UK uni choice
I have just received my UCAS grades which are A*A*A. I’m studying Biology, Maths, and Chemistry. I really enjoy working in the lab so I was thinking about going into Biomedical Science, but people keep saying the field is already saturated and it’s hard to find a job after graduating. So I’m wondering if there’s another path that might suit me better.
I’ve noticed that, to become a BMS, you need an ibms accredited degree. Are there any good universities that offer a placement year and are ibms accredited as well?
I’ve noticed that, to become a BMS, you need an ibms accredited degree. Are there any good universities that offer a placement year and are ibms accredited as well?
(edited 9 months ago)
Reply 1
Original post
by Jenop7297I have just received my UCAS grades which are A*A*A. I’m studying Biology, Maths, and Chemistry. I really enjoy working in the lab so I was thinking about going into Biomedical Science, but people keep saying the field is already saturated and it’s hard to find a job after graduating. So I’m wondering if there’s another path that might suit me better.
I’ve noticed that, to become a BMS, you need an ibms accredited degree. Are there any good universities that offer a placement year and are ibms accredited as well?
I’ve noticed that, to become a BMS, you need an ibms accredited degree. Are there any good universities that offer a placement year and are ibms accredited as well?
Hi @Jenop7297
Those are some amazing UCAS grades, well done! The job market is kind of crazy for everyone at the moment. If you enjoy the subject and think you want to work in the lab then taking a Biomedical Science degree would be a great choice. Lancaster offers an IBMS-accredited Biomedical Science degree with the option to apply for a placement year in NHS labs! While I don't know any official stats on how many students are successful at getting a placement, I know that Lancaster has very good connections and offers a lot of support to their students. I'm a biochemist at Lancaster and I've loved the course and felt very supported by the department.
Please let me know if you have any questions about studying at Lancaster!
Rebecca (Lancaster Student Ambassador)
Reply 2
20
As above, do you just want to do 'lab work' - or do the research itself?
This is why most top Unis don't offer IMBS accredited degrees, because they don't want students who 'just want to work in a lab'. There is nothing wrong with that sort of work - but that is not what top Unis are all about.
And there are more specialised degrees offered at RG Unis than just simply 'Biochem' or 'Biomed' - examples
Undergraduate | Faculty of Biological Sciences | University of Leeds
Undergraduate | School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine | University of Bristol
Course search | Study | Imperial College London
Medical School Undergraduate Courses - Swansea University
etc
This is why most top Unis don't offer IMBS accredited degrees, because they don't want students who 'just want to work in a lab'. There is nothing wrong with that sort of work - but that is not what top Unis are all about.
And there are more specialised degrees offered at RG Unis than just simply 'Biochem' or 'Biomed' - examples
Undergraduate | Faculty of Biological Sciences | University of Leeds
Undergraduate | School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine | University of Bristol
Course search | Study | Imperial College London
Medical School Undergraduate Courses - Swansea University
etc
Reply 3
A good university degree is one that gets you to the career/place that you want. The name of the institution is less important than the access it gives you. What's the point in doing Biochemistry at Oxford if you want to become a Biomedical Scientist when you'd have to spend time and money converting a degree?
Degrees are incredibly expensive these days, it's easily £50k. And yes it's a student loan but it is still being paid. My partner pays £250/month on their student loan (£3k/year) which is a lot of money. Particularly if the degree doesn't get you what you are looking for as you still have to pay for it.
The biomedical science job market is currently difficult. But if you ask the people who tell you this to suggest one that isn't? They will probably struggle. And you won't be graduating for four years so it's hard to predict what the global financial situation will be then.
Biomedical scientists can and do carry out research, to say that accredited degrees do not demonstrates a lack of knowledge and understanding of the process. There has (and in some areas still is) snobbery towards those with degrees from non-RG universities, but that doesn't replicate every area and there is more of a focus on skills and knowledge. At university the biggest thing would be to make sure you do a final year research project rather than a dissertation if you are interested in research, regardless of the course you choose.
If you are interested in the Scientist Training Programme then I recommend having a look. But it's also not true to say that biomedical science will harm your chances there. In fact the opposite is possibly true, huge numbers of applicants to the STP have a biomedical science degree (myself included). If you like the STP then the most important thing is to find a degree course that has strong links with a hospital for opportunities because you need to show an understanding of patient pathways in your application.
And finally - pure vs targeted options. For a programme like the STP then it may make little difference but a huge number of jobs have very specific degree requirements and something broad may put you at a disadvantage compared to candidates with a more specific degree (take a look at PhD job adverts for example).
My own background; I have degrees from two RG and two non-RG universities. So I have seen both sides of 'good vs bad' universities for education.
Degrees are incredibly expensive these days, it's easily £50k. And yes it's a student loan but it is still being paid. My partner pays £250/month on their student loan (£3k/year) which is a lot of money. Particularly if the degree doesn't get you what you are looking for as you still have to pay for it.
The biomedical science job market is currently difficult. But if you ask the people who tell you this to suggest one that isn't? They will probably struggle. And you won't be graduating for four years so it's hard to predict what the global financial situation will be then.
Biomedical scientists can and do carry out research, to say that accredited degrees do not demonstrates a lack of knowledge and understanding of the process. There has (and in some areas still is) snobbery towards those with degrees from non-RG universities, but that doesn't replicate every area and there is more of a focus on skills and knowledge. At university the biggest thing would be to make sure you do a final year research project rather than a dissertation if you are interested in research, regardless of the course you choose.
If you are interested in the Scientist Training Programme then I recommend having a look. But it's also not true to say that biomedical science will harm your chances there. In fact the opposite is possibly true, huge numbers of applicants to the STP have a biomedical science degree (myself included). If you like the STP then the most important thing is to find a degree course that has strong links with a hospital for opportunities because you need to show an understanding of patient pathways in your application.
And finally - pure vs targeted options. For a programme like the STP then it may make little difference but a huge number of jobs have very specific degree requirements and something broad may put you at a disadvantage compared to candidates with a more specific degree (take a look at PhD job adverts for example).
My own background; I have degrees from two RG and two non-RG universities. So I have seen both sides of 'good vs bad' universities for education.
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