Healthcare Science - BSc (Hons) Degree

Students will graduate with one of the following awards:

• BSc (Hons) Healthcare Science (Blood Science)
• BSc (Hons) Healthcare Science (Cellular Science)
• BSc (Hons) Healthcare Science (Genetics Science)
• BSc (Hons) Healthcare Science (Infection Science)

If competition for certain specialisms should arise, academic achievement, the outcome of an interview process, student engagement with the programme and student CV may be taken into account.

Year One (Level 4):
You will cover fundamental biochemistry, cell biology and genetics, microbiology, immunology, and human physiology, providing the necessary scientific knowledge for further study. In addition, you will be able to develop relevant analytical, communication and professional skills as well as undergoing a period of generic work-based training.

Students will complete 4 weeks of interprofessional placement at the university across the 3 years of the progame and during this first academic year will undertake a 3-week work-based placement in one of our accredited NHS clinical laboratories.

Modules (All Core):

• Biochemistry (20 credits)
• Cell Biology & Genetics (20 credits)
• Human Anatomy & Physiology (20 credits)
• Infection & Immunity A (20 credits)
• Laboratory Skills & Data Analysis (20 credits)
• Professional & Interprofessional Development (20 credits)

Year Two (Level 5):
You will acquire expertise in a comprehensive range of specialist investigative techniques, epidemiology & data analysis and research methods. You will also have an introduction to the disciplines of blood science, cellular science, genetic science and infection science. Students will explore the nature and importance of disease processes and their clinical investigation and embark upon a specialist 15-week work-based training period in a clinical laboratory environment which continues into the third and final year of the programme.

Modules:

• Analytical, Research & Diagnostic Methods (20 credits)
• Blood & Cellular Sciences (20 credits)
• Infection & Immunity B (20 credits)
• Molecular Biology & Genetics (20 credits)
• Physiology, Pharmacology & Toxicology (20 credits)
• Professional Practice and Specialism A (20 credits)
  

• Healthcare Science Specialism Placement A (non-credit bearing)
  

Year Three (Level 6):

The final year consists of a combination of clinical placement, academic distance learning and block release at the university. In this year your will focus on integrating your learning to support a multidisciplinary approach to research, diagnosis and management of disorder and disease. Subjects covered will emphasise the multidisciplinary approach to laboratory investigation of disease, and patient management. Students will undertake specialism specific modules via distance learning and block release, whilst completing the equivalent of a 25-week period of work-based training in a clinical laboratory environment. This work-based training continues through from the year 2 placement.  The final year research project which will be undertaken as part of your work-based training, will further encourage independent enquiry and critical analysis.

Modules:

• The Biology & Laboratory Investigation of Disease (20 credits)
• Contemporary Topics in Healthcare Science (20 credits)
• Professional Practice & Work-Based Training  (20 credits)
• Research Project (40 credits)
• Blood Sciences - Specialism B (20 Credits) OR
• Cellular Sciences - Specialism B (20 Credits) OR
• Genetic Sciences - Specialism B (20 Credits) OR
• Infection Sciences - Specialism B (20 Credits
  

A range of teaching and learning methods are employed throughout the programme. These include lectures, tutorials, workshops and a significant number of laboratory-based practical sessions. The Moodle VLE is also used to provide students with key information relating to programme modules, careers advice information and administrative information relating to their programme of study.

All students are assigned a personal tutor when they first enrol, who will remain their tutor and provide pastoral support throughout their studies. Students produce a PDP (Personal Development Portfolio) during year one, and the personal tutorial system encourages students to continue to develop their interpersonal and reflective skills throughout their studies. We are proud of our ‘Open Door Policy’ that encourages students to contact staff for advice and guidance whenever they require it.

Students are also allocated a work-based training tutor. This member of staff will be one of our HCPC registered lecturers and will provide additional support to students whilst they are out on placement.

You are continually assessed through examinations, coursework and portfolio assignments, case studies and in the final year, a work based research dissertation/scientific poster presentation.

In addition, whilst undertaking work based training, students are required to complete a Healthcare Science Practitioner Training Manual and the Institute of Biomedical Science pre-registration portfolio for the Certificate of Competence.

Healthcare Science is a continually changing, dynamic, professional and scientific discipline concerned with understanding how diseases develop and how they may affect the normal functioning of the body. The aim of the discipline is the investigation of the disease process and, ultimately, the development of methods for monitoring, diagnosing, treating and preventing disease.

Healthcare Science offers challenging and rewarding career opportunities within the National Health Service and many other organisations including the Health Protection Agency, National Blood Authority and Medical Research Council.

Successful completion of the Healthcare Science programme at Cardiff Metropolitan University will allow graduates to apply for registration as a Biomedical Scientist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

Work based training:extended periods of training in NHS laboratories are embedded across the three years of this degree programme. This ensures that students gain in depth knowledge, understanding and experience of the healthcare science environment in preparation for employment as a Healthcare Science Practitioner/Biomedical Scientist within the NHS.

Further information about career opportunities in Healthcare Science can be found here:
http://www.nhscareers.nhs.uk/explore-by-career/healthcare-science/careers-in-healthcare-science/careers-in-life-sciences/

Applicants who wish to undertake this course should have five GCSEs including English Language (or Welsh First Language), Mathematics or Mathematics - Numeracy and Science at grade C / grade 4 or above plus 120 points from at least 3 A levels (or equivalent). Applicants who speak English as a second language must have adequate command of English, with an IELTS score of 7, with at least 6.5 in all elements.

Our typical offers will include:

• 120 points from at least 3 A levels to include grades BB in Biology and an equivalent Science; Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate considered as a third subject (equivalent sciences include Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, IT, Maths, Food Technology, Environmental Science or Geography)
• RQF BTEC National Extended Diploma / Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma DDD within Applied Science
• 120 points from at least 3 Scottish Advanced Highers to include grades CC in Biology and an equivalent Science (including Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, IT, Maths, Food Technology, Environmental Science or Geography)
• 120 points from the Irish Leaving Certificate at Highers to include 2 x H2 in both Biology and an equivalent Science (including Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, IT, Maths, Food Technology, Environmental Science or Geography) Higher level subjects considered only with a minimum grade H4
• Access to Higher Education Diploma within a Science subject covering sufficient Biology and an equivalent Science: to include 15 Distinctions in both Biology and equivalent Science credits, and Merits from the remaining level 3 credits. Access to Higher Education Diplomas are accepted in the areas of Biosciences, Health Care, Health Science and Science. A minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade C/4 or above in English language, Mathematics and Science are also required
  
• T level in a Science subject will be considered alongside a further relevant Level 3 qualification
  
• Cardiff Metropolitan University Foundation leading to BSc Health Sciences programme

Please note: We will interview all eligible applicants who are studying, or have studied, an appropriate Access to Higher Education Health related Diploma; level 3 or 4 work based learning qualification or similar level 3 programme; that meets the Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Bodies (PSRB) requirements for the programme.

If you do not meet the above Level 3 entry requirements, Cardiff Metropolitan's 'Foundation in Health Sciences' is available one year full-time and will provide you with a relevant qualification that may be considered for progression to the degree upon successful completion. Consideration would be given to any applicant who had achieved 70% overall to include a minimum of 65% from the Term 2 Biological Sciences module to be obtained on first attempt, and receipt of a new application through UCAS.

If you are studying combinations of the above or if your qualification isn't listed, please either contact Admissions or refer to the UCAS Course Search for entry requirements. Further information on our entry requirements, including qualifications from the EU can be found by clicking here.

International Applicants
As it is not possible to provide placements for students from outside the EU, it is not possible to consider international students for the programme.

Selection Procedure and Interviews

Admission to this programme is subject to applicants being successful at interview.

Selection for interview is based on the information submitted on the UCAS application form. Applicants who meet the entry requirements will be invited to undertake a structured interview, which is designed to assess the values of a future NHS employee. In addition, an assessment of applicants’ communication skills and their understanding of the profession will be made.

The first interview for 2023 entry date is yet to be confirmed. Early applications are encouraged in order that interview invitations can be processed effectively.

DBS and Occupational Health Checks

All students must undertake appropriate immunisation and health checks prior to entry and a completed Enhanced DBS disclosure is required. More information about criminal records procedures can be found at www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/dbs. Further information about occupational health checks can be found by visiting by www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/ohq.

How to Apply:
Applications for this course should be made online to UCAS at www.ucas.com. For further information please visit our How to Apply pages at www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/howtoapply.

Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer 

If you are interested in transferring credit from another institution to study at Cardiff Met you can find further information on this and information on how to apply on the RPL page. Please contact Admissions for any queries that you have on RPL.

Mature students

A mature applicant is anyone over the age of 21 who didn't go to university after school or college. Cardiff Met welcomes applications from mature applicants and further advice and information can be found here.

The Welsh Health Minister has a responsibility for NHS Wales workforce planning and for the training and development of healthcare professionals in Wales. As part of that responsibility, the University will be required to provide information on your progress during your studies. For those students who are not supported by the NHS Wales Bursary scheme, this information is anonymised as part of a statistical report which includes details relating to your progression in your studies and the outcomes that you achieve.

All healthcare students, including those who have not subscribed to NHS Wales Bursary which provides financial support for tuition fees and for some aspects of maintenance in return for their commitment to work in Wales after graduation, are eligible for support from NHS Wales in the form of reimbursement of clinical placement travel and subsistence expenses which may be claimed through the Cardiff Metropolitan University Student Services Placements Office.

For further information about the NHS Bursary Scheme, please click here.

For general enquiries please contact the Admissions Team on 029 2041 6044 or email askadmissions@cardiffmet.ac.uk or tweet us @CMetAdmissions.

For course specific enquiries, please contact the programme leader, Victoria Bradley: 
Email: vbradley@cardiffmet.ac.uk 
Tel: 029 2020 5608