Overview

Discover how science saves lives with biomedical science.

Biomedical scientists play a vital role in healthcare by analysing patient samples and producing reliable laboratory data that supports diagnosis and treatment. Through laboratory tests they support the diagnosis and treatment of disease, from infections to blood disorders. At GCU, you’ll learn how to detect signs of illness, monitor treatment, and understand how disease develops and progresses.

This course is ideal if you enjoyed biology and chemistry at school. It takes your knowledge further and shows you how to apply it to real healthcare challenges. You’ll build the confidence to work across a range of settings in the life sciences sector.

At GCU, you’ll build your knowledge from the ground up. You’ll explore how the human body works at cellular, tissue and system level, before moving into areas such as:

infection and immunity
clinical biochemistry
haematology.

As you progress, you’ll study disease in more depth, including:

bioinformatics
pathology
clinical microbiology
genetics.

This is a hands-on course where you build strong practical skills through laboratory work. You’ll spend significant time in the lab, using the techniques, equipment and processes found in real diagnostic and research settings. You’ll also learn how to design experiments, analyse data and communicate your findings with confidence.

You’ll be taught by experienced academics and NHS professionals who bring current clinical and research insight into your learning. This helps you see how your studies connect directly to real healthcare environments.

BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science or BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science

You will need to apply to the BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science degree.

In Years 1 and 2, all students follow the same core modules and build a strong foundation in biomedical science.

After Year 2, you can choose to:

continue on the BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science route, or
apply for a place on the BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science route.

This means you do not apply to two separate courses at the start. You begin on BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science and decide your pathway later, once you have developed your knowledge and skills.

Biomedical Science route

You follow an academic pathway focused on laboratory science, research and advanced study. In Year 3, you continue with taught modules and may take a shorter bioscience placement with a life sciences employer. You’ll then graduate with the award title BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science.

Applied Biomedical Science route

If you secure a place on this route, it will include a 15-week clinical placement in an IBMS-approved NHS laboratory. During this placement, you’ll complete the IBMS Registration Training Portfolio and develop the competencies needed for professional practice. This pathway is designed for students aiming to become registered biomedical scientists in the NHS, aligning with Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) standards. You’ll then graduate with the award title BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science.

In Year 4, both the BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science and the BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science programmes study the same modules. The only differences between the two courses occur in Year 3, including learning content, modules, and placements.

Why study Biomedical Science at GCU?

GCU has over 30 years of biomedical science expertise. We maintain strong NHS and industry partnerships, collaborating closely with laboratories across Scotland.
We offer graduate employability workshops and guest lectures from life science companies. Interactive sessions provide industry insight and prepare you for a career in biomedical science.
The BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science degree has an integrated 15-week placement, giving you valuable hands-on experience in a clinical setting.
Our team includes specialist biomedical scientists in a range of clinical disciplines. They share real-world experience and deliver practical insights, connecting theory with practice.

What you will study

Please note that full module information is in the process of being finalised for publication and will be made available here shortly.

In the meantime, you can view and download the Programme Specification at the bottom of this page. This document provides an overview of the course structure, including indicative modules, learning content and further key information. The modules listed on the Programme Specification are for the current academic year and are intended to give you an idea of what you may be able to study on this course.

Careers

Graduates from this course move into a wide range of careers across healthcare, research and the life sciences sector.

Many work in public and private diagnostic laboratories as biomedical scientists. In these roles, you’ll carry out laboratory tests that support the diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of disease.

Your work is essential to the day-to-day running of healthcare services across settings such as:

diagnostic laboratories
accident and emergency
operating theatres
NHS blood and transplant services
general practice services
infection control and public health.

Others go on to roles in research and development, working in universities, biotechnology companies and pharmaceutical organisations. Here, you could contribute to new treatments, diagnostic tools and advances in medical science.

You may choose to continue your studies with a master’s or PhD, specialising in areas such as clinical science, microbiology or genetics. Graduates also progress into related careers, including medicine, dentistry, education, and roles in biomedical sales and marketing.

Course information

Award	Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location	UCAS
BSc (Hons)	Full time	4 years	Sep 27	Glasgow	B940	Enquire Apply
Award	Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location	UCAS
BSc (Hons)	Full Time	4 Years	Sep 26	Glasgow	B940	Enquire Apply

Please note that admission to GCU is considered on a competitive basis, and the academic entry requirements stated here may be the minimum required to be eligible for an offer.

International students can get information on entry requirements specific to their country in our International Study section.

Year 1

Standard entry requirement

UCAS Tariff: 102

Scottish Higher: BBBC or equivalent incl Higher in two sciences

A Level: BCC or equivalent incl A Level in two sciences

Minimum entry requirement

UCAS Tariff: 90

Scottish Higher: BCCC or equivalent incl Higher in two sciences

A Level: CCC or equivalent incl A Level in two sciences

English language

IELTS score of 7.0 with no element below 6.5 (or equivalent)

Year 2

15 credit HNC Applied Sciences to include DNA and Genetics, and Human Body and Structure and Function, with graded unit B

Year 3

HND Applied Sciences to include DNA and Genetics, Human Body Structure and Function, and Human Metabolism, with graded units BB

Additional information for international applicants

Entry requirements by country
Application deadlines
English language tests
Knowledge of English - Applicants from a majority English speaking country may not be required to provide further proof of your English language proficiency. Information about this requirement is available on the Student Visa section of the gov.uk website.

Additional information for all applicants

Relevant experience (Recognition of Prior Learning)

GCU's flexible entry policies exist to allow relevant work experience and prior learning to be considered towards standard entry or advanced entry into a course.

If you do not have the typical academic entry qualifications, but can demonstrate relevant work experience and/or credits from recognised professional bodies, you may be eligible to enter this course via the University's Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) scheme.

Minimum entry requirements

Minimum entry requirements are for widening access students only. If you are from a group that is not currently well-represented in higher education you may qualify as a widening access student. This includes living in a target postcode area, attending a target school or college, attending SWAP, are care-experienced or provide care for someone else, have refugee status or are an asylum seeker.

Teaching methods

The learning and teaching methods we use ensure that our course is vocationally relevant and academically challenging. Our approach is student-centred, practical and designed to encourage participation.

We've moved away from the traditional teacher-centric learning to a more independent learning approach, where you are encouraged to develop critical thinking skills.

Assessment methods

Each module has its own learning, teaching and assessment strategy to ensure you achieve the learning objectives.

Assessment methods include:

unseen examinations
class tests
essays
laboratory reports
case studies
presentations
group work.

Exchange and study abroad

You will have the opportunity to go on an international exchange as part of the course. These can be short-term summer exchanges or longer-term exchanges where you complete a full trimester at an international university.

In recent years, our students have been to Hong Kong, South Korea, the Netherlands, USA and Canada.

Studying abroad broadens your personal, academic and cultural horizons and helps develop and enhance transferable skills, including confidence, adaptability and effective communication. These skills are highly valued by employers and increase graduate employability.

Work placements

BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science

Entry to this course is through a competitive selection process after completion of Year 2 of the BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science. You'll complete a work-based clinical placement as part of this course. It is 15 weeks, and takes place during the second trimester of Year 3. This is aligned to Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) standards and gives you the training needed to apply for HCPC registration after you graduate. Your placement will be in a Scottish hospital, based in a clinical discipline where Biomedical Scientists work.

BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science

If you continue with the Biomedical Science BSc (Hons) degree pathway, you'll complete an alternative study plan in Year 3. It does not include a 15-week placement, but you'll have the option to do a shorter bioscience placement with a life sciences employer. To become Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registered, you’ll need to complete the IBMS training portfolio after graduation, typically through a trainee role in an IBMS- approved training laboratory.

Download the programme specification

In addition to the core modules that all students must undertake, some courses offer students a choice from a selection of optional modules to shape the focus their degree. Optional modules where available, form part of the overall credit structure of the course.

Download the programme specification for a detailed breakdown of the course structure, including modules, what you'll learn and other useful information.

Terms and Conditions

Details of the University’s terms and conditions are available here.