Biomedical Science
Discover how biomedical scientists diagnose and treat diseases in our exciting and dynamic course, by getting hands-on in our specialist labs.
At ARU, you’ll learn about the human body at molecular, organ and systems levels, and how to investigate and treat disease.
You'll hear about the latest research into conditions such as cancer, diabetes, antibiotic resistance and haemostasis from highly qualified lecturers.
Graduate ready to work in a field where medical breakthroughs have an impact on the health and wellbeing of society.
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Hear more about our accredited degree and science facilities in Cambridge, from course leader Chris O'Kane and current students.
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Learn in a SuperLab at the heart of our Science Centre.
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Investigate and treat disease in specialist tissue culture and microbiology laboratories.
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Bring the world of work to life through Live Briefs; developed with employers to give you exposure to ‘real world’ problem-solving.
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Gain valuable experience with a placement year or internship opportunities.
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Gain essential skills for your career with an accredited degree.
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Study in Cambridge, a renowned centre for life sciences research and development.
Study at an award-winning university
We were named Times Higher Education University of the Year 2023. We've also been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework – a reflection of the outstanding education we offer our students.
Course options
Key facts
Modules are subject to change and availability, and may vary by location. If you have the choice of optional modules, these are indicated with a *.
- Human Anatomy and Physiology (30 credits)
- Introduction to Cell Biology and Biochemistry (30 credits)
- Core Biology (30 credits)
- Mathematics for the Biosciences (15 credits)
- General Microbiology (15 credits)
- Professional and Personal Development - Level 4
- Into ARU
- Metabolism and its Control (15 credits)
- Principles of Genetics (15 credits)
- Diagnostic Techniques in Pathology (15 credits)
- Preparation for Research (15 credits)
- Principles of Pathology (15 credits)
- Physiology of Organ Systems (15 credits)
- Laboratory Techniques in DNA Manipulation (15 credits)
- Human Pathology (15 credits)
- Specialist Topics in Biomedical Science (15 credits)
- Undergraduate Project (30 credits)
- Blood Sciences (15 credits)
- Clinical Immunology (15 credits)
- Molecular Cell Biology (15 credits) *
- Microbial Pathogenicity (15 credits) *
- Pharmacology and Translational Medicine (15 credits) *
- Current Advances in Biomedical Science (15 credits) *
To prepare you for university study, you can take a foundation year at the start of this course. Find out more about foundation years.
- Interactive Learning Skills and Communication
- Information and Communication Technology
- Critical Thinking
- Maths for Scientists
- Cellular Biology
- Biology: Physiology
- Chemistry
- Physics for Life Sciences
You can choose to take an optional placement year as part of this course. Placements typically happen in Year 3, and your course will take four years overall. Find out more about placement years.
- Work placement
Read profiles of teaching and research staff on this course.
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Professor Christopher ParrisHead of School of Life Sciences
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Dr Christopher O'KaneDeputy Head of School
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Dr Krithika SundararamanSenior Lecturer
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Dr Jason HodgsonSenior Lecturer
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Professor Havovi ChichgerProfessor in Biomedical Science
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Dr Clett ErridgeSenior Lecturer
Student experience
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Iuliana reflects on graduating from the BSc Biomedical Science degree and gaining a full-time job at ARU.
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Discover why Sarah decided to change her career after ten years, and study Biomedical Science.
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Robert chose to study Biomedical Science because it integrated biology with the study of human disease and treatments.
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Megan wanted to acquire practical lab skills, as well as helping with the diagnosis and treatment of patients.
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Facilities
As a Biomedical Science student in Cambridge, you’ll have access to our Science Centre with seven floors of labs and teaching space, including our 200-seater SuperLab featuring specialist tissue culture and microbiology industry-standard equipment.
Experience our Biomedical Science facilities with our virtual tour.
Accreditation
Our three-year course is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science. Both our three-year and four-year (placement) courses are accredited by the Royal Society of Biology.
Careers
As our three-year course is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science, you will be set up for a trainee position in an NHS laboratory as a Health and Care Professions Council-registered biomedical scientist after you graduate.
The average salary for ARU graduates of this course after 15 months is £29,000. Some of our graduates have gone on to work at:
- Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Trust
- GE Health Care
- GSK
- UK Health Security Agency
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute
- Roche
- Scientific analysis laboratories
- Medical schools
- Further study (PhDs/MSc)
Both our three-year and four-year (placement) courses are accredited by the Royal Society of Biology, preparing you for a wide range of biomedical roles or further study.
Can I be a doctor with a Biomedical Science degree?
If you pass the UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT) and have relevant work experience in the healthcare sector, you can apply for a four- or five-year accelerated programme at a UK medical school after graduation.
Cambridgeshire is home to number of world-renowned biomedical research institutes and biotechnology companies, offering plenty of opportunities for work experience and employment. Or you might decide to stay at ARU and study one of our postgraduate degrees, such as MSc Applied Bioscience. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get 20% off your fees.
Employability and personal career development
Informed by employers, our courses support an integrated approach to employability. You’ll have opportunities to develop the skills and abilities they are looking for and gain a deeper understanding of how your academic learning relates to the world of work through Live Briefs and Ruskin Modules.
To amplify your career ambition, you will need to actively dedicate time outside of your studies, whether you choose to explore placements, internships or volunteering. Or you could make a social impact by collaborating with our partner organisations through our volunteer scheme Students at the Heart of Knowledge Exchange (SHoKE). These all give you an edge, providing you with experience that you will be able to evidence on your CV and talk about in interviews.
Our Employability and Careers Service offers a range of expert advice and support to build your unique professional profile, including tailored career appointments, advice on writing your CV, and help to complete job applications. You’ll have 24/7 access to the Careers Centre, our comprehensive online digital resource, which empowers you to start building a Personal Career Development Plan from the very start. Design your future at ARU.
Entry requirements
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Fees and paying for university
Apply for Biomedical Science
UK students
Call our Clearing line
01245 686868
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