BSc Hons Biomedical Science
ApplyKey facts
- UCAS Code: C192
- Accreditation: Institute of Biomedical Science & Royal Society of Biology
- Study mode and duration: 4 years, full-time
1st in UK for Pharmacology & Pharmacy
2nd in UK for Subjects Allied to MedicineTimes and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026
Flexible degree: change to another biomolecular science degree up to the end of Year 2
Study with us
Study disease, diagnosis and treatment across four core life science disciplines.
This professionally accredited degree prepares you for careers in healthcare, research and industry, including the academic pathway to Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) registration as a biomedical scientist.
- graduate with a degree accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science and the Royal Society of Biology
- gain hands-on laboratory experience from your first week, with practical competencies assessed and signed off throughout your degree
- study biochemistry, immunology, microbiology and pharmacology before specialising in clinical laboratory disciplines
- learn from NHS clinical staff alongside university researchers and complete an independent research project in Year 4
- benefit from a flexible degree structure, with opportunities to transfer to another biomolecular sciences degree up to the end of Year 2
The Place of Useful Learning
UK University of the Year
Daily Mail University of the Year Awards 2026
Scottish University of the Year
The Sunday Times' Good University Guide 2026
Why this course?
Biomedical science explores how the body works, what happens in disease, and how diseases are detected, monitored and treated. It underpins many of the laboratory tests used in healthcare and drives advances in medicines, vaccines and diagnostic technologies.
This course is for you if you enjoy biology and chemistry and want to understand how science is used to investigate disease, develop treatments and improve human health.
What do biomedical scientists do?
Biomedical scientists analyse blood, tissue and other patient samples in laboratory settings to help diagnose and monitor disease. Their work includes:
- identifying the microorganisms causing infection and determining effective treatments
- matching blood for transfusions
- examining tissue samples for changes associated with diseases such as cancer
- measuring biomarkers that show how organs and body systems are functioning
Clinicians use these laboratory results to diagnose disease, guide treatment and monitor patient care.
Where can this degree take you?
Hospital laboratories are just one destination. Biomedical science also underpins careers in:
- drug and vaccine development
- diagnostic test design and manufacture
- biomedical and clinical research
- medicines regulation and safety monitoring
Our graduates work across healthcare, research and industry, and some continue to postgraduate study or a PhD.
Working as an NHS Biomedical Scientist
Many graduates choose to pursue a career as a Biomedical Scientist in the NHS.
Biomedical Scientist is a protected title. To use it, you must be registered with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC).
To achieve HCPC registration, you'll need:
- an accredited degree
- a workplace training portfolio
This degree is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science, providing the academic requirement for HCPC registration.
After graduation, aspiring Biomedical Scientists can apply for trainee roles in NHS laboratories and complete the workplace training portfolio while employed. Once both requirements are met, they can apply for HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist.
Summer research & study abroad
Many students spend the summer before their final year working full-time on a research project in one of our university laboratories, alongside the research group.
These are usually funded by a professional society or a charity. Our students have held studentships from the Biochemical Society, the Microbiology Society, the British Pharmacological Society, Medical Research Scotland and the Carnegie Trust.
You can also apply to study abroad, or to take part in a laboratory-based research exchange.
This degree does not include an integrated clinical placement. The Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) Registration Training Portfolio required for HCPC registration is normally completed after graduation in a trainee laboratory post.
What you’ll study
Years 1 & 2
You'll build a strong foundation in biomedical science, including:
- how cells and the body's major systems function, interact and are controlled
- how the body responds to infection
- how microorganisms grow and cause disease
- how medicines produce their effects
Together, these topics provide the scientific foundations for later study.
Alongside this, you'll learn how to work as a scientist, developing practical laboratory, data analysis and scientific communication skills. You'll begin this work in the laboratory from Year 1, supported by lectures, tutorials and workshops.
Years 3 & 4
You'll learn how disease is detected and how laboratory professionals interpret results.
You'll discover how laboratory professionals detect and investigate disease. You'll learn:
- what blood chemistry reveals about the liver, kidneys, thyroid and heart
- what blood cells can tell us about disease
- how tumours are identified in tissue
- how infections are diagnosed and tested for antimicrobial resistance
- what happens when the immune system fails to protect the body or turns against it
As well as developing your scientific knowledge, you'll learn how diagnostic laboratories run screening programmes, maintain quality assurance and operate within the regulatory framework that governs their services.
Honours research project
Your Honours research project is the centrepiece of the degree. It's a substantial supervised research project, written up as a thesis and presented to staff and fellow students.
You'll rank the projects that interest you and be matched to one. Projects may involve laboratory research in one of our research groups or systematic reviews and meta-analyses of published evidence.
Our facilities
Practical work runs throughout the degree. You'll learn in our teaching laboratories from Year 1, with your laboratory competency assessed and signed off as you progress. This gives you hands-on experience across the biosciences before you specialise.
Teaching is supported by laboratory demonstrators, including academic and technical staff.
If you undertake a laboratory-based final-year project, you'll join one of our research groups, working alongside research students and staff.
Our department holds a Silver Athena Swan award, recognising our commitment to gender equality and creating an inclusive environment where all students can thrive.
Chat to a student ambassador
Want to know more about what it’s like to be a Science student at the University of Strathclyde? A selection of our current students are here to help!
Our Unibuddy ambassadors can answer all your questions about courses and studying at Strathclyde and offer insight into their experiences of life in Glasgow and Scotland.
Course content
Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) Regulation Requirements
Students enrolled on the IBMS-accredited BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science degree are required to pass all assessed components (in-class assessments and formal exams) of the following modules:
- Being A Biomolecular Scientist 3
- Haematology, Immunohematology & Immunodiagnostics
- Molecular & Cellular Pathology
- Clinical Biochemistry
Semesters 1 & 2
Being a Biomolecular Scientist 1 - 40 credits
This module aims to give you:
- the foundation practical skills required for a biological biochemistry
- the foundation practical skills based around 'health and the body'
- foundation presentation skills
Semester 1
Cells & their Molecules - 20 credits
The aims of this module are to:
- provide you with Foundation level knowledge relating to basic functions of cells
- set out the principles of biological action and function that you will encounter through all four years
- expose you to the basic suite of teaching, learning and assessment paradigms used throughout your degree with a particular focus on oral communication and presentation
Semester 2
Organisms & Disease - 20 credits
From this module, you will gain:
- foundation-level knowledge relating to basic evolution, species diversity, development, homeostasis, and infectious disease
- the principles of biological action and function that you will encounter through all four years
- knowledge about methods of teaching, learning and assessment used throughout the degree, with particular focus on teamwork and finding, citing and using information
Bio-Organic Chemistry - 20 credits
The aims of this module are to:
- understand nucleotide/nucleic acid molecular structure, stereochemistry and conformation as the foundation of nucleic acid chemical and biological potential
- learn about amino acid/protein molecular structure, stereochemistry and conformation as the foundation of protein chemical and biological potential
- study monosaccharide/polysaccharide molecular structure, stereochemistry and conformation as the foundation of carbohydrate chemical and biological potential
- understand the chemistry, stereochemistry and biological roles of polyketide/polyisoprene natural products and their biosynthetic origins
Semesters 1 & 2
Being a Biomolecular Scientist 2 – 40 credits
The aims of this module are to give you the fundamental:
- practical skills required for a biochemist
- practical skills required for an immunologist
- practical skills required for a microbiologist
- practical skills required for a pharmacologist
- skills in presentation and teamwork
Semester 1
Introduction to Immunology – 20 credits
By studying this module, you'll be able to demonstrate an understanding of:
- how immune cells recognise antigens
- key concepts in induction of acquired immunity
- effector mechanism of the immune system
- helpful immune responses
- harmful immune responses
Semester 2
Introduction to Biochemistry – 20 credits
The aims of this module are for you:
- to understand gene structure and function and the regulation of gene expression
- to understand how human genetic variation arises and its uses in medicine and forensics
- to understand the basic structure and function of proteins, lipids and carbohydrates
- to appreciate the key metabolic pathways in the absorptive and post-absorptive states
- to understand the pathways involved in cell growth and cell death
Introduction to Microbiology – 20 credits
The aims of this module are to help you to:
- understand the fundamental taxonomic grouping and evolutionary relationships of microbes
- appreciate physiological, structural and molecular differences between different microorganisms
- understand the role and control of microorganisms in disease
- learn how organisms adapt to hostile environments and appreciate the biotechnological exploitation of extremophiles
Introduction to Pharmacology – 20 credits
This module aims to develop your understanding of:
- systems biology and homeostasis
- the somatic, autonomic and central nervous systems
- the cardiovascular and respiratory systems
- the hepatic and renal systems
- the endocrine and reproductive systems
Semesters 1 & 2
Being a Biomolecular Scientist 3 – 40 credits
The aims of this module are to:
- give you generic practical skills in biomolecular science
- further develop your practical skills in specific biomedical biochemistry, microbiology, immunology, histopathology and serology that align with the module choices of the degree programme
- enhance your report writing and presentation skills
Semester 1
Biomedical Biochemistry - 20 credits
The aims of this module are:
- to understand and appreciate the key features of cellular signalling and associated molecular mechanisms that regulates gene transcription
- to learn the key features of membrane and organelle trafficking
- to understand the basis of molecular and cellular toxicity underlying tissue/organ dysfunction and organism pathologies
- to gain knowledge in the genomic basis of eukaryotic/human disorders and disease
- to understand and appreciate the biochemical approaches that underpin drug discovery
Fundamental Immunology - 20 credits
The aims of this module are:
- to provide you with an understanding of how pathogens are recognised
- to give you an appreciation of how immune cells are activated
- to teach you about the cytotoxic mechanisms used by immune cells
- to demonstrate how the immune system is regulated
- to give you knowledge in what immunological memory is and how it functions
Semester 2
Biomedical Microbiology - 20 Credits
The aims of this module are to:
- understand the difference between taxonomic and phylogenetic classification of microorganisms
- gain knowledge on the principles that underpin bacterial, fungal and viral identification
- become familiar with the structure, function and growth characteristics of bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa and apply that knowledge to their role in disease development
- describe the distinguishing features, pathogenic properties, epidemiology, treatment and control of medically important bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa
Haematology, Immunohaematology, Immunodiagnostics - 20 credits
The aims of this module are to:
- introduce haematology & immunohaematology
- familiarise you with the intermediate concepts of the immune system & aspects of clinical & laboratory practice
- this will include material delivered by the Scottish Blood Transfusion service
Semesters 1 & 2
Being a Biomolecular Scientist 4 - 40 credits
This module helps you to develop your research skills in a capstone project. Six types of research project are available:
- Laboratory based research
- Data-based analysis research
- Educational research
- Critical analysis
- Science communication
- Knowledge Exchange
There will be concurrent workshops on research methods and ethics. This will reinforce and develop learning in areas such as the ethics of scientific research, statistical analysis, database searching and annotation, writing a thesis and presenting a seminar. In addition, you will choose from and attend a series of tutorials & workshops on supplementary skills topics that relate to the projects. The material will be delivered using staff/student led workshops.
The aims of this module are to:
- use your skills to critically interpret data and develop conclusions or hypotheses based upon your findings
- use your skills to analyse and present data
- gain knowledge in a key area that is relevant to your career aspirations
- have the opportunity to carry out original research
Semester 1
Clinical Biochemistry - 20 credits
This module aims to provide:
- an understanding of the aetiologies, pathologies, and symptomatologies of the major disorders that are diagnosed through sample analysis within a Clinical Biochemistry Laboratory
- a theoretical and practical understanding of the diagnostic assays and assay parameters that are used in a Clinical Biochemistry laboratory
- experience of the arrangement and workflow of a typical Clinical Research laboratory gained through a visit
- this will include material delivered by NHS Clinical Scientists and Biomedical Scientists
Clinical Immunology - 20 credits
The aims of this module are:
- to give you an understanding of the immune responses associated with transplantation
- to provide you with a knowledge of the immune responses associated with cancer
- to help you to understand the immune responses associated with autoimmunity
- to give you an appreciation of the immune responses associated with allergy
- to teach you about the immune responses associated with immunodeficiency
Molecular & Cellular Pathology - 20 credits
The aims of this module are to:
- diagnose disease based on cell and molecular pathology techniques
- define the molecular basis of cell injury caused by toxic compounds and drugs
- describe the morphological changes associated with cell damage and relate this to specific disease processes
- appreciate the role of the biomedical scientist in the histopathology lab
- this includes material delivered by the NHS Biomedical Scientists and Pathologists
Semester 2
Clinical Microbiology - 20 Credits
The aims of this module are to:
- understand the principles of epidemiology in infectious diseases
- become familiar with the diagnosis of microbial identification using genotyping and viable and non-viable approaches
- understand the mechanisms of antimicrobial agents and antimicrobial resistance as well as the significance of biofilms in antimicrobial resistance
- recognise the mechanisms and importance of infection control in the immune-compromised host
In addition to the modules above, you’ll also choose one module from the Biochemistry, Immunology or Microbiology Year 4 curriculum.
Learning & teaching
You'll be taught by researchers in biochemistry, immunology, microbiology and pharmacology, alongside NHS clinical scientists and consultants with experience of diagnostic laboratory services and patient care. These include staff from organisations such as the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow Royal Infirmary and the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service.
Laboratory work begins in your first week and continues throughout your degree. Workshops develop the statistical, numerical and data analysis skills that underpin laboratory science. You'll write scientific abstracts, design research posters, and present your findings through poster and oral presentations.
As you progress, you'll take increasing responsibility for your own work, culminating in a final-year research project.
Teaching is delivered through lectures, laboratories, workshops, tutorials and group work.
From your first week you'll have a Personal Development Adviser – an academic who supports you during your undergraduate studies. You'll meet regularly to talk about your academic progress, what your feedback is telling you, and potential career options.
Assessment
Assessment is varied and reflects the skills you'll develop throughout the course. Alongside exams, you may complete laboratory reports, data analysis exercises, presentations, practical assessments and project-based assignments, giving you different ways to demonstrate your knowledge and scientific skills.
You'll develop laboratory skills through practical work, with competency in laboratory methods assessed as you progress. This means that by your final year, you'll have a verified record of your laboratory skills.
You'll know the assessment criteria before you begin and receive feedback to help you improve future work. If you need adjustments to how you're assessed, these can be arranged through the Disability & Wellbeing Service and applied across your modules.
Important accreditation requirement
For IBMS accreditation, you must pass every assessed component of the following modules, including in-class assessments and examinations. An overall module pass is not sufficient.
- Being a Biomolecular Scientist 3
- Haematology, Immunohematology &Immunodiagnostics
- Molecular and Cellular Pathology
- Clinical Biochemistry
If you do not meet this requirement, your degree will not provide the accredited academic component required for HCPC registration.
Our students
Evie Nichol
BSc Hons Biomedical Science student
My course offers great career advice and development opportunities, and I know that I have a lot of support available should I need it. I also love the links with my course and the NHS – receiving lectures from NHS staff was a major highlight of this year.
Myra Azrin
BSc Hons Biomedical Science student
The course also integrates a wide range of learning formats, from lab reports, group work, essays, case studies, presentations, and professional development tasks. I believe this will help me build valuable transferable skills that will benefit me no matter which path I undertake.
Rachel Harnes
BSc Hons Biomedical Science student
In my final year project, I was able to work with cancer brain cells, which I found fascinating. It really was a full circle moment for me after reading and learning about how cancer spreads in the early years of my degree to trying to kill brain cancer cells in my final year.
Leah Brown
BSc Hons Biomedical Science graduate
Studying at Strathclyde offers more than just acquiring knowledge; it's a pathway to personal growth and preparation for a successful future.
Glasgow is Scotland's biggest & most cosmopolitan city
Our campus is based right in the very heart of Glasgow. We're in the city centre, next to the Merchant City, both of which are great locations for sightseeing, shopping and socialising alongside your studies.
BSc Hons Biomedical Science entry requirements
Entry requirements for our BSc Hons Biomedical Science are as follows.
Required subjects are shown in brackets.
| Highers |
Year 1 entry: AABB/AAAC (two sciences – Biology/Human Biology B and Chemistry B; Maths and English National 5 B) ABBB/AABC (Biology/Human Biology B, Chemistry B, Maths and English National 5 B) |
|---|---|
| Advanced Highers | Year 2 entry: BB (Chemistry B, Biology/ Human Biology B, plus Year 1 above) |
| A Levels | Standard entry requirements*: Year 1 entry: BBB (two sciences required, at least one of which must be Biology or Chemistry; GCSE Chemistry 6/B (if not at A Level); GCSE Maths 6/B, GCSE English Language 6/B or Literature 6/B) Year 2 entry: BBB (Chemistry and Biology, GCSE Maths 6/B, and GCSE English Language 6/B or English Literature 6/B) |
| International Baccalaureate | Standard entry requirements*: Year 1 entry: 30 (Two science subjects at HL5 at least one of which must be Biology or Chemistry. Maths SL5 and English SL5) (Chemistry and Biology, one at HL6, the other at HL5. Maths SL5 and English SL5) |
| HNC/HND | Year 1 entry: HNC, Graded Unit B |
| International students | View the entry requirements for your country. |
| Deferred entry | Accepted |
*Standard entry requirements
Offers are made in accordance with specified entry requirements although admission to undergraduate programmes is considered on a competitive basis and entry requirements stated are normally the minimum level required for entry.
Whilst offers are made primarily on the basis of an applicant meeting or exceeding the stated entry criteria, admission to the University is granted on the basis of merit, and the potential to succeed. As such, a range of information is considered in determining suitability.
In exceptional cases, where an applicant does not meet the competitive entry standard, evidence may be sought in the personal statement or reference to account for performance which was affected by exceptional circumstances, and which in the view of the judgement of the selector would give confidence that the applicant is capable of completing the programme of study successfully.
**Minimum entry requirements
Contextual Admissions for Widening Access
We want to increase opportunities for people from every background.
Strathclyde selects our students based on merit, potential, and the ability to benefit from the education we offer. We look for more than just your grades. We consider the circumstances of your education and will make lower offers to certain applicants as a result.
University preparation programme for international students
We offer international students (non-UK/Ireland) who do not meet the academic entry requirements for an undergraduate degree at Strathclyde the option of completing an Undergraduate Foundation Programme in Business and Social Sciences at the University of Strathclyde International Study Centre.
Upon successful completion, you can progress to your chosen degree at the University of Strathclyde.
Fees & funding
All fees quoted are for full-time courses and per academic year unless stated otherwise.
Fees may be subject to updates to maintain accuracy. Tuition fees will be notified in your offer letter.
All fees are in £ sterling, unless otherwise stated, and may be subject to revision.
Annual revision of fees
Students on programmes of study of more than one year (or studying standalone modules) should be aware that the majority of fees will increase annually.
The University will take a range of factors into account, including, but not limited to, UK inflation, changes in delivery costs and changes in Scottish and/or UK Government funding. Changes in fees will be published on the University website in October each year for the following year of study and any annual increase will be capped at a maximum of 10% per year. This cap will apply to fees from 2026/27 onwards, which will not increase by more than 10% from the previous year for continuing students.
| Scotland | To be confirmed. Fees for students domiciled in Scotland are subject to confirmation by the Scottish Funding Council. Scottish undergraduate students undertaking an exchange for a semester/year will continue to pay their normal tuition fees at Strathclyde and will not be charged fees by the overseas institution. |
|---|---|
| England, Wales & Northern Ireland | £9,790 Fees for students domiciled in the Rest of the UK are subject to Parliamentary approval. |
| Republic of Ireland |
If you are an Irish citizen and have been ordinary resident in the Republic of Ireland for the three years prior to the relevant date, and will be coming to Scotland for Educational purposes only, you will meet the criteria of England, Wales & Northern Ireland fee status. For more information and advice on tuition fee status, you can visit the UKCISA - International student advice and guidance - Scotland: fee status webpage. Find out more about the University of Strathclyde's fee assessments process. |
| International | £29,350 |
| University preparation programme fees | International students can find out more about the costs and payments of studying a university preparation programme at the University of Strathclyde International Study Centre. |
| Additional costs | Lab coats and safety goggles
International students International students may have associated visa and immigration costs. Please see student visa guidance for more information. |
| Available scholarships | Take a look at our scholarships search for funding opportunities. |
Please note: All fees shown are annual and may be subject to an increase each year. Find out more about fees.
How can I fund my studies?
Students from Scotland
Fees for students who meet the relevant residence requirements in Scotland, you may be able to apply to the Student Award Agency Scotland (SAAS) to have your tuition fees paid by the Scottish government. Scottish students may also be eligible for a bursary and loan to help cover living costs while at University.
For more information on funding your studies have a look at our University Funding page.
Students from England, Wales & Northern Ireland
We have a generous package of bursaries on offer for students from England, Northern Ireland and Wales:
You don’t need to make a separate application for these. When your place is confirmed at Strathclyde, we’ll assess your eligibility. Take a look at our scholarships search for funding opportunities.
International Students
We have a number of scholarships available to international students. Take a look at our scholarship search to find out more.
Careers
Biomedical science graduates work in NHS and private diagnostic laboratories, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, research institutes, public health services and the scientific civil service.
Working in a diagnostic laboratory
Many graduates begin their careers as trainee Biomedical Scientists in NHS laboratories. With an accredited degree, you can apply for trainee roles and complete the IBMS Registration Training Portfolio while employed. Once registered, you'll progress through NHS career grades and can move into specialist, advanced practice, training or management roles.
Biomedical Scientists typically specialise in clinical biochemistry, haematology, transfusion science, cellular pathology, medical microbiology or immunology.
Opportunities are available across NHS Scotland, the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service and private diagnostic laboratories.
Beyond the diagnostic laboratory
Biomedical science also opens doors to careers in:
- drug and vaccine development
- clinical trials
- regulatory affairs and drug safety
- diagnostic test development and manufacture
- academic and industrial research
Graduates also apply their analytical, problem-solving and communication skills in areas such as medical writing, patent work, technical sales and science policy.
Many graduates continue to postgraduate study, including Masters degrees and PhDs. Some go on to train as secondary school science teachers.
Where are our graduates now?
Recent job titles include:
- Project Coordinator
- Study Analyst
- Lab Technician
- Medical Lab Assistant
- Research Scientist
- Science Technician
- Waste and Fuels Strategist
Recent employers include
- Bio-Outsource
- Dounreay Sight Restoration Ltd
- Mission Therapeutics
- National Milk Laboratories
- NHS
- NHS Wishaw Hospital
- Thomas and Eco
- University of Strathclyde
How much will I earn?
Salary levels vary depending on your role, employer and level of experience. Biomedical scientists can progress into specialist, advanced practice, training and management roles.
For current salary information and career insights, see the Prospects Biomedical Scientist profile.
Studying part-time while you work
Some students complete this degree part-time while working in laboratory roles.
If you're employed as a Medical Laboratory Assistant or Associate Practitioner in an NHS laboratory, this degree can provide the accredited academic requirement for HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist. If your workplace is an approved training laboratory, you may also be able to complete the IBMS Registration Training Portfolio while you work.
Apply
Start date: Sep 2026
Biomedical Science (1 year entry)
Start date: Sep 2026
Biomedical Science (2 year entry)
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