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Initial Year for Extended Degree in Science - Biomedical and Healthcare Science (West Herts College)

Start your journey with our Initial Year for Extended Degree in Science. This biomedical science foundation year equips you with essential skills in biology, chemistry, and maths, preparing you for progression into a range of science degrees.

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9th in the UK for health science (Daily Mail University Guide, 2025)

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98% of Herts graduates are employed or in further study 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes, 2021/22)

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Access to university campus and state-of-the-art facilities

Course overview

This biomedical science extended degree program provides a direct pathway to a bachelor’s degree at the University of Hertfordshire, offering you the chance to progress onto at least three different undergraduate courses. The flexible structure allows you to study full-time while attending college just three days a week, making it easier to manage your schedule.

Moderated by subject specialists and admissions tutors, the course is informed by professional accreditation bodies, ensuring the education you receive is of high quality and aligned with industry standards. You will also have access to a virtual learning environment, where you can collaborate with fellow students and staff, as well as attend lectures and talks from industry experts.

This program is not a foundation course and does not lead to a qualification. Instead, it provides a valuable opportunity to prepare you for a bachelor's degree at Herts, where you will begin directly at level 4, setting you up for academic success.

Please note that on completion of this course there is no guaranteed progression onto a desired pathway, although it is highly likely. Should your performance prove adequate, you will have the option of choosing an alternate course within the wide range of progression pathways available.

Why choose this course?

The extended degree in science is designed as a preparatory year to enable you to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills needed to progress onto the first year of many of our science undergraduate degrees.

This course can be studied in various locations:

Studying on this Initial Year for Extended Degree in Biomedical and Healthcare Science course, you will lay your foundations: progression onto a full degree at Herts in fields like science, biomedical, or healthcare upon completing the initial year.

Access to industry-standard facilities: benefit from studying at one of our four partnered colleges, with access to university facilities, labs, and resources.

Enjoy smaller class sizes and tailored support: undertake a personalised learning experience and achieve comparable career prospects to those enrolling directly onto science degrees at Herts.

After your initial year you will have the opportunity to progress onto one of the following degrees (some subject to an interview):

Your future career

Completing this initial year biomedical and healthcare science course opens the doors to more learning and experience. You can choose from a wide range of degrees at Herts, in which you will be equipped with the skills and knowledge to pursue an exciting and fulfilling career after graduating. 98% of Health, Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work graduates from Herts are employed or in further study 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes, 2021/22).

Possible roles of employment include:

  • nurse (adult, child, mental health, or learning disabilities)
  • midwife
  • physiotherapist
  • paramedic
  • diagnostic radiographer
  • biomedical scientist

We help you find CV enhancing opportunities such as employer competitions, insight days, digital programmes, volunteering, student leadership roles, and achievement awards.

What you'll study

This initial year biomedical and healthcare course focuses on teaching you the fundamentals of applied science taught within an industrial context. It is essential that you have good knowledge and understanding of science, as this is a requirement for all the progression pathways available upon completion of this extended degree.

During your initial year, you will be taught over two semesters (A and B) where you will have core modules, advised modules, and optional modules dependent on the undergraduate course you are interested in pursuing. Please refer to the Programme Specification for full details, supporting your progression pathway of choice.

What if I need support?

If you need additional support during your time with us, rest assured that we’ve got you covered. For help with study skills, including referencing, essay writing and presentations, you’ll have access to our academic support services. You can attend workshops, 1-to-1 sessions and online tutorials. You’ll have full access to the LRC’s in our University campuses, as well as our other facilities, spaces and services.

Where you'll study

In your first year, you will study at West Herts College. Upon successful completion, you will progress to a degree program at the University of Hertfordshire. Each college we partner with provides tailored support to help you get the most out of your extended degree.

You will have access to various types of support, including financial and informational assistance, as well as services designed to enhance student learning and welfare. Learning support includes computer suites, a Learning Resources Centre with online and hard-copy materials, support in mathematics and English, and resources for students with learning or physical disabilities. You’ll also benefit from a study hub for higher education learners and study skills support.

In terms of welfare, services include safeguarding, mental health and wellbeing support, childcare assistance, careers advice, and access to food facilities and sports clubs, ensuring a holistic student experience.

Who you'll learn from

Your teachers include experienced practitioners and industry experts who will impart their knowledge and experiences. They will ground your education in solid principles and case studies that will be valuable throughout your career. The teaching approach emphasizes proactive learning, drawing from real-life experiences and scenarios shared by your tutors.

Additionally, you have access to an academic support team, a well-being team, and a personal tutor who will help you navigate university learning and living.

Working together, your teaching and support team is committed to assisting you in realising and achieving your full potential.

How we support our students

At the University of Hertfordshire, we want to make sure your time studying with us is as stress-free and rewarding as possible.

We offer a range of support services, from childcare to counselling, ensuring that you make the most of your time at Herts and can focus on studying, having fun, and have the support you need.

Entry requirements

The University of Hertfordshire is committed to welcoming students with a wide range of qualifications and levels of experience. The entry requirements listed on the course pages provide a guide to the minimum level of qualifications needed to study each course. However, we have a flexible approach to admissions and each application will be considered on an individual basis.

Typical offer (UCAS points)(enter tariff range)
Typical A Level offer(enter range)
Typical IB offer(enter range)
Typical BTEC offer(enter range)
Typical T Level offer(enter range)
GCSEEG: Grade 4/C in English Language and 4/D Mathematics
Access coursesEG: An overall merit profile in 45 credits at Level 3.
Additional informationFind out more about our standard and contextual Undergraduate Entry Requirements.

Typical offer (UCAS points)48
Typical A Level offerDD
Typical IB offer48 UCAS points
Typical BTEC offerPPP
Typical T Level offer

48 UCAS points

Accepted T Levels: Healthcare Science; Health; Science

GCSE

Grade 4/C in English Language, Mathematics, and Science

Students intending to progress to the MPharm degree require GCSE Mathematics, English Language and Double Science at grade 5 or equivalent.

Students intending to progress to a nursing or midwifery degree require GCSE Mathematics, English Language, Science and two more subjects at grade 4 or equivalent.

Access coursesOverall pass
Additional informationFind out more about our standard and contextual Undergraduate Entry Requirements.

Ready to apply?

UK and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK
Start date Study typeApply
September 2025 Full time Apply via UCAS
Full time with placement year Apply via UCAS
September 2026 Full time Apply via UCAS
Full time with placement year Apply via UCAS

Fees and funding

At Herts, we’re dedicated to providing world-class teaching supported by industry-level facilities and incredible social spaces. We believe cost shouldn’t be a barrier to higher education, and we strive to keep both our standard and additional costs as low as possible.

Study typeFees
UK studentsFull time£6,165 for the 2025/2026 academic year

Tuition fees are charged annually. The fees quoted above are for the specified year(s) only. Fees may be higher in future years, for both new and continuing students. Please see the University’s Fees and Finance Policy (and in particular the section headed “When tuition fees change”), for further information about when and by how much the University may increase its fees for future years.

Scholarships, grants  and bursaries

Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for a non-repayable scholarship, grant or bursary to support your studies.

Disabled Students' Allowance

The Disabled Students’ Allowance can cover any study-related costs you have because of a mental health problem, long term illness or any other disability.

Student loans

Find out about securing a student loan, from how much you could be eligible for to when you need to start making repayments.

Accommodation costs

We offer a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

Additional course fees

Read more about additional fees in the course fact sheet.

More about the course

Course fact sheets
Initial Year for Extended Degree in Science - Biomedical and Healthcare Science Download PDF
Programme specifications
Initial Year for Extended Degree in Science - Biomedical and Healthcare Science Download PDF
Additional information

Applications open to international and EU students

No

Course length

Full Time, 4 Years

Not ready to apply?