Frequently Asked Questions for Biomedical Science

1. Do you accept external transfers to the Department of Biomedical Science?

We are afraid we do not accept external transfer students into the second or third year of the Biomedical Science degree as modules previously studied at their current University would not match the ones studied at Sheffield and they would therefore be at a disadvantage.

We would only be able to consider a student for entry into year 1 and this would be dependent on past A Level grades (or equivalent – please see our Entry Requirements and How to Apply page). We may also take performance in the first year at the original university into consideration.

If we are able to consider a student for a transfer, they should submit a UCAS application form on line at www.ucas.com

2. Is it possible to transfer into Medicine after the first year?

Transfers into medicine information

3. Is the Biomedical Science degree accredited?

Biomedical Science degrees in the UK are divided into academic courses, which are not accredited by the IBMS, and vocational courses, which are accredited. Biomedical Science at Sheffield is not accredited by the IBMS.

This is because we are an academic course, training students to enter into a variety of graduate careers. Degrees accredited by the IBMS are specifically aimed at students who plan a career as a technician in the NHS. As such the IBMS specify the topics the students cover. At Sheffield our teaching is research-led, and therefore covers areas currently under investigation in our own laboratories.

For this reason we would not seek accreditation of our course by the IBMS. However, some of our students have had their degree accredited post graduation.

4. Is it possible to have a tour of the department?

Unfortunately, given our busy schedules we are not able to offer personal tours outside of one of our UCAS open days: See BMS Open Days

If you are unable to attend one of our UCAS days please let us know and we will send you a copy of the literature we hand out on such days. Although we are unable to offer personal tours, the university does provide a general tour that will give you a feel for the university, and details on this tour may be found at: http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/opendays/alternatives

Visitors can also book an accommodation tour, see: http://www.shef.ac.uk/opendays/alternatives/campustoursfaqs.html#accommodation

6. Do you offer an industrial placement as part the Biomedical Science course?

We do offer students the opportunity to do an industrial placement year. Students may take a leave of absence and spend a year in industry gaining experience. Alternatively students may change their degree programme to Biomedical Science with Employment Experience. Students who are interested apply for industrial placement in their second year and in competition with students from other universities.

Students are still expected to pay one-third fees to the university during this year, as they still have access to university facilities and support. Students can apply for the tuition fee loan to cover the cost of the tuition fee.

7. Do you offer a Study Abroad option?

We do offer this to our students, although placements are not guaranteed as they are awarded in competition. Our students apply by the December of their first year and placements are determined based on exam performance. A certain level of performance is required in level 1 for a student to be accepted on to this programme.

In BMS, students spend their second year away, returning to complete their studies in level 3. For further information see: http://www.shef.ac.uk/studyabroad/sheffield/prospective

8. Do you accept mature students?

9. Do you consider resit students?

We consider resit students if they have taken only one additional year to achieve their grades (i.e. three years in total).

10. Do you accept other pre-University qualifications instead of A Levels?

Yes, if you are not studying A levels (our current standard entry requirements are grades A, A, B at A-level, two of which must be science based, preferably including Chemistry). We do consider applications from students studying the following qualifications:

Scottish Highers, The Irish Leaving Certificate, Cambridge Pre-U Diploma, AQA Bacc, International Baccalaureate, Welsh Baccalaureate, BTEC National Diploma, Access to Higher Education Diploma.

If you are studying an Access or BTEC course you should email a comprehensive list of the modules you are studying before submitting a UCAS application as there are certain modules which are compulsory in our entry requirements. Note that applicants offering BTEC, Access or foundation qualifications will also need to attend an open day interview and complete a short skills assessment test.

For further information, email : bmsadmissions@sheffield.ac.uk. Alternatively, please use our prospective undergraduate admissions enquiry form.

List of entry requirements for non-standard qualifications

• Advanced Scottish Highers – AAB including Chemistry and one other science subject.
• Irish Leaving Certificate – AAABB including Chemistry and one other science subject.
• Scottish Highers – AAAA including Chemistry and one other science subject.
• Welsh Baccalaureate – Welsh Baccalaureate – AAB at A Level including Chemistry and one other science subject.
• International Baccalaureate – 35 points, Chemistry and one other science subject at higher level.
• European Baccalaureate - 80% including Chemistry and a second science subject.
• French Baccalaureate – 14 including Chemistry and a second science subject.
• Advanced Diploma – Advanced diploma – Engineering considered at grades A with a full A2 level in Chemistry at grade A.
• Cambridge Pre-U Diploma – D3, D3, M2 including Chemistry and a second science subject.
• BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma – Distinction, Distinction, Distinction, with at least 13 units graded at distinction (to include core units Fundamentals of Science and Scientific Practical Techniques). No more than 3 units graded at pass level. The following unit combination is required.

This is not an exhaustive list, so if the qualification you are studying is not named above please email the BMS office admissions to enquire whether your qualification is acceptable.

Please note: there is a University requirement for Mathematics and English GCSE level standard (minimum grade C). We do accept equivalents, please email for more details.