Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an accredited degree and a non-accredited degree?

The course content for an accredited Biomedical Science BSc (Hons) or Healthcare Science BSc (Hons) has been reviewed to meet the HCPC academic standards for biomedical scientists.

If you have not completed an accredited degree, you will need to apply for an IBMS degree assessment and complete any recommended top-up modules in order to legally practice as a biomedical scientist.

Which degrees are accredited?

You can find a full list of all accredited degrees in our Accredited degree courses section.

The University I wish to study biomedical science at is not accredited. What should I do?

If you are interested in pursuing a career as a biomedical scientist we recommend enrolling on an accredited course. If your degree is not accredited, to become HCPC registered as a Biomedical Scientist you will be required to undertake additional IBMS top-up modules. An IBMS degree assessment will determine the subject areas you need to cover in order to meet the requirements for HCPC registration. This is referred to as “supplementary education” and must be covered by completing top-up modules at an accredited university.

Once you have received the outcome of your degree assessment, you may approach any of the accredited university course contacts to inquire about top-up modules which will cover all subject areas identified by the IBMS as being required.

Why is the university I wish to study at not offering an accredited degree?

Whilst the IBMS encourages universities to be accredited, the choice to offer an accredited biomedical science degree course lies solely with the university. 

To be IBMS accredited universities have met with IBMS representatives for a review of their syllabus to ensure that they meet the HCPC academic standards for biomedical scientists. 

What is the difference between an accredited sandwich degree and an accredited integrated degree?

The laboratory placement year on a four-year sandwich course is optional. In a placement on a sandwich year, you should be able to apply with the laboratory to complete the IBMS registration training portfolio, if the laboratory is a training laboratory.

The laboratory training placement on a four-year integrated course has been selected to include completion of the IBMS registration training portfolio. In this case, the university issues the portfolio to students.