Biomedical Science
Biomedical science is the systematic study of the biological and chemical mechanisms that underlie human health and disease, forming the scientific foundation of modern healthcare. It combines cell biology, biochemistry, immunology, microbiology, haematology and pathology to understand how disease processes develop at a molecular and cellular level and how those changes can be detected, measured and monitored in clinical laboratory settings. In an ever-evolving world of healthcare and biotechnology, biomedical scientists play an essential role in the diagnostic pipeline, generating the test results on which clinical decisions depend.
Roehampton University's three-year full-time programme equips students with the practical and professional skills needed to improve human health and advance medical discovery. The programme includes a sandwich year with embedded work placement opportunities, providing direct industry experience in a biomedical, NHS or life sciences context that significantly enhances your employability and professional confidence. The typical entry tariff for this programme is around 88 UCAS points, reflecting Roehampton's accessible entry approach.
You will study the core biomedical science disciplines, progressing from foundational biochemistry, physiology and cell biology into more specialised areas including clinical biochemistry, haematology, immunology, medical microbiology and histopathology. Laboratory skills, scientific communication, data analysis and research methodology are developed throughout the programme, and the placement year gives you the opportunity to apply this knowledge in a real professional environment under the supervision of qualified biomedical scientists.
Graduates of biomedical science programmes who wish to work in NHS pathology laboratories can pursue registration with the Health and Care Professions Council as biomedical scientists. Career paths span the major laboratory specialisms including haematology, clinical biochemistry, immunology, blood transfusion, medical microbiology and cellular pathology. Beyond NHS laboratory work, graduates move into pharmaceutical research and development, clinical trials, biotechnology, medical devices, public health and science education.
Postgraduate study in a specialist biomedical area, or graduate entry to medicine and healthcare professions, is a route taken by many biomedical science graduates who wish to develop their careers further.