towards your final marks.
There are formal assessments for each module, usually at the end, which will count towards your module and your final marks.
Assessments are regularly reviewed and may be updated based on student feedback or feedback from an external examiner.
To help you achieve the best results, we will provide regular feedback.
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North London campus
Our north London campus is 23 minutes away by underground train, travelling from London Kings Cross.
Learn moreFacilities and support
Our Sheppard Library provides a wide range of resources and support to help you to succeed in your studies.
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Over 1,000 study spaces including rooms for group study and over 500 computers available.
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We have one of London's biggest and best university campuses with everything you need in one place.
Our facilitiesStudent support
We offer lots of support to help you while you're studying including financial advice, wellbeing, mental health, and disability support.
Additional needs
We'll support you if you have additional needs such as sensory impairment or dyslexia. And if you want to find out whether Middlesex is the right place for you before you apply, get in touch with our Disability and Dyslexia team.
Wellness
Our specialist teams will support your mental health. We have free individual counselling sessions, workshops, support groups and useful guides.
Work while you study
Our Middlesex Unitemps branch will help you find work that fits around uni and your other commitments. We have hundreds of student jobs on campus that pay the London Living Wage and above. Visit the Middlesex Unitemps page.
Financial support
You can apply for scholarships and bursaries and our MDX Student Starter Kit to help with up to £1,000 of goods, including a new laptop or iPad.
We have also reduced the costs of studying with free laptop loans, free learning resources and discounts to save money on everyday things. Check out our guide to student life on a budget.
Careers
How can the Biomedical Science BSc support your career?
Employment prospects for biomedical scientists are excellent. You could find yourself working in laboratories (for universities, hospitals and research centres), and also within the NHS, public health, veterinary and agricultural, pharmaceutical or forensic fields.
A number of graduates have pursued careers in education, clinical trials management, medical start-up companies, as sales representatives in biosciences companies or working within biomedical consultancy. Our graduates now work for organisations such as Anthony Nolan Trust, The Institute of Cancer Research, GSK, CEGX, Frontiers and Medical News Today.
You can also explore further academic research on PhD and MSc programmes at universities across the UK and abroad.
If you do additional placement time in a hospital laboratory (either on the Clinical Laboratory Placement programme of Biomedical Science, or by working in an accredited hospital laboratory after graduation), you'll gain Healthcare Professions Council registration, allowing you to work as a professional biomedical scientist.
Natural Sciences Academic Society
The Natural Sciences Academic Society aims to increase awareness of biosciences and their applications in jobs, research and innovation. Members organise activities and events to showcase biological sciences. They will help you become part of the next generation of leading scientists.
MDXworks
Our employability service, MDXworks will launch you into the world of work from the beginning of your course, with placements, projects and networking opportunities through our 1000+ links with industry and big-name employers in London and globally.
Our dedicated lifetime career support, like our business start-up support programme and funding for entrepreneurs, has been recognized with the following awards:
- The top 20 UK universities for business leaders and entrepreneurs – Business Money, 2023
- A top 10 university for producing CEOs – Novuana, 2023
Global network
You’ll study with students from 122 countries who’ll hopefully become part of your global network. And after you graduate, we'll still support you through our alumni network to help you progress in your chosen career.
Work placements
Biomedical Science runs as a three-year course full-time (with a part-time option). If you are eligible you can opt to extend the course by a year, doing a work placement, for example in a commercial, research or NHS pathology laboratory. If you're studying Applied Biomedical Science, you'll be able to do a placement in our partner pathology diagnostics laboratories where you can complete your portfolio to become an HCPC-registered Biomedical Scientist.
You'll have fantastic opportunities to go out on placement in prestigious London hospitals such as The Whittington Hospital, the Royal Free Hospital, North Middlesex Hospital, University College London Hospitals, Northwick Park Hospital, Hemel Hempstead Hospital, as well as the laboratories at NHS Blood & Transplant and the Doctors Laboratory or Health Service Laboratories at The Halo Building.
Throughout your degree on sandwich or Applied Biomedical Science courses, you'll work in labs including NHS pathologies laboratories in London.
- Placements will take place as a 12-month block taken between a fourth year on the Applied Biomedical Science BSc
- This training may make you eligible for IBMS membership and state registration with the Healthcare Professions Council as a Biomedical Scientist
- You'll have a training officer who'll ensure that you are given the appropriate learning opportunities to meet the module outcomes and a mentor from university.
Placements and internships greatly improve graduate employment prospects, and those who take part achieve excellent academic results through applying their learning in a professional setting.
Our specialist employability service and London location ensure that every year our students and graduates gain prestigious placement opportunities.
Entry requirements
Qualifications
- UCAS points
- 112 UCAS including 32 in a Science subject
- A Levels
- BBC-BBB including a C or above from a science subject
- BTEC
- DMM-DDM in a science subject
- Access requirements
- Overall pass: must include 45 credits at level 3, of which all 45 must be at Merit or higher
At Middlesex, we're proud of how we recognise the potential of future students like you. We make fair and aspirational offers because we want you to aim high, and we’ll support you all the way.
We’ll always be as flexible as possible and take into consideration any barriers you may have faced in your learning. And, if you don’t quite get the grades you hoped for, we’ll also look at more than your qualifications. Things like your work experience, other achievements and your personal statement.
Qualifications
A combination of A-Level, BTEC and other accepted qualifications that total between 112 UCAS points including 32 points from a science subject. Our entry requirements page outlines how we make offers.
We'll accept T Levels for entry onto our undergraduate degree courses (including our extended courses with a foundation year) with standard application of science requirements and GCSE’s in line with UCAS tariff calculation.
Foundation year
If you don't meet the entry requirements, why not consider our Foundation Year in Science to help you prepare for the full degree?
Mature students (over 21)
We welcome applications from mature candidates, including those without formal qualifications if you can demonstrate relevant experience and ability.
Academic credit
If you have a qualification such as a foundation degree or HND or have gained credit at another university, you may be able to join us in year two or three. Find out how you can transfer.
Recognition of Previous Learning (RPL) scheme
Past learning or experience will be mapped against existing programme modules within the programme and the mapping will be considered to determine both the number of academic credits and the module exceptions to be awarded.
Find our more about our Recognition of Previous Learning (RPL) scheme.
DBS
DBS and occupational health clearances are also required for Applied Biomedical Science. Students who do not get either a DBS or health clearance, will not be able to transfer to the BSc Applied Biomedical Science degree.
We welcome students from the UK, EU and all over the world. Join students from over 122 countries to study at one of the most international universities in the world.
There are many reasons why so many international students call our campus home:
Welcoming north London campus only 30 minutes from central London
Work placements and networking with top London employers
Award-winning career support to get you where you want to go after university.
Qualifications
112 UCAS points
In addition to qualifications such as A level and International Baccalaureate, we accept a wide range of international qualifications.
Find out more on the relevant country support page. And if you are unsure about the suitability of your qualifications or would like help with your application, please contact your nearest regional office.
Recognition of Previous Learning (RPL) scheme
Past learning or experience will be mapped against existing programme modules within the programme and the mapping will be considered to determine both the number of academic credits and the module exceptions to be awarded.
Find our more about our Recognition of Previous Learning (RPL) scheme.
English language
Overseas candidates, whose first language is not English, will need a qualification that demonstrates competence in English language IELTS 7.0 (with minimum 6.5 in all components) or an equivalent English qualification. We also normally require Grade C GCSE or an equivalent qualification. Find out more about our English language requirements. And, don’t worry If you don't meet our minimum English language requirements, as we offer an intensive pre-sessional English course.
Visas
To study with us in the UK, you will need a student route visa.
DBS
DBS and occupational health clearances are also required for Applied Biomedical Science. Students who do not get either a DBS or health clearance, will not be able to transfer to the BSc Applied Biomedical Science degree.
Please apply via UCAS using UCAS code C700.
Need help with your application? Check out our undergraduate application page.
Interviews
You will not be required to interview for this course.
Fees and funding
The fees below are for the 2025/26 academic year:
UK students1
Full-time: £9,250
Part-time: £77 per taught credit
International students2
Full-time students: £16,600
Part-time students: £138 per taught credit
Additional costs
The following study tools are included in your fees:
- Free access to the resources, learning materials and software you need to succeed on your course
- Free laptop loans for up to 24 hours
- Free printing for academic paperwork
- Free online training with LinkedIn Learning.
Scholarships and bursaries
To help make uni affordable, we do everything we can to support you including our:
- MDX Excellence Scholarship offers grants of up to £2,000 per year for UK students
- Regional or International Merit Awards which reward International students with up to £2,000 towards course fees
- Our MDX Student Starter Kit to help with up to £1,000 of goods, including a new laptop or iPad.
Find out more about undergraduate funding and all of our scholarships and bursaries.
Fees disclaimers
1. UK fees: The university reserves the right to increase undergraduate tuition fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions. The tuition fees for part-time UK study are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.
2. International fees: Tuition fees are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.
Any annual increase in tuition fees as provided for above will be notified to students at the earliest opportunity in advance of the academic year to which any applicable inflationary rise may apply.
Student Testimonials
The support you receive is really good. I found that lecturers are at hand and you can always drop them an email or find them in the office. It might take a bit of initiative, but you can always find them and get the help you need.
A lot of the lecturers are involved in their own research if they're not teaching, so they supervise students during their dissertations through their own research. The things you're being taught and learning for your dissertation often come straight from the research they're doing that they're really passionate about and are experts in, so you're in good hands.
Zeshan Ahmed
Biomedical Science BSc graduate
Speak directly with one of our Unibuddy student ambassadors
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Unistats information
Please select 'see course data' on the following course option to view the full Unistats data for BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science.
We’ll carefully manage any future changes to courses, or the support and other services available to you, if these are necessary because of things like changes to government health and safety advice, or any changes to the law.
Any decisions will be taken in line with both external advice and the University’s Regulations which include information on this.
Our priority will always be to maintain academic standards and quality so that your learning outcomes are not affected by any adjustments that we may have to make.
At all times we’ll aim to keep you well informed of how we may need to respond to changing circumstances, and about support that we’ll provide to you.