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International College

Study biological and biomedical science

There are many different fields of biology and biological science. This means you could focus on a specific area such as molecular biology or zoology. 

What is biology and biomedical science?

Biology is the study of life and living organisms. It covers a huge range of topics, from bacteria and human reproduction, to ecosystems and animal behaviour.

Biomedical science concentrates on medical research and the development of treatments. Topics you might study include anatomy, neuroscience and genetics.

Biology and Biomedical Science at the University of Sheffield

Sheffield is a top 20 UK university for biological sciences (Complete University Rankings 2018). It offers a wide choice of biology courses across four departments. This gives you the freedom to study a broad Biology degree or specialise in a specific area.

All departments are committed to research-led learning. You’ll be supported by world-leading scientists who are at the forefront of their specialist areas. Learning takes place in dedicated science facilities, state-of-the-art laboratories and off-site field trips.

Sheffield has an excellent reputation for postgraduate employment. For example, 97% of biomedical science graduates are employed or in further education within six months of graduating (DLHE 2017). You’ll develop key employability skills and you'll have the opportunity to take part in work placements and professional research projects.

Biology degree options at the University of Sheffield

Science rankings

1st in the UK
for Medical Research Excellence
Research Excellence Framework 2014

5th in the UK
for Biological Sciences
Research Excellence Framework 2014

Top 20 UK University
for Biological Sciences
Complete University Rankings 2020

Degree preparation at the International College

Your pathway to studying Biological and Biomedical Science with the International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering or Pre-Masters in Science and Engineering.

Entry requirements

International Foundation Year 

  • Three-term programme: Academic IELTS for UKVI 5.0 with minimum 5.0 in writing (minimum of 4.0 in other skills)
  • Two-term programme: Academic IELTS for UKVI 6.0 (minimum 5.0 in all skills)

Pre-Masters

  • Three-term programme: Academic IELTS for UKVI 5.5 (minimum 5.5 in all skills)
  • Two-term programme: Academic IELTS for UKVI 6.0 (minimum 5.5 in all skills)

Why study Biological and Biomedical Science?

A Biology or Biomedical Science degree is a popular option for undergraduates. Reasons to choose Biological and Biomedical Science include:

Conducting your own research is an important part of any Biology degree. You’ll design your own questions and conduct research in a laboratory or field setting. You’ll work as part of a team, and you’ll develop skills in collecting, analysing and presenting data.

Biologists play important roles in solving global problems. Biomedical scientists find cures and treatments for life-threatening illnesses, marine biologists help to protect our oceans, and plant scientists solve food shortages by developing drought-resistant crops.

A degree in Biology or Biomedical Science gives you transferable skills that are valued by employers. You could study a wide range of topics or you could specialise in specific areas, such as medicine or marine life. When you graduate, you can apply for a range of scientific and non-scientific careers.

Biology and biomedical sciences career prospects

When you graduate, you’ll have a wide range of career and further study options that are directly and indirectly related to your degree.

Career options include:

  • forensic scientist
  • biomedical scientist
  • science journalist
  • healthcare scientist
  • biotechnologist
  • microbiologist
  • medical physicist
  • technician
  • toxicologist
  • wildlife filmmaker
  • museum curator.

Born in Malaysia. Made in Sheffield.

Sheffield student Siung stood in the Engineering labs

Upstairs in the Diamond, [the University] spent over a million pounds on equipment in the electronic labs which is the equipment that you’re going to get in the industry...There are some departments now promoting a take home kit so that you are not only limited to do your assignments on the University campus...It definitely helps open doors for us now.

Ghai Siung 

BEng Aerospace Engineering and PhD Space Physics