Option for Placement Year
Option for Study Abroad
Over 93% of students studying Biomedical Science at Northumbria believed their course positively challenged them to achieve their best work (NSS, 2025).
Guaranteed lab-based research project
Hands on use of modern analytical and research equipment to enhance your employability
Option for industrial placement with help to apply
Get involved in real cutting-edge biomedical research during your research project
Diverse subject coverage including drug design, microbiology, genetics, disease and more...
City centre location
Level of Study
Undergraduate
Mode of Study
6 years Part Time
1 other options available
School
Geography and Natural Sciences
Location
City Campus, Northumbria University
City
Newcastle
Start
September 2026 or September 2027
Fees
Fee Information
Modules
Module Information
Uniting disciplines for global good.
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Our students learn from the best inspirational academic staff with a genuine passion for their subject. Our courses are at the forefront of current knowledge and practice and are shaped by world-leading and internationally excellent research.
Find out more about how David brings his research into his teaching at Northumbria.
Find out more on how Gary brings his research into his teaching at Northubmria.
Take a look at the facilities for the School of Geography and Natural Sciences.
Come and explore our outstanding facilities in this interactive virtual tour.
At the heart of each Northumbria campus, our libraries provide a range of study space and technology to suit every learning style.
Here are some examples of the different areas of research our Applied Science students and staff are involved in.
From first year through to final year and beyond graduation, we are here to help.
Visit an Open Day to get an insight into what it's like to study Biomedical Science. Speak to staff and students from the course and get a tour of the facilities.
96 to 112 Tariff Points
From a combination of acceptable Level 3 qualifications which may include: A-level, T Level, BTEC Diplomas/Extended Diplomas, Scottish and Irish Highers, Access to HE Diplomas, or the International Baccalaureate.
Find out how many points your qualifications are worth by using the UCAS Tariff calculator: www.ucas.com/ucas/tariff-calculator
Northumbria University is committed to supporting all individuals to achieve their ambitions and we understand that every applicant’s circumstances can be different, which is why we take a flexible approach when making offers for this course. We have a range of schemes and alternative offers to make sure as many individuals as possible are given an opportunity to study at our university regardless of personal circumstances or background. Typically, offers range from 96 to 112 UCAS tariff points, but we’ll assess your individual circumstances and potential when reviewing your application
To find out more, review our Northumbria Entry Requirement Essential Information page for further details www.northumbria.ac.uk/entryrequirementsinfo
Subject Requirements:
Grade B in A level Biology, or a recognised equivalent
GCSE Requirements:
Students will need Maths and English Language at minimum grade 4 or C, or the equivalent.
Additional Requirements:
There are no additional requirements for this course
International Qualifications:
We welcome applicants with a range of qualifications from the UK and worldwide which may not exactly match those shown above. If you have taken qualifications outside the UK you can find out how your qualifications compare by visiting our country page www.northumbria.ac.uk/yourcountry
English Language Requirements:
International applicants are required to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with 5.5 in each component (or approved equivalent*).
*The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS. You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades you will need in our English Language section. Visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/englishqualifications
UK Fee in Year 1: TBC
The UK tuition fee for 26/27 is £9,790 and is set in line with the UG Government's tuition fee cap. The University may increase this fee in subsequent years in line with any changes to the tuition fee cap. Students will be notified of any increase ahead of it taking effect. The remaining fees relate to the International Soccer Academy and accommodation fees. Accommodation fees may increase in subsequent years. Students will be notified of any increase ahead of the re-issuing of tenancy agreements. Tuition fees in the academic year 2027/28* will be £10,050. Fees are set in line with the UK Government's tuition fee cap. The University may increase fees in subsequent years in line with any changes to the tuition fee cap. Increases will be linked to inflation. For example, increases may be linked to RPIX (Retail Price Index excluding mortgage interest payments) Students will be notified of any increase ahead of it taking effect. Student fee loans rise in line with the tuition fees cap. *if your course is longer than one year
* Fees subject to annual increases over the course of the period of study. Students will be liable for payment of any/all tuition fees which are not sponsored by their employer or other third party.
International Fee in Year 1: TBC
This is the tuition fee for your first year of study. You should expect to pay tuition fees for every year of study. The University may increase fees in the second and subsequent years of your course at our discretion in line with any inflationary or other uplift. Students will be notified of any increase ahead of it taking effect.
Tuition fees in the academic year 2027/28* will be £10,050. Fees are set in line with the UK Government's tuition fee cap. The University may increase fees in subsequent years in line with any changes to the tuition fee cap. Increases will be linked to inflation. For example, increases may be linked to RPIX (Retail Price Index excluding mortgage interest payments) Students will be notified of any increase ahead of it taking effect. Student fee loans rise in line with the tuition fees cap.
This is the programme fee for your first year of study. The programme fee includes the international tuition fee, International Soccer Academy and accommodation fees. Accommodation fees may increase in subsequent years. Students will be notified of any increase ahead of the re-issuing of tenancy agreements.
ADDITIONAL COSTS
Laboratory equipment such as spatula, lab book, marker pens and a scientific calculator are required and should cost no more than £25. You may be required to print some documents this should be no more than £10 per academic year.
* At Northumbria we are strongly committed to protecting the privacy of personal data. To view the University’s Privacy Notice please click here
Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.
AP0404 -
Cell Biology and Genetics (Core,20 Credits)
You will learn about the diversity of life and the unifying cell theory including, DNA as the universal information store and the central dogma of molecular biology as the unifying mechanism in all life. You will learn the structure and function of cells and the organelles they contain along with their life cycle, division, self-replication and eventual death.
You will learn the basic principles of heredity, including molecular, classical , human and microbial genetics. You will learn the structure, function, regulation of genes and genomes. You will also learn the fundamentals of applied genetics including an introduction to clinical genetics and the identification of genetic mutations and polymorphisms and their influence on disease processes.
Underpinning these theoretical concepts and principles covered in the lecture course you will be trained in basic techniques of handling DNA in the laboratory.
AP0407 -
Biochemistry (Core,20 Credits)
This module will provide you with an important and invaluable introduction to the structure and function of the principal molecular components of living systems, including carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids. In addition, you will learn about the actions and properties of enzymes. The first part of the module will provide you with a foundation for this by explaining relevant chemical concepts which underpin chemistry in biological systems, including atomic structure, chemical bonding and the nature of molecular interactions. Then we will consider several carbon containing compounds that are present in biological systems and their chemical and physical properties. Following this, an investigation will be conducted into the structure, nomenclature, functions and significance of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids. The role of proteins as enzymes will also be investigated to provide a foundation for the study of biochemistry in successive years.
More informationAP0408 -
Anatomy and Physiology (Core,20 Credits)
In this module you will learn and understand the basics of Anatomy and Physiology of the Human Body. You will also be introduced to the pathophysiology of some common diseases. You will learn about the general organisation of the human body and some of the body systems including the skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular, endocrine, digestive, nervous and respiratory systems. This module will provide you with the necessary basic knowledge required for the understanding of more advanced biomedical courses. The content of this module also fulfils the necessary requisites (i.e. core competencies) for course accreditation purposes with the Association for Nutrition (AfN) for students following the Human Nutrition degree pathway.
More informationSE5000 -
Skills for Academic Success in a UK University (Core – for International and EU students only,0 Credits)
You will develop your understanding of academic conventions in UK higher education aligned to your level of study, including expectations around critical analysis, structure, argumentation, evidencing, and referencing. The module focuses on developing communication strategies that will help you express your ideas clearly and coherently in written assignments and spoken activities. You will also reflect on your current academic and language skills and develop strategies for development ahead of your assessments.
More informationAP0406 -
Practical Skills (Core,20 Credits)
On this module you will learn the primary skills required to be a student of a science degree. These skills will cover both laboratory based and data/information retrieval and handling. As part of the laboratory skills you will study the importance of health & safety, ethics and appropriate sample handling. You will then move into the laboratory where hands on sessions offer you an opportunity to develop key skills in areas of liquid handling, microscopy, buffers, making solutions and dilutions, and enzymatic analysis. You will use your generated laboratory data to then study and understand appropriate methods of data manipulation and presentation. You will also on this module gain experience and confidence in searching for, understanding of and appreciation of scientific literature.
More informationAP0411 -
Introductory Pathological Sciences (40 Credits)
You will learn about the roles of the five major pathology disciplines and their role in investigation and diagnosis of disease processes. Each pathology discipline, namely; Medical Microbiology, Immunology, Cellular Pathology, Haematology and Transfusion science and Clinical Biochemistry, will be explored providing you with a theoretical understanding of the subject specialism and laboratory based analytical processes and methodologies that lead to disease diagnosis. This introduction to the fundamentals of Biomedical Science will enable you to identify the roles each laboratory plays in a Pathology Department and in combination with sessions focussed on professional skills will equip you with the skills needed to work in a safe and ethical manner to generate and assess the validity of data used in the diagnosis and monitoring of disease states.
More informationSE5000 -
Skills for Academic Success in a UK University (Core – for International and EU students only,0 Credits)
You will develop your understanding of academic conventions in UK higher education aligned to your level of study, including expectations around critical analysis, structure, argumentation, evidencing, and referencing. The module focuses on developing communication strategies that will help you express your ideas clearly and coherently in written assignments and spoken activities. You will also reflect on your current academic and language skills and develop strategies for development ahead of your assessments.
More informationAP0508 -
Biology of Disease (Core,20 Credits)
You will learn the causes and consequences of damage to cells, including those caused by the generation of free radicals. You will increase your understanding of the pathological bases of cancer, such as characteristics of cancer cells, malignant and benign tumours, tumour suppressor genes, invasion and metastases. The introduction of the inflammatory processes in the human body underpins taught material in immune diseases later in the module. You will explore causes, pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of many organ disorders: cardiovascular disorders will provide information on areas such as atherosclerosis and hypertension. Information on diabetes and disorders of the reproductive hormones will be included in the endocrine section. Chronic obstructive and restrictive diseases will be taught within the respiratory disorders. Information on reproductive disorders will be taught within the section on infertility in men and women.
More informationAP0511 -
Molecular Biology and Genetics (Core,20 Credits)
You will learn the basic principles of molecular biology and gain an understanding of how the many different modern techniques can be applied to understanding genetics at the level of the nucleic acids - deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA). You will learn why and how DNA and RNA can be manipulated in the laboratory in order to clone and sequence DNA, and produce useful proteins. In addition, you will gain practical experience in representative molecular biology methods and understanding in the context in which they are used. You will also learn how mutations in DNA can lead to human disease and discover the techniques that have been developed to identify normal and mutant DNA sequences in complex mixtures. There will be a focus on the use of molecular biology in understanding human genetics, in particular the diagnosis of disease at the chromosome and nucleic acid levels, and also the methods used for testing and screening for genetic susceptibility. You will learn how techniques have been developed to sequence the human genome and to identify individuals based on features within their DNA. The broader influence of molecular biology in non-human species will be included in your learning using examples of applied genetics.
More informationAP0553 -
Bioscience Research & Analysis (Core,20 Credits)
In this module you will explore and apply the fundamental biological and chemical principles used to develop important analyses in modern bioscience. You will learn how the composition of complex mixtures of molecules are analysed and interpreted to support clinical diagnosis or to illuminate bioscience research. Additionally, the use of cell culture to support biomedical analyses in cytotoxicity testing and also their responses to modelled pathophysiological challenges in biomedical research will be an important and exciting feature. You will learn about performing clinical diagnostics and its underpinning quality assurance. As well as the content illustrating important biological and analytical principles, the mode of assessment will develop your generic research skills in literature searching and evaluation, data analysis, critical appraisal of methodologies and report writing to prepare you for your final year research project and beyond in life as a professional scientist. Professionalism will be fostered through developing an understanding of the requirements needed for a modern diagnostic laboratory.
More informationAP0506 -
Microbiology and Immunology (20 Credits)
You will learn about how microbes (particularly bacteria and viruses) interact with their hosts, with an emphasis on the microbiology of humans, in both health and disease. You will be introduced to the study of the microbiology of key body systems and how the collective microbial constituents in certain physiological ecosystems the so called “microbiome” impacts on human health and diseases. You will also learn about contemporary methods for the diagnosis of microbial diseases and antibiotic susceptibility testing.
You will develop your knowledge of immunology, particularly in relation to how the immune system monitors and responds to microbial infections, both in health and disease, including links between microbes and the development of, cancers and/or allergic diseases. In addition you will learn about how immunological approaches can be harnessed for immunodiagnostic and immunotherapeutic applications and how vaccines can be developed and used to prevent infectious disease. You will further learn about how statistical methods may be applied to the analysis of clinical data collected in individuals with SARS-CoV-2 (including severe COVID-19).
AP0509 -
Cellular and Transfusion Science (20 Credits)
You will develop a knowledge and understanding of cellular and haematological pathology as specialised aspects of diagnostic pathology. You will learn about normal and pathological aspects of organ and blood histology and the application of routine diagnostic techniques such as processing, microtomy and staining. In addition you will also develop a sound understanding of the theory and practice of cytology, immunocytochemistry/cytology/electron and light microscopy including its application to blood film examination. You will learn about theoretical aspects of blood transfusion as well as develop practical competencies in associated techniques. Interpretation of the results from these practical will help you develop an appreciation of their significance. This module will build upon the knowledge and practical experience from Introductory Pathology Science. The roles of the haematology, transfusion and histopathology laboratory in the diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of disease will be explored. You will integrate aspects of all 3 disciplines through the use of a patient history and case study, applying the theoretical and practical aspects of the material covered in lectures.
More informationAP0510 -
Medical Biochemistry (20 Credits)
In ‘Medical Biochemistry’, you will learn of how the body breaks down various biological molecules such as sugars, fats and proteins to gain energy. There are a number of cellular pathways through which new biomolecules are synthesised and broken down which is central to normal functioning of the body. These biochemical pathways/ processes and the consequence of their derangements, which results in diseases or disorders, will be studied. Additionally, students will understand how the knowledge of biochemical pathways and clinical biochemistry parameter determination can be used in the diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of various abnormal conditions. You will learn about these various aspects in a Pathway/system/ or organ-specific manner, which will allow you to clearly understand the relationship between normal and disrupted function and how the associated differences link to development of diagnosis tests.
More informationAP0607 -
Molecular Cell Interactions (Core,20 Credits)
In the early part of the module you will learn about mammalian cell signalling processes correlated with their role in disease pathogenesis and cellular responses to toxic compounds. These lectures will provide a sound theoretical understanding of concepts that will be further explored in material designed to consider the molecular mechanisms underpinning carcinogenesis. To augment this approach you will then also learn about the molecular basis of bacterial signalling and bacterial pathogenesis. As the module further develops you will then learn about therapeutic strategies designed to alleviate disease/pathogenesis. The content of this material will include the molecular basis of therapeutic design including drug action, chemotherapy and gene therapy. These lectures will serve to provide a molecular therapeutic complement to the pathogenesis lectures. Finally through case studies and essay writing you should learn to effectively, and critically, evaluate modern molecular based research.
More informationAP0609 -
Advanced Analytical Techniques (Core,20 Credits)
In this module you will explore essential advanced analytical techniques relevant to the practice of modern Biomedical Sciences. You will learn about the scientific principles underpinning these methodologies and also how they are applied to both medical diagnostics and to research. You will gain an understanding of genetic engineering strategies and purification of recombinant proteins for analysis. In addition you will also learn about advanced separation techniques such as flow cytometry and Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) as well as automated enzyme analysis. You will also gain an insight into cutting edge technologies such as next generation sequencing and microarray technologies in the context of both RNA (transcriptomics), protein (proteomics) and small molecules (metabolomics). In addition to learning the theoretical aspects and gaining hands-on laboratory experience in these techniques, you will learn to evaluate, compare and make sound evidence-based choices regarding analytical approach and experimental design that will prove a key skill in your future career.
More informationAP0610 -
Genomics (Optional,20 Credits)
Genome scale sequence analysis had transformed our understanding of human disease susceptibility and drug metabolism. In this module you will learn about the methodologies that have led to this understanding and the production of genome databases. You will also study both the sequence and the structural variation in the human genome and those variations associated with disease. The regulatory and epigenetic landscapes including DNA methylation of human genomes will also be studied in detail along with microRNA regulatory networks. Finally, the application of genomics to improve human health, personalised medicine and develop new diagnostics will be explored. You will also debate social, legal and ethical aspects of genetic testing.
More informationAP0611 -
Drug Design and Development (Optional,20 Credits)
In this module you will learn about the drug discovery and development process. You will be introduced to a range of issues in drug discovery starting with selecting a disease through to identifying a disease target and the type of molecules to be utilised. For example, in this module, you will learn about cancer as a group of diseases and consider contemporary chemotherapeutic agents. This module will start by discussing drugs and the testing of drugs within a social and historical setting. You will learn how drugs interact with and affect their target areas in the human body. You will then learn about how to evaluate drug properties, the identification of lead compounds and developing these compounds into drugs that are introduced into the clinic. Topics will include pharmacogenomics, emerging technologies in personalised medicine, principles of clinical trials and pharmacological methods as well as a consideration of ethical issues.
More informationAP0639 -
Biomedicine In Focus (Optional,20 Credits)
In this module you will learn about recent developments in biomedicine. You will be introduced to a range of key research areas relating to new discoveries and developments in contemporary research including new therapies and the development of novel laboratory techniques.
You will also be introduced to a wider perspective on biomedicine with taught sessions looking at the Ethical, Legal and Social Issues connotations of biomedicine and the subsequent impact within modern society. You will consider the importance not only of understanding complex, modern innovations but of communicating key information with stakeholders, be they patients, clinicians, pathology professionals or the general public.
This module will give you the opportunity to investigate and appraise cutting edge research and explore its implications within the biosciences, with an overall aim of developing graduates who are ready to critically evaluate and discuss research. You will be able to interpret the influence of new technology in both practice and society, analyse contemporary science and technology based issues and communicate your understanding to others.
AP0606 -
Biomedical and Biological Sciences Research Project (Core,40 Credits)
You will learn how to plan a literature investigation on a specific research topic, exploit appropriate sources and databases to search for information, evaluate and critically review the primary literature articles and assess their significance in the broader context, evaluate experimentation protocols required to carry out the proposed research, conduct experiments in a safe and effective manner and discuss the validity and significance of the data provided, present the project work in the form of an oral presentation and written report in an appropriate style and format.
More informationAP0608 -
Pathology in Practice (20 Credits)
“Pathology in Practice” represents the final stages of bringing together the knowledge and experience accrued from previous modules (L5) of the Pathology Specialties (Medical Microbiology/Clinical Immunology; Cellular pathology/Haematology/Transfusion Science; Clinical Biochemistry).
You will learn how to examine and assess the clinical symptoms and resulting results and data presented as a case study. As a group of 5 students, your team will decide the appropriate testing regime, in order to reach a diagnosis. This will take the form of preliminary investigations that should point the team in the right direction.
Comprising of group discussions, and guidance from “specialist” tutors in the assessment of demonstrations/practical work, and data acquisition, your team will collectively contribute data, knowledge, and understanding of the test results, to unravel the complexities of the case. Each student should represent a specialty subject and act as leader in that area. Once all test results have been examined, your team will decide the appropriate diagnosis of your patient. Discussions will include any follow up tests that may help in further elucidation of the case. A prognosis will be expected to be given.
The final exercise will be a student led poster presentation of the case study. All members of your group will be expected to contribute and answer questions during the presentation. Peer review is included whereby each student appraises the rest of the team, and awards marks for each person’s contribution.
The following alternative study options are available for this course:
Sep start
3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad / Sep start
More details Add to My CoursesTo start your application, simply select the month you would like to start your course.
