Science continues to pave the way for human progress - from research on vaccines to the safe handling of viruses. Our Biomedical & Pharmaceutical Sciences degree allows you to explore your future in the fields of research, drug development, and healthcare. Featuring an employer-led programme that will strengthen your knowledge of the industry, this degree is the perfect way to build your professional success.
A student would typically spend 270 hours in the laboratory over the year and would get up to 135 hours of lab time in which to conduct their own research project.
TYPICAL OFFER
Foundation Degree: Pass on the second year of a foundation degree in a relevant subject.
HND: Pass grade in a relevant subject.
IELTS: IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any component.
International qualifications: International qualifications will be assessed against these criteria.
Mature applicants: We welcome applications from candidates who may not precisely match the academic criteria but can demonstrate experience in their chosen field as well as academic achievement at level 5. Candidates in this category will be interviewed to assess their
suitability for the course and asked to provide a portfolio of evidence to support their application.
*21 years and over at the start of the course
RPL Claims: The course structure actively supports claims for Recognition of Prior Certified Learning (RPCL) or Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL).
References: An appropriate reference is required.
Specifically designed for students who already have a Level 5 qualification, this course enables you to top up your foundation degree or HND to a full BSc Honours. You will develop your biological knowledge through topics ranging from gene therapy to rare disorders, and utilise your research skills as you carry out a laboratory-based project of your choice. You will also be supported by the extensive experience of our teaching team, whose specialisms include pharmacology, cellular biology and microbiology. After studying the core modules on this programme, you can choose to broaden your studies with an optional module in Microbial Pathology, Genetic Mechanisms of Disease, Pharmaceutical Analysis & Toxicology or Drug Synthesis.
This course opens up various career routes for you to explore, including working in patient-facing and support roles in the NHS; clinical drug trial companies; forensics services and environmental analysis in private laboratories; or teaching and technical roles in schools, colleges and universities.
This course is validated by The Open University
If you would like to apply for to study full time, please do so via UCAS.
The institution code for University Centre Leeds is L21.
The application fee for applying through UCAS is £28.50, unless you are eligible for Free School Meals (FSM).
How to Apply:
To access your account again and complete your application, use the second link provided in your verification email.
Apply Now: Direct Application Form
Need Help? For further information, please email admissions@ucleeds.ac.uk
Please note, if you apply directly, we are required to submit a Record of Prior Acceptance (RPA) application to UCAS on your behalf if your application is successful and you enrol.
If you are:
you can make an application directly to us for this course.
To make your application, use the below link and register for an application account via the Create a New User facility. You will then be sent an email to the email address you provided when registering for an account, on which you will need to click the link to verify your email address.
Once you have created an account, you will then be able to start and save your application, should you not be able to complete it all in one go. Please note that your username is the email address you provided when registering for an account.
To access your account again should you need to complete and submit your application form, simply use the second link provided in your verification email.
To register for an application account please use the following link and use the Create a New User facility:
Internal Students - Direct Application Form
For further information in regards to this please email admissions@ucleeds.ac.uk
Your year of study on this course will consist of achieving 120 credits. Core and optional modules may include:
Year 1 (Level 6)
Core modules:
Undergraduate Research Project (40 credits)
Develop a laboratory-based research project in a subject of your own interest. Receive support from tutors as you research your chosen topic and apply your practical skills in our well-equipped laboratories.
Research Skills (20 credits)
Learn valuable skills that underpin scientific research, as well as developing your understanding of scientific writing and journalism.
Recombinant Technology & Next Generation Analysis (20 credits)
Advance your modern biological knowledge relating to informatics, gene therapy and knowledge of rare disorders.
Optional modules:
Optional modules are subject to demand and may include:
Microbial Pathology (20 credits)
Investigate the mechanisms of pathogens relating to the cause of infectious disease and the identification of microbial infections.
Genetic Mechanisms of Disease (20 credits)
Explore how human disease, treatment and diagnoses are made using modern technologies such as proteomics and genomics.
Pharmaceutical Analysis & Toxicology (20 credits)
Gain hands-on experience with a range of analytical and purification techniques, including technical instrumentation.
Drug Synthesis (20 credits)
Design a synthesis of new molecules that can be used in the preparation of novel drugs or to improve existing synthesis routes for existing compounds.
All assessments reflect activities that take place in the science industry and may include presentations, assessed laboratory practicals, data analysis and longer written reports. Assessments are designed to help you develop confidence in your knowledge and working practice, and offer a synthetic experience found in modern scientific careers.
This course is delivered in the bespoke teaching laboratories at University Centre Leeds. You will be trained to use a range of technical equipment, with an emphasis on gaining experience at the laboratory bench. Technical experience using equipment, such as autoclaves and water purification, is designed to prepare you for the efficient day-to-day running of laboratories, increase your professional skills and make you more attractive to employers.
Other facilities include:
TYPICAL OFFER
Foundation Degree: Pass on the second year of a foundation degree in a relevant subject.
HND: Pass grade in a relevant subject.
IELTS: IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any component.
International qualifications: International qualifications will be assessed against these criteria.
Mature applicants: We welcome applications from candidates who may not precisely match the academic criteria but can demonstrate experience in their chosen field as well as academic achievement at level 5. Candidates in this category will be interviewed to assess their
suitability for the course and asked to provide a portfolio of evidence to support their application.
*21 years and over at the start of the course
RPL Claims: The course structure actively supports claims for Recognition of Prior Certified Learning (RPCL) or Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL).
References: An appropriate reference is required.
Upon completion of this qualification, you can progress to the MSc Biosciences degree offered at University Centre Leeds.
Previous graduates have progressed into a range of scientific professions, working as biomedical scientists, biomedical support workers, senior clinical research associates, forensic analysts, environmental analysts, school laboratory technicians, clinical trials managers, and medical laboratory assistants. Graduates have also obtained job roles in research and analytical laboratory work.
Other students have completed further training and have secured roles in science teaching, postgraduate medicine and as a physician’s associate.
For the latest version of the programme specifications for this course please click here.
For the latest version of the course handbook for this course please click here.
For the latest version of The Open University regulations please click here.
Applications are open for 2025 entry.
To apply directly to study at University Centre Leeds as an international applicant, please see the direct apply link further up this page or visit our 'How to apply' page and complete the steps.
You can also apply through UCAS.
For more information please visit our 'How to apply' page.
Course fees for Undergraduates are £14,000 (GBP)
Scholarship available £3,000 (GBP) all courses.
For more information about fees and scholarships, please click here.
Please see our entry requirements page for additional requirements as an international student
International students will study 5 additional hours on top of the regular timetable.
For more information about visa and immigration, please click here.
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