BSc (Hons)Biomedical Science
Apply on UCASWhy study a biomedical science degree at Solent University
Biomedical scientists are at the forefront of diagnosing and treating diseases. Our biomedical science degree will give you the lab and research skills to help drive modern medicine.
- 0ndin the UK for teaching in medical sciences studies, out of 95 institutions (NSS 2024)
- 0stin the UK for academic support in medical sciences studies, out of 95 institutions (NSS 2024)
- Top0in the UK for learning resources in medical sciences studies, out of 95 institutions (NSS 2024)
- Learn from our highly specialised academic team and visiting lecturers who are industry experts from the NHS and the pharmaceutical sector, with extensive experience in a range of clinical and laboratory settings
- Top 10 in the UK for learning opportunities and assessment and feedback in medical sciences studies, out of 95 institutions (NSS 2024).
- This course will prepare you with a strong foundation of scientific knowledge coupled with proven technical skills. This provides a starting point for a wide-range NHS, pharmaceutical or biotechnology careers.
- An individual final year research project, and work-related laboratory assignments, mean that you’ll graduate feeling ready to take the next steps in your career.
- Build lab experience in our specialist teaching labs, including laminar flow hood and incubators for microbiology, spectrophotometers for biochemistry, and PCR and gel electrophoresis imaging systems for molecular biology.
- You will work with biomedical science practitioners and other professionals throughout all three years of the course.
- You’ll be assigned a personal tutor who can assist you with pastoral support to help you make the most of your learning.
Course overview
Our expert teaching teams will help you to develop the skills required to succeed in biomedical science. You will be supported to develop practical and analytical skills, exploring the latest technologies and experimental treatments. You’ll learn to undertake biomedical science research that can lead to the development of new diagnostic procedures or therapeutic intervention strategies. You’ll also look at the way that advances in technology can support the self-management of health.
Throughout this course you will have the opportunity to study in our bespoke laboratory facilities. These have been created specifically to support small groups of students as they build their portfolio of lab experience. Your competency will be developed through practical classes and reinforced by our virtual learning environment. Professional development and reflective practice assignments ensure that you are able to apply what you have learnt.
Employability sits at the heart of our teaching. An individual final year research project and work-related laboratory assignments mean that you’ll graduate feeling ready to take the next steps in your career. You will work with biomedical science practitioners and other professionals throughout all three years of the course.
As a graduate from Solent's biomedical science programme, you will have a strong foundation of scientific knowledge coupled with proven technical skills. This provides a starting point for a wide-range NHS, pharmaceutical or biotechnology careers.Â
Registering as a biomedical scientist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) is required for many NHS careers. The IBMS Registration Training Portfolio must be completed in an IBMS accredited laboratory following graduation from Solent.
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email:Â admissions.international@solent.ac.ukCall:Â +44 (0)23 8201 5066Course features
Specialist facilities
This course has access to specialist facilities
Further studies
After successfully completing your studies, there's an opportunity to continue your studies at Solent
Who is this course for?
To be considered for this course you will usually need to have studied A Level chemistry or biology (or equivalent). Candidates should be passionate about scientific research and the study of disease.
What does this course lead to?
This broad scientific programme provides the foundation for a wide range of scientific careers. You could be working within the NHS, pharmaceutical or biotechnology industries. You could also choose to continue your studies at postgraduate level.Â
Meet the team
Biomedical science at Solent is taught by researchers, academics, practitioners, and technicians with a variety of professional backgrounds. The course is in the UK's top 10 for teaching (NSS 2022). Technical instructors help you to develop your practical and analytical skills. Visiting practitioners emphasises current industry practise and ensure that you are working at the cutting edge of biomedical technology.
The University cannot guarantee any particular members of staff will teach specific aspects of the course in the future, but will endeavour to ensure the teaching team maintains their balance of experience and qualifications.
Facilities
You will make extensive use of our specialist teaching biochemistry and biology labs, all of which have a laminar flow hood and incubators for microbiology; spectrophotometers for biochemistry; PCR and gel electrophoresis imaging systems for molecular biology; and microscopes.
Our vibrant campus brings state-of-the-art facilities to enhance your learning and elevate your student experience. Our award-winning teaching building, The Spark is centred around students and offers a stimulating study environment with flexible learning spaces. Away from studying, why not try out the gyms, fitness studios and sports halls in our £28 million Sports Complex, or watch a blockbuster film at our student-run cinema with Dolby Atmos audio.
International opportunities
Broaden your horizons by adding an international dimension to your CV – essential to achieving success in today’s fast-changing, global environment.
Studying, working or volunteering in another country could be the experience of a lifetime. Enhance your degree by developing important global skills such as knowledge of other countries, language skills, intercultural awareness, adaptability and confidence.
For more information, please email international.mobility@solent.ac.uk.
What you'll study
Core modules
Cell Biology and Genetics
By the end of this module, you will develop an understanding of the fundamentals of human genetics and contemporary research approaches and methods for studying cells and genes.
Fundamental Biochemistry
This module will introduce you to several fundamental principles of biochemistry including the structure and function of major classes of biomolecules, the role of enzymes, enzyme kinetics as well as covering the key foundations of chemistry.
Blood Sciences
You will learn the fundamentals of haematology and importantly, explore the rationale for laboratory testing in routine and specialised investigation to examine different components of blood in healthy and diseased states.
Microbiology and Immunology
This module has practical classes in both microbiology and immunology, enabling you to develop the core lab skills associated with these specialisms.
Scientific Skills
This module will teach you all the core practical skills that underpin every other practical on the course. You will be introduced to relevant IT software and what scientific literature is, how to search it and how to write about it in an academic style.
Human Anatomy and Physiology
This module will allow you to explore and explain the relationship between anatomical structure and physiological function. Learning that how tissues and organs are structured (anatomy) is key to what function each performs (physiology)
How you will learn and be assessed
You will learn by:
You may be assessed by a combination of:
- Written exams
- Practical exams
- Coursework
Solent’s curriculum framework builds on our unique, creative and applied approach to teaching. The transformation of students’ lives is at the heart of our mission as a university, and our curriculum – informed by the latest theory – reflects this shared educational vision.
Find out moreStudy support
The student achievement team are on hand to help you succeed during your studies at Solent. They aim to contact you at key times during your time here with personalised information, advice and guidance, by email or phone.
Access Solent provides information, advice and guidance for disabled students.
All students can access Succeed@Solent, Solent's online guide to getting better grades. It offers extensive, practical information and advice on topics such as academic writing, research and presentations.
Why choose a career in biomedical science?
Seventy per cent of all diagnoses in the NHS are based on results provided by laboratory services, according to the Institute of Biomedical Science. Biomedical science underpins much of modern medicine and biomedical scientists contribute extensively to health and care, handling over 1 billion tests in the UK each year, analysing patient samples to diagnose diseases and evaluate the effectiveness of treatment.
Biomedical science is a fast-changing, dynamic and complex science that requires accuracy, efficiency and attention to detail - biomedical scientists are at the heart of healthcare, providing vital information on laboratory investigations to allow healthcare professionals to make informed clinical decisions.
You could earn:
Biomedical scientist
Starting salary: £25,655 to £31,564
These are starting salaries for the NHS (Band 5). With experience and/or specialist knowledge, you can earn a salary of £32,306 to £39,027 (Band 6).
Toxicologist
Starting salary: £20,000 to £30,000
Salaries vary depending on the sector and area of toxicology you work in, as well as your skills, experience, and location.Â
Microbiologist
Starting salary from: £35,392
Trainee clinical scientists in the NHS are usually employed at Band 6. Once qualified, you could move to Band 7 with a salary range of £43,742 to 50,056.
The stated salaries are published on prospects.ac.uk. Income figures are intended as a guide only.
Solent Futures
The Solent Careers team is committed to getting students into great careers.
While you are studying, the team can help you with finding work experience or placements, link you with a mentor, check your CV, or offer one-to-one guidance.
If you're in your final year, we also have graduate job opportunities just for Solent graduates.
6th
UK uni for sustained employment
Longitudinal Educational Outcomes, 2022
Tuition fees
The tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year are:
- UK, EU (settled status) and Channel Island full-time fees: £9,250 per year
- International full-time fees: £17,750 per year
For further information, please visit our tuition fees page.
Extra course costs
While most course costs are covered by your tuition fees, some essential resources and optional extras may need to be paid for separately. These additional costs are listed below. For advice on budgeting and managing your money, please contact student.funding@solent.ac.uk.
The 2025/26 other costs are not yet available. For guidance, the 2024/25 other costs were:
Optional costs
- Lab coat and safety glasses: £30
Bursaries, scholarships and financial support
Solent University offers a range of bursaries and scholarships that provide financial assistance or waive fees for tuition or accommodation. Each bursary or scholarship has specific eligibility criteria. Check out our bursaries and scholarships pages to find out more.
Cost of living support
At Solent, we understand that the cost of living crisis may be of some concern. To help, we've put together some detailed information to show what support is available and how to make your money go further.
Graduation costs
There is no charge to attend graduation, but you will be required to pay for the rental of your academic gown (approximately £45 per graduate, depending on your award). You may also wish to purchase official photography packages, which range in price from £15 to £200+. Graduation is not compulsory, so if you prefer to have your award sent to you, there is no cost. Extra guest tickets will go on sale after results publication and will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis. The cost per ticket is currently £15. Please note, we do not guarantee there will be any extra tickets available to purchase.
Student finance videos
Entry requirements
Please select an option below:
Key entry requirements
104-120 UCAS tariff points
- A minimum of two A-levels (including A-level chemistry or biology), a BTEC Extended Diploma at DMM or BTEC Diploma at D*D or T-level Merit or equivalent, which comply with the minimum entry requirement of 104 UCAS points.
- GCSE Maths and English at grade 4 or above. (Previously grade C).
- For further information about UK qualifications, please contact admissions.
Key entry requirements
As a general guide, we look for qualifications that are equivalent to the British high school A-levels.
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about EU qualifications, please contact admissions.
Key entry requirements
As a general guide, we look for qualifications that are equivalent to the British high school A-levels.
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about international qualifications, please contact admissions.
Note to all international students requiring a visa
All international applicants need to be aware that the English language requirements to attend Solent University, and the English language requirements to obtain a visa from the Home Office, may be different. This means that if you meet the Solent University language requirement to gain a place on the course, you may still have to meet additional requirements to be granted with a visa by the Home Office.
We strongly advise all applicants to visit the Home Office website which outlines all the requirements for a successful visa application and to take a look at our 2023 course entry statement document.
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email:Â admissions.international@solent.ac.ukCall:Â +44 (0)23 8201 5066How to apply
Full-time
Any student applying for the first year of a full-time/sandwich undergraduate course must apply through UCAS (University and Colleges Admissions Service). This includes mature, overseas and EU students.
Nearly all schools and colleges offer their students the facility of applying electronically through the UCAS website using 'Apply'; it may also be used by those applying independently in the UK and overseas. This facility and all course information can be found on the UCAS website: www.ucas.com.
Your application should reach UCAS by 31 January if you hope to enter a course the following autumn. Early application is advised for the most popular subject areas. Late applications may be made until the end of June. The UCAS Code for the University is S30, code name SOLNT.
Find out what happens after you apply
Contextual offers
Solent endeavours to offer learning opportunities to students from all backgrounds. When we receive and review an application, we take into consideration the context and personal circumstances of applicants when making a decision, which means our advertised entry tariff could be reduced.
Language requirements
Applicants who do not have English as their first language will be required to demonstrate an approved level of proficiency in the use of the English language. The agreed minimum requirements for this course are:
- IELTS minimum 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each individual component
- TOEFL IBT minimum 80 with a minimum of 20 in each individual component
- Duolingo English Language Test - 115 overall with minimum of 95 in each component or equivalent.
Qualifications are checked before enrolment, and international students must bring their original certificates or certified copies when coming to study at the University.
Pre-Sessional English programme
The University also offers a pre-sessional English programme for international students who wish to improve their level of English before starting a degree course.
Make your application
- 3 years