Biomedical Science

Biomedical science sits at the heart of modern medicine, providing the scientific foundation for diagnosing disease, understanding its mechanisms and developing effective treatments. It is concerned with the detailed study of the human body in both health and disease, drawing on biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, microbiology, pharmacology, haematology and immunology. Where clinical medicine treats patients directly, biomedical science works to understand what is happening at the molecular and cellular level, making it an essential discipline for both healthcare delivery and medical research.

At the University of Westminster, this three-year full-time programme includes a sandwich year, a year abroad and a work placement, giving you professional and international experience alongside your academic studies. You will study the full range of biomedical science disciplines, learning to apply laboratory techniques, interpret clinical data and understand the pathological processes underlying major disease categories. The sandwich placement year offers you the chance to work in a clinical laboratory or research environment, gaining hands-on experience and professional contacts in the NHS or biomedical industry.

Westminster's laboratory facilities and London location provide access to a rich network of clinical and research settings throughout your degree.

Graduates of biomedical science programmes go on to careers as biomedical scientists in NHS laboratories, which requires registration with the Health and Care Professions Council, as well as roles in pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, medical device firms, research institutions and public health organisations. The scientific skills developed transfer into roles in science communication, clinical trials management, healthcare consultancy and forensic science. Further study at master's or doctoral level in biomedical science, molecular biology, pharmacology, clinical research or a related field is a common progression for those drawn to research or specialist clinical laboratory careers.