Foundation courses/Sciences courses/Year Zero Lab Sciences (Integrated with Biomedical Sciences)

Key facts

Typical offer

UCAS points:

48

A Level:

DD

from at least two A Levels at grades D or above. One subject must be either Biology or Chemistry

BTEC:

PPP

in Applied Science

Key facts

Duration:

4 yrs full-time

Study mode:

Full-time

UCAS code:

BLS2

Institution code:

D26

See all the key facts and full entry requirements

Typical offer

UCAS points:

48

A Level:

DD

from at least two A Levels at grades D or above. One subject must be either Biology or Chemistry

BTEC:

PPP

in Applied Science

UCAS code

BLS2

Duration

Four years full-time integrated with Biomedical Science BSc (Hons) Degree

Study mode

Full-time

See all the key facts and full entry requirements

Begin your journey to a career in biomedical science with expert support, full university access, and direct progression to an IBMS‑accredited BSc (Hons) degree.

Overview

The initial year of this course is taught by DMUIC, which occupies a single, specially-designed site in the heart of the DMU campus. As a DMUIC student, you will have full access to all the university’s facilities including the library, gym, bookshop, cafes and computer labs. During this year, you will be taught in small class sizes by experienced tutors, receiving excellent academic teaching and superb support to ensure that you get all the help you need to succeed and progress to the Biomedical Science BSc (Hons) Degree.

The first year of this full-time, four-year course is ideal if you want to become a Biomedical scientist, but do not have the relevant grades to study Biomedical Science at degree level. You will be taught the core skills in chemistry, biology, mathematics, IT and communication, providing you with the key requirements needed to study Biomedical Science BSc (Hons) Degree at DMU.

Once you have successfully completed the year zero stage of your degree at DMUIC and have met the criteria for continuation, you will continue studying directly with the university on our Biomedical Science BSc (Hons) degree - a course which is professionally accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS).

Key features

  • Direct progression on to the Biomedical Science BSc (Hons) programme at DMU following successful competition of the Year Zero programme.
  • You will study a range of topics including human biology, cell biology, chemistry and biochemistry and their relevance to health and life sciences in the wider context, as well as communication skills.
  • Learn from experienced tutors, who combine academic teaching excellence with high levels of support to help you succeed.
  • Our Biomedical Science graduates have gone on to work in diagnostic laboratories in both the public and private sectors, NHS laboratories, research institutions and the biotechnology industry, in roles as biomedical scientists, laboratory assistants, associate practitioners, pharmacology technicians, as well as lectures and researchers within Higher Education.

Related courses

Biomedical Science BSc (Hons)

Forensic Science BSc (Hons)/MSci

Medical Science BMedSci (Hons)

Year Zero Lab Sciences (Integrated with Forensic Science) BSc (Hons)

Year Zero Lab Sciences (Integrated with Medical Science) BMedSci

Year Zero Lab Sciences (Integrated with Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Sciences) BSc (Hons)

What you will study

  • Human Biology
  • Basic Microbiology
  • Introduction to Psychology
  • Study Skills 1 - Introduction to DMU
  • Study Skills 2 - Information Technology & Numeracy
  • Study Skills 3 - Communication Skills
  • Cell Biology
  • Chemistry 1
  • Chemistry 2
  • Introductory Biochemistry

Note: All modules are indicative and based on the current academic session. Course information is correct at the time of publication and is subject to review. Exact modules may, therefore, vary for your intake in order to keep content current. If there are changes to your course we will, where reasonable, take steps to inform you as appropriate.

You will be taught by experienced tutors, receiving excellent academic teaching and superb support to ensure that you get all the help you need to succeed.

Each module in your Year Zero programme of study has different methods of assessment related to what you are expected to learn (learning outcomes) on that particular module. This means that you should see a clear relationship between the learning outcomes in your module handbook and the assessment task you are being asked to do.

Types of assessments

Assessments come in three main forms:

  • Diagnostic assessment allows you and your tutors to see your strengths and weaknesses so you can focus your efforts more effectively (e.g. your tutor may ask you to complete a task in class which you can then ‘mark’ yourself and see where your strengths and areas for focus lie).
  • Formative assessment allows your tutors to give you feedback which you can use to improve (e.g. you may be asked to write a report for one of your earlier assignments). You will be a given a mark and feedback for this which you can then use to improve your report writing in a later assignment or exam question.
  • Summative assessment in which your grade or mark counts towards your final module mark (e.g. an exam at the end of a module).

In order to ensure that you can achieve your full potential, you will receive regular feedback on your assessed work. Feedback will be given in a variety of ways: written, verbal, audio-visual, email and so on. Feedback has one purpose - to assist you in reflecting upon and revising your work. If you do not act on feedback, or choose not to engage in the different feedback opportunities, your grades are likely to suffer.

For all assignments submitted on time, our aim is to mark and return your work within 20 working days. Your tutors will make every effort to ensure that this target is met. 

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Our facilities

Hawthorn Building

Home to students and staff from Health and Life Sciences courses spanning pharmaceutical, healthcare, lab based and social science disciplines.

The facilities and spaces in the Hawthorn Building are designed to replicate current practice in health and life sciences, including contemporary analytical chemistry and formulation laboratories, audiology booths,  and pharmacy practice, nursing and midwifery clinical skills suites.

Purpose-built clinical skills areas allow you to practice in a safe environment. You will receive guidance and support from expert academic and technical staff.

Recently renovated, the Undercroft offers dedicated break out spaces and study spaces allowing for collaborative and interprofessional learning beyond the classroom.

Hawthorn Building - Magazine Square Entrance
Hawthorn Building is located in the centre of campus just 5 minutes from the city centre.
A student using one of the open study spaces in the Hawthorn Building
Technical staff are on hand to guide students throughout their course.
Midwifery students have access to specialist facilities and staff
Midwifery students get hands-on experience
Nursing facilities in the building and others on campus, allow our students to learn in clinical settings.
A student in the state-of-the-art diagnostic X-ray suite, a space to learn a range of practical radiographic skills
Bertec Computerised Dynamic Postuography (CPD/IVR) uses the latest technology in graphics and sensors to enable greater depth in our assessment of people who experience dizziness.

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Where we could take you

Graduate careers

Graduate careers

Our graduates are highly sought-after by NHS pathology centres and have gone on to work in diagnostic laboratories in both the public and private sectors, as well as research institutions and the biotechnology industry in roles such as biomedical scientist, laboratory assistant, associate practitioner and pharmacology technician.

Vivian Nwagboso landed a role as a biomedical scientist at Hull Royal Infirmary after graduating. She credits the course’s professional accreditation with helping her land a placement, which in turn contributed to her securing a full-time job.

She said: “I am very grateful to DMU for opportunities to develop so many transferable skills. It was unbelievable that I got a job even before writing my final exams.”

You can also pursue a range of postgraduate courses which offer opportunities to build your skills and enhance your knowledge, including our Advanced Biomedical Science MSc and Physician Associate Studies MSc courses.

Take your next steps

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Find out about Leicester

We’re a campus-based university situated in the city centre, with the hub of activity in Leicester right on your doorstep - we’re one of the few universities in the UK where you’re getting the best of both worlds.

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We’d love to welcome you to one of our university Open Days where you can see for yourself what we have to offer.

How to apply

Save these details for your application.
Programme title:
Year Zero Lab Sciences (Integrated with Biomedical Sciences) BSc (Hons)
Programme code:
BLS2

UCAS applications

Apply now
  1. Register on UCAS Hub (create an account)
  2. Fill in your UCAS application form:
  3. Personal details (name, contact, residency)
    • More about you (any mental health conditions or long-term illnesses, parenting responsibilities, whether you’ve served in the armed forces)
    • Education history (qualifications taken or pending)
    • Employment history (if applicable)
    • Course choice
  4. Write your personal statement (why you want to study the course, skills, achievements, future goals)
  5. Get your reference (usually from a teacher/tutor/employer)
  6. Pay the UCAS fee (single choice or multiple choices)
  7. Submit the UCAS application before the deadline.
Save these details for your application.
Programme title:
Year Zero Lab Sciences (Integrated with Biomedical Sciences) BSc (Hons)
Programme code:
BLS2

Apply directly as an international student

Find out more and apply
  1. Visit DMU’s international section and select the course you wish to apply for as an undergraduate or postgraduate student.
  2. Prepare your documents - gather the essentials:
    • Academic transcripts and certificates
    • Personal statement
    • English language proficiency evidence (e.g., IELTS)
    • Portfolio (if required by the course)
    • Copy of your passport
  3. Complete the application - submit via the DMU Online Portal
  4. Submit the application and supporting documents - you can still receive a conditional offer even if some documents will follow later
  5. Application review and offer - DMU’s Admissions team will assess your application and issue:
    • A conditional offer (pending remaining docs, test results, etc.)
    • Or an unconditional offer, if all requirements are fulfilled

Key facts

Course title

Year Zero Lab Sciences (Integrated with Biomedical Sciences)

Award

BSc (Hons)

UCAS code

BLS2

Institution code

D26

Study level

Foundation

Study mode

Full-time

Start date

September

Duration

Four years full-time integrated with Biomedical Science BSc (Hons) Degree

Fees

2026/27 UK tuition fees:
£9,535*

*subject to a compounded annual inflationary increase announced by the government in October 2025, the amount of which is yet to be confirmed for the 2026/27 academic year

Entry requirements

Typical offer

UCAS points:

48

A Level:

DD

from at least two A Levels at grades D or above. One subject must be either Biology or Chemistry

BTEC Extended Diploma:

PPP

in Applied Science

Contextual Offer:

This course does not provide contextual offers. To find out more about our contextual offer policy at DMU, head to dmu.ac.uk/contextual

T Levels:

Pass in Science T Level with a grade D or E on the core

Access to HE:

Pass in a Science subject with at least 15 level 3 credits at Merit

GCSEs:

GCSEs at grade 4/C or above including English Language and Maths

English language requirements

If English is not your first language an IELTS score of 6.5 overall, with no element at lower than 6.0, or equivalent (by end of YZ)

English language tuition, delivered by our British Council-accredited Centre for English Language Learning, is available both before and throughout the course if you need it.