Everything you need to know...
International/EU: £15,860 per year (£1,200 for placement year)
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Course summary
- Develop the skills and knowledge required to become an accredited biomedical scientist.
- Apply the latest research and advances in technology to understanding, diagnosis and treatment of disease.
- Undertake a research project in an area of your choice.
- Take the opportunity to apply for a year long placement where you will apply your knowledge and skills to a working situation.
- Transfer to the MSci route for a specialist year of research intensive study working alongside our internationally recognised researchers.
You will gain an in-depth understanding of biomedical science and its application in medicine, research and the scientific industry. This is an academically challenging course which will develop your practical and digital skills preparing you for a career as a graduate scientist.
If you don't meet the entry requirements for our BSc (Hons) courses, or you’d like extra preparation before starting degree-level study, we recommend you join the foundation year. You will build your confidence in biology, chemistry and maths, and apply your theoretical knowledge in practical laboratory sessions. You will also familiarise yourself with Sheffield Hallam’s staff and facilities — ensuring that you are fully prepared to begin at degree level study.
How you learn
All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.
Through the study of modules such as human physiology and anatomy and cell biology and biochemistry you will gain an in-depth understanding of the human body. Modules including pathological science and biomedical investigations will then teach you about diseases and the latest techniques that are used in their diagnosis.
The foundation course content is delivered and assessed in a variety of innovative and exciting ways, helping you to gain skills required for success on your chosen degree route. You will study 6 modules designed to prepare you for future success while studying one of our bioscience or chemistry degrees. Attending and participating in the laboratory activities is central to your course, as it is where you develop not only practical skills, but also learn to keep effective records and analyse data, as well as working both independently and with others.
With a strong focus on employability throughout you will be equipped with the knowledge and skills desired by graduate science-sector employers or postgraduate education providers.
You learn through
- lectures and seminars (including specialist lectures from industry professionals)
- interactive workshops
- practical laboratory work
- project work
- supported work placements (optional)
- small group academic tutorials
Course leaders and tutors
Laura Cole
Senior Lecturer in Biomedical ScienceLaura is Course Leader of the BSc Biomedical Science Course and fellow of the Higher Education Academy
Applied learning
Work placements
You will have the opportunity to apply for a year-long placement between your second and third year. This gives you a real-world experience to prepare you for your future career. We have excellent links with a range of NHS hospitals such as Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, Sheffield Children's Hospital, Rotherham General Hospital, Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and organisations such as Hammersmith Medical.
There are also placement opportunities with our industrial partners such as Abbot Diagnostics, Covance or Quotient Bioresearch. You may also be able to work or study abroad with the possibility of funding through the Erasmus+ programme (until 2023) or the Turing Scheme.
Completion of a year-long work placement will allow you to achieve an Advanced Professional Diploma alongside your degree.
Research projects
During your final year you will combine the skills and knowledge you have gained to undertake a specialist research project working alongside an expert in your chosen subject area. Opportunities are available for both lab and non lab-based science projects allowing you the flexibility to focus on a specific area of interest.
Networking opportunities
We have extra-curricular career-focused activities such as careers and job fairs, employer events, mentoring schemes, internship opportunities, volunteering and leadership awards – helping you to accelerate your progression towards your chosen career.
Future careers
This course prepares you for a wide range of careers including:
- hospital pathology laboratories
- academic research
- the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry
- medical-related disciplines
- clinical trials research
- scientific sales and marketing
- postgraduate study options
Previous graduates of this course have gone on to work for world-leading companies such as:
- the NHS
- pharmaceutical companies
- scientific law firms
- research institutes
Graduates have also progressed to further study of masters courses and PhDs or have gone into teaching.
Where will I study?
You study at City Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.
City Campus
City Campus is located in the heart of Sheffield, within minutes of the train and bus stations.
City Campus map | City Campus tour | Keeping safe on Campus
Adsetts library
Adsetts Library is located on our City Campus. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.
Learn moreEquipment and facilities
Our teaching and research laboratories are equipped with industry standard instrumentation which you will learn how to use in scenario-based practical sessions. Examples of facilities you will have access to include:
- state-of-the-art mass spectrometry equipment
- our award winning cell culture suites with laminar flow hoods and incubators
- an extensive range of analytical equipment, such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography (GC)
- real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) equipment for quantitative analysis of nucleic acids
- high-powered fluorescent and confocal microscopes for cell and tissue analysis
Learn more about your department
Biosciences and Chemistry Facilities Tour
Take a look around the biosciences and chemistry facilities at Sheffield Hallam University with senior lecturer and recruitment lead Dr Susan Campbell.
Entry requirements
All students
UCAS points
- 64
From A levels to include at least 24 points in any one A level and at least 16 points from a science subject (biology/chemistry/human biology). Or BTEC National qualification in Applied Science. We do not accept general studies. For example:
- MPP in BTEC Extended Diploma in Applied Science.
- Pass overall from a T level qualification in either Health -Care Science or Science with D or E from core.
- A combination of qualifications, which may include AS levels and EPQ.
You can find information on making sense of UCAS tariff points here and use the UCAS tariff calculator to work out your points.
• Access - an Access to HE Diploma from a QAA recognised Access to HE course in a science based subject considered. Normally we require 15 credits at level 2 and 45 at level 3.
GCSE
- English Language at grade C or 4 or equivalent
- Maths at grade C or 4 or equivalent
- Science at grade C or 4
If English is not your first language, you will need an IELTS score of 7.0 (or equivalent) with no less than 6.5 in each skill. This is a graduate requirement of the Institute of Biomedical Science. If your English language skill is currently below IELTS 6.5 we recommend you consider a Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course which will enable you to achieve an equivalent English score.
If you do not have any of the qualifications above but have relevant experience, you are welcome to discuss potential opportunities with the admissions tutor.
Additional information for EU/International students
If you are an International or non-UK European student, you can find out more about the country specific qualifications we accept on our international qualifications page.
For details of English language entry requirements (IELTS), please see the information for 'All students'.
Modules
Module and assessment information for future years is displayed as currently validated and may be liable to change. When selecting electives, your choices will be subject to the core requirements of the course. As a result, selections may be limited to a choice between one of two or more specified electives in some instances.
You will be able to complete a placement year as part of this course. See the modules table below for further information.
Year 1
| Module | Credits | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Module: Biology: Cells And Molecules | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
| Module: Biology: Organs And Systems | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
| Module: Chemistry: Atoms To Molecules | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
| Module: Chemistry: Energy And Reactions | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
| Module: Maths | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Skills Development | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Year 2
| Module | Credits | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Module: Bioanalytical Methods | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
| Module: Cellular Biology And Biochemistry With Microbiology | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
| Module: Humans: Genes, Anatomy And Physiology | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
| Module: Introduction To Biomedical Science | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Professional And Scientific Practice 1: Labs | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Professional And Scientific Practice 1: Skills | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Year 3
| Module | Credits | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Module: Biomedical Investigations | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Practical |
| Module: Genes To Proteins, Biochemistry In Action | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
| Module: Immunology And Microbiology | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
| Module: Pathological Basis Of Disease | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
| Module: Professional And Scientific Practice 2 | Credits: 40 |
Assessment:
Coursework Practical |
Year 4
| Module | Credits | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Module: Professional And Scientific Practice 3 | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Final year
| Module | Credits | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Module: Blood Sciences | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
| Module: Cellular Pathology And Infection | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
| Module: Research Project | Credits: 40 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module | Credits | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Module: Applied Biochemistry | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
| Module: Bioethics And Human Genetics | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
| Module: Bioinformatics And Human Genetics | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
| Module: Neurobiology | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Exam Practical |
| Module: Pharmacology | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Exam Practical |
Fees and funding
Home students
Our tuition fee for UK students starting full-time undergraduate study in 2023/24 is £9,250 per year. These fees are regulated by the UK government and are therefore subject to changes in government policy. During your placement year you will pay a reduced fee of £1,200.
If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found in our terms and conditions under student fees regulations.
International students
Our tuition fee for International/EU students starting full-time study in 2023/24 is £15,860 per year. During your placement year you will pay a reduced fee of £1,200.
Financial support for home/EU students
How tuition fees work, student loans and other financial support available.
Additional course costs
This link allows you to view estimated costs associated with the main activities on specific courses. These are estimates and, as such, are only an indication of additional course costs. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.
Additional costs for Biosciences and chemistry courses (PDF, 238KB)Legal information
Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.
Come to an open day
Find out more at our undergraduate open days. Book now for your place.
