Biomedicine is an ever-evolving field that bridges biology, medicine, and technology to improve human health. From uncovering the mysteries of diseases to developing groundbreaking medical innovations, studying biomedicine opens doors to a wide range of rewarding careers. In this post, Isabella explores why a degree in biomedicine is a popular choice among aspiring scientists and healthcare professionals eager to make a meaningful impact. Read on to learn more.
Introduction
I recently had the pleasure of speaking with PhD student Megan Gozzard about the journey into biomedical science and her advice for people wanting to take this path. This blog is comprised of information I have learned from Megan herself and my own research. I hope to help inform other students about the prospects offered by choosing this educational pathway.
What is Biomedical science?
Biomedical sciences encompass a range of disciplines where natural science and formal sciences are applied to develop knowledge, technology or interventions used in healthcare or public health. This field includes the study of human biology and biomedical sciences, as well as more specialised subject areas such as pharmacology, neuroscience, human physiology. Biomedical sciences are a major focus of bioscience research and funding in the 21st century.
Studying at University
As of 2024, 121 UK universities offer a degree or course in biomedical sciences. According to the Complete University Guide 2025, the top three biomedical science courses are taught at Oxford, Bath, and Lancaster. Entry requirements vary between universities, but most require A-levels in Biology and/or Chemistry. Oxford also requires you take a test alongside your application called the BMSAT which isn’t requested elsewhere. It is an 80-question, 90-minute test of scientific knowledge and its applications. These courses are typically 3 years long and lead to a BSc, though some universities offer an MSci or Mbiol which are four years long and go straight through to a masters level qualification in year 4.
What Kind of Topics Will You Study?
Typical biomedical science course modules include:
- Biology of human infection
- Genetics
- Cell biology and disease
- Microbiology and immunology
- Molecular markers of disease
- Pharmacology
- Practical skills
- Neurosciences
- The world of microorganisms
In years 2 and 3, you can usually pick specific areas of study to specialise your degree based on your personal interests.
What Careers Can You Do with This Degree?
There are many options for what you can do once you have a BSc in Biomedical Sciences. Most people go on to do a master’s and potentially a PhD. Some of the careers you can do with this are (but not limited to):
- Analytical chemist
- Biomedical, clinical, forensic or research scientist
- Biotechnologist
- Crime scene investigator
- Environmental engineer
- Genetic counsellor
- Medical chemist
- Medical science liaison
- Nanotechnologist
- Neuroscientist
- Physician associate
- Science writer
- Toxicologist
- Science illustrator
A master’s degree, provides a great opportunity to gain more expertise in a specialist area of your choosing and conduct research into your interests. It is also a good introduction to a potential career in lab-based scientific research. However, your research doesn’t have to be entirely lab-based. A PhD takes this a step further, allowing you to complete independent research over the span of three to four years.
Careers I’m really interested in:
Scientific illustrator
Scientific illustration is a career where you create various types of artistic representations of scientific information. Scientific illustrators combine knowledge of science, technology and art in drawings, paintings, models and other media. They create visual content for textbooks, websites, scientific journals and more.
The average salary for a scientific illustrator is around £30,000 a year.
Neuroscientist
To become a neuroscientist, you can either study a BSc in Neuroscience, or do a BSc in Biomedical Sciences and curate your modules in a way that allows you to specialise in Neuroscience at master’s and PhD levels.
Neuroscientists focus on the brain, its systems and their impact on behaviour as well as cognitive functions. Neuroscience is concerned with the normal functioning of the nervous system and what happens to the nervous system when individuals have neurological, psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders, such as Alziehmers or Schizophrenia.
Salary estimates:
- Research assistants in neuroscience can earn between £24,000 and £37,500.
- Postdoctoral researchers earn between £32,000 and £47,500
- Experienced and senior neuroscientists can earn £52,000 to £68,000 or more.
Advice From a Scientist: PhD student Megan Gozzard’s Words of Wisdom
Megan is a PhD student specialising in the genetic mechanisms underlying immune-mediated diseases. Her research assessed heterogeneity (how different gene mutations can cause the same disease or condition) in primary T-Cells, aiming to improve our understanding of the underlying genetic components of autoimmune diseases.
Megan gave me great advice on the process of working through your degrees and choosing a career that is fit for your post-university plans. Some of the most valuable insights she shared were:
- Being in research is not as solitary as people may think. You usually work in a team for your projects and research allows for more flexibility compared to pursuing a career in the medical field.
- Research doesn’t just have to be lab based; it can also be computational (coding) if that’s something you have an interest in.
- PhD’s are advertised on university and lab websites, but another great way to find opportunities by reading journals and papers published by other scientists that work in your field of interest, and reaching out to the authors with questions. This is a great way to make connections in the scientific community.
- Looking at the career paths of different scientists can give you a better idea of which degrees and specialisations align with your interests.
Why interview a scientist?
Interviewing a biomedical scientist has been a great experience for me and has given me valuable insights into a degree and career path that I’m looking to follow. It’s a great way to learn about the realities of an industry you’re interested in and get advice on any worries, questions and concerns you have relating to university, career options or life in the field. Tis experience has really helped me expand my knowledge of the opportunities available.
References:
Nikki Vivian (2024). Job profile, Neuroscientist:
Yvette Brazier (2018). What is neuroscience?:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/248680
Indeed editorial team (2024). A step by step guide on how to become a scientific illustrator:
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-to-become-scientific-illustrator
Unknown. Scientific or technical illustrator:
Stephanie Butler (2024). Study Biomedical Sciences, why and how to study. Retrieved from:
https://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/subject-guide/biomedical-sciences
Unknown(2024). Biomedical Sciences:
https://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/league-tables/rankings/biomedical-sciences
