Biomedical Science with Foundation BSc Honours

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Course Overview

Attendance

UK Fees £9,250 *
International Fees £15,400 *
Duration 4 or 5 years

* Price per academic year

Course summary

Our degree courses with foundation year offer the opportunity to prepare you for advanced study before you progress onto a full honours degree at the University of Westminster. Whether you do not feel ready for degree-level study, don’t have the right qualifications, want to change your subject specialism or return to study after an absence from education, we aim to encourage a broad range of students to undertake our foundation year in order to progress onto their full honours degree with us.

The foundation year is designed to give you the opportunity to explore new ideas, opening up new perspectives on the key debates within your chosen field. During the foundation year, you'll explore a range of creative disciplines and get a chance to develop in your chosen field, benefiting from workshops in our high-end facilities and working with leading academics who will encourage you to become a confident and creative thinker. Core modules accelerate your academic and professional development and you will also take modules within your chosen field, giving you the chance to develop a cross-disciplinary perspective on your course.

On successful completion of the foundation year, you'll be able to move on to study for the Biomedical Science BSc Honours over a further three years study.

Biomedical science is concerned with the detailed study of the human body, both in health and disease, with emphasis on the diagnosis and understanding of disease states and the mechanisms involved.

In Year 1 you'll study the important fundamental sciences, including biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, and human anatomy and physiology.

In Year 2 you'll develop your understanding of a wide range of disease processes, combined with the principles of laboratory procedures used to aid diagnosis and treatment.

Between Years 2 and 3, you’ll have the opportunity to undertake a professional placement year in industry. Alternatively, you can undertake a period of study abroad at one of Westminster’s partner institutions.

In Year 3 you'll focus on the study of the complex nature of disease as it affects particular biological systems. You'll also study the laboratory procedures used in haematology, clinical immunology, cellular and molecular pathology, clinical biochemistry and medical microbiology, to diagnose and monitor disease. You'll also undertake a major research project, which will enable you to develop the skills you need for genuine scientific inquiry.

Course structure

Teaching includes tutorials, lectures and seminars, practical laboratory work and group activities, together with supervised use of facilities. Assessment is through a combination of exams and coursework (including essays, practical work, group work, presentations and reports).

You’ll receive continuous feedback through online activities, group and one-to-one tutorials and periodic reviews, designed to give you multiple points of guidance throughout your studies.

The following subjects are indicative of what you will study on this course.

Subjects of study include:

  • Biology
  • Bioscience in Action
  • Chemistry
  • Critical Thinking for Academic and Professional Development
  • Introduction to Academic Practice
  • Introduction to Physiology

Credit Level 3

Subjects of study include:

Core Study Areas

  • Biochemistry
  • Cell Biology
  • Functional Anatomy
  • Human Physiology
  • Professional Development in Science (PRoDS)

Optional Study Areas

  • Applications of Biological Sciences
  • Biological Chemistry
  • Fundamentals of Pharmacology
  • Principles of Human Nutrition

Credit Level 4

Subjects of study include:

Core Study Areas

  • Applied Pathobiology
  • Infection and Immunity
  • Medical Genetics and Genomics
  • Metabolic Biochemistry
  • Research Methods

Optional Study Areas

  • Bioinformatics
  • Diet in Health and Disease
  • Genetics in Medicine
  • Human Parasitology
  • Medical Physiology
  • Molecular and Cellular Therapeutics
  • Neuroscience

Credit Level 5

Professional experience or study abroad year

Between Years 2 and 3, you’ll have the opportunity to undertake a professional placement year in industry. Completing the placement year will lead to the final award Bachelor of Science with Honours – Biomedical Sciences with Professional Experience.

Alternatively, you can undertake a period of study abroad at one of Westminster’s partner institutions. Successful completion will lead to the final award Bachelor of Science with Honours – Biomedical Sciences with International Experience.

Subjects of study include:

  • Cellular and Molecular Pathology
  • Clinical Immunology and Immunohaematology
  • Diagnostic Biochemistry and Haematology
  • Final Year Project in Life Sciences
  • Medical Microbiology in the Genomics Era

Credit Level 6

Professional accreditation

The degree is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS). Honours graduates can apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as Biomedical Scientists, provided they fulfil the additional HCPC requirements of competencies through suitable employment and completion of the IBMS certificate of competence.

This course is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of meeting in part the academic and experience requirement for the Membership and Chartered Biologist (CBiol). This programme has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology following an independent and rigorous assessment. Accredited degree programmes contain a solid academic foundation in biological knowledge and key skills, and prepare graduates to address the needs of employers. The accreditation criteria require evidence that graduates from accredited programmes meet defined sets of learning outcomes, including subject knowledge, technical ability and transferable skills.

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Programme specification

For more details on course structure, modules, teaching and assessment Download the programme specification (PDF).

To request an accessible version please email [email protected]

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Prospectus

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Get in touch

Contact us for general course enquiries:

+44 (0)20 7911 5000 EXT 65511
(Mon-Fri, 10am-3pm GMT)

[email protected]

Live chat with us
(Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm GMT)

Open days

Join us at an open day online or on campus. Get a feel for student life at the University of Westminster and talk to course leaders and our support teams.

Careers

With a growing global network of 3,000 employers, our Careers and Employability Service is here to support you to achieve your full potential.

Fantastic central London location

Our London location facilitates you in finding work experience, with numerous opportunities available within the biomedical laboratories in London, the UK and abroad.

Transferable skills

You'll gain the knowledge and experience to work in areas such as laboratories, clinical trials, healthcare commerce, medical devices industries, regulatory affairs, research development, scientific writing, teaching and many more.

3,000

Employers around the world

The University’s Careers and Employability Service has built up a network of over 3,000 employers around the world, helping all our students explore and connect with exciting opportunities and careers.

Career development

Our course has been designed to prepare you for a career in medical diagnostic, pharmaceutical and research environments. It provides you with a thorough education in the disciplines required to understand and investigate disease and enables you to develop your career in a variety of pathways in biomedical sciences.

We also have a strong record in preparing graduates for postgraduate study across a range of biomedical and molecular disciplines, as well as postgraduate teacher training.

We regularly monitor graduate career destinations and reflect on this information in the planning of the course curriculum.

Graduate employment

Graduates from Biomedical Sciences are widely sought after by employers. Major employment areas include:

  • Clinical genetics laboratories
  • Clinical trials
  • Commerce (sales and marketing) related to healthcare and diagnostics products
  • Diagnostic pathology and clinical laboratories
  • Forensic laboratories
  • Government or charity-funded research laboratories
  • Medical devices and laboratory instrumentation industries
  • NHS Blood and Transplant laboratories
  • Private pathology laboratories
  • Public Health England
  • Regulatory affairs (drug registration and patents)
  • Research development for pharmaceuticals
  • Research laboratories in universities
  • Scientific writing and publishing
  • Teaching
  • Veterinary and agricultural laboratories

International Opportunities

Many of our courses offer international study and work experiences, and the University provides other global opportunities that all students can apply for - so whatever you're studying, you'll have the chance to go abroad.

Opportunities could include:

  • Taking part in semester or year-long exchanges at institutions around the world
  • Attending an international summer school or field trip
  • Developing your CV through volunteering or work placements abroad

International experience broadens horizons, boosts self-confidence, and improves global understanding, alongside being fantastic for your career.

Find out more about our international opportunities, including funding options and where you can go.

Students working and studying internationally

Course Leaders

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Steve Davis

Course Leader for Foundation in Life Sciences

Steve is the Course Leader for Foundation in Life Sciences, which includes the Foundation years of the BSc (hons) courses: Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Human Nutrition, Pharmacology and Physiology. A registered practitioner in a CAM therapy, and Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, Steve has wide experience in developing education and training programmes for CAM student practitioners.

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Dr Lorna Tinworth

Senior Lecturer

Dr Tinworth holds an MA in higher education and is a senior fellow of the Higher Education Academy. She enjoys teaching bioscience at every level within the School of Life Sciences and leads our core level 5 Medical Genetics and Genomics module.

Lorna completed her undergraduate degree in Molecular Biology and Genetics at Queen Mary’s, University of London. After which she spent a while in an industrial chemistry lab. In her first research assistant role, she explored the genetics of twins at the Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre in King’s College, London.

Entry Requirements

  • A levels – DDE (64 UCAS Tariff points)
  • T levels – 64 UCAS Tariff points
  • International Baccalaureate – 64 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis
  • BTEC Extended Diploma – MPP
  • BTEC Diploma – MM
  • Access – 64 UCAS Tariff points from the Access course

In addition to one of the above, you should have:

  • GCSE English Language grade 4/C – IB grade 4 Higher level, GCSE Maths grade 4/C – IB grade 4

If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS score of 5.5 overall, with 5.5 in each component.

Mature entrants without formal qualifications will be considered on an individual basis.

We also welcome applications from students who are taking a combination of qualifications listed above. For further information, please contact Course Enquiries.

View more information about our entry requirements and the application process

Typical Offer

  • International Baccalaureate – 64 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis

If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS score of 5.5 overall, with 5.5 in each component.

More information

International Foundation course

We work in partnership with Kaplan International College London to provide Foundation Certificate courses for international students who don’t meet our Bachelor’s degree entry requirements. Find out how to apply for the Foundation Certificate course.

Learn new skills

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Gain extra qualifications

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Fees and Funding

UK tuition fee: £9,250 (Price per academic year)

When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.

Find out how we set our tuition fees.

Funding

As well as tuition fee loans, there is a range of funding available to help you fund your studies.

Find out about undergraduate student funding options.

Scholarships

The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible undergraduate students, which cover all or part of your tuition fees.

Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.

Additional costs

See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.

International tuition fee: £15,400 (Price per academic year)

When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.

Find out how we set our tuition fees.

EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme

If you are an international student accepted on an undergraduate programme starting in September 2024 or September 2025 at level 3 (Foundation) or level 4 (first year) on the basis of an eligible EU qualification only, you will be awarded a tuition fee reduction which will align your fee more closely to the one for UK students. For more information, see the EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme.

International student funding

Find out about funding for international students.

Additional costs

See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.

Teaching and Assessment

Below you will find how learning time and assessment types are distributed on this course. The graphs below give an indication of what you can expect through approximate percentages, taken either from the experience of previous cohorts, or based on the standard module diet where historic course data is unavailable.  Changes to the division of learning time and assessment may be made in response to feedback and in accordance with our terms and conditions.

How you'll be taught

Teaching methods across all our undergraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application. Learning typically falls into three broad categories:

  • Scheduled hours: examples include lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops, supervised time in a studio
  • Placement: placement hours normally include placement opportunities, but may also include live projects or virtual activity involving employers
  • Independent study: non-scheduled time in which students are expected to study independently. This may include preparation for scheduled sessions, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks, or revision
Year
F
24%76%
1
28%72%
2
26%74%
P
1%53%46%
3
32%68%
Scheduled hoursIndependent studyPlacement

How you'll be assessed

Our undergraduate courses include a wide variety of assessments.

Assessments typically fall into three broad categories:

  • Practical: examples include presentations, videos, podcasts, lab work, creating artefacts  
  • Written exams: end of semester exams 
  • Coursework: examples include essays, reports, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation
     
Year
F
4%96%
1
16%84%
2
16%84%
P
50%50%
3
7%93%
Written examsPracticalCoursework

Data from the academic year 2023/24

Supporting you

Our Student Hub is where you’ll find out about the services and support we offer, helping you get the best out of your time with us.

  • Study support — workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills
  • Personal tutors — support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential
  • Student advice team — provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas
  • Extra-curricular activities — volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more

Visit our student hub

Course location

With state-of-the-art science and psychology labs and refurbished computer suites, our Cavendish Campus offers our science and technology students a range of learning spaces that are both dynamic and inspiring,

Located in central London, our Cavendish Campus is just a five-minute walk from Oxford Street and Tottenham Court Road.

For more details, visit our Cavendish Campus page.

Contact us

Call our dedicated team on:

+44 (0)20 7911 5000 ext 65511

Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday

[email protected]

Start live chat

Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday

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