Biomedical Science MSc

This professionally focused MSc engages with current trends in disease diagnostics. It has been developed to provide advanced knowledge and skills in the expanding area of biomedical science.

Course overview

Specialist and senior biomedical scientists are key contributors to modern healthcare, including disease diagnosis, monitoring of therapy and research into disease mechanisms. They are in great demand both within the NHS and private hospital laboratories.

This master’s course offers you the chance to focus your studies by selecting a specific course pathway – Haematology and Blood Transfusion Science, Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology, Cellular and Molecular Pathology or Infection Science.
The Biomedical Science MSc with Professional Experience aims to produce master’s graduates who are not only knowledgeable about their chosen field of study but also have the skills and competencies, backed by real-world experience2, to apply these to the workplace.
This course aims to advance your skills and knowledge in laboratory management, together with modern scientific developments, such as genomics and stem cell technology.

You can study this course via multiple pathways:

• HLST289 - Haematology and Blood Transfusion Sciences pathway
• HLST290 - Haematology and Blood Transfusion Sciences pathway with Professional Experience
• HLST291 - Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology pathway
• HLST292 - Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology pathway with Professional Experience
• HLST293 - Infection Science pathway
• HLSU294 - Infection Science pathway with Professional Experience
• HLST295 - Cellular and Molecular Pathology pathway
• HLST296 - Cellular and Molecular Pathology pathway with Professional Experience

Why you should study this course

You’ll be taught by an experienced teaching team, many of whom have worked in NHS laboratories as scientists or doctors. They bring their professional and research expertise into their teaching through clinical case studies as the basis for problem-based learning activities (staff may be subject to change).

There is a focus on developing laboratory and other scientific skills, giving you the opportunity to learn key experimental techniques and develop essential experimental, data handling and reporting skills required in biomedical, biological and other careers. Our multi-million pound Alison Gingell Building features a suite of analytical and biological laboratories where you can gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge industry techniques4. Other scientific skills, such as literature research, information technology, bioinformatics, data processing and the use of statistics are integrated within the course.

A key feature of this course is its engagement with current developments in disease diagnosis as well as updated information in areas such as quality assurance, laboratory accreditation, and work-based training.

This course appeals to recent graduates who have progressed from an undergraduate degree in Biomedical Science, as well as those who may be working as Biomedical Science practitioners. For those students on the course who are working as Specialist Biomedical Science practitioners, the course aims to provide a link to their Specialist portfolio training programme and provide professional development opportunities to enhance development into more senior roles. The course will also appeal to overseas students who want to work in laboratories in their own country or perhaps open up a diagnostic laboratory; this course should provide the academic and skills background needed to supply a safe and accountable service. The Biomedical Science MSc can also be considered an excellent foundation for those wishing to pursue research in the area at PhD level.

The course offers four pathways, which are taught with the expectation of some prior knowledge of the specialisms.

If you choose the extended ‘With Professional Experience’ route, you will have the opportunity to gain substantive professional experience and have the option of applying for a placement with a host of different organisations2 or participate in supervised, campus-based roles. Placements have previously been organised within the public and private sector, including the NHS, private laboratories, healthcare providers, medical research, university research centres and more. While all students are assured of a professional experience placement which may be campus-based, the range of opportunities available varies from year to year. Some are also competitive and selective, so it is not possible to guarantee a specific professional experience2. Students on Biomedical Science MSc with Professional Experience are given additional support and are assisted to apply for, and secure, professional experience opportunities during their first two semesters of study by our Talent Team and the course director.