Is it difficult to get into biomedical science without A level chem
I'm currently studying A level physics maths and biology
Reply 1
It isn’t essential depending where you apply but look up entry requirements for the uni you want to attend.
Worst case scenario, you could try the foundation route. I got in on the foundation route after royally c*cking up my A Levels and my only grade was a D in biology (went on to get a BSc 2.1 and a MSc Merit).
Also, it depends on what you want to do. I don’t know if you’re aware of this or not but if you wish to work as a Biomedical Scientist in the UK, your degree MUST be IBMS accredited and if it isn’t, you cannot work as a Biomedical Scientist as it’s a protected title, the degree alone does not qualify you (a lot of people work on the assumption it does which is a big mistake).
Worst case scenario, you could try the foundation route. I got in on the foundation route after royally c*cking up my A Levels and my only grade was a D in biology (went on to get a BSc 2.1 and a MSc Merit).
Also, it depends on what you want to do. I don’t know if you’re aware of this or not but if you wish to work as a Biomedical Scientist in the UK, your degree MUST be IBMS accredited and if it isn’t, you cannot work as a Biomedical Scientist as it’s a protected title, the degree alone does not qualify you (a lot of people work on the assumption it does which is a big mistake).
Reply 2
3
Original post
by ScienceisgoodIt isn’t essential depending where you apply but look up entry requirements for the uni you want to attend.
Worst case scenario, you could try the foundation route. I got in on the foundation route after royally c*cking up my A Levels and my only grade was a D in biology (went on to get a BSc 2.1 and a MSc Merit).
Also, it depends on what you want to do. I don’t know if you’re aware of this or not but if you wish to work as a Biomedical Scientist in the UK, your degree MUST be IBMS accredited and if it isn’t, you cannot work as a Biomedical Scientist as it’s a protected title, the degree alone does not qualify you (a lot of people work on the assumption it does which is a big mistake).
Worst case scenario, you could try the foundation route. I got in on the foundation route after royally c*cking up my A Levels and my only grade was a D in biology (went on to get a BSc 2.1 and a MSc Merit).
Also, it depends on what you want to do. I don’t know if you’re aware of this or not but if you wish to work as a Biomedical Scientist in the UK, your degree MUST be IBMS accredited and if it isn’t, you cannot work as a Biomedical Scientist as it’s a protected title, the degree alone does not qualify you (a lot of people work on the assumption it does which is a big mistake).
I'm considering newcastle and I'm aware you can substitute a science in but I was wondering if it would be very difficult, also why would universities offer biomedical science without IBMS accreditation?
Reply 3
Original post
by Mexican_ManI'm considering newcastle and I'm aware you can substitute a science in but I was wondering if it would be very difficult, also why would universities offer biomedical science without IBMS accreditation?
IBMS accredited courses are used for diagnostic purposes as opposed to research. I went to UWE for my courses and my course was very heavily diagnostic based I.e a lot of case studies (diagnose the patient and explain how the disease progressed as well as monitoring and potential treatments).
With regards to why they wouldn’t do IBMS accreditation is because a lot (I actually think it’s all but I’m not doing my research on it, sorry) of RG unis are not IBMS accredited because they get their funding from research and development such as vaccine production, cancer research etc…
So it’s a case of a sacrifice for diagnostic or research purposes when you choose to do Biomedical Science vs Biomedical Sciences.
(edited 1 month ago)
Reply 4
Original post
by Mexican_ManI'm considering newcastle and I'm aware you can substitute a science in but I was wondering if it would be very difficult, also why would universities offer biomedical science without IBMS accreditation?
Also, I've just had a brief look at Newcastle and it appears whilst it is accredited by the Royal Society Biology, it is not accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science, thereby if you wish to work in the NHS as a Biomedical Scientist, I'd consider looking elsewhere as without this accreditation, you'd need to do top up modules elsewhere which would come out of your own pocket and time.
Reply 5
Original post
by Mexican_ManI'm currently studying A level physics maths and biology
Hi there! I'm currently in my second year studying Biomedical Science at London Metropolitan University.
I didn't study chemistry at A-Level. I studied biology, physics and computer science. Many biomedical science courses require biology + one other science or maths subject. Of course, requirements do vary from course to course, but from my own experience I can tell you that it's still absolutely possible to study biomedical science without an A-Level in chemistry.
I hope this could help! Good luck with your studies!
Reply 6
I am in y13 and take the same subjects plus FM, applying for biomedical sciences. (I am aware that I did not choose any IBMS accredited unis because I really want to do research)
Will I have lots to catch up on with chemistry and which topics should I focus on?
Currently I just research whatever I want to learn about when they come up in any article/ books I am reading, like NMR and laws of thermodynamics, rather than follow the A-level curriculum (because 4 A-levels is quite enough)
Will I have lots to catch up on with chemistry and which topics should I focus on?
Currently I just research whatever I want to learn about when they come up in any article/ books I am reading, like NMR and laws of thermodynamics, rather than follow the A-level curriculum (because 4 A-levels is quite enough)
Reply 7
Hi there,
I'm not sure if you've already submitted an application for uni, but if you're still researching then I think there are plenty of Biomed courses that don't require Chemistry A-level! The main requirement will be A-level Biology and usually a second science from Chemistry, Physics or Maths - which you have so it shouldn't be an issue at all
I've put a few uni's with to show the range of what they ask for in order for you to meet their requirements, along with whether they're accredited by the IBMS (uni name will be bold if accredited) :
Abertay - CCC with Biology A level AND either Chemistry A-level OR double science GCSE at 4 or above; BBB with Biology AND Chemistry for year 2 entry
Aberystwyth - BBB-BCC with a B in Biology OR Chemistry
Aston - BBB with Biology
Bangor - 120-136 UCAS points with Biology at C or above AND one other science (Chemistry preferred but Physics and Maths also accepted)
Bedfordshire - BBC including a science subject
Birmingham - AAB with two sciences from Bio, Chem, Phys or Maths, with grade 6 at GCSE for Maths, Bio and Chem
Bournemouth - 112-128 UCAS points
Bradford - BBC with a B in a relevant science
Cardiff Metropolitan - 112-120 UCAS points with a B in Biology AND a C in another science
Chester - BCC-BBC with Biology OR Chemistry
De Montfort - BBC with Biology OR Chemistry
Edinburgh Napier - BCC with Biology, Chemistry or Physics as an A-level
Hertfordshire - BBC-BBB with two sciences
Keele - ABB with B in two sciences
Lancashire (formerly UCLAN) - 104-120 UCAS points with Biology OR Chemistry
Lancaster - AAB with Biology AND second science
Lincoln - BCC-BBC with B in Biology OR Chemistry
London Metropolitan - BBC with Biology AND second science
Manchester Metropolitan - BBC with Biology
Plymouth - 120 UCAS points with B in Biology AND second science
Reading - ABB with B in Biology
Roehampton - 112-128 UCAS points with Biology OR Chemistry
Sheffield Hallam - 120-128 UCAS points with Biology (Chemistry useful but not required)
Sheffield - AAB with two sciences
Teesside - 96-112 UCAS points with Biology
Warwick - AAB with Biology AND second science
Wolverhampton - CCC with Biology
Wrexham - CCC-BBC
As you can see, there are plenty of options for you that don't require Chemistry and SO many of them are IBMS accredited!
And of course, LJMU is also accredited by the IBMS: https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/study/courses/undergraduates/2026/32805-biomedical-science-bsc-hons
Hope this was useful!
Jorja (LJMU Student Rep)
I'm not sure if you've already submitted an application for uni, but if you're still researching then I think there are plenty of Biomed courses that don't require Chemistry A-level! The main requirement will be A-level Biology and usually a second science from Chemistry, Physics or Maths - which you have so it shouldn't be an issue at all
I've put a few uni's with to show the range of what they ask for in order for you to meet their requirements, along with whether they're accredited by the IBMS (uni name will be bold if accredited) :
Abertay - CCC with Biology A level AND either Chemistry A-level OR double science GCSE at 4 or above; BBB with Biology AND Chemistry for year 2 entry
Aberystwyth - BBB-BCC with a B in Biology OR Chemistry
Aston - BBB with Biology
Bangor - 120-136 UCAS points with Biology at C or above AND one other science (Chemistry preferred but Physics and Maths also accepted)
Bedfordshire - BBC including a science subject
Birmingham - AAB with two sciences from Bio, Chem, Phys or Maths, with grade 6 at GCSE for Maths, Bio and Chem
Bournemouth - 112-128 UCAS points
Bradford - BBC with a B in a relevant science
Cardiff Metropolitan - 112-120 UCAS points with a B in Biology AND a C in another science
Chester - BCC-BBC with Biology OR Chemistry
De Montfort - BBC with Biology OR Chemistry
Edinburgh Napier - BCC with Biology, Chemistry or Physics as an A-level
Hertfordshire - BBC-BBB with two sciences
Keele - ABB with B in two sciences
Lancashire (formerly UCLAN) - 104-120 UCAS points with Biology OR Chemistry
Lancaster - AAB with Biology AND second science
Lincoln - BCC-BBC with B in Biology OR Chemistry
London Metropolitan - BBC with Biology AND second science
Manchester Metropolitan - BBC with Biology
Plymouth - 120 UCAS points with B in Biology AND second science
Reading - ABB with B in Biology
Roehampton - 112-128 UCAS points with Biology OR Chemistry
Sheffield Hallam - 120-128 UCAS points with Biology (Chemistry useful but not required)
Sheffield - AAB with two sciences
Teesside - 96-112 UCAS points with Biology
Warwick - AAB with Biology AND second science
Wolverhampton - CCC with Biology
Wrexham - CCC-BBC
As you can see, there are plenty of options for you that don't require Chemistry and SO many of them are IBMS accredited!
And of course, LJMU is also accredited by the IBMS: https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/study/courses/undergraduates/2026/32805-biomedical-science-bsc-hons
•
Entry requirements - BBC with Biology OR Chemistry
•
Option to join onto Applied route and work in an NHS lab during degree studies
•
Take a tour of the Pharmaceutical and Biomolecular Sciences (PBS) facilities: https://youtu.be/E0BuzQE3H_I
Hope this was useful!
Jorja (LJMU Student Rep)
Reply 8
Original post
by Mexican_ManI'm currently studying A level physics maths and biology
Good afternoon,
i recommend looking at individual universities to see their entry requirements, for example, the University of Reading's Typical offer is:
ABB with B in Chemistry, or BBB with B in Chemistry and B in a second science subject.
Acceptable second science subjects: Biology, Physics, Maths, Further Maths, Statistics, Psychology, Geography, Environmental Science/Studies, Applied Science, Geology, Computer Science.
Acceptable second science subjects: Biology, Physics, Maths, Further Maths, Statistics, Psychology, Geography, Environmental Science/Studies, Applied Science, Geology, Computer Science.
However, the University of Reading assesses every application on an individual merit basis, ensuring that every student's application is considered; this is the contextual offers scheme. However, this does not mean that every student receives an offer from the university. Therefore, i recommended you contact the Admissions homepage office to find out more.
All the best,
Ella
Bsc Ecology
Hi @Mexican_Man,
I am currently studying Biomedical Science at the University of Sheffield. Having not previously taken A-Level Chemistry myself, I have found no issues at all with feeling underprepared or lost within the course because of this. The entry requirements for Biomedical Science at the University of Sheffield are AAB, with a minimum of two science subjects. (Science subjects include Biology/Human Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Further Maths, Physics, Psychology or Geography.) I have linked the entry requirements HERE in case you are interested.
I’ve loved studying Biomedical Science, it’s such a fascinating subject! Is there a particular area that interests you most? 😃
Mia
Final Year BSc Biomedical Science Student
University of Sheffield
I am currently studying Biomedical Science at the University of Sheffield. Having not previously taken A-Level Chemistry myself, I have found no issues at all with feeling underprepared or lost within the course because of this. The entry requirements for Biomedical Science at the University of Sheffield are AAB, with a minimum of two science subjects. (Science subjects include Biology/Human Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Further Maths, Physics, Psychology or Geography.) I have linked the entry requirements HERE in case you are interested.
I’ve loved studying Biomedical Science, it’s such a fascinating subject! Is there a particular area that interests you most? 😃
Mia
Final Year BSc Biomedical Science Student
University of Sheffield
Quick Reply
Related discussions
- I need help- Biotechnology
- Grades for biomedical science
- Vet Med without Chemistry A Level?
- im lowkey gonna cry
- Alevel help
- Is chemistry really that compulsory
- Access to HE Science or Access to HE Biomedical Science? For Biochemistry at Uni
- A level subjects - Medicine vs Biomedical engineering
- Those who failed a-level(s) what did you do?
- Dreams of becoming a doctor- definitely not smart enough
- Oxbridge gcse
- Are grade 4 x 7s good enough for oxford or do i not have a chance?
- Struggling to decide between Medicine and Engineering
- A level option competitiveness
- Unsure on what supercurriculars to do
- Help - A level choices !
- I hate chemistry but I want to do radiography. Can I still get into a radiography?
- Can I do psychology at uni if i failed my GCSE???
- Medicine with low GCSEs
- I don’t take A level Physics but I want to do engineering
Latest
Trending
Last reply 3 weeks ago
Advice for those wanting to pursue a Biomedical Science careerPosted 3 months ago
Biomedical Scinces from the University of ManchesterLast reply 4 months ago
Official Biomedical Science Applicants for 2025 Entry ThreadLast reply 4 months ago
I can't choose a university! Edinburgh, Glasgow, or St Andrews?Last reply 4 months ago
Work experience for biomedical science or biotechLast reply 4 months ago
Band 5 Biomedical Scientist Interview at St Mary's Hospital (Blood Sciences)Articles for you
How The Student Room is moderated
To keep The Student Room safe for everyone, we moderate posts that are added to the site.
