Options with biomedical sciences
As a biomedical science graduate, you possess both subject-specific technical skills as well as transferable core skills. You have a good understanding of the pathobiology of human disease and have skills which are at the forefront of advances in medical research.
The practical work you undertake equips you with the skills associated with good laboratory practice. You are able to:
In addition to your subject-specific knowledge and skills, you have a range of transferable skills developed during your studies, including:
The mix of skills acquired through studying biomedical sciences enables you to exercise professionalism and independence of thought, to make difficult decisions in fast-moving and pressurised environments and to take responsibility for your actions. Your ability to work methodically, efficiently and accurately is highly valued by employers.
The majority of the roles listed here will require you to undertake further training following your first degree. A higher degree may also be a requirement in some cases.
Entry into relevant employment is competitive. Gaining good academic results and relevant work experience is helpful. Before applying for jobs and professional training courses, a period of relevant work experience can be extremely useful and, in some cases, essential.
Structured work experience schemes are rare, but are available in some larger organisations. Schemes vary from short-term two-week supervised placements and Easter and summer vacation schemes to year-long industrial placements. Information on these schemes is usually available on company websites.
Many work experience options go unadvertised. Often employers are willing to take on volunteers, allow individuals to work-shadow or even just speak to members of staff working within the profession. See Volunteering England for further information.
Although some of the jobs listed here might not be first jobs for many graduates, they are among the many realistic possibilities with your degree, provided you can demonstrate you have the attributes employers are looking for. Bear in mind that it’s not just your degree discipline that determines your options. Remember that many graduate vacancies don't specify particular degree disciplines, so don't restrict your thinking to the jobs listed here. Look at your degree... what next? for informed advice on career planning and graduate employment, or login/register with My Prospects to find out what jobs would suit you, a helpful starting point for self-analysis.
Explore types of jobs to find out more about the above options and related jobs.
A degree in biomedical science is useful for a wide range of careers, in both the public and private sectors. These include roles in health care; scientific research and development; medical sales; financial professions such as accountancy; technical support; teaching; and scientific writing and journalism.
A 2011 HESA survey of 2010 graduates indicates that six months after graduation, over two thirds had entered employment. Of this number, over half were working as health professionals and associate professionals, suggesting that many graduates are successful in securing work directly related to their field of study. Others found work in professional roles in a variety of sectors from scientific research to social welfare, demonstrating that biomedical sciences graduates are highly sought after by a wide range of graduate recruiters.
Biomedical scientists have a well-defined career in the health service. To work as a state-registered biomedical scientist in the National Health Service (NHS), you will first need to obtain the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) Certificate of Competence. This can be achieved through undertaking accredited work experience either after graduation or during a sandwich placement year.
Other common employers of biomedical science graduates include academic departments at universities, the National Blood Service (NBS) , the Health Protection Agency (HPA) , forensic, charity or government-funded laboratories and private pathology laboratories. The food and drink, biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries employ graduates in areas such as research and development, quality assurance and sales.
Look at these employment areas for further information:
See industry insights for further information on possibilities in other employment areas.
Statistics are collected every year to show what HE students do immediately after graduation. These can be a useful guide but, in reality, because the data is collected within six months of graduation, many graduates are travelling, waiting to start a course, paying off debts, getting work experience or still deciding what they want to do. For further information about some of the areas of employment commonly entered by graduates of any degree discipline, check out What Do Graduates Do? and your degree...what next?
A 2011 HESA survey of 2010 graduates indicates that six months after graduation almost 18% went on to undertake further study, with an additional 4% combining further study with work. The graduates may have been taking postgraduate qualifications in science subjects such as biomedical science, biochemistry, biotechnology, haematology, immunology and microbiology.
Further study is undertaken by many biomedical science graduates because an increasing number of careers in the science sector require entrants to have a specific postgraduate qualification. By studying at postgraduate level, you will further develop your specialist knowledge, research skills and communication skills. This will enhance your employability by enabling you to apply for a wider variety of jobs. It may also enable you to enter a profession at a higher level.
It is possible for a graduate with a good degree in biomedical sciences to obtain a place on a four-year fast-track graduate entry course to study medicine.
These trends show only what previous graduates in your subject did immediately upon graduating. Over the course of their career - the first few years in particular - many others will opt for some form of further study, either part time or full time. If further study interests you, start by thinking about postgrad study and search courses and research to identify your options.
Look at funding my further study for details relating to finance and the application process.
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