Biomed requirements

em.shel

Do you need to take the UCAT if you’re planning on doing biomedical sciences at university?

Reply 1

EssexStudentRep

Official Rep

Original post by em.shel

Do you need to take the UCAT if you’re planning on doing biomedical sciences at university?

Hi @em.shel

No you do not need the UCAT for BSc Biomedical Science/s

Where are you hoping to study? Are you interested in becoming a registered biomedical scientist or are you looking more into graduate medicine after a biomed undergrad?

Best wishes,
Essex Student Rep - Hayley

Reply 2

em.shel

Original post by EssexStudentRep

Hi @em.shel
No you do not need the UCAT for BSc Biomedical Science/s
Where are you hoping to study? Are you interested in becoming a registered biomedical scientist or are you looking more into graduate medicine after a biomed undergrad?
Best wishes,
Essex Student Rep - Hayley

Hey, I’m looking to be a registered biomedical scientist. Thank you for answering my question!

Reply 3

EssexStudentRep

Official Rep

Original post by em.shel

Hey, I’m looking to be a registered biomedical scientist. Thank you for answering my question!

Hey @em.shel

That's great! In that case, I strongly recommend studying an IBMS accredited degree as it will provide the necessary qualifications to register as a biomedical scientist. 🥼🔬🧫

I study BSc Applied Biomedical Science at Essex with an NHS placement year. I'm on my placement this year, completing my portfolio, and coming back in October to finish my final year of the degree.

I've absolutely loved the placement year so far and can't wait to get back into the lab when I graduate and get registered with the HCPC

Let me know if you have any questions about the process at all 😊

Best wishes
Essex Student Rep - Hayley

Reply 4

floral-tee

Original post by EssexStudentRep

Hi @em.shel
No you do not need the UCAT for BSc Biomedical Science/s
Where are you hoping to study? Are you interested in becoming a registered biomedical scientist or are you looking more into graduate medicine after a biomed undergrad?
Best wishes,
Essex Student Rep - Hayley

Hi, im currently in year 12 and i want to know what specifically do unis look for when applying to biomedical science. Also, is work experience required for biomed?

Reply 5

EssexStudentRep

Official Rep

Original post by floral-tee

Hi, im currently in year 12 and i want to know what specifically do unis look for when applying to biomedical science. Also, is work experience required for biomed?

Hey @floral-tee

I don't know if certain universities have specific criteria, but I can talk about my experience with Essex.

For Essex entry requirements to study biomed, you would need GCSE maths at at least a grade 4/C
Then at A Level or equivalent, you would need 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points.

To break that down, depending on what education stage you're at:

•

A-levels: BBB - BBC from a minimum of 2 full A-levels, including B in Chemistry or Biology and a second science or Maths.

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BTEC: DDM - DMM (Distinction/Merit - from a minimum of the equivalent of 2 full A-levels). The acceptability of BTECs is dependent on subject studied and optional units taken. (email [email protected] if you need advice)

•

IB: 30 - 29 points or three Higher Level certificates with 555-554. Either must include Higher Level Chemistry or Biology and a second science or Maths grade 5. Computer Science, Design Technology, Physics, Sport, exercise and Health Science at Higher Level are all acceptable as second science subjects.

•

T-levels: For our Life Sciences courses we can consider T-levels taken in Science on a case-by-case basis. The offer for most courses is Distinction overall. Depending on the course applied for there may be additional requirements, which may include a specific grade in the Core. We cannot accept the T-levels in Health or Healthcare Science.

•

QAA-approved Access to HE Diploma: 6 level 3 credits at Distinction and 39 level 3 credits at Merit, depending on subject studied.

English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall, or specified score in another equivalent test that we accept.

Additional requirements:
A satisfactory basic Disclosure and Barring System (DBS) check will be required prior to starting any placement(s) for this course, This will be organised by the University in Year 2.

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Aside from all the entry requirements, your personal statement is really important. You don't necessarily need to have relevant work experience, but you should tailor your personal statement to the skills that you do have that can be applicable to studying at university i.e. time management, attention to detail, able to do your own research outside of taught material, independent learning, etc.

Above all, universities are looking to find out more about you. A list of qualifications and achievements is ok, but give examples of your character alongside them. For example if you did a Duke of Edinburgh award or you're part of a sports/social club, how has that made you into a better person and equipped you with skills for the future. You need to show how those things have made you a well rounded person with an interest in the subject you're applying for.

Talk about the future, and where you see yourself after university. Why do you want to study the degree you've chosen. I looked up the course structure and wrote about how I was looking forward to learning more about those subjects and why. You might have never come close to studying some of these subjects before, at least not in the detail you will go into at degree level, but show an eagerness to learn.

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Something I would recommend at this stage, is to get in contact with the pathology department at a hospital near where you live, and ask if they would be open to giving you a tour of their labs. Explain that you are in the process of applying for a biomed degree and you would be interested in seeing what a day in the life of a biomedical scientist is like. This will help you decide if it is actually a career you would like to do, and using your initiative to visit a lab ahead of your application will look great on your personal statement, even if you can't get work experience in the field.

Hope this all helps. and have a great summer! 😊

Best wishes,
Essex Student Rep - Hayley