Skip to main content

Life Sciences for Subjects Allied to Medicine

Cert HE

Book open days Get prospectus Contact us

Key information

Key information for 2026-27

Start date:
October 2026
Study route:

  • One year full-time, on campus


    UCAS code: LS01

  • Two years part-time, on campus

Status:
Fully approved
Location:
Birkbeck Campus, Central London
Awarding body:
University of London
Study options:
Full-time | Part-time | On campus

Key information for 2027-28

Start date:
October 2027
Study route:

  • One year full-time, on campus


    UCAS code: LS01

  • Two years part-time, on campus

Status:
Fully approved
Location:
Birkbeck Campus, Central London
Awarding body:
University of London
Study options:
Full-time | Part-time | On campus

Course Overview

This Certificate of Higher Education in Life Sciences for Subjects Allied to Medicine equips you with a strong foundation in biology and chemistry, preparing you for further study and a career in healthcare and biomedical fields.

  • Why choose this course?
    • You will learn from experienced lecturers with expertise across healthcare and biomedical research, who bring real-world insights into the classroom.
    • You will join a vibrant community of students from diverse backgrounds and also benefit from flexible daytime or evening teaching that fits around your work or personal commitments.
    • Successful completion of this course provides a direct route to our BSc Biomedicine, alongside access to networking events, employer talks, and partnerships with healthcare and research organisations.

  • What will I learn?

    On this course, you will develop a solid grounding in biology, chemistry and modern learning methods to build the scientific understanding needed for careers in healthcare, nursing, biomedical science and related fields.

    You will gain practical skills in laboratory techniques, data analysis and scientific communication which are all highly valued by employers and universities. With a focus on real-world healthcare applications and personalised academic support, the course will help you to confidently progress into degree-level study or employment in allied health fields.

  • How will I learn?

    You will learn through a dynamic mix of lectures, seminars and hands-on laboratory work, designed to build both theoretical understanding and practical skills. Immersed in a supportive and career-focused learning environment, you will also develop key skills in teamwork, problem-solving and scientific communication.

    This course is available to study full- or part-time with classes running in the afternoon or evening.

  • How often will I attend classes?

    Full-time: Two to three afternoons or evenings a week, October to July.

    Part-time: One to two afternoons or evenings a week, October to July.

  • Course disclaimer

    Birkbeck makes all reasonable efforts to deliver educational services, modules and programmes of study as described on our website. In the event that there are material changes to our offering (for example, due to matters beyond our control), we will update applicant and student facing information as quickly as possible and offer alternatives to applicants, offer-holders and current students.

    Most of our courses are taught in the evenings, however some of our courses offer a daytime timetable. Where there is an option to attend daytime teaching sessions, this is stated in the How will I learn? section.

More Highlights

  • On passing this certificate you are guaranteed a place on our BSc Biomedicine.
  • On successful completion, you may also progress to the first year of a variety of degrees, including biology, chemistry, environmental science, geology as well as all health-related areas, such as radiography, pharmacy, osteopathic medicine, nutrition and dietetics, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, veterinary science, herbal medicine, clinical sciences, biomedicine and biomedical sciences.
  • If you have a good first degree in another area and achieve high marks in your studies on this certificate, you may also be accepted for graduate entry by some medical schools.
  • Birkbeck provides state-of-the-art, specialist laboratories and facilities for studying biological sciences in the heart of academic London.
  • In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF), in a joint submission with UCL, Biological Sciences at Birkbeck were ranked 11th in the UK, with a research environment supporting world-leading and internationally excellent research.

Modules and Teaching

School of Natural Sciences

The school provides a stimulating learning experience in state-of-the-art facilities, with academic staff involved in active research projects.

Visit the school

Entry Requirements

We welcome applicants without traditional entry qualifications as we base decisions on our own assessment of qualifications, knowledge and previous work experience. We may waive formal entry requirements based on judgement of academic potential.

You will need to demonstrate a good level of numeracy and English language skills, as well as a keen interest in the life sciences. Applicants are advised that this is a very intensive course, which requires a high level of commitment.

If you have non-standard entry qualifications, you may be required to complete a short assessment task and be invited to an informal interview with the course director.

Please note: if you require a Student visa to study in the UK you will not be eligible to apply for this course either on the full- or part-time routes due to UK visa regulations.

Clearing for 2026 is open
Apply now

Fees

One year full-time, on campus

Academic year 2026-27, starting in October 2026

Full-time home students: £7,110 per year
Full-time international students: £7,110 per year

Academic year 2027-28, starting in October 2027

Full-time home students: £7,530 per year
Full-time international students: £19,320 per year

Two years part-time, on campus

Academic year 2026-27, starting in October 2026

Part-time home students: £3,555 per year
Part-time international students: £3,555 per year

Academic year 2027-28, starting in October 2027

Part-time home students: £3,765 per year
Part-time international students: £9,660 per year

Students are charged a tuition fee in each year of their course. Tuition fees for students continuing their course may be subject to annual inflationary increases. For more information, please see our Fees Policy.

Birkbeck's campus is located in the historic and vibrant Bloomsbury area of central London - named one of the best places to live in London 2025 by The Times.

Careers and employability

On graduating successfully from this CertHE in Life Sciences for Subjects Allied to Medicine, you will have gained an array of important transferable skills, including:

  • strong scientific literacy and the ability to critically analyse data
  • practical laboratory skills
  • effective written and verbal communication
  • time management, organisation and the ability to meet deadlines under pressure.

Studying this course will prepare you for further study in medicine, dentistry or other healthcare-related degrees, or for career paths in a range of fields and professions including:

  • nursing and midwifery
  • biomedical science and laboratory research
  • physiotherapy, radiography and other allied health professions
  • public health, health promotion and community healthcare roles.

Graduates from this course have gone on to be employed at organisations such as:

  • NHS trusts and hospitals
  • private healthcare providers and clinics
  • biomedical research labs and pharmaceutical companies
  • public health organisations and charities
  • universities and academic research institutions.

We offer a comprehensive careers service - Careers and Enterprise - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education and future ambitions.

Student Support

Birkbeck offers study, learning and wellbeing support to undergraduate and postgraduate students to help them succeed.

Our Learning Development Service provides a lively programme of free weekly workshops building essential academic skills - from writing and critical thinking to maths and referencing - offering flexible sessions, practical tips, and online resources to boost your skills and confidence.

Our Disability and Mental Health Service can support you if you have disabilities, specific learning differences, mental health conditions or neurodivergence, by providing practical support to help you achieve your academic potential.

Our Counselling Service aims to support you with any emotional and psychological difficulties that are affecting your experience and engagement with your studies at university. It is a free, non-judgemental and confidential service which consists of a consultation process followed by time limited counselling contact.

Find out more about the full range of student services we offer at Birkbeck.

How to Apply

You apply via UCAS for our full-time undergraduate courses or directly to Birkbeck for our part-time undergraduate courses. For more detailed, step-by-step guidance on how to apply, visit our How to apply page.

  • How do I apply to study full-time (UCAS entry)?

    If you are applying for a full-time undergraduate course at Birkbeck you apply through UCAS. Use the Apply now button on this course page which will direct you to UCAS. There you will be prompted to sign in and create an account. You will have to give UCAS a few personal details, including your name, address and date of birth, and then you can start working on your application.

    The first UCAS deadline is in January, and the majority of university applications through UCAS are made by then. Find the exact deadline date on the UCAS website. We welcome applications outside of the UCAS deadlines, so you can still apply through UCAS after the January deadline, depending on the availability of places. We also take late applications via the UCAS Clearing system in August.

  • How do I apply to study part-time?

    If you are applying for a part-time undergraduate course (usually four or six years), you apply directly to Birkbeck online by using the Apply now button. You will need to prove your identity when you apply.

    Please note that online application opens in September.

  • When should I apply?

    You are strongly advised to apply now, to ensure there are still places left, and to give you enough time to complete the admissions process, to arrange funding and to enrol.

    You don't need to complete your current programme of study before you apply - Birkbeck can offer you a place that is conditional on your results.

  • How can I get help with my application?

    Get all the information you need about the application, admission and enrolment process at Birkbeck.

    Our online personal statement tool will guide you through every step of writing the personal statement part of your application.

  • International agents

    If you are an international agent applying to Birkbeck on behalf of an international student, please use Birkbeck's agent portal.

Related courses

Study routes for Life Sciences for Subjects Allied to Medicine (Cert HE)

Please select a study route below to continue your application.

Please note that international students who require a Student visa to study in the UK can only apply for full-time, on campus routes.

Important: Applications to study part-time in 2027/28 will open in October 2026.

2026-27

Full-time

Part-time

2027-28

Full-time