I have been asked what the different labels attached to BMS degrees actually mean.

A degree in biomedical science is usually a three year course in terms of theoretical knowledge and is spent entirely at university.

A sandwich degree will be spread over four years, with a year spent out of the university either as a year abroad or, more usually, as a year working in industry or the NHS.

An integrated degree, sometimes called a coterminous degree includes a year working specifically in a training laboratory to collect evidence for the Registration Portfolio for HPC Registration. This means that a graduate can quickly become a Registered BMS.

There are pros and cons to all routes. A three year degree is faster - useful if you want to progress to medicine or an MSc, but the four year option provides valuable work experience. The integrated degree is preferential for anyone planning to work in the NHS following graduation.