Overview
Biomedical Science sits at the heart of modern healthcare. It’s the discipline that helps us understand how the human body works, how disease develops, and how we diagnose, treat and ultimately prevent illness. From unravelling the molecular mechanisms of cancer to developing rapid diagnostic tests for infectious disease, biomedical scientists are the unsung heroes of medicine - working behind the scenes to save lives every day.
Our Biomedical Science BSc gives you a rigorous, career‑focused education that prepares you to become exactly that kind of scientist. If you’re passionate about biology, human health and scientific discovery, this degree gives you the knowledge, practical skills and professional grounding to thrive in one of the world’s most in‑demand sectors.
You can complete the degree in three years or choose our four‑year pathway with a professional placement year. A placement gives you invaluable real‑world experience in a clinical, research or industry setting before you graduate - and both routes lead to the same highly regarded qualification.
Throughout your studies, you’ll explore the full breadth of biomedical science: cell biology, genetics and biochemistry, through to pathology, pharmacology, immunology and microbiology. You’ll build hands‑on laboratory expertise alongside analytical and critical‑thinking skills that employers and postgraduate programmes value.
Our degree is accredited by both the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) and the Royal Society of Biology (RSB) - a mark of quality that confirms the programme meets high professional and academic standards, and that your qualification will be recognised across the sector.
Brunel’s West London location puts you close to world‑class NHS trusts, research institutes and life‑science industries, opening doors to placements and networking opportunities that can shape your career. With strong links to clinical and research partners, this degree is designed not just to educate, but to inspire.
Whether you want to work in a hospital laboratory, pursue research, join the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industries, or go on to study medicine or another health profession, a Biomedical Science degree from Brunel gives you the foundation to make it happen.
You can explore our campus and facilities for yourself by taking our virtual tour.
Course content
Throughout your degree, you’ll follow a rich, carefully structured curriculum that spans the full scope of biomedical science - from the molecular foundations of life to the clinical realities of human disease. By the time you graduate, you’ll have a deep, integrated understanding of key bioscience disciplines and medically related research, along with the scientific knowledge and practical expertise today’s employers expect.
Year 1 - Build your foundations
Your first year sets out the core scientific principles that underpin biomedical science. You’ll study cell biology, anatomy and biochemistry, building a solid understanding of how the human body is structured and how it works at a cellular and molecular level. You’ll also develop essential laboratory skills and begin shaping the experimental and employability skills that will support you throughout your career.
Year 2 - Explore disease and discovery
In your second year, the focus shifts to what happens when biological systems go wrong. You’ll explore the biochemical and molecular processes disrupted in human disease, deepen your knowledge of genetics and molecular biology, and be introduced to the pathology of disease and the immune responses behind it. You’ll also take compulsory modules in Bioinformatics, Clinical Biochemistry and Stem Cell Biology - giving you sought‑after skills in big‑data analysis, diagnostic innovation and the frontier science of stem‑cell‑based therapies. Alongside this, you’ll advance your laboratory capabilities and explore entrepreneurship, developing the innovative mindset increasingly valued across the life sciences.
Placement Year (optional) - Real‑world experience
If you choose the four‑year pathway, your placement year follows Year 2. It’s your chance to apply what you’ve learned in a professional setting - whether that’s an NHS laboratory, a pharmaceutical company, a research institute or another life‑science environment. Many students tell us their placement year is one of the most formative and career‑defining parts of their degree.
Year 3 - Specialise and excel
Your final year gives you the freedom to follow your scientific interests and shape your own academic journey. Alongside your chosen modules, the centrepiece of Year 3 is your Final Year Project - an independent research project where you bring together the knowledge, skills and curiosity you’ve developed across the degree. It’s your chance to contribute to real scientific enquiry and show the full extent of your capabilities as a biomedical scientist.
You’ll also study a compulsory 'Bench to Bedside' module, exploring how scientific discoveries move into clinical practice - and how translational research turns laboratory breakthroughs into life‑changing medical advances.
Compulsory
- BB1721 - Anatomy, Histology and Physiology
This module aims to comprehensively introduce the students to the anatomy and physiology of the human body and to provide the background knowledge required to understand disease processes.
- BB1725 - Biology of the Cell
This module aims to provide a broad introduction to the understanding of living organisms at the cellular level through the study of genetics, cell biology and microbiology.
- BB1601 - Biomedical Sciences Training
This block aims to ensure that all students have developed a good foundation in Biosciences research skills and applications, covering the central dogma of life, chemistry, physics, evolution and understanding scientific publications.
- BB1724 - Career Skills and Innovation
This module aims to help students develop a range of transferable, career planning and innovation skills suitable for further employment.
- BB1726 - Experimental Design and Bioinformatics
This module aims to develop critical thinking skills applied to the designing and planning of experimental data. To acquire and develop a range of transferable, IT, mathematical and problem-solving skills.
- BB1722 - Fundamental Biochemistry
This module aims to introduce students to key chemical principles relevant to biological systems, the structure and function of biological molecules and the biochemistry of processes which support life.
- BB1723 - Medical Biochemistry
This module aims to introduce students to the biochemistry of processes which support life, including cellular metabolism and its control. Students are also introduced to medical aspects of biochemistry.
Compulsory
- BB27bb - Genetics, Genomics & Health with Bioinformatics
This module deepens students’ understanding of eukaryotic genetics and genomics, exploring the field from classical Mendelian principles through to modern molecular genetics, genetic engineering, and contemporary genomic technologies. Alongside this, students are introduced to the foundations of biological data analysis, learning how to read and interpret data, carry out simple analyses, create clear visual outputs, and use key bioinformatics tools, applications, and repositories relevant to the post‑genomic era.
- BB27cc - Human Pathology & Clinical Biochemistry
This module explores the cellular, molecular and systemic pathological processes that underpin major human diseases, examining their development, clinical manifestations, complications, diagnosis and treatment. Students will also gain an understanding of key biochemical techniques used in clinical research and diagnostic practice, building a strong foundation in the methods that support modern disease investigation.
- BB27dd - Immunology and Medical Microbiology
This module provides a broad understanding of immunological mechanisms in both health and disease, covering innate and adaptive immunity, immune dysregulation, and the principles behind training the immune system through vaccination. It also examines medically important pathogens and infectious diseases, exploring their epidemiology, diagnosis, clinical presentation, treatment, vaccination strategies and wider public health significance.
- BB27aa - Molecular and Cellular Biology with Developmental and Stem Cell Biology
To provide students with a a comprehensive understanding of molecular biology, focusing on the central dogma, cell signaling, cell division, cell migrationand components of the cell. Also, to provide an understanding of cellular, molecular, genetic and modelling principles of embryonal development and whole organism biology, tissue homeostasis, as well as the potential of stem cells for healthcare applications.
Compulsory
- BB37xx - Haematology and Transfusion Science
To explore how blood and blood‑forming organs function in health and disease, and to identify blood group antigens and antibodies to ensure the safe supply of blood and blood components.
- BB36yy - Integrated Pathobiology
To provide students with a deeper understanding of the causes and pathobiology of common diseases, including genetic and environmental/lifestyle risk factors. To develop awareness of different types of, screenings for disease diagnosis, as well as treatments and related aspects of personalized medicine
- BB36xx - Medical Immunology, Pharmacology and Toxicology
To develop advanced understanding of immune system mechanisms and drug actions in the body, applying immunological and pharmacological principles to key biological and clinical processes while critically evaluating drug development, safety, and therapeutic interventions.
- BB3601 - Final Year Project
To enable students to complete an enquiry‑based independent project involving the analysis and critical evaluation of research data. FYP topics reflect staff expertise and span a wide range of non‑laboratory and laboratory projects that develop critical thinking, synthesis, reflection and evaluation. Students will produce a project dissertation that clearly communicates their outcomes and present their findings verbally to a mixed audience using appropriate presentation tools.
Optional
- BB3741 - Epidemiology and Disease Prevention
To develop understanding of biomedical studies using human data at population level. Additional skills would include critical thinking about study design and dealing with different biases that could impact epidemiological inferences.
- BB37qq - Epigenetic and Cellular Dysfunctions in Human Diseases
To develop the students’ knowledge and understanding of the molecular mechanisms linking cellular dysfunctions to specific diseases. Understanding the cutting-edge methodologies used to investigate subcellular organisation and function
- BB3744 - Genomic Medicine & Gene Therapy
This module introduces students to post‑genomic approaches to medicine. It covers genomic organisation through genomic, molecular and cell biology methods, alongside gene‑transfer and DNA/RNA sequencing technologies. Students also examine the safety and side effects of gene transfer, and learn the basics of intellectual property and how new technologies are protected and commercialised.
- BB3745 - Medical Biochemistry and Endocrine Disorders
To give students an understanding of selected specialist areas in biochemistry and endocrine disease processes at a biochemical and molecular level
- BB3738 - Microbial Pathogenesis
To provide a comprehensive understanding of cellular and molecular basis of microbial pathogenesis and host-pathogen interactions.
This course can be studied undefined undefined, starting in undefined.
This course has a placement option. Find out more about work placements available.
Please note that all modules are subject to change.
Careers and your future
A degree in Biomedical Science from Brunel opens doors across an exceptionally broad range of careers. Whether you aspire to work on the front line of cancer research, contribute to cutting-edge forensic investigations, communicate science to the public as a science journalist, or pursue a clinical role within the NHS, our degree is designed from the outset to help you get there.
At Brunel, employability is not an afterthought - it is woven into the fabric of your degree from Year 1. Dedicated employability teaching provides a personalised approach to your professional development, helping you build and refine the skills that employers are looking for. You will work on crafting a compelling CV, sharpen your interview technique, attend careers events, and have the opportunity to work alongside academics on real research projects that enhance both your knowledge and your professional profile.
One of the highlights of the academic calendar is our annual Biomedical Science Careers Fair, which brings together some of the most influential names in the sector. Previous attendees have included GlaxoSmithKline, Great Ormond Street Hospital, Parexel, Age UK, and Royal Brompton Hospital NHS Foundation Trust - giving you the chance to network, explore placement opportunities, and make connections that could shape the next chapter of your career.
Combined with the option to undertake a professional placement year and the strong industry links that come with studying in West London, you will graduate not just with a degree, but with the confidence, experience, and network to make your mark in biomedical science and beyond.
UK entry requirements
2026/7 entry
Please check our Admissions pages for more information on other factors we use to assess applicants as well as our full GCSE requirements and accepted equivalencies in place of GCSEs.
If you are unable to meet the direct entry criteria below, you are invited to apply for a foundation course in Life Sciences at Brunel Pathway College. When you successfully pass the foundation year, you can progress on to the Biomedical Sciences BSc.
A minimum of five GCSEs are required including GCSE Mathematics (grade C/4), and either GCSE English Language (grade C/4) or GCSE English Literature (grade B/5).
Standard Offer: GCE A level ABB including grade B in one of the following: Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry or Physics
Contextual Offer: GCE A level BBB including grade B in one of the following: Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry or Physics
We apply a contextual admissions process for UK undergraduate applicants who meet one or more of our contextual markers – please see our contextual admissions page for more information.
Standard Offer: BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma DDM in Applied Science or Forensic & Criminal Investigation
Contextual Offer: BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma DMM in Applied Science or Forensic & Criminal Investigation
We apply a contextual admissions process for UK undergraduate applicants who meet one or more of our contextual markers – please see our contextual admissions page for more information.
Standard Offer: BTEC Level 3 National Diploma DD in Applied Science or Forensic & Criminal Investigation and an A Level grade B in any subject.
OR
BTEC Level 3 National Diploma DD in any subject, and an A Level grade B in one of the following: Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry or Physics
Contextual Offer: BTEC Level 3 National Diploma DM in Applied Science or Forensic & Criminal Investigation and an A Level grade B in any subject.
OR
BTEC Level 3 National Diploma DM in any subject, and an A Level grade B in one of the following: Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry or Physics
We apply a contextual admissions process for UK undergraduate applicants who meet one or more of our contextual markers – please see our contextual admissions page for more information.
Standard Offer: BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate Distinction in any subject, with A level grades BB including B in in one of the following: Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry or Physics
OR
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate Distinction in Applied Science, Applied Human Biology, Forensic & Criminal Investigation or Medical Science (AAQ) with 2 A levels at grade BB in any subject
Contextual Offer: BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate Merit in any subject, with A level grades BB including B in in one of the following: Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry or Physics
OR
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate Merit in Applied Science, Applied Human Biology, Forensic & Criminal Investigation or Medical Science (AAQ) with 2 A levels at grade BB in any subject
We apply a contextual admissions process for UK undergraduate applicants who meet one or more of our contextual markers – please see our contextual admissions page for more information.
Standard Offer: International Baccalaureate Diploma 31 points including a minimum of 5 in Higher Level Biology, Chemistry or Physics. GCSE English equivalent SL 5 or HL 4 and Mathematics SL 2 or HL 2
Contextual Offer: International Baccalaureate Diploma 30 points including a minimum of 5 in Higher Level Biology, Chemistry or Physics. GCSE English equivalent SL 5 or HL 4 and Mathematics SL 2 or HL 2
We apply a contextual admissions process for UK undergraduate applicants who meet one or more of our contextual markers – please see our contextual admissions page for more information.
Standard Offer: Obtain a minimum of 128 tariff points in the Access to HE Diploma with 45 credits at Level 3 in a related subject (Applied Science, Biomedical Science, Medicine, Health & Human Science, Science etc). All Biology and Chemistry units must be passed with Distinctions at level 3.
Contextual Offer: Obtain a minimum of 120 tariff points in the Access to HE Diploma with 45 credits at Level 3 in a related subject (Applied Science, Biomedical Science, Medicine, Health & Human Science, Science etc). All Biology and Chemistry units must be passed with Distinctions at level 3.
We apply a contextual admissions process for UK undergraduate applicants who meet one or more of our contextual markers – please see our contextual admissions page for more information.
Merit overall in a related subject (Health, Healthcare Science or Science)
If your qualification isn't listed above, please contact the Admissions Office by emailing admissions@brunel.ac.uk or call +44 (0)1895 265265 to check whether it's accepted and to find out what a typical offer might be.
Brunel's committed to raising the aspirations of our applicants and students. We'll fully review your UCAS application and, where we’re able to offer a place, this will be personalised to you based on your application and education journey.
Please check our Admissions pages for more information on other factors we use to assess applicants, as well as our full GCSE requirements and accepted equivalencies in place of GCSEs.
EU and International entry requirements
If you require a Tier 4 visa to study in the UK, you must prove knowledge of the English language so that we can issue you a Certificate of Acceptance for Study (CAS). To do this, you will need an IELTS for UKVI or Trinity SELT test pass gained from a test centre approved by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and on the Secure English Language Testing (SELT) list. This must have been taken and passed within two years from the date the CAS is made.
You can find out more about the qualifications we accept on our English Language Requirements page.
Should you wish to take a pre-sessional English course to improve your English prior to starting your degree course, you must sit the test at an approved SELT provider for the same reason. We offer our own BrunELT English test and have pre-sessional English language courses for students who do not meet requirements or who wish to improve their English. You can find out more information on English courses and test options through our Brunel Language Centre.
Please check our Admissions pages for more information on other factors we use to assess applicants. This information is for guidance only and each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Entry requirements are subject to review, and may change.
Fees and funding
2026/27 entry
UK
£9,535 full-time
£1,385 placement year
International
£21,795 full-time
£1,385 placement year
Fees quoted are per year and may be subject to an annual increase. Home undergraduate student fees are regulated and are currently capped at £9,535 per year; any changes will be subject to changes in government policy.
For the 2026/27 academic year, tuition fees for home students will be £9,790, subject to Parliamentary approval.
In England and Wales, tuition fees for home undergraduate students are subject to the Government fee cap. The Government has confirmed that this will be £9,790 for 2026/27 and £10,050 for 2027/28 (subject to Parliamentary approval).
From 2028 onwards, the fee cap is expected to rise annually in line with inflation. This means your tuition fees in future years may increase to reflect these changes.
International fees may change annually, by no more than 5% or RPI (Retail Price Index), whichever is the greater.
More information on any additional course-related costs.
See our fees and funding page for full details of undergraduate scholarships available to Brunel applicants.
Please refer to the scholarships pages to view discounts available to eligible EU undergraduate applicants.
Teaching and learning
Year 1
Your teaching will be on-campus face-to-face lectures, with in-person tutorials and in-person lab sessions. The teaching will be supplemented with pre-recorded material.
You'll be working individually for most of the lab sessions. In addition, all lab sessions will now be delivered as Team-Based Learning (TBL) with work to complete online before the session and TBL tasks in the lab. There will also be data analysis tasks to be done after the lab session. You'll be expected to attend your laboratory and tutoring@Brunel sessions.
Year 2
Your teaching will be on-campus face-to-face lectures, with in-person tutorials and in-person lab sessions. The teaching will be supplemented with pre-recorded material.
You'll be working on your own experiments, which you will then combine to give the final result. This will provide a more authentic lab experience and improve your lab team-working skills. The in-person lab sessions will be delivered using TBL. There will be additional TBL sessions based on online labs to support your learning. You'll be expected to attend your laboratory and tutoring@Brunel sessions.
Year 3
Your final year teaching will be delivered in on-campus sessions with final year project supervisory meetings being a mix of online and in-person sessions, depending on the nature of the project. You'll be expected to attend your laboratory and tutoring@Brunel sessions.
Assessment
Your coursework will be submitted via Wiseflow or Brightspace, and exams will be a mix of on-campus in-person invigilated written exams and online open-book assessments. Oral presentations will be scheduled as part of specific coursework, either on-campus in-person, or online.
Additional teaching resources and sessions
To supplement our full timetable of on-campus teaching, your learning will be supported with a range of resources on our new Brightspace Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) including videos, interactive activities, quizzes, etc. Block leaders may offer additional briefing, revision, and/or Q&A sessions on online platforms where appropriate.
Academic contact
You'll be offered Feedback and Consultation Hours, Personal Tutoring Hours, and Project Supervision discussions in-person on-campus and via online platforms. This will allow you to easily receive feedback, advice and guidance without having to travel to campus on a day that you might otherwise not be attending.
Access to a laptop or desktop PC is required for joining online activities, completing coursework and digital exams, and a minimum specification can be found here.
We have computers available across campus for your use and laptop loan schemes to support you through your studies. You can find out more here.
At Brunel, you will be taught by academics who are not just experts in their field - they are active researchers pushing the boundaries of biomedical science right now. Our research spans four core areas: health and disease, treatments and cures, genomics and epigenomics, and technology and methodology. Many of our staff have been directly involved in landmark advances in the understanding and treatment of human diseases and syndromes, and that cutting-edge knowledge flows directly into your teaching. In a field that moves as fast as biomedical science, learning from those who are shaping it makes all the difference.
Our teaching approach is designed to reflect the realities of a career in science. The Biomedical Science teaching team has developed a unique teaching and assessment strategy that has been formally recognised with an award from the Higher Education Academy. Rather than treating each module in isolation, this approach encourages you to draw together knowledge from across your studies and apply it in integrated assessments - mirroring the kind of joined-up, problem-solving thinking you will need as a practising biomedical scientist.
You will learn through a rich blend of lectures, seminars, and hands-on laboratory work, ensuring that theoretical understanding is always grounded in practical experience. From your very first year, you will be developing the skills and scientific instincts that define a confident, capable graduate.
Brunel has produced thousands of scientists who are now making breakthroughs and improving lives across the globe. As a Brunel graduate, you will join that community - benefiting from the reputation of your peers, your academics, and a university with a proud tradition of producing world-class scientists.
Finally, we understand that university life is about more than academics. Should you need any personal or non-academic support during your time at Brunel, our dedicated Student Support and Welfare Team is here to help - ensuring that you have everything you need to thrive, both in and out of the laboratory.
Assessment and feedback
Your progress throughout the degree will be assessed through a carefully designed mixture of coursework and written examinations, ensuring that your knowledge, understanding, problem-solving abilities, and data interpretation skills are all tested and developed in a way that reflects the demands of a real scientific career. This varied approach to assessment means you will have multiple opportunities to demonstrate your abilities and grow as a scientist, rather than being judged on a single high-stakes exam alone.
Feedback is an integral part of your learning journey at Brunel. You will receive regular, constructive feedback designed to help you understand your strengths, address areas for development, and continually improve throughout your studies.
Read our guide on how to avoid plagiarism in your assessments at Brunel.