Biomedical Science

Biomedical science is the discipline that applies biological and chemical knowledge to understanding disease, diagnosing illness, and supporting clinical medicine. Biomedical scientists analyse blood, tissue, and other clinical samples in hospital laboratories, providing the diagnostic results that clinicians use to make treatment decisions. The field covers clinical biochemistry, haematology, microbiology, immunology, and cellular pathology, and it requires both the scientific knowledge to understand what is being measured and the technical precision to measure it accurately and reliably.

The three-year full-time Biomedical Science programme at the University of Cumbria develops your knowledge, skills, and curiosity in this vital field through theory and hands-on practice in industry-standard laboratories. You will use the same equipment and techniques as professional biomedical scientists, gaining the practical skills and confidence needed for a fulfilling career in healthcare science. Throughout your studies, you will be guided by expert tutors with real-world experience in the biomedical field, in student-centred learning environments that ensure you receive individual attention and support.

The combination of theoretical learning and laboratory practice is central to the programme, reflecting the way biomedical science is actually practised in clinical settings.

With a typical entry tariff of 120 points, the programme is accessible to students with a strong scientific background and genuine interest in clinical healthcare science. Graduates are well placed for careers as biomedical scientists in NHS and private hospital laboratories, and many pursue registration with the Health and Care Professions Council as a Healthcare Scientist. Many also go on to postgraduate study in biomedical science, clinical biochemistry, haematology, or related health sciences.