Biomedical Science With Stem Foundation Year

Biomedical science is concerned with understanding the biological and chemical processes underlying human health and disease, applying the methods of molecular biology, genetics, physiology, biochemistry and microbiology to the investigation of illness and the development of diagnostic and therapeutic tools. It is the scientific foundation on which clinical laboratory medicine is built, and biomedical scientists are essential members of the healthcare team, providing the laboratory analysis that clinicians use to diagnose conditions, monitor treatments and identify disease.

At Edge Hill University, this four-year programme includes a STEM foundation year that develops the key transferable skills and subject-specific knowledge needed for entry into science-based degrees, including biomedical science. The foundation year provides a supported transition into higher-level scientific study for students who may not have the prerequisite qualifications for direct entry. In the main degree you will develop a thorough grounding in the full range of biomedical sciences, including cellular and molecular biology, haematology, clinical biochemistry, immunology and microbiology, alongside the laboratory skills and professional awareness that a career in biomedical science requires.

Graduates in biomedical science pursue careers in NHS hospital laboratories, blood services, public health organisations, pharmaceutical and biotechnology research and development, clinical trials and science education. Professional registration with the Health and Care Professions Council as a registered biomedical scientist is the professional qualification for laboratory roles in the NHS, and many graduates pursue this route following their degree. Postgraduate study in biomedical science, clinical biochemistry, haematology, immunology or a related field is available for those who want to develop specialist expertise or move into research.