BSc (Honours) Biomedicine and Health Science

Year of Entry 2025/26
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BSc (Honours)

Biomedicine and Health Science

Develop your understanding of health and the origin of disease, investigate health interventions and cutting-edge novel therapeutics.

Everything you need to know...

  • Pound sign

    What is the fee?

    Home: £9,535 per year
    International/EU: £17,155 per year (£1,200 for placement year)

  • Time

    How long will I study?

    3 / 4 Years

  • Location

    Where will I study?

    City Campus

  • Bookmark

    What are the entry requirements?

    112-120 UCAS points

  • Checkmark

    What is the UCAS code?

    AA28

  • Date

    When do I start?

    September 2025

  • Avatar

    Placement year available?

    Yes


Course summary

  • Explore fundamental life science, from atoms, molecules, cells and organ systems
  • Study disease-screening methodologies and health interventions in populations
  • Research novel cutting-edge treatments, biotherapeutics and cellular therapies
  • Understand how basic science is translated into approved novel therapeutics
  • Take an optional placement year to gain valuable experience in a real-world setting

The BSc (Hons) Biomedicine and Health Science degree provides you with a sound understanding of the fundamentals of life science and how novel therapies are developed. You will focus on both non-pharmacological interventions and those that are dependent on the biotechnology revolution. You will appreciate the majority of new therapies are based on recombinant DNA technology – plus modified cellular and bespoke therapies.

Accredited by
  • Royal Society of Biology

This course is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology.



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How you learn

Our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive. 

On this course you’ll apply your learning through activities that give you a deep understanding of the field. Central to the course is the development of the ability to analyse, comprehend, and communicate biomedicine and health-related knowledge.

You will be taught by academics who are specialists in their respective fields. You'll be able to apply your knowledge through engaging in-class activities, problem-solving, and discussions alongside your peers. With hands-on laboratory experiences, you will be introduced to real world problems, developing your critical thinking, a deep understanding of the scientific process and valuable skills for professional settings.

You learn through: 

  • In person teaching in face-to-face seminars, tutorials and lectures
  • Practical hands-on laboratory experiences using up to date, industry standard equipment
  • Independent study
  • Online support tutorials
  • Small group academic advisor sessions
  • Placements, which give the opportunity use what you have learned
  • Capstone independent research projects to bring all your learning together

Key themes

Initially, you will learn fundamental life science in semester one and apply this knowledge in depth in laboratory sessions, and apply fundamentals to more applied modules such as Human Reproduction and Endocrinology, and Epidemiology and Public health in semester 2. You will complete Observed Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) and laboratory diagnosis of patients in an applied project. 

In following years you’ll cover fundamentals in molecular and cellular biochemistry, and apply this to practical labs and an applied biotechnology project. In following years you’ll cover fundamentals in molecular and cellular biochemistry, and apply this to practical labs and an applied biotechnology project. In your final year, you’ll also learn about cutting-edge therapies and non-pharmacological interventions, and complete an independent project in our teaching labs. – or multiple projects if you continue on the MSCi route within our research centre.

Course support

With a dedicated team of passionate experts, we’re committed to providing you with all the necessary skills and experiences to thrive in industry or research careers. Supported by our experienced teaching staff and technicians, you’ll learn in small groups, gain confidence, enhance your technical skills, and create lasting friendships.

You’ll have opportunities to collaborate with other students, staff members and professionals in their field of study and research. This gives you the chance to learn from those who have experience and knowledge in your chosen field.

Course leaders and tutors

Neil Cross
Neil Cross
Reader in Cancer Biology

Senior Lecturer in Molecular and Cellular Biology

Applied learning

Live projectsand electives

You’ll gain valuable experience in providing a practical perspective of the encounters commonly faced by scientists in the healthcare sector.

In mini-projects you’ll develop experimental design and planning abilities, as well as building confidence in practical skills. These projects lead to a more independent extended research project during the final BSc year, with further advanced projects being undertaken if you continue for an additional MSci year.

The capstone independent research projects encompass various areas – from independent laboratory research into current biomedicine and health science topics, to bioinformatics and big data, computational modelling and simulations, systematic reviews, educational development, and science communication. These are a great platform for you to showcase your learning and expertise.

Work placements 

You’ll have the opportunity to arrange a year-long work placement in between your second and third years. This gives you valuable work experience to prepare you for your future career and allows you to graduate with an Applied Professional Diploma to add to your CV. 

You can apply for placements in a wide range of institutions, including the NHS, schools and colleges, industry and medical research. If you can’t commit to a year, it’s also possible to work for a shorter amount of time on placement – such as during the summer – which can still contribute to your degree. If you’re doing your work placement in another European country there may be funding available via the Turing scheme.

You can access various support activities, resources, employer events and opportunities to help you make the most of your work experience opportunities during your degree. 

Well-known organisations students have worked with in the past include: 

  • Agilent Technologies (in technical sales)
  • University research laboratories
  • Sheffield Clinical Trials Centre (as a clinical trials assistant)
  • Contract research organisations such as Labcorp

Future careers

This course prepares you for a career in:

  • Laboratory research
  • University technician roles
  • Laboratory science 
  • The pharmaceutical industry
  • Contract research organisations 
  • Academic research or a PhD 
  • Data analysis 
  • Clinical science in the NHS
  • School technician roles
  • Clinical trials 

You could also progress onto postgraduate teaching or medicine courses – or pre-registration health courses such as Radiotherapy and Oncology, Radiology, Dietetics and Physician’s Associate.

Where will I study?

You study at City Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.

City Campus

City Campus is located in the heart of Sheffield, within minutes of the train and bus stations.

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Location

Howard Street
Sheffield
S1 1WB

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Equipment and facilities

In our teaching labs, you will find up-to-date equipment of industry-standard as well as cutting-edge research equipment. You’ll have access to modern, industry-standard laboratory spaces containing:

  • Cell culture facilities
  • Clinical biochemistry
  • Flow cytometry
  • Fluorescence microscopy
  • Exercise physiology analysis
  • Histology and histopathology
  • Molecular biology and biotechnology facilities including Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR)

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Biosciences and Chemistry Facilities Tour

Take a look around the biosciences and chemistry facilities at Sheffield Hallam University with senior lecturer and recruitment lead Dr Susan Campbell.

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Entry requirements

All students

UCAS points

  • 112-120

From A levels (including at least 32 points in Biology) or equivalent BTEC national qualification in Applied Science to include suitable biology modules. We do not accept General Studies. We will consider a combination of qualification types. For example:

  • BBB-BBC at A Level including Biology.
  • DDM in BTEC Extended Diploma in Applied Science will be considered (please include units on application).
  • BTEC Diploma in Applied Science D*D with relevant biology modules (please include units on application) alongside other level 3 study.
  • Merit overall from a T level qualification with B from core. T level Science: Laboratory Technician Pathway only.
  • A combination of qualifications including relevant subject(s), which may include AS levels or EPQ.

GCSE

  • English Language or Literature at grade C or 4 or equivalents*
  • Maths at grade C or 4 or equivalents*

You can find information on making sense of UCAS tariff points here and use the UCAS tariff calculator to work out your points.

Access - an Access to HE Diploma from a relevant QAA-recognised Access to HE course which has mainly biology and chemistry related modules, or an equivalent Access to HE certificate. Normally we require 15 credits at level 2 and 45 at level 3 of which at least 15 level 3 credits should be graded at distinction level.

* GCSE English and mathematics equivalent

equivalency test from www.equivalencytesting.co.uk

If English is not your first language you will need an IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills or equivalent. If your English language skill is currently below IELTS 6.0 we recommend you consider a Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course which will enable you to achieve an equivalent English score.

We strongly recommend that you tell us about any long term health conditions or disabilities you may have. This is so we can assess whether we can deliver the course in such a way that you can meet the course requirements and take part without disadvantage. You can contact our University student support staff and explore any issues you may have.

Additional information for EU/International students

If you are an International or non-UK European student, you can find out more about the country specific qualifications we accept on our international qualifications page.

For details of English language entry requirements (IELTS), please see the information for 'All students'.


Modules

Important notice: The structure of this course is periodically reviewed and enhanced to provide the best possible learning experience for our students and ensure ongoing compliance with any professional, statutory and regulatory body standards. Module structure, content, delivery and assessment may change, but we expect the focus of the course and the learning outcomes to remain as described above. Following any changes, updated module information will be published on this page.

You will be able to complete a placement year as part of this course. See the modules table below for further information.

Year 1

Compulsory modules

Module
Credits
Assessment
Demonstrating Professional Skills For Scientists
Credits 20
Assessment Coursework(100%)
 Epidemiology And Public Health
Credits 20
Assessment Coursework(100%)
Fundamentals Of Life Sciences
Credits 40
Assessment Coursework(50%) , Exam(50%)
Human Reproduction And Development
Credits 20
Assessment Coursework(100%)
Introducing Professional Skills For Scientists
Credits 20
Assessment Coursework(100%)
Year 2

Compulsory modules

Module
Credits
Assessment
Applying Professional Skills For Scientists
Credits 20
Assessment Coursework(100%)
Developing Professional Skills For Scientists
Credits 20
Assessment Coursework(100%)
Immunology And Microbiology
Credits 20
Assessment Practical(100%)
Molecular And Cellular Biochemistry
Credits 40
Assessment Coursework(50%) , Exam(50%)
 Physiology Of Health And Disease
Credits 20
Assessment Coursework(100%)
Year 3

Compulsory modules

Module
Credits
Assessment
Placement Year For Biosciences And Chemistry
Credits -
Assessment Coursework(100%)
Final year

Compulsory modules

Module
Credits
Assessment
Advanced Professional Skills For Scientists
Credits 20
Assessment Coursework(100%)
 Advanced Therapeutics And Personalised Medicine
Credits 20
Assessment Coursework(100%)
Human Nutrition And Health
Credits 20
Assessment Coursework(100%)
Research Project
Credits 40
Assessment Coursework(80%) , Practical(20%)

Elective modules

Module
Credits
Assessment
Advanced Genetics
Credits 20
Assessment Practical(100%)
Applications Of Data Science
Credits 20
Assessment Coursework(100%)
Applied Biochemistry
Credits 20
Assessment Coursework(100%)
Neurobiology And Neurophysiology
Credits 20
Assessment Practical(100%)
Pharmacology
Credits 20
Assessment Exam(100%)

Fees and funding

Home students

Our tuition fee for UK students on full-time undergraduate courses in 2025/26 is £9,535 per year (capped at a maximum of 20% of this during your placement year). These fees are regulated by the UK government and therefore subject to change in future years.

If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found in our terms and conditions under student fees regulations.

International students

Our tuition fee for International/EU students starting full-time study in 2025/26 is £17,155 per year. During your placement year you will pay a reduced fee of £1,200.

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Financial support for home/EU students

How tuition fees work, student loans and other financial support available.

Learn more

Additional course costs

The links below allow you to view estimated general course additional costs, as well as costs associated with key activities on specific courses. These are estimates and are intended only as an indication of potential additional expenses. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.

General course additional costs

Additional costs for Biosciences and Chemistry (PDF, 131.3KB)

Legal information

Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.

 

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Employment

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