Introduction

Human Biosciences encompasses some of the most rapidly changing and dynamic areas of biology and medicine.  This programme enables you to better understand the scientific basis of global health challenges and to be able to contribute towards finding solutions.

"I worked as an intern in a laboratory at the University of Hong Kong during the summer holiday. I discovered my interest in research and wish to develop my career in this field. Coventry University programmes offered by SHAPE enable students to obtain a degree certification within a year.  With the help of the Coventry University, I am sure my goals could be accomplished."

Jephthah Cheung
BSc (Hons) Human Biosciences graduate
Former Coventry University Student Ambassador

Programme Features

High Ranking
Coventry University is ranked 5^th for Health Professions in the UK (Guardian University Guide 2024).

Independent Research Project
You will have the opportunity to undertake challenging lab and non-lab based independent research projects, dealing with important life science research questions; for example, the antimicrobial activity of essential oils, cinnamon and ginger against drug-resistant clinical pathogens or the effect of sleep deprivation on physiological and mental health in healthy young adults.

Local Practitioner Insights
Lecturers with rich industry experience and guest speakers from professional bodies will share their local industry insights with students. 

Career Prospects
Our graduates are highly sought-after in the industry, over 89% graduates in 2023 were employed upon graduation. Many of them have been employed as Research Assistant, Laboratory Technician, Clinical Laboratory Assistant, etc. by prominent companies/institutions such as LKS Faculty of Medicine of University of Hong Kong, BGI Group and Prenetics.

Modules

Non-Communicable Disease

The major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide result from non-communicable diseases (NCD), including cardiovascular and cardiometabolic diseases, liver disease, diabetes, and cancer. In this module, current research approaches to dissect and understand the mechanisms underlying the development of such conditions are discussed, including the impact of lifestyle choices and behaviours. 

Infectious Disease: Present and Future Challenges

This module focuses on the varied infectious disease challenges that affect human populations in different communities worldwide. It discusses the epidemiology of emerging and re-emerging diseases, the increasing problems of healthcare acquired infection, the rise of antibiotic resistance and strategies to counter this. It will also consider the continuing global burden of neglected tropical diseases. This module relates to Goal 3 of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the target to end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and neglected tropical diseases and combat hepatitis, water­borne diseases and other communicable disease.

Research Design

In this module, students will prepare for their final year research project and for employment or further study after graduation. The module will support students through the process of defining their research question, planning their experiments, and considering the most appropriate data analysis methods. The module will enhance skills in literature searching, experimental design, scientific writing, data processing and statistical analysis. Students will be required to submit their proposal for ethical and health and safety approval, and to address key aspects of project management and organization. 

Biology of Human Ageing

The structure of populations around the world is changing due to advances in health care and disease management. Human life expectancy has increased by more in the past 40 years than in the previous 4000 years. However, as life expectancy increases, so does the amount of time spent in poor health. Thus, ageing potentially represents the greatest health challenge for the 21st century. This module focuses on the cellular and molecular changes that occur during the human lifespan with a focus on processes associated with ageing. Changes in the ability of tissues to regenerate, cellular and DNA damage, circadian rhythm and hormonal alterations and aberrant protein folding resulting in disease phenotypes are considered.

Genomics, Disease and Personalised Therapy

Our increasing genomic knowledge has led to advances in medical treatment such that therapies may now be tailored to the unique molecular or genetic characteristics of individual patients. This module will consider the impact of genomic knowledge and advances in genomic analysis on the understanding of mechanisms of disease, and the potential for development of these personalised therapies. It will also consider how applicable these approaches are worldwide.

Independent Project  

The aim of this module is for students to conduct a piece of investigative research, which may be laboratory or non-laboratory based, in a specialised area of forensic or biological sciences, depending on your course. This module follows from 60XXBMS  

(Research Design), and students implement their research proposals in this module. The variety and scope of projects allows students to pursue their own interests, potentially linked to future career aspirations, and to integrate prior skills and knowledge. Thus, this module, together with 60XXBMS, provides a capstone experience and is a key requirement for graduation with an Honours classification. Students are supported and guided by their supervisor, but are encouraged to develop independence of thought, and the ability and confidence to adapt and evolve their research ideas, based on reflective practice. The skills and competencies developed during the project period that enhance employability will be articulated in a short personal skills reflection. 

Assessment

Presentation, review of scientific papers, project proposal and thesis, etc. 

QF Level

QF Level : Level 5 QR Registration No. : 17/000638/L5  Validity Period : 01/09/2017 - 31/08/2029

Importance of choosing a non-local top-up with QF Level 5 Employment Degree qualifications pitched at QF Level 5 are formally recognised by the HKSAR Government for employment purposes within the Civil Service for graduate posts. Further Studies Having been recognised at QF Level 5, this top-up degree programme meets the standard of locally-accredited bachelor's degree programmes.  Upon graduation, students can pursue their further studies at Master’s degree level in Hong Kong or Oveseas. Financial Assistance and Scholarships Various HKSAR Government financial assistance schemes and scholarships are only made available to eligible students enrolled into programmes with QF recognition.

Entry Requirements

Holders of one of the following VTC Higher Diploma (HD) programmes:

• HD in Biomedical Science;
• HD in Biotechnology;

OR

Applicants successfully completed a Higher Diploma or Associate Degree in a relevant science subject taught and assessed in English from a recognised institution in Hong Kong or equivalent.

English Proficiency Requirements

• Applicants successfully completed a Higher Diploma or Associate Degree taught and assessed in English from a recognised institution in Hong Kong or equivalent;

OR

• At least an overall IELTS score of 6.5, or equivalent.

Fees

• Application Fee : HK$200 (No application fee before the deadline!)
• Registration Fee : HK$3,500
• Tuition Fee (for local students): HK$88,440 by 2 instalments

Scholarships

A variety of attractive scholarships are available to prospective, current and graduating SHAPE students

I completed a Human Bioscience Top-up Degree with SHAPE in collaboration with Coventry University, which prepared me for my master's in biomedical research at Warwick, supported by the Alistair Harvey Scholarship. By collaborating with top researchers, I gained vital experience and now work in the NHS aseptic unit, producing cancer medications. I am grateful for the knowledge and support from the SHAPE Top-up Degree that helped me pursue my goals. Carlos Lee BSc (Hons) Human Biosciences Alistair Harvey Foundation Scholarship Awardee MSc in Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research, University of Warwick, United Kingdom Project Research Coordinator, NHS HealthTech Research Centre in Devices, Digital & Robotics unit, United Kingdom

Financial Aids 

The following HKSAR Government financial assistance schemes are available to eligible students who pursue this programme at SHAPE:

Financial Assistance Schemes		Amount (HK$)
	Non-means-tested Subsidy Scheme (NMTSS)	Up to $35,120 per year  [AY2026/27]
	Financial Assistance Scheme for Post-secondary Students (FASP)	Up to $96,900 (Tuition fee grant) Up to $9,370 (Academic expenses grant) Up to 58,200 (Living expenses loan) [AY2026/27]
	Non-means-tested Loan Scheme for Post-secondary Students (NLSPS)	Up to the annual tuition fees payable in the academic year [AY2026/27]

For details including eligibility and subsidy amount, please refer to the hyperlink of each scheme.

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Career Prospects

Our graduates are highly sought-after in the industry, over 89% graduates in 2023 were employed upon graduation. Many of them have been employed as Research Assistant, Laboratory Technician, Clinical Laboratory Assistant, etc. by prominent companies/institutions such as LKS Faculty of Medicine of University of Hong Kong, BGI Group and Prenetics.

Student works as a Junior Research Assistant in Laboratory Animal Services Centre at CUHK, Kwan Ka Ho is the 1st honor degree holder in AY22/23.

		I chose BSc (Hons) Human Bioscience because the programme is well designed for those who are interested in medical biology and I would like to develop my career in biology related areas.  This program goes beyond simply imparting theoretical knowledge from textbooks. It also provides hands-on learning experiences, such as requiring each student to undertake their own research project. By developing problem-solving and time management skills, the program equips me with valuable competencies that directly benefit in my current job. Kwan Ka Ho BSc (Hons) Human Biosciences, Coventry University​ Junior Research Assistant, CUHK Outstanding Student Award (2023), Coventry University
		SHAPE has provided a comprehensive and diversified study environment to enhance our learning experience. I was also given excellent support and guidance from my project supervisor throughout the journey of my final year project.  The programme has enhanced my independent thinking and research skills which are essential for my career. Hallie Kwan BSc (Hons) Human Biosciences, Coventry University​ ​Research Assistant, The University of Hong Kong, LKS Faculty of Medicine, AIDS Institute National Competition – Hong Kong Regional Final - Hong Kong University Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition, Merit Award HKSAR Government Reaching Out Award

Further Studies

Having been recognised at QF Level 5, this top-up degree programme meets the standard of locally-accredited bachelor's degree programmes.  Upon graduation, students can pursue their further studies at Master’s degree level in Hong Kong or Overseas.

Awards

I completed a Human Bioscience Top-up Degree with SHAPE in collaboration with Coventry University, which prepared me for my master's in biomedical research at Warwick, supported by the Alistair Harvey Scholarship. By collaborating with top researchers, I gained vital experience and now work in the NHS aseptic unit, producing cancer medications. I am grateful for the knowledge and support from the SHAPE Top-up Degree that helped me pursue my goals. Carlos Lee BSc (Hons) Human Biosciences Alistair Harvey Foundation Scholarship Awardee

 Graduation Ceremony

Enquiries

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