Key information
For:
starting September 2026
Typical offer:
Entrants will typically have completed A-levels or equivalent, including at least one science subject, or the L4 Healthcare Science Associate Apprenticeship.
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Overview
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 successfully complete the apprenticeship, 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 that can open up a variety of routes within pathology. With the right experience and postgraduate training this could lead to a career as a consultant biomedical scientist and future pathology leader.
Course highlights
- Learn about the main pathological disciplines, including haematology, blood transfusion, microbiology, clinical biochemistry, histology and immunology
- Explore an apprenticeship that is fully integrated into the workplace - capitalise on your practical experience to contextualise the theoretical elements of the course taught at university
- Form a community of practise with your apprenticeship peers and learn from and with other healthcare students to appreciate your collective roles of the multi-professional team
- Develop your knowledge of current and emerging technologies that underpin the practise of a Biomedical Scientist and understand how the data provided by the tests you run can impact on patients' lives
- 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
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for student satisfaction
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Accreditation
This degree apprenticeship course is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS), the professional body for Biomedical Scientists (subject to approval).
Successful accreditation of the course ensure that you'll learn the knowledge and skills you need to meet the Health and Care Profession Council (HCPC) standards of proficiency for Biomedical Scientists.
I'm an employer interested in this degree apprenticeship for my staff
There's more information for you about degree apprenticeships on our information for employers page, or you can contact us directly.
If you have an employee, or employees, in mind, that's great; if you are creating a new opening, we can help you shape and promote the role.
Contact information
Contact Degree ApprenticeshipsEntry requirements
Applied Biomedical Science (Degree Apprenticeship) entry requirements
Typical offers
- Entrants will typically have completed A-levels or equivalent, including at least one science subject, or the L4 Healthcare Science Associate Apprenticeship. For applicants without relevant Level 3 qualifications, experiential learning will also be considered.
- 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.
Selection process
- All applicants will be required to complete a Skills Gap Analysis before completing an application form.
- All applicants will be invited to attend an academic interview and may be asked to submit a portfolio of work or undertake additional assessment.
- Applicants must pass Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and Occupational Health checks before starting the course.
Selection process
- All applicants will be required to complete a Skills Gap Analysis before completing an application form.
- All applicants will be invited to attend an academic interview and may be asked to submit a portfolio of work or undertake additional assessment.
- Applicants must pass Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and Occupational Health checks before starting the course.
You may need to have studied specific subjects or GCSEs – find full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept.
We look at more than just your grades
While we consider your grades when making an offer, we also carefully look at your circumstances and other factors to assess your potential. These include whether you live and work in the region and your personal and family circumstances which we assess using established data.
Values and the NHS Constitution
We embed the principles and values of the NHS Constitution in all our health and social care courses. When you apply for this course, we’ll expect you to demonstrate how your values align with the values of the Constitution.
You and your employer
When you begin studying for your degree apprenticeship:
- You need to be 18 or over
- You should be able to satisfy government requirements on residency:
- you must be a citizen or have the right to live in the UK/EEA
- you must have been a resident in the UK/EEA (not the Channel Islands or Isle of Man) for a minimum of 3 years
- you must not need a Student Route visa, and must not have been on a Student Route visa within the past 3 years
- You need to have the right to work in the UK, and to spend at least 50% of your working hours in England
- Your job should meet the requirements of the apprenticeship standard relevant to this degree – we can advise you and your employer on this
- Your employer needs to have registered an apprentice service account – we can help your employer with this if needed
If you aren't currently working in a relevant field, you can apply for a job and degree apprenticeship simultaneously. Read more about applying for this degree apprenticeship.
During the first year of the Applied Biomedical Science Degree Apprenticeship, I feel I can already apply my newly gained knowledge to my working role in the microbiology laboratory. I have enjoyed attending the campus for lectures, practicals and to use the wide array of facilities on offer, including the well-stocked library.
Your facilities
Pharmacy and Biomedical Science Teaching Centre
Practise the skills needed to diagnose and help people manage diseases, including collaborative microscopy - examining 3D microscopic images on a big screen with academics and other students.
Pharmaceutics Laboratories
Develop a better understanding of the causes and consequences of diseases in these labs, as well as the skills and expertise needed to develop and test new drugs.
Institute of Life Sciences and Healthcare
Our multidisciplinary research environment supports the translation of science for societal benefit.
Biophysical laboratories
Use professional-standard equipment to explore how the structures and functions of molecules change under different conditions.
Careers and opportunities
Whether it's processing tests for diseases such as coronavirus or providing diagnosis services to GPs, accident and emergency departments and other health services, registered Biomedical Scientists play a key role in public health.
They analyse fluid and tissue samples from patients in order to identify diseases or evaluate the effectiveness of different treatments. In fact, more than 70% of NHS diagnoses are based on lab findings by biomedical scientists, so it's a profession that's always in high demand.
When you graduate, you'll be ready to work in a Band 5 Biomedical Scientist role in areas such as:
- Main pathology disciplines, such as haematology, biochemistry, blood transfusion, microbiology, histology or immunology
- Molecular medicine
- Genetics
- Government and professional research
With further training and experience, this qualification allows progression to roles such as:
- Section leader
- Laboratory manager
- Consultant Biomedical Scientist
You'll also be able to continue onto qualification routes such as:
- Master's
- PhD
- Professional Doctorate
- IBMS professional qualifications (subject to accreditation approval)
- The Scientist Training Programme (STP)
Apprenticeships have been invaluable in future-proofing our workforce by allowing us to grow our own. Apprentices have gained cross-discipline knowledge and discipline specific skills which have helped develop their specialist knowledge, bridging gaps between their current role to those required of a Biomedical Scientist.
I’d been an Associate Practitioner for 10 years, and an Medical Laboratory Assistant for 14 years before that, so I had a lot of experience working in an NHS Microbiology department. When the opportunity to study and become a qualified Biomedical Scientist was presented, I didn’t hesitate.
Modules
Each module on this course is worth a certain number of credits. You'll study modules worth 360 credits over 3 years.
What you'll study
Core modules
All modules in this year are core.
Through structured analysis and scientific communication activities, you'll strengthen your ability to critique research and articulate complex scientific concepts with clarity and confidence.
This module supports your transition into higher education by combining academic study skills with professional practice in the biomedical laboratory.
You'll develop confident academic reading and writing, numeracy for laboratory calculations, digital information skills and responsible use of ai, while linking learning directly to day-to-day workplace activities and good laboratory practice.
Working with university staff and hospital training officers, you'll explore nhs pathology services, professional standards, ethics and communication, building a strong foundation for progression on the applied biomedical science pathway.
Core modules
All modules in this year are core.
This module brings together haematology, clinical biochemistry, transfusion science and immunology to help you understand how blood supports health and how disease develops.
You'll explore conditions such as anaemia, clotting disorders, autoimmune disease and blood cancers, while learning how laboratory techniques like immunoassays, coagulation testing and flow cytometry are used to diagnose and monitor patients.
A strong focus on quality, patient blood management and emerging therapies shows how biomedical scientists play a vital role in safe, modern healthcare.
This module introduces cellular pathology, focusing on how disease is identified by examining cells and tissues under the microscope.
You'll explore cytopathology and histopathology, learning how specimens are collected, prepared, stained and analysed, while understanding how normal structure changes in conditions such as cancer, infertility and developmental disorders.
Linking theory with practical laboratory experience, the module shows how imaging and microscopy support diagnosis, treatment decisions and advances in areas such as stem cells and regenerative medicine.
This module provides an in-depth introduction to clinical microbiology, exploring the structure, classification and pathogenic mechanisms of viruses, bacteria, fungi and protozoa.
You'll examine how infectious diseases are investigated, monitored and controlled, linking laboratory diagnostics with public health approaches such as vaccination, epidemiology, antimicrobial therapy and the one health concept.
Through laboratory-focused learning and portfolio work, you'll develop a clear understanding of how microbiology underpins patient care, infection prevention and the global challenge of antimicrobial resistance.
Core modules
All modules in this year are core.
This module prepares you for autonomous professional practice by exploring how pathology services are organised, regulated and quality assured within the nhs.
You'll examine patient safety, performance monitoring, risk management and staff wellbeing, while developing a clear understanding of your professional responsibilities and the standards expected of a registered biomedical scientist.
Through critical evaluation and service-improvement planning, you'll build confidence in quality management, leadership and reflective practice, demonstrating readiness for hcpc registration and lifelong professional development.
This module combines clinical genetics with collaborative case-based learning.
You'll explore genetic variation, cancer biology, pharmacogenetics and personalised medicine, learning how genomic and bioinformatic tools support screening, diagnosis and disease monitoring, while considering the ethical challenges of genetic testing.
Through multidisciplinary case studies and interprofessional learning, you'll develop the communication, critical thinking and teamwork skills needed to contribute confidently to patient-centred diagnostic pathways.
At the heart of this module is an independent, work-based research or service-improvement project shaped by real clinical or laboratory need.
You'll learn how to design robust investigations, analyse data using appropriate statistical methods and evaluate evidence through approaches such as clinical trials and evidence-based practice.
Supported by regular supervision and writing workshops, you'll translate your findings into practice and communicate their clinical value through professional presentations and a full dissertation.
Changes to course content
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, course content is revised and regularly reviewed. This may result in changes being made in order to reflect developments in research, learning from practice and changes in policy at both national and local levels.
Note from September 2025 the name of this course is changed from BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science (Degree Apprenticeship) to BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science (Distance Learning) (Degree Apprenticeship).
Teaching
Teaching on this course includes a mix of face-to-face and online activities, such as:
- face-to-face seminars
- workplace training sessions
- work-based practice and proficiency testing
- recorded online lectures
- online extension activities
- online self-assessment quizzes
- case study analysis
How you're assessed
You'll be assessed through:
- written exams
- multiple choice assessments
- interpretation of case studies
- portfolios of work
- written evidence sheets
- learning contracts
- short video documentary productions
- proficiency testing
- final year research project
- IBMS registration portfolio (subject to accreditation approval)
You’ll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark.
You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.
How you'll spend your time
Your study days of the week will vary, but they'll be the same days of the week each year so that you can plan your study time around your working routine and other commitments.
Overall, you'll spend about 20% of your time on activities that contribute to your degree apprenticeship, including training for the new responsibilities you may be assigned as your role evolves over the course of your degree.
Supporting you
The amount of timetabled teaching you'll get on your degree might be less than what you're used to at school or college, but you'll also get support via video, phone and face-to-face from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:
Types of support
Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to independent study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your time at university.
As well as regular scheduled meetings with your personal tutor, they're also available at set times during the week if you want to chat with them about anything that can't wait until your next meeting.
You'll get a workplace mentor who's there to support you during your apprenticeship. They'll understand your workplace responsibilities and help you to balance your workload in your workplace and in your studies
You'll have help from a team of faculty learning support tutors. They can help you improve and develop your academic skills and support you in any area of your study in one-on-one and group sessions.
They can help you:
- master the mathematics skills you need to excel on your course
- understand engineering principles and how to apply them in any engineering discipline
- solve computing problems relevant to your course
- develop your knowledge of computer programming concepts and methods relevant to your course
- understand and use assignment feedback
All our labs and practical spaces are staffed by qualified laboratory support staff. They’ll support you in scheduled lab sessions and can give you one-to-one help when you do practical research projects.
During term time, Faculty Academic Skills Tutors (AST) are available for bookable 1-to-1 sessions, small group sessions and online sessions. These sessions are tailored to your needs.
Support is available for skills including:
- University study
- Getting into the right study mindset
- Note-taking and note-making skills
- Referencing
- Presentation skills
- Time management, planning, and goal setting
- Critical thinking
- Avoiding plagiarism
If you have a disability or need extra support, our Disability Advice team will give you help, support and advice.
You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from Student Wellbeing, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.
If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.
They'll help you to:
- discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
- liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
- access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
- liaise with external services
Library staff are available in person or by email, phone or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.
The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.
The Maths Cafe offers advice and assistance with mathematical skills in a friendly, informal environment. You can come to our daily drop-in sessions, develop your mathematics skills at a workshop or use our online resources.
If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.
From the start to finish, I was supported at work with study days and extra training. But, more importantly, the level of study and pastoral support provided to help me succeed was paramount. My mentor was really understanding of my recent ADHD diagnosis and where my assessments showed I would benefit from extra time for exams to take the pressure off.
Course costs and funding
Tuition fees
The course fee is shared between the Government and your employer (£27,000 paid over 3 years), meaning no cost to you as the degree apprentice.
Please see our Degree Apprenticeships page, or contact us, for further information about the EPA.
Additional course costs
These course-related costs aren’t included in the tuition fees. So you’ll need to budget for them when you plan your spending.
Costs breakdown
Our accommodation section shows your accommodation options and highlights how much it costs to live in Portsmouth.
You’ll study up to 6 modules a year. You may have to read several recommended books or textbooks for each modules.
You can borrow most of these from the Library. If you buy these, they may cost up to £60 each.
We recommend that you budget £75 a year for photocopying, memory sticks, DVDs and CDs, printing charges, binding and specialist printing.
If your final year includes a major project, there could be cost for transport or accommodation related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.
You'll need to cover the cost of travel to the university.
Apply
Application deadline
- The application deadline to start in September 2026 is to be confirmed.
Applications received after this date may not be considered.
I'm applying with my current employer
If you're already in full-time work, and your employer is interested in you studying this course, get them to contact us and we'll work out how to work together.
If your employer isn't interested yet, you might find it useful to share our information for employers page with them.
Employer contact form Information for employers
I'm looking for a job with a Degree Apprenticeship role
If you're not in full-time employment, or your current employer is not interested in degree apprenticeships, you'll need to find a role that does offer a degree apprenticeship. You can search the gov.uk list of open degree apprenticeship vacancies, or contact us with your details and we'll let you know when degree apprenticeship vacancies come up.
When you apply for a role that includes one of our degree apprenticeships, you'll follow the company's standard recruitment process for the job, while we assess your academic suitability for the course.
Search degree apprenticeship roles (gov.uk) Contact us
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.