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UWS’s BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science and BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science degrees equip you with the skills and experience needed to play a vital role in modern healthcare provision.
These two degrees have been developed to provide a pathway to help you become a professional biomedical scientist.
Biomedical scientists play an essential role in the identification of diseases and improving the provision of healthcare.
You’ll receive a grounding in biology, chemistry and data analysis before progressing to study advanced aspects of biomedical science. Key strengths of our programmes are the development of practical laboratory and research skills.
“Although the experience has been challenging, it has been beyond rewarding and I couldn’t recommend this institution highly enough to other undergraduates.”
Tim Bandel, 4th year BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science international student
Entry to the BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science programme is through a competitive selection process. As part of this programme, students undertake a clinical placement in an NHS laboratory in Third Year. This is compulsory for the award of BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science.
We welcome Scottish, UK and international students and consider all applicants on an individual basis.
Please visit our Undergraduate Entry Requirements page for information on our different entry requirements, including country-specific details for EU and non-EU qualifications.
Direct entry into year 2 and 3 is possible for the Biomedical Science Programme.
Non-EEA students are ineligible to participate in the clinical work placement element of this course.
All academic degrees/awards at UWS are taught in English. For applicants whose first language is not English*, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level. All English language qualifications must have been gained within two years of the start of your UWS course.
* applicants who are exempt from english language requirements include:
In general terms, if you are applying to study a course at, or above, Year 1 (SCQF Level 7) bachelor’s degree level, then the UKVI’s minimum level of English proficiency is Common European Framework for References of Languages (CEFR) at B2 (Upper Intermediate).
At UWS, we define our general English language requirements using the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training) as follows:
These are minimum requirements and some courses may require a higher standard for admission†.
† Exceptions to this level of IELTS scoring exist for some accredited or professionally-recognised courses (see IELTS Score Exceptions section below for more information).
For our research degrees (MRes, MPhil, PhD, DBA, DProf) applicants are required to have an IELTS score as follows:
For Health, Nursing & Midwifery courses that lead to professional registration with the Nursing & Midwifery Council (BSc Adult Nursing, MSc Adult Nursing, BSc Mental Health Nursing, MSc Mental Health Nursing, BSc Midwifery and MSc Midwifery), applicants are required to have an IELTS score as follows:
Our BSc Paramedic Science degree leads to professional registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC); it has different IELTS requirements than other Health-related courses. Although it is not possible to apply for this degree directly as an international student, for applicants who meet SAAS residency requirements and for whom English is not their first language, then the following IELTS scores are required:
For our BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science, BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science and MSc Advanced Biomedical Science degrees, which may lead to professional registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), applicants are required to have an IELTS score as follows:
Our BA (Hons) Social Work and MSc Social Work degrees are professionally recognised by the Scottish Social Services Council and applicants are required to have an IELTS score as follows:
For our Certificate of Higher Education courses, applicants are required to have an IELTS score as follows:
In additional to IELTS, we also accept a number of alternative English language for application and admission to our courses for both home/EU and international students at bachelor's degree study at Year 3 (SCQF Level 9), and above. From Cambridge to TOFEL iBT qualifications the number of these qualifications is extensive.
Find out about non-IELTS English Language Tests
UWS has also reviewed a range of High / Secondary School qualifications studied by non-EU applicants that can be used as a basis of entry to a UWS. These range from Botswana GCSEs to USA High School Graduation Diplomas, the number of these qualifications is extensive.
Find out more about international English Language high-hchool qualifications
Applicants who do not meet the minimum English language requirements have the option to study one of our preparatory and pre-sessional English courses. The UWS courses available are:
In Year 1 you’ll complete modules in the fundamentals and diversity of life, chemistry and you will learn how to critically evaluate scientific data and information.
LEARNING AND TEACHING:
ASSESSMENT:
In Year 2 you’ll be introduced to clinical biochemistry, haematology, microbiology, human and cellular biology and genetics.
LEARNING AND TEACHING:
ASSESSMENT:
In Year 3 you’ll complete modules in cellular and molecular pathology, blood sciences, infection and immunity. In term 2 of year 3, modules are dependent upon which programme you are studying and whether you undertake a work placement. Teaching includes expert tuition from NHS staff.
Award of the Applied Biomedical Science degree is dependent upon successful completion of a 15 week work placement in an approved clinical laboratory in Year 3 of study. Please note these placements are competitive and dependent upon availability.
LEARNING AND TEACHING:
Biomedical Science:
Applied Biomedical Science:
ASSESSMENT:
Biomedical Science:
Applied Biomedical Science:
In Year 4 you will study specialist aspects of biomedical science at an advanced level.
You will also complete a research dissertation in a topic of your choice.
LEARNING AND TEACHING:
ASSESSMENT:
You will be taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials and workshops.
You will also have the opportunity to take part in group work and independent learning to develop your transferable skills such as research, presentation, communication and working as part of a team.
This degree is assessed using a variety of assessment methods including:
This course also gives you the option of taking a language module, which can count towards your degree. These modules cover multiple languages and range from absolute beginner to near-native speaker level.
Programme Specification and Module Descriptors for Undergraduate and Postgraduate courses are available to download (PDFs). These provide you with core information concerning your chosen subject.
UWS graduates are well qualified to enter a range of related medical professions, providing you meet the requirements of the employer and employment opportunities, including:
Graduates can continue their studies to MSc and PhD level with some undertaking further study in related disciplines including pharmacy, medicine and dentistry.
£1,820 cost per year of study (usually paid by the Scottish Government via SAAS*)
£9,250 Cost per year of study, but not more than £27,750
£9,250 Cost per year of study, but not more than £27,750
£15,500 per year of study
£305 per module (20 credits)
£1,550 per module (20 credits)
£1,550 per module (20 credits)
£2,580 per module (20 credits)
Ready to apply? All UK & EU Undergraduate applications should be made through UCAS. Further information for international, part-time and exchange applications can be found below.
Apply on UCASAll UK and EU applicants for undergraduate study, not applying through an agent or partner, should apply through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service)
The on-time application deadline for 2025/26 entry is 29 January 2025, 18:00 (UK time). For some courses it may still be possible to apply beyond this period, subject to suitable vacancies remaining. The final deadline for late applications via UCAS is 30 June 2025. Beyond this deadline, you may be able to apply via ‘UCAS Clearing’ if the course you are interested in has remaining places.
Please refer to our Undergraduate Application Guide for domestic & EU/EEA to find more information on when and how to apply to study at UWS.
You can find out more about applying for this undergraduate course on UCAS.
Students from non-EU/non-EEA countries can apply directly to UWS via our dedicated online application system. The latest we can process your application is 6 weeks before the course start date to allow for visa processing times. For more information on when and how to apply to study at UWS please refer to our International Undergraduate Application Guide.
For part-time & online study, you should apply directly to the University through our online application system, not through UCAS. Please select the part-time mode of study when submitting your application. Before you begin your application, it is important to read the part-time application step-by-step guide for a smooth process.
To come to UWS as a visiting student on a study abroad or exchange programme, you must apply entirely through our online system.
An ATAS certificate is not required for overseas students applying for this course.
Do you have a question about applying for this course? Get in touch. We are here to help!
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