Everything you need to know...
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What is the fee?
Home: £9,250 per year (£1,200 for placement year)
International/EU: £16,655 per year (£1,200 for placement year) -
How long will I study?
3 / 4 Years
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Where will I study?
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What are the entry requirements?
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What is the UCAS code?
AA28
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When do I start?
September 2024
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Placement year available?
Yes
Course summary
- Explore fundamental life science, from atoms, molecules, cells and organ systems
- Study disease-screening methodologies and health interventions in populations
- Research novel cutting-edge treatments, biotherapeutics and cellular therapies
- Understand how basic science is translated into approved novel therapeutics
- Take an optional placement year to gain valuable experience in a real-world setting
The BSc (Hons) Biomedicine and Health Science degree provides you with a sound understanding of the fundamentals of life science and how novel therapies are developed. You will focus on both non-pharmacological interventions and those that are dependent on the biotechnology revolution. You will appreciate the majority of new therapies are based on recombinant DNA technology – plus modified cellular and bespoke therapies.
Come to an open day
Find out more at our undergraduate open days. Book now for your place.
How you learn
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.
On this course you’ll apply your learning through activities that give you a deep understanding of the field. Central to the course is the development of the ability to analyse, comprehend, and communicate biomedicine and health-related knowledge.
You will be taught by academics who are specialists in their respective fields. You'll be able to apply your knowledge through engaging in-class activities, problem-solving, and discussions alongside your peers. With hands-on laboratory experiences, you will be introduced to real world problems, developing your critical thinking, a deep understanding of the scientific process and valuable skills for professional settings.
You learn through:
- In person teaching in face-to-face seminars, tutorials and lectures
- Practical hands-on laboratory experiences using up to date, industry standard equipment
- Independent study
- Online support tutorials
- Small group academic advisor sessions
- Placements, which give the opportunity use what you have learned
- Capstone independent research projects to bring all your learning together
Key themes
Initially, you will learn fundamental life science in semester one and apply this knowledge in depth in laboratory sessions, and apply fundamentals to more applied modules such as Human Reproduction and Endocrinology, and Epidemiology and Public health in semester 2. You will complete Observed Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) and laboratory diagnosis of patients in an applied project.
In following years you’ll cover fundamentals in molecular and cellular biochemistry, and apply this to practical labs and an applied biotechnology project. In following years you’ll cover fundamentals in molecular and cellular biochemistry, and apply this to practical labs and an applied biotechnology project. In your final year, you’ll also learn about cutting-edge therapies and non-pharmacological interventions, and complete an independent project in our teaching labs. – or multiple projects if you continue on the MSCi route within our research centre.
Course support
With a dedicated team of passionate experts, we’re committed to providing you with all the necessary skills and experiences to thrive in industry or research careers. Supported by our experienced teaching staff and technicians, you’ll learn in small groups, gain confidence, enhance your technical skills, and create lasting friendships.
You’ll have opportunities to collaborate with other students, staff members and professionals in their field of study and research. This gives you the chance to learn from those who have experience and knowledge in your chosen field.
Course leaders and tutors
Applied learning
Live projects and electives
You’ll gain valuable experience in providing a practical perspective of the encounters commonly faced by scientists in the healthcare sector.
In mini-projects you’ll develop experimental design and planning abilities, as well as building confidence in practical skills. These projects lead to a more independent extended research project during the final BSc year, with further advanced projects being undertaken if you continue for an additional MSci year.
The capstone independent research projects encompass various areas – from independent laboratory research into current biomedicine and health science topics, to bioinformatics and big data, computational modelling and simulations, systematic reviews, educational development, and science communication. These are a great platform for you to showcase your learning and expertise.
Work placements
You’ll have the opportunity to arrange a year-long work placement in between your second and third years. This gives you valuable work experience to prepare you for your future career and allows you to graduate with an Applied Professional Diploma to add to your CV.
You can apply for placements in a wide range of institutions, including the NHS, schools and colleges, industry and medical research. If you can’t commit to a year, it’s also possible to work for a shorter amount of time on placement – such as during the summer – which can still contribute to your degree. If you’re doing your work placement in another European country there may be funding available via the Turing scheme.
You can access various support activities, resources, employer events and opportunities to help you make the most of your work experience opportunities during your degree.
Well-known organisations students have worked with in the past include:
- Agilent Technologies (in technical sales)
- University research laboratories
- Sheffield Clinical Trials Centre (as a clinical trials assistant)
- Contract research organisations such as Labcorp
Future careers
This course prepares you for a career in:
- Laboratory research
- University technician roles
- Laboratory science
- The pharmaceutical industry
- Contract research organisations
- Academic research or a PhD
- Data analysis
- Clinical science in the NHS
- School technician roles
- Clinical trials
You could also progress onto postgraduate teaching or medicine courses – or pre-registration health courses such as Radiotherapy and Oncology, Radiology, Dietetics and Physician’s Associate.
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
Adsetts library
Adsetts Library is located on our City Campus. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.
Learn moreEquipment and facilities
In our teaching labs, you will find up-to-date equipment of industry-standard as well as cutting-edge research equipment. You’ll have access to modern, industry-standard laboratory spaces containing:
- Cell culture facilities
- Clinical biochemistry
- Flow cytometry
- Fluorescence microscopy
- Exercise physiology analysis
- Histology and histopathology
- Molecular biology and biotechnology facilities including Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR)
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
- 112-120
From A levels (including at least 32 points in Biology) or equivalent BTEC national qualification in Applied Science to include suitable biology modules. We do not accept General Studies. We will consider a combination of qualification types. For example:
- BBB-BBC at A Level including Biology.
- DDM in BTEC Extended Diploma in Applied Science will be considered (please include units on application).
- BTEC Diploma in Applied Science D*D with relevant biology modules (please include units on application) alongside other level 3 study.
- Merit overall from a T level qualification with B from core. T level Science: Laboratory Technician Pathway only.
- A combination of qualifications including relevant subject(s), which may include AS levels or EPQ.
GCSE
- English Language or Literature at grade C or 4 or equivalents*
- Maths at grade C or 4 or equivalents*
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 relevant QAA-recognised Access to HE course which has mainly biology and chemistry related modules, or an equivalent Access to HE certificate. Normally we require 15 credits at level 2 and 45 at level 3 of which at least 15 level 3 credits should be graded at distinction level.
* GCSE English and mathematics equivalent
equivalency test from www.equivalencytesting.co.uk
If English is not your first language you will need an IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills or equivalent. If your English language skill is currently below IELTS 6.0 we recommend you consider a Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course which will enable you to achieve an equivalent English score.
We strongly recommend that you tell us about any long term health conditions or disabilities you may have. This is so we can assess whether we can deliver the course in such a way that you can meet the course requirements and take part without disadvantage. You can contact our University student support staff on 0114 225 3964 (voice and Minicom) and explore any issues you may have.
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
Compulsory modules
Demonstrating Professional Skills For Scientists
Epidemiology And Public Health
Fundamentals Of Life Sciences
Human Reproduction And Development
Introducing Professional Skills For Scientists
Year 2
Compulsory modules
Applying Professional Skills For Scientists
Developing Professional Skills For Scientists
Immunology And Microbiology
Molecular And Cellular Biochemistry
Physiology Of Health And Disease
Year 3
Compulsory modules
Placement Year For Biosciences And Chemistry
Final year
Compulsory modules
Advanced Professional Skills For Scientists
Advanced Therapeutics And Personalised Medicine
Human Nutrition And Health
Research Project
Elective modules
Advanced Genetics
Applications Of Data Science
Applied Biochemistry
Neurobiology And Neurophysiology
Pharmacology
Fees and funding
Home students
Our tuition fee for UK students starting full-time undergraduate study in 2024/25 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 2024/25 is £16,655 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, 427.3KB)Legal information
Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.
