Should I do an accredited biomedical science degree?
I got offered a place for University of Southampton for biomedical science but I realised the course isn't accredited idek if it has placement year😔 I'm not sure if I should decline my offer and go Aston instead since their course is IBMS accredited AND they offer placement year? I want to do graduate entry medicine but it's soo competitive so becoming a BMS would be my backup plan. I feel like Southampton would be better for graduate entry medicine as well since it's a Russel Group Uni I'm just sooo torn on what to do. Does anyone have any advice?
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Original post by jasminehuynh
I got offered a place for University of Southampton for biomedical science but I realised the course isn't accredited idek if it has placement year😔 I'm not sure if I should decline my offer and go Aston instead since their course is IBMS accredited AND they offer placement year? I want to do graduate entry medicine but it's soo competitive so becoming a BMS would be my backup plan. I feel like Southampton would be better for graduate entry medicine as well since it's a Russel Group Uni I'm just sooo torn on what to do. Does anyone have any advice?
I would say that if you want to do medicine, then why do biomed at all? I'd wait and apply for undergraduate medicine otherwise you could end up with a £50k of debt for a degree you didn't want.
IBMS accreditation is only important if you want to be a biomedical scientist, which you don't. So I'd say it doesn't matter.
My results are BBB so I literally can’t unless I resit (which I cba to). I feel like w/ and accredited degree I’ll have more options idk
Original post by jasminehuynh
My results are BBB so I literally can’t unless I resit (which I cba to). I feel like w/ and accredited degree I’ll have more options idk
I would then say that if you don't have the motivation to do an extra year of A levels in order to get into medicine, is it sensible to commit to attempting 7 years of university plus an additional 10+ years of work based studying afterwards?
University degrees are a lot of work and very expensive. If you aren't sure where you want to go, I would consider taking a year to think about what you want to do with your career.
Original post by jasminehuynh
I got offered a place for University of Southampton for biomedical science but I realised the course isn't accredited idek if it has placement year😔 I'm not sure if I should decline my offer and go Aston instead since their course is IBMS accredited AND they offer placement year? I want to do graduate entry medicine but it's soo competitive so becoming a BMS would be my backup plan. I feel like Southampton would be better for graduate entry medicine as well since it's a Russel Group Uni I'm just sooo torn on what to do. Does anyone have any advice?
Hey, I'm starting an unaccredited course this year at Exeter uni and I had to make this decision as well! If you do an unaccredited course and want to become a biomedical scientist you would have to pay to learn the missing courses you need to learn and get it evaluated. Otherwise, don't worry about it! With a biomedical science degree, you can also do the NHS Scientist Training Programme to become a scientist or go through other graduate schemes. If you really want to do medicine, you should also know that doing graduate entry medicine is extremely costly. Some people do masters, PHDs and get internships in their Professional Training Years so there is lots of directions you can go. And some do GEM as my course guarantees an interview.
So, even if you don't do an accreditted course, you still have that backup plan - its just that it'll cost you money same as doing graduate entry medicine. That was my conclusion anyway
Original post by jasminehuynh
I got offered a place for University of Southampton for biomedical science but I realised the course isn't accredited idek if it has placement year😔 I'm not sure if I should decline my offer and go Aston instead since their course is IBMS accredited AND they offer placement year? I want to do graduate entry medicine but it's soo competitive so becoming a BMS would be my backup plan. I feel like Southampton would be better for graduate entry medicine as well since it's a Russel Group Uni I'm just sooo torn on what to do. Does anyone have any advice?
Hi @jasminehuynh,
Firstly congratulations on finishing your A-levels and receiving university offers.
On our website it states our BSc Biomedical Sciences course is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology (RSB) however you are right we do not have IBMS. You can find out all about the course in the link here.
As for a placement year we offer those with all of our biological sciences courses. For a BSc it would be between 2nd and 3rd year and is pretty much like taking a year off so your studies are stopped for the year while you are on placement. You do have to arrange the placement yourself but there is lots of support from the lecturers and tutors who can provide you with contacts and I believe some even have lists of every place students have been before. I have never heard of anyone struggling to find a position before. Once you are finished you would then come back and complete 3rd year as normal.
I really would recommend having a thorough look at the course page especially at the modules you would be taught since biomedical sciences can be quite different to medicine, which surprises people sometimes, but it can definitely be a good route to graduate medicine.
I hope this helps,
Abby 4th year UoS student
Original post by HealthcareSci
I would then say that if you don't have the motivation to do an extra year of A levels in order to get into medicine, is it sensible to commit to attempting 7 years of university plus an additional 10+ years of work based studying afterwards?
University degrees are a lot of work and very expensive. If you aren't sure where you want to go, I would consider taking a year to think about what you want to do with your career.
University degrees are a lot of work and very expensive. If you aren't sure where you want to go, I would consider taking a year to think about what you want to do with your career.
sorry I sounded sooo lazy😔I had a really depressing experience at sixth form and I doo not want to go back. I may just do the accredited course instead since I’m unsure on what to do. A gap year also sounds appealing, but I’m prone to getting lazy and I’ll probably never go back to education lol. I think you’re right I need to rethink medicine😭I thought GEM was easier to get in??
Original post by harufolio
Hey, I'm starting an unaccredited course this year at Exeter uni and I had to make this decision as well! If you do an unaccredited course and want to become a biomedical scientist you would have to pay to learn the missing courses you need to learn and get it evaluated. Otherwise, don't worry about it! With a biomedical science degree, you can also do the NHS Scientist Training Programme to become a scientist or go through other graduate schemes. If you really want to do medicine, you should also know that doing graduate entry medicine is extremely costly. Some people do masters, PHDs and get internships in their Professional Training Years so there is lots of directions you can go. And some do GEM as my course guarantees an interview.
So, even if you don't do an accreditted course, you still have that backup plan - its just that it'll cost you money same as doing graduate entry medicine. That was my conclusion anyway
So, even if you don't do an accreditted course, you still have that backup plan - its just that it'll cost you money same as doing graduate entry medicine. That was my conclusion anyway
haha thank you I feel slightly relieved now
Original post by jasminehuynh
sorry I sounded sooo lazy😔I had a really depressing experience at sixth form and I doo not want to go back. I may just do the accredited course instead since I’m unsure on what to do. A gap year also sounds appealing, but I’m prone to getting lazy and I’ll probably never go back to education lol. I think you’re right I need to rethink medicine😭I thought GEM was easier to get in??
It's not about being lazy It's about putting your efforts into something you care about and have a higher chance of completing. (I hated school and A levels too).
Graduate Entry Medicine is more competitive than Undergraduate, not less. There are fewer places and the standard of applicants is higher.
A university degree is three years and £50k. Resitting A levels is one year and free (if you can still live at home).
It's your life but if you are going to put yourself into significant debt then make sure it is something you actually want.
(I did an accredited BMS degree but I wanted to be a BMS, not a medic, and I did an apprenticeship which means I was paid to do it and have no student fees).
Original post by HealthcareSci
It's not about being lazy It's about putting your efforts into something you care about and have a higher chance of completing. (I hated school and A levels too).
Graduate Entry Medicine is more competitive than Undergraduate, not less. There are fewer places and the standard of applicants is higher.
A university degree is three years and £50k. Resitting A levels is one year and free (if you can still live at home).
It's your life but if you are going to put yourself into significant debt then make sure it is something you actually want.
(I did an accredited BMS degree but I wanted to be a BMS, not a medic, and I did an apprenticeship which means I was paid to do it and have no student fees).
Graduate Entry Medicine is more competitive than Undergraduate, not less. There are fewer places and the standard of applicants is higher.
A university degree is three years and £50k. Resitting A levels is one year and free (if you can still live at home).
It's your life but if you are going to put yourself into significant debt then make sure it is something you actually want.
(I did an accredited BMS degree but I wanted to be a BMS, not a medic, and I did an apprenticeship which means I was paid to do it and have no student fees).
I've already resat my a levels and got BBB so I don't want try again. My first attempt I got BCD I genuinely did try this year which is a bit demotivating but it is what it is. I'm only interested in biology and medicine I have no idea what else I would do
I would advise going to an IBMS accredited degree over a Russel Group uni (which are HIGHLY overrated).
I have done an IBMS accredited degree in both a BSc and a MSc in BMS and they are accredited by a government institute for a reason. They meet the standards set by the IBMS (Institute of Biomedical Science) meaning they meet the strict educational standards set by them.
Going to a non-IBMS accredited course will just show you don’t meet those standards. These include both the legal and medical side of the course.
I have done an IBMS accredited degree in both a BSc and a MSc in BMS and they are accredited by a government institute for a reason. They meet the standards set by the IBMS (Institute of Biomedical Science) meaning they meet the strict educational standards set by them.
Going to a non-IBMS accredited course will just show you don’t meet those standards. These include both the legal and medical side of the course.
Before I forget, absolutely no Russel Group unis are IBMS accredited for Biomedical Science. The reason why is because Russel Group unis pride themselves on research as opposed to the diagnostic side of the course.
Original post by jasminehuynh
I got offered a place for University of Southampton for biomedical science but I realised the course isn't accredited idek if it has placement year😔 I'm not sure if I should decline my offer and go Aston instead since their course is IBMS accredited AND they offer placement year? I want to do graduate entry medicine but it's soo competitive so becoming a BMS would be my backup plan. I feel like Southampton would be better for graduate entry medicine as well since it's a Russel Group Uni I'm just sooo torn on what to do. Does anyone have any advice?
Hey there, first of all well done for having resat your A - Levels the first time. My personal experience of it was horrific. I always say as someone who has completed a BSc and an MSc that I found my A Levels were way harder than both my degrees.
Have you looked into studying Medicine abroad? There are agencies such as 'Study Medicine Europe (SME)' who offer UK pathways whether you want to study six years in Europe or five years in the Carribbean. The obvious con for these are that you finance the tuition yourself as opposed to studying as a Home student in the UK and receiving SFE. Another con is that you will have to sit the new Medical Licensing Exam after completing your medical degree to be able to work in the UK if you would want to come back.
Pro's include that some uni's abroad don't require an entrance exam, there are great UK student communities amongst the popular medical schools so will feel like a home away from home and you get the chance to study Medicine without having to pursue a degree you aren't interested in prior. I know that all Universities affiliated with SME for the UK pathway are GMC compliant so you will not have to worry about whether or not you will be eligible to apply for foundation training back in the UK on completion of your degree. However I can't say the same for other agencies so you will have to do your own research into that if interested.
Another good thing about studying abroad is a lot of uni's will have multiple entrance dates in a year i.e., January, May and September - increasing your chances of getting in. On completion of the course you will be awarded an MD which is held in higher regard than the MBBS given here. The MD qualifies you for full registration meaning that you can apply for a standalone FY2 post rather than completing the provisional FY1 post prior which is the route that Graduates from UK medical schools embark on.
Nonetheless there are pros and cons so you will have to form your own evaluation and decide on the best course of action for yourself.
I hope this is somewhat useful!
Feel free to PM me if you have further questions
Original post by Scienceisgood
I would advise going to an IBMS accredited degree over a Russel Group uni (which are HIGHLY overrated).
I have done an IBMS accredited degree in both a BSc and a MSc in BMS and they are accredited by a government institute for a reason. They meet the standards set by the IBMS (Institute of Biomedical Science) meaning they meet the strict educational standards set by them.
Going to a non-IBMS accredited course will just show you don’t meet those standards. These include both the legal and medical side of the course.
I have done an IBMS accredited degree in both a BSc and a MSc in BMS and they are accredited by a government institute for a reason. They meet the standards set by the IBMS (Institute of Biomedical Science) meaning they meet the strict educational standards set by them.
Going to a non-IBMS accredited course will just show you don’t meet those standards. These include both the legal and medical side of the course.
Would I be doing my portfolio during placement year? The placement they’re offering is in the NHS but it’s not guaranteed. Would I have to do my HCPC registration after I graduate?
Original post by jasminehuynh
Would I be doing my portfolio during placement year? The placement they’re offering is in the NHS but it’s not guaranteed. Would I have to do my HCPC registration after I graduate?
It would depend on a number of factors, primarily if anyone is in the queue before yourself. I would bring this up by emailing them and asking if you could do your portfolio and complete it before leaving as you will have a fixed amount of time and I can say from experience, some training officers drag their feet…
Worst example I have seen is when someone is still doing their portfolio for over three years and pieces are expiring!
Original post by Scienceisgood
It would depend on a number of factors, primarily if anyone is in the queue before yourself. I would bring this up by emailing them and asking if you could do your portfolio and complete it before leaving as you will have a fixed amount of time and I can say from experience, some training officers drag their feet…
Worst example I have seen is when someone is still doing their portfolio for over three years and pieces are expiring!
Worst example I have seen is when someone is still doing their portfolio for over three years and pieces are expiring!
Original post by jasminehuynh
Okay great thank you! So once you’re HCPC registered are you able to apply for band 5 trainee BMS?
Also if I was to do an accredited masters am I able to apply for band 7? or is that not how it works
Original post by jasminehuynh
Okay great thank you! So once you’re HCPC registered are you able to apply for band 5 trainee BMS?
Original post by jasminehuynh
Also if I was to do an accredited masters am I able to apply for band 7? or is that not how it works
Once you have your HCPC registration, you can go straight into being a BMS, you don’t need the registration to be a trainee (but you will be slapped with Annex 21 of the contract for your salary). Effectively translating to giving up 25% of your salary.
Regarding Band 7, you need to do your specialist portfolio as a standard HCPC portfolio will simply not be sufficient for it. It does state in multiple JD though that you will typically need 5 years experience as a BMS before you can apply for a senior BMS.
Original post by Scienceisgood
Once you have your HCPC registration, you can go straight into being a BMS, you don’t need the registration to be a trainee (but you will be slapped with Annex 21 of the contract for your salary). Effectively translating to giving up 25% of your salary.
Regarding Band 7, you need to do your specialist portfolio as a standard HCPC portfolio will simply not be sufficient for it. It does state in multiple JD though that you will typically need 5 years experience as a BMS before you can apply for a senior BMS.
Regarding Band 7, you need to do your specialist portfolio as a standard HCPC portfolio will simply not be sufficient for it. It does state in multiple JD though that you will typically need 5 years experience as a BMS before you can apply for a senior BMS.
Omg are you being serious 25% thats a joke number?? So essentially if I earn a band 5 salary (£28,400) then £7102 will be taken off my salary?
Original post by Scienceisgood
Once you have your HCPC registration, you can go straight into being a BMS, you don’t need the registration to be a trainee (but you will be slapped with Annex 21 of the contract for your salary). Effectively translating to giving up 25% of your salary.
Regarding Band 7, you need to do your specialist portfolio as a standard HCPC portfolio will simply not be sufficient for it. It does state in multiple JD though that you will typically need 5 years experience as a BMS before you can apply for a senior BMS.
Regarding Band 7, you need to do your specialist portfolio as a standard HCPC portfolio will simply not be sufficient for it. It does state in multiple JD though that you will typically need 5 years experience as a BMS before you can apply for a senior BMS.
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