Non IBMS Accredited BSc
degree

If you have a non-IBMS Accredited biomedical science BSc degree and want to register as a biomedical scientist in the UK with the HCPC, you will need to have your degree(s) assessed by the IBMS to determine if additional education is required.

IBMS degree assessment

An IBMS Accredited degree is aligned with the QAA Subject Benchmark Statement and meets the HCPC Standards of Education and Training.

If your BSc degree is not IBMS Accredited, you will need to apply for an IBMS degree assessment to determine if you need to take supplementary education at an IBMS Accredited BSc programme.

To apply for a degree assessment, you must provide documentation as listed in the application form, including:

• An authenticated transcript of all module marks (completed degrees)
• Copies of authenticated module descriptors for all completed modules
• A copy of your final year research project report (dissertation)
• An official copy of your degree certificate(s)

Once assessed, you will receive an outcome letter detailing any required supplementary education. Your top-up modules must be completed through an IBMS Accredited BSc programme.

HCPC registration

To register with the HCPC as a biomedical scientist, you must successfully complete:

1️⃣ All required supplementary education
2️⃣ The IBMS Registration Training Portfolio (Certificate of Competence) in an IBMS approved training laboratory

Postgraduate courses

An IBMS Accredited MSc does not override a non-accredited BSc degree. If your BSc degree was not IBMS Accredited, you will still need an IBMS degree assessment to identify any gaps.

Even after completing an IBMS Accredited MSc, you may need to complete top-up modules from an IBMS Accredited BSc programme if certain clinical pathology disciplines were not covered in sufficient depth and breadth. You can submit all relevant completed BSc and MSc documentation for assessment. 

International applicants for HCPC registration 

If you trained and studied outside the UK and have not been HCPC registered, you may be able to apply for registration through the HCPC’s International Application Route.

If the HCPC rejects your application, you might need to:

• Apply for an IBMS degree assessment
• Complete any supplementary education required
• Complete the IBMS Registration Training Portfolio to obtain the IBMS Certificate of Competence

Only after these steps can you apply for HCPC registration as a biomedical scientist in the UK.