Five reasons to study BSc (Hons) and MSci (Hons) Biomedical Science at Surrey
On our BSc (Hons) and MSci (Hons) Biomedical Science courses, you’ll get to select modules tailored to your interests, access state-of-the-art facilities, gain industry experience, enhance your employability, and have the option to study for an integrated masters. Accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS), you’ll work towards the academic requirements needed to pursue a career as a Biomedical Scientist within the NHS.
During your second year, you’ll have the option to study pharmacology or microbial sciences, alongside analytical biochemistry, pathology and virology.
Your time in our facilities will give you the opportunity to familiarise yourself with biomedical methodology and develop the practical laboratory experience that is essential in a career as a Biomedical Scientist and valued by a wide range of employers.
We have several partner organisations that offer accredited placements exclusively to Surrey students looking to become biomedical scientists after graduating.
With this course, you have the option to complete an integrated masters which incorporates an additional research-focused year of study, covering advanced techniques in biochemistry, scientific communication and a laboratory-based dissertation.
Our course is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS), giving you the academic requirements needed to pursue a career as a Biomedical Scientist within the NHS.
1. Select modules tailored to your interests
In the first year our BSc (Hons) and MSci (Hons) Biomedical Science courses, you’ll develop an understanding of bacteriology, genetics and human physiology. During your second year, you’ll have the option to study pharmacology or microbial sciences, alongside analytical biochemistry, pathology and virology.
In your third year you’ll select two modules, exploring topics such as advanced pharmacology, circadian rhythms, immunology, microbial sciences and toxicology. These will allow you to specialise and delve deeper into your areas of interest.
You’ll also get the opportunity to work alongside a supervisor to conduct your own scientific research project, critically evaluating protocols, data and literature.
2. Access state-of-the-art facilities
As a biomedical science student at Surrey, you’ll benefit from hands-on learning in our £12.5 million Innovation for Health Learning Laboratory. The laboratory is fitted with latest industry equipment, and TV screens are used to show you how to conduct experiments and follow scientific protocols.
Laboratory-based practical work will form an integral part of your course and you will get to conduct your first experiment during your second week. Your time in our facilities will give you the opportunity to familiarise yourself with biomedical methodology and develop the practical laboratory experience that is essential in a career as a Biomedical Scientist and valued by a wide range of employers.
3. Gain industry experience
Our Professional Training placements give you the opportunity to gain real industry experience, in an area of personal interest. You can choose to work for a range of employers, including pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, and academic institutions, to practise and enhance your skills. Previous placements organisations have included GlaxoSmithKline, Public Health England and Sanofi.
We have several partner organisations that offer accredited placements exclusively to Surrey students looking to become biomedical scientists after graduating. These can be used as evidence in your portfolio when registering with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Placement organisations have included AstraZeneca UK, GlaxoSmithKline, Harvard University Medical School, Public Health England and Sanofi.
You can also explore your transferrable skills by working in other fields including scientific communications, marketing and data analysis.
4. Choose to study for an integrated masters
With this course, you’ll have the option to complete an integrated masters which incorporates an additional research-focused year of study, covering advanced techniques in biomedical science, scientific communication and a laboratory-based dissertation. This will prepare you for a technical research career in industry or academia, with many using this as a gateway to PhD study.
An integrated masters is also cheaper than a separate postgraduate degree, and your tuition can be covered by your student finance loan. This additional year is open to UK, EU and international students.
5. Enhance your employability
Our course is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS), giving you the academic requirements needed to pursue a career as a Biomedical Scientist within the NHS. Over 92% of our BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science graduates go on to full-time employment or further study.* Typical roles include biomedical scientists, drug safety specialists and laboratory analysists.
Our alumni can be found in hospital, academic and industrial research laboratories around the world, with recent graduates working for Cancer Research UK, Eli Lilly, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, Syngenta and Thermo Fisher Scientific.
With the critical thinking, analysis, problem solving, decision making, and communication skills learnt throughout the course, several graduates have sought alternative careers in management, publishing and teaching.
Many students also use this course to apply for further study including postgraduate research, and graduate dentistry and medicine programmes.
Discover more about our BSc (Hons) and MSci (Hons) Biomedical Science courses.
*Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education Survey 2016-17.
