Become IBMS Accredited
IBMS Accredited degrees meet the academic requirements to register as a biomedical scientist with the HCPC
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A great first step if you want to become a biomedical scientist in the UK, is choosing an IBMS Accredited degree or degree apprenticeship.
These programmes are designed to give you the scientific knowledge and practical skills you’ll need to work in a healthcare laboratory and register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
Once you’ve completed your IBMS Accredited degree and the IBMS Registration Training Portfolio in an approved training laboratory, you’ll receive the IBMS Certificate of Competence. This is your key to applying for HCPC registration and starting your career as a biomedical scientist.
Types of IBMS Accredited degrees
Standard degree
A three-year course focused on developing science and laboratory skills aligned to the QAA Subject Benchmark Statement. After graduating, you’ll need to complete the IBMS Registration Training Portfolio in an approved training laboratory before you can register with the HCPC.
Sandwich degree
Includes an optional placement year in a laboratory. Some clinical placements may offer training for the IBMS Registration Training Portfolio — check before applying.
Integrated degree
Includes a compulsory clinical laboratory placement where you will complete your IBMS Registration Training Portfolio during your course. When you graduate, you’ll be ready to register with the HCPC.
Degree apprenticeship
Earn while you learn. You’ll work in a hospital laboratory while studying at university, gaining hands-on experience and completing the IBMS Registration Training Portfolio as part of the programme.
What qualifications do you need?
To apply for an IBMS Accredited degree, you’ll usually need:
✔A-levels in biology and/or chemistry, or other relevant level 3 qualifications
✔GCSE maths, English and Science or an equivalent qualification
Universities may have different entry requirements — check their websites via our IBMS Accredited course directory for full details.
Already have a degree?
If you’ve already completed a non-IBMS Accredited science degree, you may need to do extra study before registering as a biomedical scientist. This is called supplementary education.
The IBMS can assess your degree to see what’s missing and identify the subject areas you’ll need. Once you’ve completed these and the IBMS Registration Training Portfolio in an approved training laboratory, you will be awarded the IBMS Certificate of Competence which will enable you to register with the HCPC.
What about postgraduate degrees?
An IBMS Accredited postgraduate (MSc) degree is great for developing advanced knowledge — but it doesn’t replace the need for an IBMS Accredited undergraduate degree if you want to register as a biomedical scientist.If you have completed an MSc and BSc programme that you wish to have assessed, we will look at these together.
However, an MSc will progress your clinical knowledge and can help you work towards becoming a Chartered Scientist (CSci) through the Science Council.
Why choose an IBMS Accredited degree?
- Designed to meet HCPC standards of education
- Combines science education with real-world clinical laboratory data analysis and evaluation
- Helps you gain skills that employers value
- Gets you closer to HCPC registration — and your career in biomedical science
- Demonstrates the quality of the programme and that aligns with the QAA Subject Benchmark Statement.
Need more help?
If you have any questions about HCPC registration as a biomedical scientist please contact us.
