Healthcare science at Uclan

Hi everyone,
I’ve received offers to study Biomedical Science from Aston University, the University of Essex, and UCLan, and I’m struggling to decide which one to choose.
To qualify as a Biomedical Scientist in the UK, I’ll need to complete an NHS placement. At Aston and Essex, the placement is optional and highly competitive. At UCLan, the placement is mandatory for their Healthcare Science course, which you can switch to after completing the first year of Biomedical Science.

I have family in Birmingham (near Aston) and Colchester (near Essex), so I could live with them and save on accommodation costs. However, I don’t have any family near Preston, which would make things a bit more challenging financially.

I’m torn between prioritizing:
1.The certainty of a mandatory NHS placement at UCLan, despite the added cost of accommodation and living expenses.
2.The convenience and support of living with family in Birmingham or Colchester,
even though the placement isn’t guaranteed.
(I’m an international student)

(edited 1 month ago)

Reply 1

Tilleyy467

Hi, I've also applied to Aston for Biomed, when did you get your offer? I think I am contextual and that's why it's taking longer

Reply 2

qwerpo87

Do you have to pay extra for health care science after the first year?

Reply 3

HealthcareSci

Original post by kh-hk

Hi everyone,
I’ve received offers to study Biomedical Science from Aston University, the University of Essex, and UCLan, and I’m struggling to decide which one to choose.
To qualify as a Biomedical Scientist in the UK, I’ll need to complete an NHS placement. At Aston and Essex, the placement is optional and highly competitive. At UCLan, the placement is mandatory for their Healthcare Science course, which you can switch to after completing the first year of Biomedical Science.
I have family in Birmingham (near Aston) and Colchester (near Essex), so I could live with them and save on accommodation costs. However, I don’t have any family near Preston, which would make things a bit more challenging financially.
I’m torn between prioritizing:
1.The certainty of a mandatory NHS placement at UCLan, despite the added cost of accommodation and living expenses.
2.The convenience and support of living with family in Birmingham or Colchester,
even though the placement isn’t guaranteed.
(I’m an international student)

So to become a biomedical scientist you don't need to work in the NHS, you need to train in an IBMS accredited training lab. Most NHS labs are, but check.

If you are an international student and need a visa for the UK and want to remain in the UK after graduating then I would go for the UCLan. Currently (obviously it may change) trainee/support worker roles in pathology labs do not qualify for visas.

Thankfully Preston is one the cheapest parts of the UK. (Birmingham is the next cheapest on your list and Essex is expensive because it is near London).