Biomedical Science

Biomedical science is the study of the biological and biochemical mechanisms that underlie human health and disease. It encompasses cell biology, genetics, microbiology, immunology, haematology, and clinical biochemistry, asking how the body's systems function normally and what happens when they fail. It is the discipline that underpins the development of diagnostics, drugs, and therapies, and it sits at the heart of modern healthcare systems.

At the University of Derby, this programme includes a foundation year that gives you a solid grounding in the sciences before the main degree begins, making it accessible to students who have strong potential but may not have covered all the necessary background at A level. The programme is built around current advances in medical research, with a focus on preventing illness and prolonging life. You will develop laboratory skills, learn to analyse biological data, and engage with the ethical questions that run through biomedical research and clinical practice.

The course includes a sandwich year in industry, a year abroad, and work placement opportunities, giving you an unusually wide range of structured ways to gain professional and international experience before you graduate. The full programme including the foundation year extends to five years.

Graduates of biomedical science programmes go on to work in NHS laboratories, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, clinical research organisations, and public health bodies. Many pursue registration as a biomedical scientist through the professional bodies that govern laboratory medicine in the UK, while others continue into research via postgraduate study including PhD programmes. The combination of scientific training and practical laboratory experience makes this a strong foundation for a wide range of careers in the life sciences and healthcare sectors.