Biomedical Science

Why Biomedical Science at ARU?

• Learn in a state-of-the-art 200-seat SuperLab at the heart of our Science Centre.
• Investigate and treat disease in our specialist tissue culture and microbiology laboratories.
• Bring the world of work to life through Live Briefs; designed and developed with regional employers to give you exposure to ‘real world’ problem-solving.
• Gain valuable employment experience with our placement year and internship opportunities.
• Study in Cambridge, a world-renowned centre for life sciences research and development.
• Gain essential skills for a career in this field with our accredited degree.

As a Biomedical Science student at ARU, you’ll learn about the human body at molecular, organ and systems levels, and how to investigate and treat disease.

Our passionate, highly-qualified lecturers will teach you the latest findings about conditions such as cancer, diabetes, antibiotic resistance and haemostasis.

Biomedical science is an exciting and dynamic subject, where research is constantly leading to breakthroughs and medical advances that have an impact on the health and wellbeing of society.

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.