Biomedical Science

Biomedical science explores the biological and chemical mechanisms that underlie human health and disease, forming the scientific backbone of modern healthcare. It brings together cell biology, microbiology, immunology, biochemistry and pathology to understand what happens in the body when disease takes hold, and how those changes can be detected and monitored in the clinical laboratory. Biomedical scientists are essential to the NHS, running the diagnostic tests that inform clinical decisions across virtually every area of medicine.

Aberystwyth University's four-year full-time programme includes an integrated year in industry, giving you a full year of professional experience in a biomedical or life science environment before you complete your degree. This year in industry is a significant advantage, both in developing your practical and professional skills and in helping you build the networks and experience that employers value when they are hiring graduates. The typical entry tariff for this programme is around 120 UCAS points.

You will study the core disciplines of biomedical science progressively, building from foundational biochemistry and cell biology into more specialised areas including clinical biochemistry, haematology, medical microbiology, immunology and histopathology. Laboratory skills, scientific communication, data analysis and research methodology are developed throughout the programme, preparing you both for professional practice in NHS laboratories and for research careers in the life sciences. The industry year gives you the opportunity to put this knowledge into practice in a real biomedical setting.

Graduates of this programme who wish to work in NHS pathology departments can pursue registration with the Health and Care Professions Council as biomedical scientists. Career paths span all the major laboratory specialisms including haematology, clinical biochemistry, blood transfusion, medical microbiology, immunology and cellular pathology. Beyond the NHS, graduates work in pharmaceutical and biotechnology research, clinical trials, medical device companies, public health laboratories and science communication.

Postgraduate study in a specialist biomedical field, research degrees or graduate entry to healthcare professions are also common next steps.