Biomedical Science

Biomedical science is the scientific foundation of modern medicine and healthcare, concerned with understanding the biological and biochemical mechanisms of disease and with developing the laboratory methods used to diagnose and monitor medical conditions. Biomedical scientists work across a wide range of laboratory specialisms, including haematology, microbiology, clinical biochemistry, and histopathology, generating the data that clinicians use to make diagnostic and treatment decisions. Without biomedical scientists, the clinical laboratory, which underpins the vast majority of medical decision-making, could not function.

At the University of Suffolk, this three-year full-time degree has a strong practical focus and is designed to develop the wide range of practical and analytical skills that a career in biomedical science requires, alongside the transferable skills that are valued across the contemporary job market. You will study human physiology, pathology, microbiology, haematology, biochemistry, and the laboratory methods associated with each, developing your ability to generate, interpret, and communicate scientific data. The programme includes a sandwich year and a work placement, giving you professional experience in a laboratory or clinical setting before you graduate.

This practical experience significantly strengthens your application for laboratory positions and supports progression toward registration as a biomedical scientist. With a typical entry tariff of 120 UCAS points, the programme is accessible.

Biomedical science graduates are employed across NHS clinical laboratories, private healthcare, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, food testing, veterinary and environmental laboratories, and research institutions. Many graduates pursue registration with the Health and Care Professions Council as a biomedical scientist, which requires an accredited degree and a period of supervised professional practice. Postgraduate study in a specialist area of biomedical science, clinical science, or research is a natural option for those who wish to develop further.