Our accreditation process ensures that biomedical science degree programmes contain relevant taught content, essential practical skills, are research-informed and aligned with professional practice.
IBMS Accredited degrees are reviewed regularly by the IBMS, an academic and professional expert to ensure they meet the QAA Subject Benchmark Statement for biomedical science and support students towards HCPC registration as a biomedical scientist.
Why get accredited?
Being IBMS Accredited:
- Demonstrates that your programme aligns with the QAA Benchmark statement
- Confirms that your programme is relevant to current and future professional practice
- Recognises high standards in course content, delivery and laboratory facilities
- Demonstrates that your programme is informed by the latest scientific research
- Ensures students gain the academic knowledge needed to register as biomedical scientists
Universities and departments benefit from:
- IBMS support and guidance on course content and curriculum
- National recognition of educational quality and standards
- Stronger links with employers and access to IBMS education and training networks
Get accredited
To be eligible for IBMS accreditation, your programme must:
- Align to the QAA Benchmark statement
- Meet the IBMS's accreditation criteria
- Be relevant to current biomedical science practice
- Be informed by the latest scientific developments
- Prepare students for the evolving future of the profession
How to apply
Before applying, please read the relevant guidance documents and download and complete all required template documents.
Accreditation
- BSc accreditation
- MSc accreditation
Reaccreditation
- BSc reaccreditation
- MSc reaccreditation
Please view all documents in the Resources section below and, once you're ready to apply, contact 📧 [email protected]
Making changes
We must be informed of any changes to an IBMS Accredited programme in advance of them being implemented. All proposed changes must continue to meet IBMS accreditation criteria.
To notify us of changes, please complete and return the:
This form can be used for both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
For course leaders
Integrated degrees
Ordering portfolios
Placement tutors for all integrated programmes (BSc Applied Biomedical Science, Healthcare Science, or Level 6 degree apprenticeships) should request digital copies of the Registration Training Portfolio by emailing [email protected].
Please complete a single Student Placement Spreadsheet with details of all placement students or apprentices, their training officers and training laboratories. Submit the spreadsheet when students are placed or apprentices are within three years of graduation (to ensure evidence is current). This allows the IBMS Education team to register students, request payment for Version 5.0 portfolios and upload details to the OneFile platform.
Completing the portfolio
The training officer should sign off the portfolio evidence that shows how the student or apprentice meets the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) Standards of Proficiency during their placement or apprenticeship.
Version 4 registration training portfolios
If apprentices began completing a Version 4 portfolio before the Version 5.0 launch in September 2023, the university should arrange portfolio verification with one of their trained version 4 portfolio verifiers.
After successful verification and programme completion, course or placement tutors should email a pass list of apprentices to [email protected]. The team will then issue Certificates of Competence.
Version 5 registration training portfolios
Verification for Version 5 portfolios can be arranged by updating the original Student Placement Spreadsheet with the names of the allocated verifiers. Submit this updated version to [email protected] to assign verifiers in OneFile.
Following verification, the candidate, training officer and verifier must complete and submit all forms within OneFile. The placement tutor should then confirm degree completion, allowing the IBMS to issue the Certificate of Competence.
Once notified by the IBMS, students can apply for HCPC registration as a biomedical scientist.
Sandwich degrees
Ordering the portfolio
IBMS approved laboratories hosting student placements are responsible for ordering the IBMS Registration Training Portfolio (Certificate of Competence). The training officer or lab manager should complete the Registration Training Portfolio Application Form and send it to [email protected] with:
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payment
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the candidate’s in date passport (ID page) or photo card driving licence
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confirmation of enrolment on an IBMS Accredited degree course
Completing the portfolio
Training officers should sign off standards of proficiency demonstrated by the candidate during their training. All HCPC standards of proficiency must be evidenced prior to a verification. To request a portfolio verification, submit a Verification Request Form to [email protected].
Following verification, the candidate, training officer and verifier must complete and submit all forms within OneFile. The candidate should then provide evidence of their degree completion, allowing the IBMS to issue the Certificate of Competence.
Once notified by IBMS, students can apply for HCPC registration as a biomedical scientist.
Useful resources
Advance HE guidance on use of Artificial Intelligence
- Artificial Intelligence | Advance HE (advance-he.ac.uk)
- Authentic Assessment in the era of AI | Advance HE (advance-he.ac.uk)
HCPC
- Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics
- New English language requirements for international applicants to come into effect in 2025
QAA guidance on use of Artificial Intelligence
Need more help?
If you have any questions about IBMS Accredited degrees please contact us.