Access to Science – Biomedical Pathway
The accredited online science pathway that prepares you for biomedical science degrees — study at your pace with instant study support and expert tutor guidance.
or £599.99/year (save 17%)
Is this course right for you?
This course is for you if…
- ✓ You want to study biomedical science at university
- ✓ You need biology and chemistry qualifications for degree entry
- ✓ You want to study online, around work or family
- ✓ You're interested in laboratory science and disease diagnostics
After this course, you can…
- → Apply to biomedical science degrees at UK universities
- → Meet the science entry requirements for competitive programmes
- → Start a career pathway in NHS laboratories, research, or pathology
You'll need…
- • To be 19 or over (no upper age limit)
- • Access to a computer or tablet with internet
- • No formal qualifications required
- • We'll assess your readiness to start
What you'll study
The Access to Science (Biomedical) covers key subjects to prepare you for your degree.
Explore the biological principles that underpin biomedical science — cell biology, genetics, molecular biology, and the mechanisms of disease. Build the scientific foundation for a biomedical science degree.
Study the chemistry essential for life sciences — organic chemistry, biochemistry, analytical techniques, and the chemical processes that sustain life and drive disease mechanisms.
Study the structure and function of the human body's major systems — cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous, musculoskeletal, and more. This module provides essential knowledge for understanding how the body responds in emergency situations and clinical practice.
Investigate the structure and function of cells, including cell division, cellular transport, and cellular pathology. Study key microorganisms — bacteria, viruses, fungi — and their role in health and disease.
Develop the academic skills you need for university — essay writing, research methods, critical analysis, referencing, and time management. This module prepares you for the demands of degree-level study.
Develop the mathematical skills essential for scientific study, including algebra, statistics, data interpretation, and the quantitative methods used across health and biomedical sciences.
6 modules · 18 units · Approximately 15 hours per week study time
How you'll learn
Online Materials
Study at your pace with interactive content
Instant Study Support
Ask a question any time — get a clear answer in seconds, 24/7
Expert Tutors
Qualified humans mark your work within 5 days
Flexible Schedule
Learn around your life, work, and family
Mobile Friendly
Study anywhere on any device
Regular Feedback
Know exactly where you stand at all times
Where this course takes you
The Access to Science (Biomedical) is your first step to a rewarding career.
Starting salary for a Band 5 NHS Biomedical Scientist
UK universities accept this pathway for biomedical science degree entry
Per month — everything included, no hidden fees
Your next step: university
This Access to HE Diploma is your pathway into a biomedical science degree — here's what awaits you.
Now: Access to HE Diploma
Study online with Qualvera for £69.99/month. No A-levels needed — this Level 3 qualification is the equivalent of three A-levels and is accepted by universities across the UK.
Next: Biomedical Science Degree at University
Apply to biomedical science degrees using your Access to HE Diploma (up to 144 UCAS points). At this stage, you become eligible for the NHS Learning Support Fund — a non-repayable training grant of £5,000 per year. Parents can receive up to £8,000/year total.
Then: Biomedical Scientist
Graduate, register with the HCPC, and start your career in NHS laboratories, research, or pathology. Band 5 NHS starting salary: £28,407.
About the NHS Learning Support Fund
The NHS LSF is a government-funded grant for eligible nursing, midwifery, and allied health students at university in England. It's non-repayable and paid on top of your student loan. It does not apply to Access to HE courses — it becomes available at the university stage.
Read our full NHS LSF guide →Support included with your subscription
Ask a question at midnight, get a clear answer in seconds. And if you ever need deeper help, your named human tutor is never more than a business day away.
| What you need | How it works | Response time |
|---|---|---|
| Quick question about your coursework | Intelligent study assistant | Instant — 24/7 |
| Feedback on practice work | Instant review with detailed notes | Instant — 24/7 |
| Stuck on a complex concept | Step-by-step explanation with examples | Instant — 24/7 |
| Need human guidance or reassurance | Your named, qualified tutor | Within 1 business day |
| Formal assessment marking | Human tutor reviews and grades | Within 3 business days |
Frequently asked questions
You don't need any formal qualifications. This course is designed for adult learners aged 19 and over who want to progress to a related degree at university.
The course is designed to be completed in 12 months studying around 15 hours per week. You can study at your own pace and start anytime.
Yes. The Access to HE Diploma is a nationally recognised Level 3 qualification accepted by UK universities for entry onto relevant degree programmes.
After completing the Access to HE Diploma and a relevant degree, you can pursue a career as a Biomedical Scientist. Starting salaries are typically around £28,407.
Start your biomedical science journey today
You've already made the hardest decision — to start. Let us help you get there.