Course Comparison

Course
PgDip Biomedical Science BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science
Award
Postgraduate Diploma - PgDip Bachelor of Science - BSc (Hons)
Duration
1 year 3 years
Assessment breakdown
- -
Course type
Full-time Full-time
Placement
- (+ optional placement)
Location
Plymouth Plymouth
Provider
School of Biomedical Sciences School of Biomedical Sciences
Entry requirements
You should have either:

  • A good honours degree (at least 2:2), or equivalent UK university or institute of higher education qualification in a relevant subject with a significant biomedical, biological or biochemical content related to the specialist subject(s) to be studied.
  • If you have overseas qualifications you can check how they compare with the UK equivalent through ECCTIS, who provide an advisory service.

Or:

  • Other qualifications and experience that the programme manager deems equivalent in subject content and level of attainment to any of the above.

English language:

  • If you did not complete your secondary or tertiary education in English you will need the equivalent of an IELTS score of at least 6.5.

Please note that the deadline for those wishing to apply for this programme as an intercalating Masters student, is 31 March during the year of entry.
We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary.

GCSEs: Grade C/4 or above in Mathematics and English. Consideration may be given to equivalent qualifications such as Functional Skills.
Plus one of the following:
A levels: 112–128 Tariff points to include a minimum of three A levels, including Grade B in Biology/Human Biology, and Grade B in a relevant second science. General Studies excluded. 
Relevant second sciences: Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Applied Science, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Geology, Geography, Psychology, and IT. 
Access to HE Diploma: Pass an Access to HE Diploma with 30 Level 3 credits at distinction, including 15 Level 3 credits in Biology and 15 Level 3 credits in a second relevant science. The remaining 15 Level 3 credits must be at merit or above. 
BTEC RQF National Extended Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma: DDM – depending on the BTEC and units studied. If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC. Without this information we may be unable to process your application quickly and you could experience significant delays in the progress of your application to study with us. Please explicitly state the full list of modules within your qualification at the time of application or contact Admissions for further advice.
T level: Accepted – preference pathways would be Health or Science. Typical offer will be confirmed once an application is received.
International Baccalaureate: 30 points overall to include Grade 5 in Higher Level Biology and Grade 5 in a second relevant science. English and Mathematics accepted within as GCSE equivalent at higher level = 4, standard level = 5 
International qualifications: We welcome applicants offering a wide range of international qualifications. Applications are considered on an individual basis, depending on the subjects studied.
IELTS: Overall average score of at least 6.0, with a score of at least 6.0 in all elements. 
Other qualifications: Applicants with other qualifications should contact the Admissions Office at admissions@plymouth.ac.uk for advice. 
Transfer to BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science: Stage two students have the opportunity to apply for a limited number of year-long placements in accredited NHS labs and transfer to BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science after year two. Transfer is not guaranteed, with applicants having to successfully complete a competitive behaviours-based interview, a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and an Occupational Health (OH) assessment. Students applying to transfer to the BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science degree will need an overall IELTS average score of 7.0 with 6.5 in the writing and speaking sections or a GCSE Grade C/4 minimum in English language.
Placements with NHS employers will be for 40 weeks full-time (or the equivalent of 40 weeks). While on placement, ABMS students complete the IBMS portfolio of competence, and ABMS graduates are eligible to apply for Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registration and the protected title of ‘Biomedical Scientist’ for employment in Band 5 positions within the NHS.
Students must be 18 years old or over at the start date of this programme.