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Biomedical Science with Foundation Year

Entry requirements


Access to HE Diploma

P:45

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/National 4/National 5

English Language at grade C or 4 or equivalent Maths at grade C or 4 or equivalent Science at grade C or 4

UCAS Tariff

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). BTEC National qualification in Applied Science. We do not accept general studies. For example: MPP in BTEC Extended Diploma. Pass overall from a T level qualification in either the Health-Care Science or Science qualification. A combination of qualifications, which may include AS levels and EPQ.

About this course


This course has alternative study modes. Contact the university to find out how the information below might vary.

Course option

4years

Full-time including foundation year | 2024

Other options

5 years | Sandwich including foundation year | 2024

Subject

Biomedical sciences

**Please check the Sheffield Hallam University website for the latest information.**

**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:**
- lectures and seminars (including specialist lectures from industry professionals)

- interactive workshops

- practical laboratory work

- project work

- supported work placements (optional)

- small group academic tutorials

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.

**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.

**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.

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**

Concepts In Biology And Chemistry
Developing Skills For Science
Foundation Skills For Science
Foundations Of Biology And Chemistry

**Year 2**

**Compulsory modules**

Biomedical Science In Practice
Demonstrating Professional Skills For Scientists
Fundamentals Of Biomedical Science
Introducing Professional Skills For Scientists

**Year 3**

**Compulsory modules**

Applying Professional Skills For Scientists
Developing Professional Skills For Scientists
Disease, Diagnostics, And Therapeutics
Genes To Proteins, Biochemistry In Action
Immunology And Microbiology

**Year 4**

**Compulsory modules**

Placement Year for Biosciences and Chemistry

**Final year**

**Compulsory modules**

Advanced Professional Skills For Scientists
Blood Sciences
Cellular Pathology And Infection
Research Project

**Elective modules**

Advanced Genetics
Advanced Therapeutics And Personalised Medicine
Applications Of Data Science
Applied Biochemistry
Human Nutrition And Health
Neurobiology And Neurophysiology
Pharmacology

Assessment methods

Coursework, Exams, Practical.

Tuition fees

Select where you currently live to see what you'll pay:

Channel Islands
£9,250
per year
England
£9,250
per year
EU
£16,655
per year
International
£16,655
per year
Northern Ireland
£9,250
per year
Republic of Ireland
£9,250
per year
Scotland
£9,250
per year
Wales
£9,250
per year

Extra funding

Scholarships, discounts and bursaries may be available to students who study this course.

The Uni


Course location:

Sheffield Hallam University

Department:

College of Health Wellbeing and Life Sciences

Read full university profile

What students say


We've crunched the numbers to see if overall student satisfaction here is high, medium or low compared to students studying this subject(s) at other universities.

73%
Biomedical sciences

How do students rate their degree experience?

The stats below relate to the general subject area/s at this university, not this specific course. We show this where there isn’t enough data about the course, or where this is the most detailed info available to us.

Biomedical sciences (non-specific)

Teaching and learning

69%
Staff make the subject interesting
78%
Staff are good at explaining things
66%
Ideas and concepts are explored in-depth
86%
Opportunities to apply what I've learned

Assessment and feedback

Feedback on work has been timely
Feedback on work has been helpful
Staff are contactable when needed
Good advice available when making study choices

Resources and organisation

77%
Library resources
86%
IT resources
78%
Course specific equipment and facilities
53%
Course is well organised and has run smoothly

Student voice

Staff value students' opinions
Feel part of a community on my course

Who studies this subject and how do they get on?

98%
UK students
2%
International students
36%
Male students
64%
Female students
72%
2:1 or above
13%
First year drop out rate

Most popular A-Levels studied (and grade achieved)

C
D
C

After graduation


The stats in this section relate to the general subject area/s at this university – not this specific course. We show this where there isn't enough data about the course, or where this is the most detailed info available to us.

Biomedical sciences (non-specific)

What are graduates doing after six months?

This is what graduates told us they were doing (and earning), shortly after completing their course. We've crunched the numbers to show you if these immediate prospects are high, medium or low, compared to those studying this subject/s at other universities.

£22,000
med
Average annual salary
99%
med
Employed or in further education

Top job areas of graduates

64%
Nursing and midwifery professionals
16%
Therapy professionals
9%
Health professionals

What about your long term prospects?

Looking further ahead, below is a rough guide for what graduates went on to earn.

Biomedical sciences (non-specific)

The graph shows median earnings of graduates who achieved a degree in this subject area one, three and five years after graduating from here.

£27k

£27k

£30k

£30k

£30k

£30k

Note: this data only looks at employees (and not those who are self-employed or also studying) and covers a broad sample of graduates and the various paths they've taken, which might not always be a direct result of their degree.

Explore these similar courses...

Higher entry requirements
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BSc (Hons) 3 Years Full-time including foundation year 2024
UCAS Points: 120
Lower entry requirements
Bristol, University of the West of England | Bristol
Biomedical Science (with Foundation Year)
BSc (Hons) 4 Years Full-time including foundation year 2024
UCAS Points: 48
Nearby University
University of Lincoln | Lincoln
Biomedical Science
BSc (Hons) 3 Years Full-time including foundation year 2024
UCAS Points: 120
Same University
Sheffield Hallam University | Sheffield
Biomedical Sciences
BSc (Hons) 3 Years Full-time including foundation year 2024
UCAS Points: 120-128

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Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF):

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This information comes from the National Student Survey, an annual student survey of final-year students. You can use this to see how satisfied students studying this subject area at this university, are (not the individual course).

This is the percentage of final-year students at this university who were "definitely" or "mostly" satisfied with their course. We've analysed this figure against other universities so you can see whether this is high, medium or low.

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This information is from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), for undergraduate students only.

You can use this to get an idea of who you might share a lecture with and how they progressed in this subject, here. It's also worth comparing typical A-level subjects and grades students achieved with the current course entry requirements; similarities or differences here could indicate how flexible (or not) a university might be.

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Post-six month graduation stats:

This is from the Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education Survey, based on responses from graduates who studied the same subject area here.

It offers a snapshot of what grads went on to do six months later, what they were earning on average, and whether they felt their degree helped them obtain a 'graduate role'. We calculate a mean rating to indicate if this is high, medium or low compared to other universities.

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Graduate field commentary:

The Higher Education Careers Services Unit have provided some further context for all graduates in this subject area, including details that numbers alone might not show

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The Longitudinal Educational Outcomes dataset combines HRMC earnings data with student records from the Higher Education Statistics Agency.

While there are lots of factors at play when it comes to your future earnings, use this as a rough timeline of what graduates in this subject area were earning on average one, three and five years later. Can you see a steady increase in salary, or did grads need some experience under their belt before seeing a nice bump up in their pay packet?

Have a question about this info? Learn more here