If you work in a supporting role in a pathology lab environment and want to register as a Biomedical Scientist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), this three-year, full-time by distance learning BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science degree apprenticeship is for you. You'll study alongside your existing job, and won't need to pay anything towards your course fees.
When you complete the course successfully, you'll be eligible to apply for registration as a Biomedical Scientist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). You'll have a vital, in-demand skill set, opening paths to roles from diagnosing illnesses such as COVID–19 to establishing whether a patient and donor are compatible for transplantation.
Course highlights
Learn about the main pathological disciplines, including haematology, blood transfusion, microbiology, clinical biochemistry, histology and immunology
Develop your skills in interpreting data in a laboratory context
Have the opportunity to apply for membership to the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS – subject to accreditation approval), opening up a further portfolio of training courses, and the potential for future professional advancement
Improve your communication skills in scientific and analytical writing, learning how to communicate complex scientific concepts to a broad audience
Earn a degree qualification while you work, with the Government and your employer covering your tuition fees
*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please check with institution
Expected January 2027
Start date
September 2026
Online/Distance learning
Winston Churchill Avenue Portsmouth Hampshire,
Portsmouth,
Hampshire,
PO1 2UP, Southern England, United Kingdom
Please check with institution
September 2027
Online/Distance learning
Winston Churchill Avenue Portsmouth Hampshire,
Portsmouth,
Hampshire,
PO1 2UP, Southern England, United Kingdom
A levels - BBB-BBC
UCAS points - 112-120 from 3 A levels, or equivalent, to include 40 points from Biology and 40 points from a second Science subject or Mathematics. For A levels which include a separate science practical component, a pass is desirable and may strengthen an application.
Applicants aged 16-18 must have acceptable Level 2 qualifications in English and Maths, such as GCSE with grade C/4 or above or Functional Skills. If you do not have acceptable qualifications, you will be required to obtain this. Those aged 19 and over are only subject to these requirements if you or your employer choose for you to study towards English and Maths qualifications, which will be funded. Please note that you may still be required to evidence accepted Level 2 qualifications for the course, as part of academic assessment.
Acceptable qualifications include GCSE with grade C/4 or above and Functional Skills with Pass - please note that we are not able to accept all kinds of Level 2 qualifications, so if you are unsure whether you have a suitable qualification please get in touch.
If you do not have an acceptable qualification you will be required to take an additional assessment during the application process.
BTECs (Extended Diplomas) - DDM-DMM
International Baccalaureate - 29
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.
The University of Portsmouth is a vibrant institution on the UK’s south coast offering gold-rated education and excellent student support.