Biomedical science students using lab equipment
Both the BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science and BSc (Hons) Human Biosciences courses have an optional placement year between the second and final year of the degree programme.
To prepare you for both placement and graduate opportunities, you will take part in a Careers and Employability module during Stage 2. This module will include workshops on how to make effective career decisions and experiential learning on how to find and secure placement opportunities with a range of biomedical and healthcare employers. 
In addition to placement opportunities in industry, the School of Biomedical Sciences offers a variety of research placements each year. 
To help you explore available options, you will have access to individual support from the Careers and Employability Service:
  • Tailored support on finding and applying to placements
  • Careers guidance to support individual career decision making
Out on placement you'll gain invaluable experience in your chosen sector, as well as the confidence and skills needed to succeed in graduate employment.
Upon completion of a successful placement year you'll be awarded a ‘Certificate of Industrial Experience’ in addition to your final degree award on graduation.
Additional work-related experiences
In addition to the placements offered by degree courses, it’s worth getting some relevant experience either through part-time, voluntary or holiday work.
Doing this in your first and second year can help you to beat the competition to secure the placement you want. You should also take time to develop your commercial awareness for example by networking with potential employers, entering employability competitions and enhancing your portfolio of skills.
To discover a wide range of employment and other development opportunities, please visit Student jobs.
Biomedical and healthcare sciences

Placement employers

Previous employers have included: 

  • GlaxoSmithKline
  • Southampton University
  • University of Plymouth
  • Royal Devon & Exeter NHS Foundation Trust
  • Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust
  • Instituto de Medicina Molecular (Portugal)