BSc Healthcare Science (Life Sciences)
Cardiff Metropolitan University
About this course
BSc (Hons) Healthcare Science (Life Sciences), a healthcare science degree focused on laboratory investigation of human health and disease. Core topics include Data Analysis, Laboratory Techniques, Research Methods, and Ethics & Professional Practice. Students undertake work-based training elements integrated into the programme alongside professional accreditation from the Royal Society of Biology. The first year covers foundational subjects through Biochemistry, Cell Biology & Genetics, Anatomy & Physiology, Infection & Immunity 1, Laboratory Skills & Data Analysis, and Professional & Interprofessional Development 1. During the second year, students study Research Methods, Blood & Cellular Sciences, Infection & Immunity 2, Molecular Biology & Genetics, Physiology, Pharmacology & Toxicology, Professional & Interprofessional Development 2, and Healthcare Science Specialism Placement A, whilst choosing between Blood Science, Cellular Science, Genetics Science, or Infection Science as a discipline specialism. The final year comprises The Biology & Laboratory Investigation of Disease, Contemporary Topics in Healthcare Science, Professional Practice & Work-Based Training, Specialism B, and an independent Research Project.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
UCAS tariff: 112-120 A level: Minimum three A levels. Grades BC in Biology and an equivalent Science. BTEC/Cambridge Technical: DDM within Applied Science. IB: Minimum two Grade 5/6 in Higher Level Biology and equivalent Science.
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Admissions (2022 entry, home applicants)
Offer rate 69%: 27 offers from 39 applications, from the university's Freedom of Information return.
What students say
Based on about 13 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 71%
- Learning opportunities: 67%
- Assessment and feedback: 56%
- Academic support: 62%
- Organisation and management: 44%
- Learning resources: 70%
- Student voice: 51%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 20 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 90%
- Left higher education: 5%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 12 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 40%
- Working and studying: 30%
- Further study: 15%
- Unemployed: 10%
Most common jobs
- Natural and social science professionals: 40%
- Caring personal services: 15%
- Other Health Professionals: 10%
- Administrative occupations: 10%
- Teaching and Childcare Support Occupation: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 75%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 40%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 60%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 220 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 2%
- North West: 5%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 1%
- East Midlands: 2%
- West Midlands: 6%
- East of England: 3%
- London: 4%
- South East: 6%
- South West: 16%
- Wales: 52%
- Scotland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 80%
- Access course: 15%
- A degree: 5%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- This degree meets NHS requirements for the role of a Healthcare Science Practitioner. Academic study is integrated with 50 weeks of work based training underpinned by professional practice. Delivered by academic and clinical staff with active patient involvement the degree constantly evolves to embed new science and technology e.g. genomics.
- Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of meeting, in part, the academic and experience requirement of membership and Chartered Biologist (CBiol).
- Accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS).
- Approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) for the purpose of providing eligibility to apply for registration with the HCPC as a biomedical scientist.
Modules
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology & Genetics
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Infection & Immunity 1
- Laboratory Skills & Data Analysis
- Professional & Interprofessional Development 1
- Research Methods
- Blood & Cellular Sciences
- Infection & Immunity 2
- Molecular Biology & Genetics
- Physiology, Pharmacology & Toxicology
- Professional & Interprofessional Development 2
- Healthcare Science Specialism Placement A (non-credit bearing)
- The Biology & Laboratory Investigation of Disease
- Contemporary Topics in Healthcare Science
- Professional Practice & Work-Based Training
- Specialism B
- Research Project
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Healthcare Science (Life Sciences) at Cardiff Metropolitan University earn?
The median salary is £31,000 after 15 months, £25,500 after 3 years, £30,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £23,500 and £35,000. The £30,500 median after five years is £500 less than the UK median for Healthcare science.
What do graduates of BSc Healthcare Science (Life Sciences) at Cardiff Metropolitan University do next?
85% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Healthcare Science (Life Sciences) at Cardiff Metropolitan University?
71% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Healthcare Science (Life Sciences) at Cardiff Metropolitan University?
The typical offer is BC at A level. The average entrant had 155 UCAS points.
What is the offer rate for BSc Healthcare Science (Life Sciences) at Cardiff Metropolitan University?
69% of home applicants received an offer for 2022 entry: 27 offers from 39 applications, according to the university's Freedom of Information return.
Is BSc Healthcare Science (Life Sciences) at Cardiff Metropolitan University accredited?
Yes. This degree meets NHS requirements for the role of a Healthcare Science Practitioner. Academic study is integrated with 50 weeks of work based training underpinned by professional practice. Delivered by academic and clinical staff with active patient involvement the degree constantly evolves to embed new science and technology e.g. genomics. Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of meeting, in part, the academic and experience requirement of membership and Chartered Biologist (CBiol). Accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS). Approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) for the purpose of providing eligibility to apply for registration with the HCPC as a biomedical scientist.
How many students continue on BSc Healthcare Science (Life Sciences) at Cardiff Metropolitan University?
90% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.