BSc Biomedical Sciences

From your very first year, this programme emphasizes learning through doing. You'll build a solid foundation across core biomedical disciplines, then grow into more research-intensive work through lab practice, fieldwork, and applied projects—with all this designed to make you workplace-ready.

Experiential Learning Includes:

• Research-Focused Coursework: The degree offers robust exposure to a broad range of biomedical fields—physiology, pharmacology, neuroscience, cell biology, microbiology, anatomy and histology, genetics, biochemistry, and immunology—through theory enriched with practical application, especially in Years 1 and 2.
• Optional Placement Year (4‑Year Track): You can opt to extend your degree with a work-based placement in Year 3. Opportunities span partner organisations both in the UK and internationally—ranging from pharmaceutical and biotech companies to hospitals, research institutes, nature reserves, and science communication entities.
• Placement Variety: Students have undertaken placements at organisations such as AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline, Mayo Clinic, Medical Research Council (Gambia), and even Chester Zoo or Royal Botanic Gardens Kew—highlighting the diversity of experiences available.
• Advanced Accreditation Benefits: Although the programme is not accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science, it's advanced-accredited by the Royal Society of Biology. This enables graduates to apply for Member (MRSB) status after just two years of professional practice—accelerating progression toward Chartered Biologist or Chartered Scientist recognition.
• Rich Career Pathways: Graduates progress into diverse roles: academic or industrial research, NHS clinical and technical roles (including NHS Scientist Training Programme), postgraduate study (Master’s, PhD, medicine), as well as medical writing, health communication, or teaching.

Graduates from Manchester’s Biomedical Sciences BSc often step into roles such as Research Scientist, Lab Technician, Medical Writer, or Science Communicator. Many also pursue further study—whether that’s a Master’s, PhD, or medical degree.

• University Services That Support Your Career

  • The program includes strong career support, equipping students with transferable skills for lab-based and non-lab roles, from research and clinical lab work to science writing, health communication, or teaching.
  • Students can take advantage of work placements, optional year-in-industry, and study abroad opportunities, helping gain hands-on experience and expand professional networks.

• Employment Stats & Salary Figures

  • Within 15 months of graduation, about 90% of graduates are working in highly skilled roles:

    • ~25% in natural and social science professions
    • ~25% in science/engineering associate roles
    • ~25% in business or public service associate roles
    • ~10% in administrative or research professions, remainder in other roles
  • Graduate perceptions: 80% feel their work is useful, 75% meaningful, and 55% aligned with future plans.
  • Salary data: Median pay around £25,500 15 months after graduation, rising to £34,000 by year five.
  • Typical NHS Biomedical Scientist entry-level salary: ~£30,000, ranging from £25,800–£38,200 depending on experience.

• University–Industry Partnerships

  • Manchester participates in strong life sciences clusters with NHS trusts and industry collaborators.
  • Involvement in EPSRC Prosperity Partnerships helps tackle industry challenges in drug manufacturing and healthcare materials.
  • Students benefit from Manchester Academic Health Science Centre and Health Innovation Manchester, providing exposure to translational research and patient care innovation.
  • The Henry Royce Institute Hub reinforces Manchester’s research strength with state-of-the-art facilities.

• Accreditation & Long-Term Value

  • The degree is not accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS), so NHS registration requires the separate Scientist Training Programme.
  • Despite this, it offers broad flexibility and a solid research foundation, valuable for careers outside the lab or for further academic study.

• Graduation Outcomes

  • Graduates pursue diverse careers: laboratory roles, medical writing, teaching, science communication, or administration.
  • Many continue to postgraduate pathways like MSc, PhD, or medical degrees, leveraging the university’s research and academic resources.

Further Academic Progression:
After graduation, students can follow multiple paths:

• Master’s (MSc) and PhD Programs
  • Graduates are well-positioned for MSc or PhD programs in biomedical or health sciences.
• NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP)
  • Provides a route into clinical scientist careers, building on the strong foundation of the degree.