What jobs can you get with a biomedical science degree?
Biomedical sciences include a wide range of scientific disciplines focused on human health. A degree in biomedical science showcases a good understanding of the human body and disease processes. Graduates learn various advanced research methods aiming to improve diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions.
Studying at one of the best universities for biomedical science in the UK, as listed in the 2024 Complete University Guide, can open doors to many well-paying jobs. Institutions such as the University of Cambridge, University College London, the University of Oxford, Imperial College London and Durham University have established a strong reputation in this space.
A course as diverse as biomedical science can land you a job in several different sectors. The most common industries include: life sciences and academic research, clinical science, technology and engineering, and business and finance. This article discusses the top three highest-paying jobs with a biomedical science degree in these fields.
Life sciences & academic research
Biomedical science is one of the most rapidly evolving scientific disciplines, contributing to a substantial amount of high-impact research and medical advancements. Biomedical scientists opting for more traditional career paths normally work at research institutions or universities.
- University professor
Job role: Professors teaching students doing a biomedical science degree at university typically specialise in a specific discipline, such as cell biology, molecular biology or human anatomy. They are leading experts in their field and conduct research in niche areas, such as stem cells or gene editing.
Route: You can either complete a master’s degree prior to starting a PhD or start a PhD immediately after your undergraduate degree if you performed exceptionally well. As a post-doc, you will spend a significant period of time conducting research and lecturing before you can apply for professorship.
Average salary (experienced): £55,000; over £100,000 at some universities e.g. Imperial College London
- Pharmacologist
Job role: Pharmacologists analyse the biomolecular and physiological effects of various drugs and compounds on the human body. They predominantly work in a lab setting, designing studies and interpreting data to advance drug development. As such, they ensure the efficacy and safety of drugs for human consumption.
Route: While a degree in pharmacology is preferred, biomedical sciences, microbiology and physiology are also acceptable. Employers often seek candidates with postgraduate training and/or some experience in research or industry. For those aspiring to work in academia and teach at university, a PhD is typically required.
Average salary (experienced): £55,000
- Sports physiologist
Job role: Sports physiologists possess excellent understanding of human physiology. They help people optimise their athletic performance and general health. You could work in diverse settings, such as sports centres, hospitals or research institutions. Many additionally provide private consultations, offering advice to a variety of clients, including athletes.
Route: Typically, a degree in physiology, biology, biomedical science or other life science teaching integrated human physiology is required. Postgraduate training in sports physiology or exercise science could increase employment opportunities. Building a strong reputation could lead to opportunities such as starting your own consulting firm or working exclusively with elite athletes.
Average salary (experienced): £50,000
Clinical science
Biomedical scientists play an integral role in healthcare provision and the advancement of clinical science. In the UK, your degree will enable you to explore a plethora of jobs and opportunities offered by the National Health Service. To be able to take up any of the roles, you will need to register with the Health and Care Professions Council and complete the NHS Scientific Training Programme (STP) following your biomedical degree.
To start working as a clinical biomedical scientist trainee, your course must additionally be accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science.
- Pathologist
Job role: Pathologists analyse tissue samples from patients to help diagnose medical conditions. They utilise sophisticated equipment, such as microscopes, and work primarily in hospital laboratories.
Route: Biomedical science is one of the preferred degrees to obtain prior to completing STP. Once you qualify, you could further specialise in a niche subfield and enter the Higher Specialist Scientist Training (HSST) program to become a consultant pathologist.
Average salary (experienced): £69,000
- Clinical scientist
Job role: Clinical scientists work as part of a multidisciplinary team in specialised areas such as critical care, biochemistry and genomics, contributing to efficient and safe healthcare delivery. Duties vary based on specialisation and may include laboratory work or involve direct patient contact, diagnosis and treatment.
Route: A biomedical science degree provides a solid foundation for various specialisms within clinical science. With experience, you could take on managerial responsibilities or move into healthcare-related industries such as biotechnology. You could also complete HSST to achieve consultant status in your field.
Average salary (experienced): £68,000
- Audiologist
Job role: Audiologists assess individuals’ hearing and may work in hospitals or retail stores. Their duties include fitting, testing and repairing different types of hearing aids for their patients or clients. They often undertake ear wax removal and offer advice on ear health and hygiene.
Route: Biomedical sciences, anatomy and neuroscience are some of the favourable pre-STP degrees for this role. With experience, you could manage hospital audiology departments, become a director of a store or specialise in areas such as cochlear implants. There is tremendous potential in the private sector.
Average salary (experienced): £65,000
Technology & engineering
Biomedical science graduates have great potential in the tech industry, particularly in fields such as biotechnology and health tech. With a strong background in medical science, they can contribute significantly to this sector as they understand the technological needs in medical research and healthcare.
- IT systems architect
Job role: IT architects play a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation of a business. They are responsible for designing IT systems and software that align with their clients' technical needs. This work can be carried out either at their own office, at a client's office or remotely from home. With a degree in biomedical sciences, you could be an invaluable asset to health tech, biotech or pharmaceutical firms.
Route: You typically need a software engineering, maths or computer science degree. However, you can develop skills for this role by pursuing a master’s degree in a computer science subject after biomedicine or becoming self-taught. Your biomedical background may give you a competitive edge when applying to relevant companies. With experience, you could work as a consultant or run your own firm.
Average salary (experienced): £90,000
- Data scientist
Job role: Data science is considered one of the most lucrative fields in the tech sector. Data scientists are particularly important within life sciences as “big data” is generated constantly. Biomedical data scientists could work in a variety of settings, from universities to biotechnology firms, performing data analysis to provide actionable insights.
Route: Following your biomedical degree, you could either complete a master's degree in data science or teach yourself, as there are a huge number of online resources available. Machine learning and artificial intelligence can substantially enhance your job prospects. With experience, you could become a principal data scientist at a biotech company or an independent data science consultant.
Average salary (experienced): £82,500
- Biomedical engineer
Job role: Biomedical engineers integrate concepts from biology, physics and engineering to develop medical machinery and devices, encompassing prosthetics, surgical robots and imaging devices. They research and design novel tools or devices that may aid clinical staff with their work or improve patient outcomes.
Route: While a primary biomedical engineering degree is the conventional path for this role, entry is still possible with a biomedical science degree. You would be expected to complete postgraduate biomedical engineering training or gain experience by taking up junior roles, such as a biological technician.
Experienced biomedical engineers may specialise in specific areas, such as artificial organs, or work towards managerial positions in biotech firms.
Average salary (experienced): £50,000
Business & finance
Biomedical science doesn’t only equip graduates with scientific knowledge and technical skills, but also highly desirable transferable skills. Their excellent communication skills, analytical and critical thinking, numerical skills and problem-solving often help them thrive in business and the commercial sector.
- Managing director
Job role: Managing directors or CEOs (chief executive officers) are typically the face of an organisation. Their duties encompass various tasks, such as implementing policies, establishing the company's agenda, devising strategies to achieve goals, fostering relationships with business partners and task delegation.
Route: Although higher education isn’t required to ultimately become a CEO, due to rising competition, academic qualifications or other forms of training, such as apprenticeships, do give you a competitive edge.
A degree in biomedical sciences puts you in a strong position to venture into health tech or biotech. Your knowledge could help you understand and innovate the company’s products or services. Nevertheless, to secure a junior role and work up the ladder to the role of a director, you will need to acquire relevant business and management skills, either through work experience or postgraduate training.
Average salary (experienced): £120,000
- Investment analyst
Job role: Investment analysts advise fund managers, stockbrokers, traders,
investment management companies or other organisations on investment strategies. They monitor markets and performance of target companies to identify investment opportunities. With a biomedical science degree, you could specialise in biotech or pharmaceutical firms.
Route: After your BSc degree, you could study a business degree, e.g. a master’s in business administration (MBA), or apply for graduate training schemes at investment banks. To fully qualify as an investment analyst, you must pass an exam approved by the Financial Conduct Authority, such as the investment management certificate or investment advice diploma.
Once you have established a decent reputation, you could become a fund manager, run your own investment bank or work as a freelance investment consultant.
Average salary (experienced): £65,000
- Management consultant
Job role: Consultancy involves advising organisations on ways to tackle business issues and improve operational efficiency. Management consultants work with various members of a company and analyse data to understand problems. They then make recommendations to their clients and support them with the implementation of a solution.
Route: As with investment banking, you could pursue an MBA or other relevant business degree, complete an internship or join a graduate training scheme at a firm. Whichever route you choose, ensure you develop a good grasp of business management skills, analytical thinking and customer service skills. With experience, you could become a partner at a company, run your own firm or work as a freelancer.
You may wish to apply for chartered status to demonstrate that your skills and knowledge meet industry standards.
Average salary (experienced): £60,000
Conclusion
Across several industries, there is no shortage of biomedical science graduate jobs. Your degree is one of the most highly valued within and outside the field of biomedical sciences. What is crucial is to tailor your programme according to your goals and gain relevant work experience and training during or after your course.
Resources
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