IBMS accredited courses

The Institute accredits honours level degrees in biomedical science and named Masters degree relevant to biomedical science. The IBMS’s programme of accreditation plays a key role in the education of biomedical scientists and helps to ensure that students are suitably trained upon entering the profession.

The accreditation process, developed in tandem with HUCBMS (Heads of University Centres for Biomedical Science), assesses the university for academic content of the degree, learning outcomes and assessment, delivery, quality assurance and involvement of the profession in the development and delivery of the course. Accreditation is normally awarded for five years and universities view the process as an endorsement by the professional body. The accreditation process has led to an important foundation of dialogue and collaboration to further enhance the education of biomedical scientists.

Ten Reasons for Institute Accreditation

1. Advances professional practice to benefit healthcare services and professions related to biomedical science.
2. Develops specific knowledge and competence that underpins biomedical science.
3. Provides expertise to support development of appropriate education and training.
4. Ensures curriculum content is both current and anticipatory of future change.
5. Facilitates peer recognition of education and best practice and the dissemination of information through education and employer networks.
6. Ensures qualification is fit for purpose.
7. Provides eligibility to membership of HUCBMS (Heads of University Centres of Biomedical Science).
8. Recognises the achievement of a benchmark standard for professional regulation.
9. Strengthens links between the professional body, education providers employers and students.
10. Provides access to professional body membership.

Types of undergraduate degrees programmes

Full-time degree with optional placement(s) in an Institute approved NHS laboratory, research or industrial laboratory or delivered in part-time mode.

Integrated degree where work-based learning in an Institute approved laboratory is delivered as part of a full-time or part-time programme to enable completion of the Institute’s Registration Portfolio. These may also be approved by the Health Professions Council (HPC).

Guide to IBMS accredited undergraduate degree programmes in biomedical science

The following courses are accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science for individuals who wish to qualify in biomedical science.

For those wishing to register with the Health Professions Council, the undergraduate programmes are also approved for HPC registration and are to be used in conjunction with laboratory training for completion of the Institute's Certificate of Competence Registration Portfolio.

Applicants seeking a route to HPC registration or Institute membership who hold a non-accredited science degree will be required to have their degree assessed by the Institute. It may be necessary for individuals to undertake additional learning to acquire the requisite level of knowledge. The exact requirement will depend on the content of the applicant’s honours degree and universities may charge full cost for the additional study.

Please contact the relevant Liaison Officer for information on their course including a description of the aims and content and also for the entry requirements. Updated information is published in The Biomedical Scientist.

Enquiries about enrolment should be made via the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). T 01242 227788; Website: www.ucas.ac.uk.

In addition, short courses are offered as part of the IBMS Continuing Professional Development scheme.

Click to download guide to IBMS accredited undergraduate degrees

Guide to IBMS accredited postgraduate degree programmes in biomedical science

Postgraduate masters programmes are suitable for individuals wishing to become Chartered Scientists and as an one of the entry criteria for the Higher Specialist examination.

Click to download guide to IBMS accredited postgraduate degrees