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BSc (Hons) Healthcare Science (Life Sciences)

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Overview

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Accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science and the National School of Healthcare Science, and approved by the Health and Care Professions Council, this Healthcare Science degree will give you everything you need to be a professional in the life sciences. When you finish, you’ll be qualified to register as a biomedical scientist.

You’ll choose a specialist route in blood sciences, cellular sciences, genetic sciences or infection sciences and study an academic core of subjects specific to your chosen specialism. Whichever route you select, you’ll see that practice makes perfect – as you’ll do regular work-based laboratory placements, completing a total of 50 weeks in all.

You’ll build the knowledge, clinical training and skills as you prepare to team up with other health professionals in the important work of diagnosing and treating disease.

If you’re shortlisted for entry onto this programme, you must attend for interview in person as part of the selection process. You’ll have to pass a medical examination and be vaccinated to work in medical fields. You’ll also need a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service certificate, which is completed through the University early in the course. This degree is not available to overseas applicants.

Features and Benefits

Accreditations, Awards and Endorsements

Our £3m building for Biomedicine research houses one of the few magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners to be found outside a hospital.

Career Prospects

Biomedical and healthcare science graduates may go on to a range of subject-specific careers in the biological, pharmaceutical, clinical, medical, public health and other associated sectors. Recent graduates have gone on to secure employment in laboratory/research work, the pharmaceutical industry, education and medical communications.

For those who wish to continue their studies, we offer a range of postgraduate programmes across the breadth of biological and healthcare sciences.

Learn more about graduate careers

Entry requirements

We will interview you as part of your application.

UCAS tariff points/grades required

120

120 UCAS Tariff Points at A2 (Grades BBB) including a minimum grade C at A2 in Biology (must include a Pass in the Biology practical assessment), Human Biology or Grade C at A2 in Applied Science. Other Sciences may be considered. General Studies is not accepted.   

BTEC Extended Diploma at Level 3 (Grades DDM) in relevant subject (Applied Science).

Specific GCSE requirements

GCSE grade C or grade 4 in English Language, Science and Mathematics. GCSE Science and Mathematics requirement may be met through the Level 3 requirements for the course. Please contact the institution if further information is required.

Level 2 Functional Skills English also accepted. BTEC Level 2 in Applied Science also accepted.

Non Tariffed Qualifications

Pass Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject (Science/ Medicine/ Dentistry/ Pharmacy) with a minimum 122 UCAS tariff points.

International Baccalaureate points

26 Diploma points with HL Biology at grade 5.

IELTS score required for international students

7.0 overall with not less that 5.5 in any element

There’s further information for international students on our international website if you’re applying with non-UK qualifications.

Further information

All applicants are required to pass a medical examination and receive vaccinations required for working in medical fields.

A satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificate is required for all students. This will be completed through the university early in the course.

This degree programme is not available to overseas applicants.

As part of the selection process, shortlisted candidates must attend an interview in person.

Course details

The skill to diagnose and offer therapeutic intervention is all about bringing scientific understanding to a human context. It’s the ability to bridge the gap between patient and treatment – improving people’s wellbeing and even saving lives.

Our Healthcare science degrees will help you to build on your knowledge of biology to make a positive impact on health and wellbeing. With us, you could be examining blood cells and microorganisms to help diagnose patients, or learning how to perform tests to determine safe blood matches for blood transfusion. You will learn about the latest genomic and proteomic techniques and how these may be applied in diagnostics and in the development on new drugs and therapies.

The Department of Life Sciences has strong links to the NHS, hospitals and clinicians, which not only shape our curriculum but also ensure the skills you’re learning are fully relevant to the workplace.

Study Healthcare Science (Life Sciences) with us and you’ll emerge as an independent thinker who can apply critical analysis to real-world problems, with knowledge and laboratory skills that are in demand by healthcare organisations. In other words, you’ll have the attributes you’ll need to embark on a range of fascinating careers in the biological, pharmaceutical, clinical, medical, public health and other associated industries.   

In Year 1, you will develop core scientific knowledge relevant to healthcare science: Cell and Molecular Biology, Physiological Systems, Biomedical Science and Skills for Healthcare Science.  You will also begin to gain specialist knowledge of your chosen discipline. Clinical placements will introduce you to the workplace and begin your clinical skills training. In the first year, this takes the form of observational work experience.

All routes will study the same units in Year 1. Please note that the following list of units is indicative and may be subject to change:

  • Cell and Molecular Biology
  • Physiological Systems
  • Biomedical Science
  • Skills for Healthcare Science

Read more about this year of study

Core Units

Biomedical Science

This unit introduces biomedical science and its constituent specialisms and provides an introduction to disease, its nature and the analytical techniques used for investigation. This unit will describe the biology of disease, its nature and laboratory investigations and will introduce you to to the various specialisms within pathology.

Physiological Systems

The Physiological Systems unit introduces students to principles of human physiology at the organ system level with appropriate links to anatomy, cell biology, biochemistry and metabolism, disease pathology, pharmacology and therapeutics.

Cell and Molecular Biology

The unit provides a knowledge and understanding of biochemistry including basic organic chemistry. Biological molecules and their importance in cell structure and function are also studied. Students are introduced to microorganisms, with focus on the importance of identification and classification of microbes, and the techniques and skills required for their isolation, enumeration and microscopic examination.

Skills for Healthcare Science

This unit will lay the foundation for research skills and employability within the healthcare science sector. It will teach skills of experimental design, interpreting data, disseminating scientific findings through varied means and communication.

In Year 2, your clinical training is specialised in your chosen discipline. You will extend your knowledge of the biomedical science specialisms. Students will also develop research skills in preparation for your final year project whilst continuing to build upon knowledge in your chosen specialism.

All routes will study the same units in Year 2. Please note that the following list of units is indicative and may be subject to change:

  • Blood Science
  • Cellular Science
  • Infection Science
  • Techniques and Applications in Biomedical Science

Read more about this year of study

Core Units

Infection Science

This unit investigates the role of microbiology in the diagnosis and treatment of disease, and the pathogenic changes that occur as a result of interactions between host and parasite. Throughout the unit, aspects of epidemiology and pharmacology will be used to describe prevention, control and treatment of infectious disease.

Cellular Science

This unit introduces the roles of cytology and histopathology in the diagnosis of disease. It focuses on cells, tissues and organ systems and the changes that occur in these systems during pathology, with a particular focus on cancer. Normal cell development, including cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis is studied, as well as the classification of normal tissues and the relationship of one tissue type to another. Disorders of the renal, respiratory, central nervous and female reproductive systems as well as disorders of the liver are studied in detail. 

Blood Science

The Blood Science unit looks at the roles of haematology and clinical biochemistry laboratory tests in the diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of disease processes. A range of haematological and biochemical disorders are studied ranging from disorders of renal function and the endocrine system, to red blood cell disorders and haemostatic disorders.

Techniques and Applications in Biomedical Science

This unit builds on the knowledge of nucleic acids and cell biology gained in level 4 and introduces students to the key principles of molecular diagnostics. The methodologies are described in depth and put in the context of disease diagnosis and biomedical research. Topics include various types of PCR, cloning, sequencing, immunoassays, bioinformatics and the utility of in vivo and in vitro models of disease. The application of omic technologies is also considered and discussed in the context of molecular epidemiology and biostatistics.

Year 3 covers the remaining specialist material for your chosen discipline and continues your clinical training in that specialism. In addition you will complete your project.

Everyone studies the Professional and Evidence Based Practice and Project units. In addition, you study the following based upon your route. Please note that the following list of units is indicative and may be subject to change:

Blood Sciences:

  • Immunology and Immunological Disorders
  • Haematology and Transfusion
  • Biomedical Cell Biology

Infection Sciences:

  • Immunology and Immunological Disorders
  • Haematology and Transfusion
  • Medical Microbiology

Cellular Sciences:

  • Biomedical Cell Biology
  • Genetic Science

Genetic Sciences:

  • Immunology and Immunological Disorders
  • Haematology and Transfusion
  • Genetic Science

Read more about this year of study

Core Units

Professional and Evidence Based Practice

The overall aim of this unit is to ensure that the student has underpinning knowledge and gains the accompanying skills and attitudes to undertake the role of a Healthcare Science Practitioner within the NHS.

Project

This unit allows all final year students to plan and undertake either a laboratory based research project or a library based dissertation in an area of their own interest.  Students have the opportunity to develop a research question, plan an appropriate investigation and undertake that investigation under the guidance of an allocated supervisor.

Option Units

Biomedical Cell Biology

The Biomedical Cell Biology unit explores the cellular processes, cell cycle control and cell signalling events that occur during cell/tissue repair and regeneration, ageing and senescence, and human disorders. The cellular dysfunction that results as a consequence of ageing and disease development will be discussed in relation to normal cell function. Appropriate examples of biomedical techniques and model systems utilised in cell biology research will be highlighted to illustrate key concepts of the unit. Implications for biomedical research and medicine will be investigated, together with ethical issues relating to the field.

Immunology and Immunological Disorders

This unit will develop knowledge in the field of Immunology with a particular emphasis of disorders of the Immune system including immunodeficiency, autoimmune disease, hypersensitivity, multiple myeloma and tumour immunity. The unit also covers the exciting field of cancer immunotherapy, and organ transplantation. This unit develops the students prior knowledge of the mechanisms of the immune system, previously covered in the level 5 Infection Science unit, as it demonstrates how their deregulation result in disease.   

Haematology and Transfusion

This unit describes the pathogenesis of a variety of haematological disorders and the principles of transfusion medicine. This unit develops the students prior knowledge of haematological diseases and covers several haematological disorders, including the immune associated haemolytic anaemias, and haematological malignancies. It describes the use of “omic” technologies in patient diagnosis and treatment and the development of personalised medicine in haematology. The principles of transfusion medicine are taught, explaining the immunological basis of transfusion, the serious hazards of transfusion, pre-transfusion testing procedures and the role of transfusion for therapeutic purposes. 

Medical Microbiology

Building on a background knowledge of genetics gained in years 1 and 2, this unit will consider topics such as genetic principles, gene structure, function & regulation, population genetics, techniques, genetic basis of health & disease and genetic approaches which may be used to treat these. The major topics covered in the unit are: Gene structure and genome organisation; molecular mechanisms involved in gene regulation; current and advanced techniques; bioinformatics; population genetics; evolutionary genetics; genetic basis of disease; genetic testing; genetic approaches to treating disease.

Genetic Science

The unit will cover current issues related to human genetics, particularly in relation to disease & the implications on public health. It will consider topics such as genetic principles, gene structure, function & regulation, population genetics, techniques, genetic basis of health & disease and genetic approaches which may be used to treat these.

Assessment weightings and contact hours

10 credits equates to 100 hours of study, which is a combination of lectures, seminars and practical sessions, and independent study. A 3 year degree qualification typically comprises of 360 credits (120 credits per year). The exact composition of your study time and assessments for the course will vary according to your option choices and style of learning, but it could be:

Study
Assessment

Additional information about this course

All routes of the programme with the exception of genetic sciences are accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science and Health Education England and approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). The genetic sciences route is approved by HCPC only. Successful students can only follow their first choice of route if the university is able to secure a placement in that particular discipline. Upon successful completion of the programme you will be eligible to apply to the HCPC to register to practise. To successfully complete, there are some units where every individual element of assessment must be passed and the placement activities must meet satisfactory standards. Due to the 50 weeks of placement required, the programme operates on an extended academic year. In order to fulfil the requirements of the programme, you will need to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service check. The cost of this is covered by your programme. Any outcome from this will require investigation by the University and may result in you being unable to fulfil the placement aspect of the programme and therefore the programme of study. If you have any criminal convictions or cautions, you should discuss this with the programme leader before enrolling on this programme. You will be required to undergo health screening. The cost of this is covered by your programme, however, if you persistently fail to attend the health screening you will be required to pay the cancellation fee. Persistent failure to attend the health screening may result in your removal from placement. You may wish to join the Institute of Biomedical Science, Royal Society of Biology or Physiological Society, particularly in your final year.

Placement options

You’ll complete a total of 50 weeks on assessed, work-based clinical or laboratory placements during your degree. Through doing these you’ll develop the knowledge, clinical training and laboratory skills required for professional practice.

Department of Life Sciences

Our Department of Life Sciences boasts an international reputation, outstanding record in teaching and research, and state-of-the-art facilities.

The department has a reputation for excellent academic programmes, high student satisfaction, internationally recognised research and strong links to partners like the NHS, and individual hospitals and clinicians.

More about the department

Taught by experts

Your studies are supported by a team of committed and enthusiastic teachers and researchers, experts in their chosen field. We also work with external professionals, many of whom are Manchester Met alumni, to enhance your learning and appreciation of the wider subject.

Meet our expert staff

Fees

UK, EU and Channel Island students

UK, EU and Channel Island students: Full-time fee: £9,250 per year. This tuition fee is agreed subject to UK government policy and parliamentary regulation and may increase each academic year in line with inflation or UK government policy for both new and continuing students.

UK, EU and Channel Island students: Part-time fee: £2312.50 per 30 credits studied per year. This tuition fee is agreed subject to UK government policy and parliamentary regulation and may increase each academic year in line with inflation or UK government policy for both new and continuing students.

Non-EU international students

Non-EU international students: Full-time fee: £16,000 per year. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).

Non-EU international students: Part-time fee: £4000 per 30 credits studied per year. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).

Additional Information

A degree typically comprises 360 credits, a DipHE 240 credits, a CertHE 120 credits, and an integrated Masters 480 credits. The tuition fee for the placement year for those courses that offer this option is £1,850, subject to inflationary increases based on government policy and providing you progress through the course in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study). The tuition fee for the study year abroad for those courses that offer this option is £1,385, subject to inflationary increases based on government policy and providing you progress through the course in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).

Part-time students may take a maximum of 90 credits each academic year.

Additional costs

Specialist Costs

£100

Students often choose to buy a laptop in their first year however there are PCs in campus. Printing of coursework can be required each year, including the dissertation in the final year. You will be provided with a laboratory coat and safety glasses on commencement of your programme. If you lose or damage these, replacement is your responsibility.

Placement Costs

1,500

You will go on placement during each year of the programme. The placement could be anywhere in the North West (occasionally Yorkshire) and will be sourced by the University. You will need to budget for travel costs to placement (an estimate is £200 to 500 in the first year and £500 in the second and third years) but these and other reasonable expenses (as defined by the NHS) are currently reimbursed.

Funding

Find out more about financing your studies and whether you may qualify for one of our bursaries and scholarships.

Money Matters

First Generation

Dedicated funding and support for first generation students

Learn more

Want to know more?

How to apply

You can apply for this course through UCAS.

Apply now

UCAS code(s)

2N60

Remember to use the correct institution code for Manchester Metropolitan University on your application: our institution code is M40

You can review our current Terms and Conditions before you make your application. If you are successful with your application, we will send you up to date information alongside your offer letter.

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