15 months after graduating
97% of our biomedical science graduates are in work or further study
85% of our biomedical science graduates are in highly skilled work or further study
89% of biomedical science graduates in highly skilled work said their degree was a formal requirement or gave them an advantage*
A Biomedical
Science degree from the University of Plymouth will prepare you for a range of diagnostic
roles in pathology and research laboratories in the NHS and private sector
hospitals. It also opens up opportunities in the commercial life sciences sector,
for example in pharmaceutical, bio-pharmaceutical and medical technology
organisations.
Biomedical Scientists
are regulated professionals and you will need to gain registration from the
Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) to practise in the NHS. This is
achieved by completing the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) portfolio
while working in an approved laboratory. Students at Plymouth have the
opportunity to complete their professional registration as part of a 1-year
placement at the end of their second year, leading to a degree in applied
biomedical science. Alternatively, it is possible to complete the IBMS
portfolio after graduation, while working as a Trainee Biomedical Scientist or perhaps
as a laboratory assistant in the NHS. Such opportunities can be fiercely
competitive.
Biomedical Science
is a strong foundation for a broad range of patient and non-patient facing
roles in healthcare, including medicine, dentistry, healthcare science,
nursing, allied health professions, public health and management. Medicine and
dentistry are often popular choices, though students should be aware that the
high academic and personal requirements of these programmes mean that it is
wise to have a back-up plan. Emerging professions such as physician associate could
also be worth exploring.
Graduates are also
found in the commercial sector, for example in drug discovery, product
development, clinical trials, regulatory affairs, quality assurance, operations
and sales. Those with an interest in data may wish to explore the growing field
of informatics, where organisations seek to create value out of the wealth of
data now available. A few graduates carve out careers in science communication
through roles in the media, science policy or public relations.
Research-based
careers are another pathway. This is a very competitive field, so exploring a
wide range of options across higher education institutions, research institutes,
charities and industry can be advantageous.
Researching your career options
With
such a wide range of careers open to you as a biomedical graduate, it is
important to make sure you explore and research your options thoroughly so that
you can make informed decisions about your future.
The
following websites provide helpful information for career research:
Employment Opportunities
Below is a snapshot of what some of University of
Plymouth biomedical science graduates told us they were doing 15 months
after graduation. For some graduates, these jobs serve as stepping stones to other
roles by providing relevant workplace experience:
- Central Nervous System Project Specialist
- Research Assistant
- Trainee Biomedical Scientist
- Science Teacher
- Accounting Associate
- Associate Practitioner
- Biomedical Support Worker
- Medical Laboratory Assistant
- Scientific Officer
- Labatory Technician
- Medical Technical Officer
- Professional Athelete
- Account Manager
- Vaccines Sales Associate
Employers
- Ashfield Healthcare
- Axiom
- Bishop Perowne High School
- EY
- Frimley Park Hospital Trust
- Glow Green
- NHS
- North Bristol NHS Trust
- Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust
- Southwest Pathology Services
- Syneos Health
- UK Sports
- University Hospital Southampton
*Data is from the Graduate Outcomes Survey 2017/18. Graduates were surveyed 15 months after graduating. Data displayed is for 79 UK-domiciled, first degree, full-time graduates who are working, studying or looking for work.