Course overview

Healthcare Science is a popular and fascinating field of study concerned with a detailed understanding of the human body in health and disease. Central to understanding healthcare science as a profession, are the techniques and methodologies used in the diagnosis of disease, its monitoring, and the treatment procedures.

A key defining feature of our foundation degree is employer engagement and consultation, which is seen as central, particularly in relation to the integration of academic and work-based learning. The FdSc Healthcare Science serves two important groups: firstly to provide medical laboratory assistants the opportunity to develop their competence to access the Agenda for Change Band 4 position. Secondly, on completion, it provides the opportunity for students to progress to our IBMS accredited Biomedical Science and Applied Biomedical Science (BSc) Honours degrees.

Additional course information

A key feature of this pathway is its integration with work-based modules which comprise a third of the academic credit for this degree. Other, University-based modules provide vital underpinning knowledge for allowing the opportunity (if required) of a seamless transition from the foundation degree to the IBMS and HPC accredited and approved Biomedical Science and Applied Biomedical Science (BSc) Honours Degrees.

In your first year you will study core subjects such as cell biology, biochemistry and molecular biology, anatomy and physiology to prepare yourself for subsequent studies. You will also study a number of work-based modules to allow you to develop a variety of basic skills including those involved in laboratory work, data handling and interpretation, report writing and information technology. Higher level studies will include physiology of organ systems, general pathology, the molecular basis of disease, as well as study of more specialised areas such as clinical chemistry, haematology, histopathology and medical microbiology.

Links with industry and professional recognition

Students who graduate from the foundation degree in Healthcare Science can progress to complete the Applied Biomedical Science degree programme and apply to become state-registered biomedical scientists immediately upon graduation from this latter degree.

We have particularly strong links with hospitals within the East Anglia region and also with non-NHS laboratories, including the Sanger Institute. Experienced biomedical scientists from hospital pathology laboratories are part of the academic team responsible for delivery of the curriculum.

Associated careers

The foundation degree in Healthcare Science can provide a ladder of opportunity which can extend to graduating with honours in Applied Biomedical or Biomedical Science. Alternatively, it can be taken as a stand-alone course to improve your skills base and qualifications as a medical laboratory assistant.

UCAS Tariff points:	100
Additional Requirements:	100 UCAS tariff points and a GCE A-level Biology Grade D (or equivalent). Applicants must be employed in a NHS or private Pathology Laboratory as a Medical Laboratory Assistant (or equivalent). This is required to access the necessary work-based training. GCSE(s) Required: 3 GCSEs at grade C including English and Maths. NVQ Level 3 Healthcare related

Entry requirements listed are for September 2013 entry. Entry requirements for other intakes may differ.