BSc Biomedical Science at University of Essex

From cancer-screening to blood transfusions, from infections to genetic diseases; biomedical scientists research the causes and diagnosis of diseases and the effectiveness of the medicines that cure them. You apply the concepts of biochemistry and cell biology to the study of health and disease in the human body. Our multidisciplinary approach means you learn skills that are at the forefront of advances in medical research.

At Essex, our research focuses on genetic diseases, infection and immunity, and age-associated conditions such as dementia, cancer and heart disease.

On our BSc Biomedical Science, you study areas including:

• The structure of viruses, and how they interact with cells in infected organisms
• The anatomy and structure of the human immune system
• Pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria
• Drug design

You discover the molecular basis of cellular dysfunctions, and describe modern strategies to diagnose and treat them.

Professional accreditation

Accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS).Approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) for the purpose of providing eligibility to apply for registration with the HCPC as a biomedical scientist.

Why we're great.

• 92% of students in our School of Biological Sciences expressed overall satisfaction with their course (NSS 2018)
• You have the opportunity to spend a year working in an NHS lab
• Take advantage of our brand new biomedical science facilities in our new STEM Centre on campus

You can spend your third year on a placement year with another external organisation. This is usually focused around your course, and enables you to learn about a particular sector, company or job role, apply your academic knowledge in a practical working environment, and receive inspiration for future career pathways. Organisations our students have recently been placed with include GlaxoSmithKline, Proctor & Gamble, Aquaterra, Astrazeneca, Genzyme, Reckitt Benckiser, Thermofisher, and Isogenica.

If you complete a placement year you'll only pay 20% of your usual tuition fee to Essex for that year.

All biomedical science students have the opportunity to participate in a one-week summer school, where you learn about clinical biochemistry, cellular pathology, medical microbiology, and haematology and transfusion science. This time spent with NHS professionals improves your laboratory skills and helps you to develop an understanding of career paths in this sector.