Biomedical Science

Course information
Our (Hons) BSc Biomedical Science programme is accredited by both the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) and the Royal Society of Biology (RSB), and focuses on current clinical practice. Designed to provide you with the necessary academic requirements to become a registered Biomedical Scientist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) upon graduation, covering a range of disciplines including cellular pathology, haematology, microbiology, and immunology, as well as common aspects of medicine and care, such as blood transfusions.

Research-led teaching is utilised to explore the physiology of the human body in health and disease and learn about cutting edge medical research. Students will get to:

• Learn how to set up and read an electrocardiogram (ECG).

• Determine blood groupings and screen patient blood films.

• Practice key techniques used in pathology laboratories like preparing and staining tissue samples, examining serum samples and working with laboratory analysers.

• Undertake an individual research project, working with leading biological scientists.

• All 3rd and 4th year BSc Biomedical Sciences courses are accredited by the IBMS.

Placement year
The best way to prepare you for your future career is to gain experience in the real world of work. That's why our course offers you the option of an integrated placement year between the second and final years of your degree. BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science students can use their placement year to complete a registration training portfolio within an IBMS-approved pathology laboratory. This allows you to apply for an IBMS Certificate of Competence, and subsequently, register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a Biomedical Scientist upon graduation.

Designed to make you stand out in the graduate crowd, you can also undertake placements in industrial or research laboratories, as well as non-laboratory settings. Our students have completed placements in:

• NHS organisations

• Clinical trial companies

• Research institutes

• Pharmaceutical companies

• Medical sales

• Biotechnology companies

International students and post-study work visa
Students from over 120 countries choose to study with us every year and Aston is not only a great place to study, based in the centre of Birmingham it’s also a great place to live. The new graduate visa enables international students to remain in the UK for two years after completing studies to find work. For International Students intending to do a foundation year, visit ONCAMPUS.

Course outline
Studying Biomedical Science at Aston University gives you the abilities needed to provide healthcare, undertake medical research, and understand the pharmaceutical industry. You’ll develop a thorough knowledge of the core principles of how the human body works and a deep understanding of the vital role Biomedical Scientists play in the healthcare sector.

Our teaching is research-led; meaning you learn about the research our world-leading academics are doing, particularly in your final year. We also ensure you gain exposure to practicing Biomedical Scientists via guest lectures, so you can hear first-hand what this rewarding role is really like.

From your first year at Aston you’ll learn more about the careers available to graduates with Biomedical Science degrees, as well as spending time reflecting on the skills acquired and needed for your future career.

Key course benefits:

• Dual accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) and the Royal Society of Biology (RSB).

• The chance to apply for HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council) registration after graduation.

• Boost your employability with an optional placement year designed to set your studies in a real-world context.

• Ranked top 15 in the UK for Biomedical Science, and ranked 1st in the UK for student to staff ratio (Biomedical Science, Guardian University Guide 2025).