What can you do with a biomedical science degree? From NHS Biomedical Scientist to Cardiovascular Researcher

When I graduated from Kingston University in 2022 with my degree in Biomedical Science, I couldn't have predicted exactly where my career would lead. I knew I wanted to understand cardiovascular disease, but I was still exploring whether my future was in research, healthcare or industry. Today, I'm pursuing a PhD focused on hypertension and cardiovascular disease, building on the same scientific foundations I developed as a Biomedical Science student. 

What can you do with a Biomedical Science degree?

I knew I was fascinated by cardiovascular disease but wasn't entirely sure where my career would take me. Like many Biomedical Science students, I was exploring different possibilities across healthcare, research and industry.
Today, I'm pursuing a PhD focused on hypertension and cardiovascular disease, but my journey has included working in the NHS as a biomedical scientist and completing a specialist Master's degree. Looking back, my Biomedical Science degree gave me far more than scientific knowledge. It opened the door to multiple career opportunities and provided the foundation for every step that followed.

Building a foundation for healthcare and research

One of the reasons I chose Biomedical Science was the opportunity to understand how the human body works and what happens when disease develops.
During my degree, I studied subjects including anatomy, physiology, haematology and scientific investigation. My final-year research project explored stress and the body's physiological responses, giving me my first experience of independent scientific research.
These experiences helped me develop the scientific thinking, laboratory skills and analytical approach that continue to underpin my work today.
 

Starting my career in the NHS

After graduating, I secured a role as a biomedical scientist at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital in Stanmore.
What surprised me most was how relevant my university learning was in practice. The laboratory techniques, data analysis skills and understanding of blood science that I had developed during my degree quickly became part of my everyday work.
The role showed me how Biomedical Science graduates can directly contribute to patient care while continuing to build specialist expertise.
 

Specialising in cardiovascular science

As my career progressed, I became increasingly interested in cardiovascular disease and hypertension.
To deepen my knowledge, I completed an MSc in Haematology, gaining further expertise in blood disorders, diagnostic testing and laboratory practice. Postgraduate study allowed me to move beyond broad scientific knowledge and focus on the area that interested me most.
This ultimately led me to pursue doctoral research investigating hypertension, cardiovascular health and small vessel disease.
The value of persistence.

My route into a PhD wasn't straightforward

Over several years, I applied for research opportunities, grants and doctoral programmes. Not every application was successful, and at times I considered alternative career paths within the life sciences sector.
However, remaining focused on my long-term goal eventually led me to the right opportunity. The experience reinforced an important lesson: career development is rarely a straight line, but persistence often creates opportunities that would otherwise be missed.

The skills that open doors

One of the biggest misconceptions about Biomedical Science is that it prepares graduates for only one profession.
In reality, the degree develops skills that are valuable across healthcare, research, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, education and many other industries.

The skills that have been most valuable throughout my career include:
•    Communication
•    Organisation and multitasking
•    Attention to detail
•    Data analysis
•    Independent working
•    Teamwork

These skills have helped me collaborate with researchers, healthcare professionals, laboratory teams and organisations such as the British Heart Foundation throughout my career.

Biomedical Science careers: more than one path

One of the things I value most about Biomedical Science is the flexibility it offers.
My own journey has taken me from Kingston University to an NHS laboratory, onto postgraduate study and now into cardiovascular research. Other graduates may choose careers in clinical laboratories, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, public health, medicine or scientific research.
There is no single destination. Instead, Biomedical Science provides a strong scientific foundation that can support a wide range of career ambitions.

Your path may look entirely different, but it can start with the same foundation.

Explore Biomedical Science at Kingston University and discover where a Biomedical Science degree could take you.