Suitability interviews, DBS and occupational health assessments may also need to be undertaken by applicants considering progression to certain professionally recognised programmes.

Applications from students with non-standard qualifications, including those without science qualifications at level 3, are welcomed and are assessed on an individual basis. This course is also suitable for those returning to study who can offer work or other related experience in place of formal qualifications and who have the equivalent of basic mathematical, English and science skills (i.e. the equivalent of a grade C at GCSE level)

A level:Typical offer 32-48 points from a minimum of 2 A-levels including grade E in a Science subject. Excluding General Studies

GCSE:Mathematics and English language grade C/4.

International Baccalaureate:24 overall to include 3 at Higher Level science subject. English and mathematics must be included.

BTEC: PPP in a science related subject.

T level: Accepted – preference pathways would be Health or Science. Typical offer will be confirmed once an application is received.

Access: pass an Access to HE Diploma (e.g science/combined studies/natural sciences/nursing).

Other qualifications and professional experience may be considered. Interview may be required, please refer to institution for individual consideration.
We are aware of the various education systems throughout the world and make offers based on equivalent qualifications to those listed in our entry requirements. You should be able to possess the ability to study in the English language and be familiar with this in a scientific context. To that end, we will ask for a minimum IELTS score; this will not differ from that required for any other science degree, and support in scientific English is offered.

English language requirements 

We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary. 

Students must be 18 years old or over at the start date of this programme.

GCSEs: Grade C/4 or above in Mathematics and English. Consideration may be given to equivalent qualifications such as Functional Skills.

A levels: 112–128 Tariff points to include a minimum of three A levels, including Grade B in Biology/Human Biology, and Grade B in a relevant second science. General Studies excluded. 

Relevant second sciences: Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Applied Science, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Geology, Geography, Psychology, and IT. 

Access to HE Diploma: Pass an Access to HE Diploma with 30 Level 3 credits at distinction, including 15 Level 3 credits in Biology and 15 Level 3 credits in a second relevant science. The remaining 15 Level 3 credits must be at merit or above. 

BTEC RQF National Extended Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma: DDM – depending on the BTEC and units studied. If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC. Without this information we may be unable to process your application quickly and you could experience significant delays in the progress of your application to study with us. Please explicitly state the full list of modules within your qualification at the time of application or contact Admissions for further advice.

T level: Accepted – preference pathways would be Health or Science. Typical offer will be confirmed once an application is received.

International Baccalaureate: 30 points overall to include Grade 5 in Higher Level Biology and Grade 5 in a second relevant science. English and Mathematics accepted within as GCSE equivalent at higher level = 4, standard level = 5 

International qualifications: We welcome applicants offering a wide range of international qualifications. Applications are considered on an individual basis, depending on the subjects studied.

English language requirements 

IELTS: Overall average score of at least 6.0, with a score of at least 6.0 in all elements. 

Other qualifications: Applicants with other qualifications should contact the Admissions Office at admissions@plymouth.ac.uk for advice. 

Transfer to BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science: Stage two students have the opportunity to apply for a limited number of year-long placements in accredited NHS labs and transfer to BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science after year two. Transfer is not guaranteed, with applicants having to successfully complete a competitive behaviours-based interview, a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and an Occupational Health (OH) assessment. Students applying to transfer to the BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science degree will need an overall IELTS average score of 7.0 with 6.5 in the writing and speaking sections or a GCSE Grade C/4 minimum in English language.

Placements with NHS employers will be for 40 weeks full-time (or the equivalent of 40 weeks). While on placement, ABMS students complete the IBMS portfolio of competence, and ABMS graduates are eligible to apply for Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registration and the protected title of ‘Biomedical Scientist’ for employment in Band 5 positions within the NHS.

Students must be 18 years old or over at the start date of this programme.