BSc Biomedical Science

With our BSc Biomedical Science course, learn about the inner workings of the human body and take part in world-class research with this strongly practical course.

Our BSc Biomedical Science course is IBMS accredited and developed in partnership with practising NHS laboratory scientists. This degree is specifically geared towards becoming a biomedical scientist, working in hospital and private clinical labs to help doctors diagnose and treat diseases. To work as a biomedical scientist in the UK, you'll need to register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

All of our lecturers are involved in research and you will be taught by experts in their fields. 100% of our BSc Biological Sciences students said teaching staff are good at explaining things (National Student Survey 2024 responders).

You will learn about the systems that underpin all living organisms from a cellular, tissue, organ and whole body perspective. From this basis, you will study the diseases that affect each area and the mechanisms that the body uses to combat them.

The course has a strong practical basis, and you will learn key cellular, molecular and biochemical techniques, including live cell microscopy, and DNA and protein technology. You will benefit from our long-standing links with the Royal Berkshire Hospital – some teaching is delivered by practising NHS laboratory scientists. During your final year will have the chance to spend 11 weeks working in a lab on a biomedical research project, on topics as diverse as SARS, HIV, influenza, heart disease, cancer neurodegeneration and obesity.

Our new £60m Health and Life Sciences building is the home of the School of Biological Sciences. It offers state-of-the-art research and teaching laboratories, seminar rooms, and plenty of study and social space, including a café.

Placement

You will have the opportunity to carry out a year-long industrial placement between your second and final year. Undertaking your placement in an accredited NHS training lab allows you to work towards the IBMS Certificate of Competence and the Registration Training Portfolio during your degree. Or you could choose to undertake a more broad placement to prepare you for a wider range of careers.

Students in previous years have worked at NHS training labs as well as Public Health England, GSK, and Covance. You can also choose to spend a year abroad, typically carrying out research in an academic laboratory.

You will have the opportunity to undertake paid vacation studentships funded by organisations such as the Wellcome Trust. These can take place over six weeks during the summer break, or be carried out part-time over a longer period. During studentships you will typically work on a set project and benefit from valuable training in techniques, experimental design and the interpretation of data.

Our department has a dedicated academic in charge of placements, who can provide you with advice and support.

For more information, please visit the School of Biological Sciences website.

Overview

With our BSc Biomedical Science course, learn about the inner workings of the human body and take part in world-class research with this strongly practical course.

Placement

Our department has a dedicated academic in charge of placements, who can provide you with advice and support.

For more information, please visit the School of Biological Sciences website.

Entry requirements A Level ABB

Select Reading as your firm choice on UCAS and we'll guarantee you a place even if you don't quite meet your offer. For details, see our firm choice scheme.

Our typical offers are expressed in terms of A level, BTEC and International Baccalaureate requirements. However, we also accept many other qualifications.

Typical offer

ABB with B in Biology, or BBB with B in Biology and B in a second science subject.

Acceptable second science subjects: Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Further Maths, Statistics, Psychology, Geography, Environmental Science/Studies, Applied Science, Geology, Computer Science.

International Baccalaureate

32 points including 5 in Biology at higher lever.

30 points including 5 in Biology a second science subject, both at higher level.

Extended Project Qualification

In recognition of the excellent preparation that the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) provides to students for University study, we can now include achievement in the EPQ as part of a formal offer.

BTEC Extended Diploma

DDD (modules taken must be comparable to subject specific requirement)

English language requirements

IELTS 7.0, with no component below 6.0

For information on other English language qualifications, please visit our international student pages.

Alternative entry requirements for International and EU students

For country specific entry requirements look at entry requirements by country.

International Foundation Programme

If you are an international or EU student and do not meet the requirements for direct entry to your chosen degree you can join the University of Reading’s International Foundation Programme. Successful completion of this 1 year programme guarantees you a place on your chosen undergraduate degree. English language requirements start as low as IELTS 4.5 depending on progression degree and start date.

Learn more about our International Foundation programme

Pre-sessional English language programme

If you need to improve your English language score you can take a pre-sessional English course prior to entry onto your degree.

Find out the English language requirements for our courses and our pre-sessional English programme

Compulsory modules

Cellular and Molecular Principles of Life

Learn about the structure and organisation of cells, with a focus on the common features found in all life. You’ll also discover how the differences between cells are essential for creating the diversity of life on the planet.

Fundamentals of Microbiology

Gain a foundation in microbiology, covering the biology, diversity, structure, genetics, ecology, and evolution of bacteria, archaea, protists, fungi, and viruses. You’ll discover their impact on environment and society, and how they cause infections or develop antimicrobial resistance, while exploring different methods of diagnosis, treatment and prevention.

Anatomy and Physiology

Explore how organs work to support life. You will be introduced to the basics of the anatomy of some of the major systems of the human body, and to the physiological processes taking part within and between them.

Fundamentals of Biochemistry

Gain an understanding of key biochemical concepts such as enzyme kinetics, metabolic pathways, metabolic regulation, and pathological metabolism.

Human Pathology

Gain solid theoretical and practical knowledge and essential skills to understand the role of pathology in human disease diagnosis in biomedical research or healthcare.

Human Reproduction and Development in Health and Disease

An in-depth exploration of the human life journey, spanning from pre-fertilization through birth to aging. Gain a comprehensive understanding human reproduction, embryonic development, and the complexities of reproductive health and diseases. Encompassing the entire human life cycle, you’ll get to examine variations arising from genetic, environmental, and endocrine factors and the way these can be managed.

These are the modules that we currently offer for 2024/25 entry. They may be subject to change as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.

Compulsory modules

Advanced Studies in Cellular and Molecular Biology

Expand your understanding of the processes underlying cellular function, and explore at the molecular level the mechanisms by which cells work and how these mechanisms are regulated.

Research and Professional Skills

Through a combination of lectures, workshops, academic tutor-led sessions and group activities, you’ll develop and refine your ability to critically evaluate scientific literature, effectively communicate ideas, handle data and apply appropriate quantitative approaches.

Haematology and Immunology

Discover the fundamental principles and concepts that underpin haematology and immunology. You’ll explore topics such as the production, structure and function of blood cells, the techniques used within hospital haematology laboratories to investigate and diagnose disease, the main forms of immunopathology, and how vaccines are produced.

Infectious Diseases

Explore the infectious diseases afflicting the various systems of the human body, and the pathogens that cause them. You’ll gain a deep understanding of their transmission, dissemination, pathogenesis, detection, and the development of therapies and prevention methods.

Medical Genetics

Understand how genetic defects at the molecular level impact on pathophysiology and influence disease risk, progression and severity. You’ll study aetiology of major medical diseases, with a focus on both mendelian and complex polygenic disorders.

Applied Biochemistry: From Disease to Diagnostics

Build on what you’ve learned in previous modules and explore in depth the biochemistry of cellular pathways in both healthy and disease states. You’ll explore how changes in these pathways can dictate physiological outcomes and contribute to disease development and progression.

Compulsory modules

Research Project

Gain hands-on experience in independent research, applying, and expanding, what you’ve learned while working with an academic supervisor on experiments, data analysis, and science communication.

Venoms and Poisons: From Pharmacology to Therapeutics

Learn about the evolution, ecology, biochemistry, mechanisms, and toxicology principles of venomous creatures, poisonous plants, and fungi. You’ll explore how venoms and poisons are used for medicinal purposes, and develop a greater understanding of the principles of pharmacology.

Optional modules

Pathogens

Discover how bacteria and viruses can cause diseases by interacting with host organisms, and study real-life examples of how different factors affect pathogenesis, impacting on human health, agriculture, and protein disorders. You’ll also cover opportunistic pathogens and the molecular basis of emerging infectious diseases with epidemic potential.

Cancer and Cell Communication

Explore the connection between cellular signalling and cancer development and learn how lab and computer modelling studies have enhanced our grasp of receptors and signal transduction's role in cell function.

Neuroscience

Gain an introduction to neuroscience, focusing on the structure and function of the central nervous system. You’ll learn healthy brain function and how it changes in disease and neurodivergent conditions, covering different topics such as learning, memory, and neuroanatomy.

Cardiovascular Biology

Learn the latest insights into the causes of heart attacks and strokes, and how drugs, can be used to treat them. You’ll also discover how cardiovascular disease is affected by our genetic makeup and how it can be lessened by changes to lifestyle and diet.

Endocrinology

Delve into the study of homeostatic control, hormones, their functions, and the associated glands, comprehending the intricate mechanisms that maintain hormonal balance. Gain a comprehensive knowledge of endocrine disorders and their management, as well as understanding the interplay between different hormonal systems.

Clinical skills

This skills-focussed module aims to provide you with an opportunity to enhance and demonstrate clinical and scientific skills gained from previous years. You will go beyond clinical care at a patient level and discuss how healthcare provision at a community, local and national levels are undertaken, including with input from local and national governments and NGOs.

Fees

New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £9,535 per year for 2025/26 then fixed per year at this fee for the standard duration of your course.

New international students: £29,950 per year for 2025/26 then fixed per year at this fee for the standard duration of your course.

Tuition fees

To find out more about how the University of Reading sets its tuition fees, see our fees and funding pages.

Additional costs

Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.

Financial support for your studies

You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.

Careers

This course is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS), which means that on successful completion of your studies, you’ll have the academic requirements needed to register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). You will also need at least one year’s experience in an NHS approved lab where you will work towards the IBMS Certificate of Competence and the Registration Training Portfolio, this can be undertaken as a placement year or undertaken after you graduate. Once you have achieved both the IBMS Certificate of Competence and graduated you can register with the HCPC.

This programme is also accredited by the Royal Society of Biology (RSB) following an independent and rigorous assessment.

Accredited degree programmes contain a solid academic foundation in biological knowledge and establish a profile of key skills that bioscience employers can recognise in accredited graduates, including technical and transferable skills.

Royal Society of Biology Accredited Degree logo

As well as working as a Biomedical Scientist, you will also have the skills to work in areas such as  biotechnology, pharmaceutical development and forensic science. You may also decide to study for higher research degrees or commence a medical, dentistry or veterinary degree course.

Past BSc Biomedical Science graduates at Reading have gone on to work for employers such as Abbot Laboratories, GSK, NHS, Thames Water and Civil Service (based on HESA data © HESA 2020 - 2024, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2017/18 - 2021/22; includes BSc Biomedical Sciences responders).

Overall, 91.4% of graduates from the School of Biological Sciences are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation (based on our analysis of HESA data (c) HESA 2024, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021/22, includes all School of Biological Sciences responders).

BSc Biomedical Science

Placement

Tuition fees

Additional costs

Financial support for your studies

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