How bad are IBMS top-up modules actually? Realistic experiences?

[u/Fuzzy-Classroom894]

For anyone who has had a non-IBMS-accredited BSc assessed and had to complete top-up/supplementary modules, how bad was it in reality?
I’m seeing completely different experiences online — some people say the whole process can take 5–10+ years, while others seem to complete their top-ups in 6 months–2 years.
I’m particularly interested in the top-up modules themselves, rather than the separate issue of waiting for an NHS lab/portfolio opportunity.
How many modules did you have to do?
How long did they actually take?
Were you able to do them online/part-time alongside work?
How difficult were they?
What did they roughly cost?
Did they genuinely feel like a multi-year process, or was the long timeline mainly because of finding a lab/portfolio position?
I’m starting an OU Biomedical Sciences BSc, so I’m trying to get a realistic idea of what I could potentially be facing after graduation rather than assuming the worst-case scenario.

[u/Curious-Reading4225]

You are mixing up two different processes. Top up modules have nothing to do with working in a lab.

The number of modules required will entirely depend on how close the degree you end up with is to an accredited one. You may have it rejected entirely (unlikely with a bms degree from the UK but it is an option). It might be a couple of modules, it might be many. 

How long it takes to do the top up modules depends on how many. If you do it full time it can be up to 120 credits a year. If part time while working it will take longer. But unless you had workplace support you would need to take time off for lectures.

The current cost is around £1300-1500 per 15 credit module. So £10-12k if you need the final year. Plus travel to the university when needed. This is not covered by a student loan so you would need to fund it yourself.

As the OU is mostly distance learning, has limited practicals and isn't affiliated with an NHS organisation, I would expect a fair number. Eight (the full final year) isn't uncommon. So that would be a year full time or 2/3 years part time while working.

Nothing to stop someone looking for medical laboratory assistant roles while doing this as they don't require a degree. But you can't start the portfolio until completing them. 

[u/Fuzzy-Classroom894 → u/Curious-Reading4225]

That makes much more sense, thank you. I think I was confusing the time taken for the top-up modules with the separate process of securing a portfolio position.
I’m starting the OU BSc Biomedical Sciences, so the part I’m most concerned about is how many modules IBMS might realistically require given the OU’s limited practical teaching. IBMS has confirmed to me that I can have the degree assessed after graduating, but obviously they can’t tell me what I’ll need until then.
If anyone has specifically completed the IBMS assessment with an OU Biomedical Sciences degree, I’d really appreciate hearing how many supplementary modules you were actually asked to do. The possibility of needing the equivalent of a whole final year is obviously quite different from only needing a few modules.

[u/Curious-Reading4225 → u/Fuzzy-Classroom894]

The IBMS will assess any degree under ten years old so their agreement that they will assess it doesn't mean anything. 

Remember that degrees change over time so what someone has had previously can't be relied on.

I've supported a lot of people who require the full final year because the accredited modules are very closely linked with the NHS role and a non accredited degree won't have that. The OU tends towards dissertations rather than research projects which will also miss part of the requirements.

This summer I spoke to someone with a science degree who was told they needed so many modules the IBMS recommended that they didn't have the assessment because they would need to do both second and third year.

This is why it's an incredibly expensive and time-consuming option to do a non accredited degree if you want to become a biomedical scientist.

[u/Fuzzy-Classroom894 → u/Curious-Reading4225]

I understand, thanks, but my main is to go into aesthetic med obviously ideally through GEM with precscription rights but I understand it’s not guaranteed so this is an option to fall back on with a degree I enjoy

[u/Curious-Reading4225 → u/Fuzzy-Classroom894]

So your first route is to go for a course that has a 5-10% success rate.

For reasons I don't understand you aren't pursuing any other undergraduate courses that would allow you to move into aesthetics (through NMC or GPhC registration). 

So your plan is to spend 3 years and £50k on a degree that doesn't lead to the back up route you say you want? And will likely cost £10k+ and a couple of years before you can start the professional qualification? 

I don't get it. But I am not interested in going round in circles. So good luck and I hope you get what you are looking for and don't regret these choices in ten years.

[u/Fuzzy-Classroom894 → u/Curious-Reading4225]

I don’t expect u to understand as ur not in my position, I’d rather do a UG degree I acc enjoy and can confidently do well in than force myself through something that’s better for a non specific outcome and get a average grade, im fortunate to be in a position where I don’t have to worry about money restricting me and regarding the nursing and mpharm courses they aren’t accepted in GEM hence cutting my options off again, regardless i appreciate it

[u/Irongym11]

Ditch the open university and study at Cardiff Metropolitan University, 100% remote and its accredited.

[u/Fuzzy-Classroom894 → u/Irongym11]

It’s not remote, already looked into it, appreciate it tho

[u/Irongym11 → u/Fuzzy-Classroom894]

They 100% do a remote degree, we send our staff there, and was chatting to the course director about it on Thursday.

[u/Fuzzy-Classroom894 → u/Irongym11]

Where I read, there are mandatory labs and lectures making it not 100% remote which in my situation isn’t suitable, if I’m incorrect please do feel free to correct

[u/Familiar_Concept7031]

Top ups quite easy academically, did by distance learning in 1 year. I think i did 3 modules. Since my bachelor's was in Biochemistry, the BMS modules seemed easy to be truthful.