You’ll be prepared for a wide range of careers with this highly practical degree course. Combining theory with hands-on application, you’ll explore human disease processes, how they can be investigated, how treatments work and how novel treatments can be researched and developed.

How to apply Apply through UCAS Book an Open Day Chat to Us

[Button: 2026][Button: 2027]

## Key Course Details

### [Button: 3 Years Full-time ]

* #### UCAS Code

* #### Start Date

September

* #### Location

Pontypridd

* #### Campus Code

#### Fees

* #### Home students

* #### International students

* Full-time fees are per year. Part-time fees are per 20 credits.

### [Button: 4 Years Sandwich ]

In this section

* Overview

* Module Overview

* Course Highlights

* Entry Requirements

Make an Enquiry

Explore the remarkable human body, from different organ systems to biochemistry, genetics, and cellular biology.

## DESIGNED FOR

Curious about the human body? Follow your interests and develop expertise with modules spanning genetics, disease, health inequalities and evolution. Combine theory and practical skills to enhance your learning, applying concepts to deepen your understanding.

### Accredited by

* Royal Society of Biology

### Career paths

* Research in universities

* Research institutes

* Pharmaceutical industry

* Clinical Scientist

* Medical laboratory scientific officers

* Further study at MSc and PhD level

* Public health or Forensic labs

* Medical writing and publishing

### Skills taught

* Data collection and analysis

* Safe working practice in laboratories

* Scientific research skills

* Use of laboratory analytical equipment and data interpretation

* Critical evaluation of scientific information and research

We make a difference in practice, not just on paper. Our courses are designed by people who offer jobs - and taught by people who have real work experience.

Image: A student wearing a white laboratory coat, purple latex gloves and glasses conducts an experiment using a small test tube and a pipette at a USW lab

Image: Omar, a biomedical science student, is sat in a biology lab and is smiling at the camera.

Image: A student in a lab coat and gloves uses a pipette in a science experiement.

## Course Highlights

### Practical and theoretical

Consolidate theory and develop technical and transferable skills through hands-on experience.

### Case-based learning

Integrate clinical and scientific content to understand pathological changes, lab diagnostics and treatment.

### Interdisciplinary application

Maximise employability through this broad and practical curriculum taught by expert researchers.

### Research project experience

Follow your interests to develop critical thinking, research design and analytical skills.

## Module Overview

[Button: Overview][Button: Year One][Button: Year Two][Button: Year Three]

Explore the scientific basis of how the human body normally functions, how pathological changes can result in disease and how diseases can be treated. Develop laboratory skills in biomedical science and learn to critically evaluate information and to communicate to a range of audiences.

Year One

Skills and Professional Development 1 *

Human Growth and Development

Biomedical Science in Practice

Human Anatomy and Physiology

Diversity of Cellular Life

Genetics and Evolution

Year Two

Skills for biomedical scientists in practice 2

Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology

Microorganisms and disease

Cellular Pathology and Disease Processes

Human Molecular Genetics

Professional Practice and Placement

Year Three

Research Project and Career Development *

Human Variation

Global Health Challenges

Modern Molecular Advances

Bench to Bedside

Regenerative Medicine

*Modules can be studied 25% through the medium of Welsh

The first year will introduce you to basic laboratory techniques fundamental to a career in biomedical science, including genetics, microbiology, cell biology, anatomy, physiology, biochemistry and human development.

Develop fundamental reading, writing, and referencing skills. As well as critical analysis of published work, statistical principles, and further academic skills.

Study normal patterns of human growth and development and the factors that influence this process, through every stage from conception to ageing.

Learn key biomedical techniques and analytical skills with hands on experience, including data and information handling and safe laboratory practice.

*This module can be studied 25% through the medium of Welsh

“Build a Human” whilst discovering the organisational structure and function of human organ systems

Learn how different cellular components in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms contribute to function. Learn basic microbiology and cell biology lab techniques.

Learn the principles of genetics and evolutionary theory. Gain understanding of molecular genetics, including structure, organisation and replication of DNA, and inheritance.

In your second year, you will build on your knowledge and skills to develop insight into disease processes and how the human body responds to disease and treatment.

Develop further specialised Biomedical Science techniques, including a molecular day, in vitro, in vivo, haematology and diagnostic panels.

Case-based learning, centred around real clinical scenarios, providing an advanced understanding of pathological anatomy and physiology, and treatment options.

Explore beneficial and harmful human interactions with microorganisms, microbial pathogenesis and responses to infection, inc. safe working and core analytical skills.

Delve into pathological changes of disease processes at the molecular, cellular and tissue levels using a case-based approach and clinical examples.

Cover molecular genetics and the genetic basis of inherited disorders. Learn theoretical and practical applications of key molecular biology techniques and their use.

An opportunity to complete a relevant summer work placement with a public, private or voluntary sector employer.

An opportunity to complete a one-year placement, extending your degree to four years while helping you build critical skills and networks.

Your final year is your opportunity to pursue a supervised research project combining all your acquired knowledge and laboratory skills. Follow your interests by choosing a module that takes your education in a specialised or emerging path of biomedical or anthropological emphasis.

Gain experience in project planning, scientific research, ethics, health and safety, data handling, and critical thinking.

Study human biological variation from its evolutionary foundations. Cover historical views including “race” science and biological determinism, contrasting with contemporary approaches.

Explore inequality’s impact on health and wellbeing. Biological, environmental, economic, and political factors as drivers of public health inequality.

Learn about current and cutting edge therapeutic and technological advances developed for clinical practice, diagnosis and disease management.

Explore how novel therapeutic strategies and technologies are translated from experimental models into marketable products (translational research).

Apply genetic and tissue engineering approaches for medical application and drug discovery and learn how novel approaches to diagnosis and treatment can manage human diseases.

### How you’ll learn

We strive to combine the theoretical with the practical, so you’ll learn through a combination of lectures, tutorials and practical classes, typically spending 15 - 20 hours a week in scheduled classes. Several modules use student-driven, teamwork sessions to explore clinical and scientific content to understand pathological changes, laboratory diagnostics and treatment.

There’s a strong emphasis on applied, practical learning throughout the course, which culminates in an extensive research project in the final year. Choose from a wide range of projects, spanning microbiology, immunology, cancer biology, reproductive biology and genetics.

### Teaching staff

All the biomedical sciences team are academic researchers, many with links to industry. Our lecturers are subject experts, who teach in their specialist area across a number of modules and courses, meaning you’ll be learning from people with real-life experience in that topic. Not only do researchers bring their knowledge and passion into their classroom teaching, but students can work on real, current problems with active research scientists in their final year project.

### Placements and work experience

Studying BSc Biomedical Science, you’ll have professional practice and placement options.

There’s the opportunity for a summer placement at the end of your second year, between June and September. You may work or volunteer with an employer, organisation, community group or research active teaching staff.

Or you can choose to take an optional sandwich year placement at the end of the second year, working with an employer to gain experience and contacts.

We will support you with looking for placements, but you are encouraged to proactively seek out opportunities that interest you.

### Facilities

Our Glyntaff campus provides a range of modern laboratory facilities. The George Knox laboratories are part of a £15m investment, so you will be taught in new and well-equipped spaces including:

* Category II microbiology labs for growing and analysing micro-organisms

* Molecular analysis labs for advanced DNA analysis and sequencing

* Tissue culture facilities for the growth of eukaryotic cells

* Biology labs with a wide range of anatomical models and microscopes

* Clinical Skills room with simulation mannequins for applied physiology teaching

* Coagulation laboratory analysing blood clotting

## Student Stories

Image: A biological science student wearing a white lab coat, smiling at the camera in a bright, modern laboratory filled with scientific equipment and models.

A supportive community in Biomedical Science

Ella Mugford

Biomedical Science student

Image: clare wilkie collecting lion samples

From labs in South Wales to lions and leopards in South Africa

Clare Wilkie

Image: Forensic Science student, Jakob,sat at a desk in the labs on Glyntaff campus

Becoming a CSI thanks to USW's practical course

Forensic Investigation student

Image: Emma smiles for a photograph, wearing a green jumper

Juggling University with the demands of a family

Emma Barrett

Image: Graduate Emily wearing a lab coat at her workplace

Enjoying a varied career in Forensics

Emily Rees

Forensic Science graduate

## Accreditations and partnerships

## Careers and Employability

[Button: Graduate careers][Button: Industry partners ][Button: Careers support][Button: Sandwich years]

### Graduate careers

Studying this degree provides the scientific basis for a career in a range of fields, including biomedical research, teaching, and biotechnology industries, plus postgraduate study. Options include becoming a Physician Associate, scientific laboratory technician or a career in public health.

There are many related jobs where a good science degree is useful, including medical sales rep, science writer and genetic counsellor. Many of our graduates take postgraduate courses, such as teaching, law and management, as they are equipped with key transferable skills like data analysis, critical thinking, problem solving and creativity.

Follow us on Instagram

### Industry partners

We have links with a range of industry partners, including 3D cell culture specialists Copner Biotech and molecular diagnostics company Llusern Scientific, which was created by USW academics. These links give students the chance to work on real-life case studies as well as opening doors to placement opportunities in these organisations and beyond.

### Careers support

You’ll have access to advice from the Careers and Employability Service throughout your studies and after you graduate. This includes one-to-one appointments from a faculty-based career adviser and extensive online resources for help with considering career options and presenting yourself well to employers. Resources include psychometric tests, career assessments, a CV builder, an interview simulator, and application help.

Our employer database has over 2,000 registered employers targeting students and students can receive weekly job email alerts.

Learn more about sandwich years

### Sandwich years

A sandwich year enables you to apply the knowledge gained during your degree to real-world work situations. You’ll equip yourself with a transferable skillset and gain invaluable work experience that will help you to stand out to potential employers in future job applications. A sandwich year also provides a fantastic opportunity to network and, if you impress your employer, you may even find you have a job waiting for you when you graduate.

Many employers like to take on dedicated employees as showcased via a sandwich year placement scheme.

## ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

## UCAS points: 96 (or above)

### Typical qualification requirements:

* A Level: CCC to include Biology and one other Science such as Chemistry or Physics but to exclude General Studies.

* Welsh BACC: Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales Grade C and CC at A Level to include Biology and one other Science such as Chemistry or Physics but to exclude General Studies (this is equivalent to 104-80 UCAS tariff points).

* Science Requirement: Applicants taking Science A levels in England will need to pass the practical element alongside achieving the requested grade(s)

* BTEC: BTEC Extended Diploma Merit Merit Merit in a relevant subject which must include Biology modules

* Access to HE: Pass an Access to HE Diploma in Science and obtain a minimum of 96 UCAS tariff points

* T Level: Pass (C and above)

### Additional requirements include:

The University normally requires a minimum 5 GCSEs including Mathematics/Numeracy and English at Grade C or Grade 4 or above, or their equivalent, but consideration is given to individual circumstances.

### International applications welcomed:

We welcome international applications with equivalent qualifications of our entry requirements. For more details related to your country of residence, please view our dedicated country pages .

### English language requirements

International applicants will need to have achieved an overall of IELTS 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component/TOEFL 4 overall and a minimum of 4 in each component or equivalent.

Equivalents can be located on our English Language pages .

If you have previously studied through the medium of English, IELTS might not be required, please visit our country specific page for further details. If your country is not featured, please contact us.

If you do not meet the English entry criteria, please visit our Pre-Sessional course pages .

### Contextual offers

We may make you a lower offer based on a range of factors, including your background (where you live and the school or college that you attended, for example), your experiences and individual circumstances (as a care leaver, for example). This is referred to as a contextual offer, and we receive data from UCAS to support us in making these decisions.

USW prides itself on its student experience and we support our students to achieve their goals and become a successful graduate. This approach helps us to support students who have the potential to succeed and who may have faced barriers that make it more difficult to access university.

### We're here to help

Whether you a have a question about your course, fees and funding, the application process or anything else, there are plenty of ways you can get in touch, and we'd love to talk to you. You can contact our friendly admissions team by phone, email or chat to us online.

## Fees and Funding

UK Full-time Fee

per year*

International Full-time Fee

### Further Information

Studying at university is one of the most significant investments you'll ever make. Whilst you’re studying, you’ll have two main financial obligations – tuition fees and living costs. There’s lots of financial help available from the University of South Wales and external funding sources, that may provide loans (which have to be paid back) and grants, scholarships and bursaries (that don't).

*Full-time fees are per year. Part-time fees are per 20 credits. Once enrolled, the fee is anticipated to remain at the same rate throughout the duration of your study on this course except as described below.

Please be aware that we may increase the maximum fee for home students on full-time undergraduate courses only where the Welsh Government increases the permitted level of inflation of fees. Fees for all students (including part-time, postgraduate and international students) may be amended in accordance with our applicable Fees and Debt Management Policy.

We will ensure that students are given clear, intelligible, unambiguous and timely information about our courses and costs in good time, ahead of the next academic year.

Fees and Funding Scholarships and Bursaries Cost of Living Support

### Additional Costs

As a student of USW, you’ll have access to lots of free resources to support your study and learning, such as textbooks, publications, online journals, laptops, and plenty of remote-access resources. Whilst in most cases these resources are more than sufficient in supporting you with completing your course, additional costs, both obligatory and optional, may be required or requested for the likes of travel, memberships, experience days, stationery, printing, or equipment.

## [Button: Kit / Equipment]

Students are encouraged to equip themselves with a suitable cotton laboratory coat, suitable for working in a chemical laboratory, and a pair of personal protective laboratory goggles, although the School does provide these items.

Cost: Variable

## [Button: Placement*]

Students who successfully secure a placement in industry to complete their project would be expected to pay their own travel costs to and from the venue during the period of placement. The cost of this will of course vary and some students have also paid for accommodation close to their place of work for the duration of their placement.

Image: Students wearing lab coats and protective eyewear are working in a forensics lab.

## Course Kit Bursary

As a student of BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science, you'll receive a USW-branded lab coat and goggles when you enrol, to support you with course costs.

Find out more about our Course Kit Bursary

## I CHOSE USW BECAUSE OF ITS AMAZING FACILITIES. WE HAVE LOADS OF ANATOMICAL MODELS, AND USE THESE TO SHOW HUMAN ANATOMY IN A 3D CONTEXT, AND TO CONSOLIDATE OUR LEARNING FROM THEORY.

Savannah

## University Quality Assurance

At USW, we regularly review our courses in response to changing patterns of employment and skills demand to ensure we offer learning designed to reflect today’s student needs and tomorrow’s employer demands.

If during a review process course content is significantly changed, we’ll write to inform you and talk you through the changes for the coming year. But whatever the outcome, we aim to equip our students with the skillset and the mindset to succeed whatever tomorrow may bring. Your future, future-proofed.

## Life at USW

Halls are a big part of your student experience and there’s accommodation at all three of our locations. If you don’t want to live near the campus, there are great transport links to keep you connected.

Image: A student sat smiling and talking to friends off camera in Treforest Student's Union

Student Life

Image: Close up shot of the front of the Alfred Russell wallace building.

Pontypridd Campus, Glyntaff

Image: A double room at our Pontypridd accommodation featuring a large window.

Accommodation

### How to apply

There are still places available for September 2026. Apply through Clearing and get support and benefits worth up to £3k. Call our admissions team to secure your place: 03455 76 06 06 or apply online now.

You can apply to us directly for all part-time undergraduate courses, if you’re seeking advanced entry or you’re an international student. To apply directly, please choose the application form below for your preferred start date and mode of study (full-time or part-time).

* September 2026 Sandwich

* September 2027 Full-time

* September 2027 Sandwich

* September 2026 Full-time

### Advanced entry

If you already have a relevant qualification or experience related to the course you're applying for, you may be eligible to start at a later stage of the course. For example, students from partner colleges can ‘top up’ their qualifications to a degree by joining us in Year Two or Year Three of a course. This process is known as ‘advanced entry’, you can apply directly to the University for 'advanced entry' using the application forms provided above.

Applicants accepted through advanced entry may study a different combination of modules to those advertised, as they will be joining a course already in progress. You will be contacted and advised about these modules once your application has been processed and an offer made.

### International admissions

International applicants can apply to us directly. If the University has an in-country team in your region, your application will be assigned to them for assistance.

## Next Steps

How to apply

Apply Through UCAS

Book an Open Day

Chat to Us

## modal video

## Find us on social

* * * * * About Us

* University Services

* Schools and Colleges

* Job Vacancies

* Visit Us

* Our Locations

* Virtual Tours

* Quick Links

* Staff Portal

* Student Portal

* Research Explorer

* Accessibility

* Modern Slavery Statement

* Freedom of Information

* Privacy Policy

* Terms and Conditions

© University of South Wales. The University of South Wales is a registered charity. Registration No.1140312

Hide footer

Ask me anything

院校未公布 DSE 對應等級，請向院校確認。

請查看下方完整入學要求原文，或向院校確認。

成績符合不等於錄取；資料取自院校官方公開頁，取得日期見各課；最終以院校為準。

報告這課資料錯誤