A biomedical student using testing tube and sample collecting tray in a laboratory. A biomedical student using testing tube and sample collecting tray in a laboratory.

Accreditations


Course Summary

Develop advanced knowledge in disease mechanisms, diagnosis, treatment and recent biomedical research.

Biomedical Scientists are essential members of the modern healthcare team and, in collaboration with doctors and other medical professions, aid in diagnosis of disease, evaluate effectiveness of treatment, and research into causes and cures of diseases. This IBMS-accredited course is ideal for those wanting to develop advanced knowledge and skills in Biomedical Science.

Biomedical Scientists are in demand in the healthcare service (NHS pathology labs, National Blood and Transplant Service), medical research, pharmaceutical industry, and organisations such as the UK Health Security Agency and the Medical Research Council.

You will receive training in the skills required in the reading and interpretation of the literature and translating that into evidence-based practice. We aim to develop your research and writing skills so that you will be in a position to contribute to the scientific literature in an effective manner.

The course culminates in the Research Dissertation, which will be assessed through your production of a research article written in the style of publishable scientific work and a short oral presentation. Options could include data or laboratory-based projects, depending on research interests.

Successful completion of this MSc course can lead to a range of exciting career and research opportunities, including careers in biomedical or clinical research, medicine, physician associate, PhD study or teaching.

Find out more about International Scholarships

Why you'll Love it


What you'llStudy

Our modules cover a wide range of scientific subjects, including all the major disciplines of biomedical science – i.e. cellular pathology, clinical chemistry, clinical medicine, blood science, histology, immunology, and medical microbiology. The course consists of taught modules and a research dissertation.

Module content:

  • The nature of research; scientific methods of enquiry, pure versus applied ways of problem solving. The building blocks of scientific research: types of research (analytical, descriptive, experimental, and qualitative), scientific parlance (hypothesis, concepts, operational definitions, and dependent/independent variables), sampling procedures, and measurement issues (reliability and validity)

  • Research and data collection methods: experimental research (developing hypotheses, variables, control, sample selection, design, validity); descriptive research (questionnaires, correlational studies); qualitative research and methods of obtaining qualitative data and analysing qualitative data

  • Critical appraisal of literature- primary and secondary literature.

  •  Importance of evidence based medicine; identifying a topic area, devising specific questions, discovering what is already known (reviewing the literature), determining feasible ways to answer the questions, including consideration of medical and research ethics and confidentiality


Module aims:

The module aims to equip students with the skills required to source and critically analyse relevant research and to apply the theories of evidence based medicine to evaluate relevant concepts in medicine.    

Module content:

Students will gain an appreciation of aspects of data collection and analysis through lectures , practicals and computer-based sessions covering:

  • The sample – collection, transport, storage 
  • The assay – assay development, method validation, precision, accuracy, specificity, sensitivity
  • Regulatory issues - quality control, SOPs, COSHH, risk assessments 
  • Analysis – recording, raw data presentation, statistical analysis using statistics software, summary data and statistical analysis presentation, reference values, interpretation.

 Students will gain experience of a number techniques of relevance to their programme and may include:

  • Gel electrophoresis & Western blotting
  • Flow cytometry
  • Molecular biology techniques (e.g. PCR)
  • Immunoassays (e.g. ELISA)
  • Histology & microscopy 
  • Culturing methods – cell culture, culturing bacteria
  • Cell counting methods

Module aims:

The module aims to:

  • Develop an understanding of the theories underpinning modern analytical and molecular techniques of relevance to the biomedical and molecular laboratory scientist.
  • Develop a critical appreciation of the uses and limitations of a range of analytical and molecular techniques relevant to the biomedical and molecular sciences through practical experience.
  • Develop skills in collection, analysis, presentation and interpretation of data. 

Module content:

This module is focused on the precision medicine approach, looking systematically at a bigger picture of a patient journey from a presentation to NHS with first symptoms to the treatment protocol passing the diagnostic process.

Students will focus on diseases or elements of the pathology or system of relevance to their programme.


Module aims:

The module aims to provide students with an in-depth knowledge of concepts important to our understanding of patient journey in NHS process. The module will focus on the impact of diagnostical procedures on treatment protocol in different pathologies. 

Module content:

  • Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS)
  • Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
  • IBMS Degree Accreditation
  • Biomedical Scientists and Clinical Scientists
  • Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
  • Healthcare Scientists (NHS Scientist Training Programme, Higher Specialist Scientist Training)
  • Careers in Biomedical Science
  • Medical Laboratory Accreditation/ United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS)
  • Human Tissue Authority (HTA)
  • Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency
    (MHRA)
  • Clinical governance
  • Laboratory quality management systems
  • Laboratory information management systems
  • Laboratory automation
  • Digital pathology
  • Point-of-care testing
  • Pathology networks

Module aims:

The module aims to provide students with an in-depth understanding of current issues and developments in Biomedical Science, and of the associated professional and regulatory bodies.

Module content:

This module will focus on laboratory test performed in blood science laboratories for the diagnosis and management of patients with a variety of conditions.

 

In this module we will discuss a selection of tests from a variety of laboratories including haematology (routine, transfusion, coagulation and immunophenotyping), molecular biology, immunology, biochemistry and virology. In this module we will discuss the diagnosis of a variety of disorders such as haematological malignancies, non-malignant haematological disorders, Renal Disorders, Liver disease and clinical disorders of lipid metabolism.


Module aims:

The module aims to allow students to develop an understanding of various clinical haematological and biochemical (blood sciences) disorders, and to develop an in-depth knowledge of the laboratory tests performed in the diagnosis and management of such diseases.

Module content:

Discussion of clinical immunology, including:

  • Immune mediated disorders (e.g. mechanism of autoimmunity, hypersensitivity reactions, immunological markers of disease – flow cytometry & ELISA, cytokines)
  • Transplantation immunology (HLA polymorphism, HLA function, anti-rejection therapy, graft versus host disease)
  • Pathogenesis of infectious disease
  • Aspects of infection/host parasite interaction
  • Parasitology
  • Medical mycology
  • Chemotherapy and immunotherapy
  • Epidemiology of infectious disease
  • Diagnosis of infectious disease

Module aims:

The module aims to allow students to develop an understanding of the immunological processes involved in various aspects of clinical immunology (e.g. autoimmune diseases, hypersensitivity, transplantation) and to develop an in-depth understanding of the interactions between pathogens and the human host.

Module content:

On completion of the taught modules, students will have developed their knowledge base and attained a high level of competence in the application, analysis and evaluation of theory and practice. This knowledge and critical skills will have been assessed in all previous assignments, thereby providing students with the opportunity to undertake a research project relevant to their taught programme of study. The dissertation subject will be agreed with an appropriate supervisor and the dissertation module leader (Dissertation Co-ordinator). The subject matter may be related to any area of relevance to the area of study.


Module aims:

1.       To provide the student with an opportunity to investigate a research project of direct relevance to the programme of study and his/her personal interests.

2.       To enable the student to draw on and contribute to the development of the growing body of knowledge in the broad biomedical, clinical and medical science fields.

3.       To present the outcomes of the research performed in the form of a research article in a format ready for submission to a suitable journal and as an oral presentation 

Francis’ Biomedical Science Experience

Francis’ Biomedical Science Experience

Who you'll Learn from

Dr Emma Wilson

Senior Lecturer
Dr Emma Wilson

Dr Svetlana Mysina

Senior Lecturer
Dr Svetlana Mysina

Dr Michelle Cordingley

Senior Lecturer; University Innovation Fellow
Dr Michelle Cordingley

Dr Claire Lucas

Associate Professor
Dr Claire Lucas

How you'll Learn

The course will be delivered using the Chester Blend, which includes face-to-face teaching as well as online learning. Regular support sessions will be held to supplement learning. Teaching is primarily delivered by University academic staff. Specialist healthcare professionals and clinical researchers may also contribute to modules where appropriate.

Entry Requirements

2:2 honours degree

Applicants should normally have an honours degree (minimum 2:2) containing a significant content of biomedical science, or hold appropriate professional qualifications and be able to demonstrate suitable background knowledge and skills.

Applicants can be:

  • Those with related undergraduate degrees (e.g. Biomedical Science, Medical Laboratory Science, Human Biology) or equivalent professional qualifications and background experience
  • NHS staff
  • International students with appropriate qualifications
  • International healthcare professionals.

Potential students may be invited to attend for interview.

2:2 honours degree

Applicants should normally have an honours degree (minimum 2:2) containing a significant content of biomedical science, or hold appropriate professional qualifications and be able to demonstrate suitable background knowledge and skills.

Applicants can be:

  • Those with related undergraduate degrees (e.g. Biomedical Science, Medical Laboratory Science, Human Biology) or equivalent professional qualifications and background experience
  • NHS staff
  • International students with appropriate qualifications
  • International healthcare professionals.

English Language Requirements

For those who do not have IELTS or an acceptable in-country English language qualification, the University of Chester has developed its own online English language test which applicants can take for just £50.

For more information on our English Language requirements, please visit International Entry Requirements.

Where you'll Study Exton Park, Chester

Fees and Funding

£8,505 per year (2024/25)

Guides to the fees for students who wish to commence postgraduate courses in the academic year 2024/25 are available to view on our Postgraduate Taught Programmes Fees page.

£14,750 per year (2024/25)

The tuition fees for international students studying Postgraduate programmes in 2024/25 are £14,750.

The University of Chester offers generous international and merit-based scholarships for postgraduate study, providing a significant reduction to the published headline tuition fee. You will automatically be considered for these scholarships when your application is reviewed, and any award given will be stated on your offer letter.

For more information, go to our International Fees, Scholarship and Finance section.

Irish Nationals living in the UK or ROI are treated as Home students for Tuition Fee Purposes.

Your course will involve additional costs not covered by your tuition fees. This may include books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery and related materials, specialist clothing, travel to placements, optional field trips and software. Compulsory field trips are covered by your tuition fees.

If you are living away from home during your time at university, you will need to cover costs such as accommodation, food, travel and bills.

The University of Chester supports fair access for students who may need additional support through a range of bursaries and scholarships. 

Full details, as well as terms and conditions for all bursaries and scholarships can be found on the Fees & Finance section of our website.

Your Future Career

Job Prospects 

MSc Biomedical Science graduates have a wide range of prospects available to them. Many students use the degree to advance their career as HCPC registered practising Biomedical Scientists, working in the National Health Service. Graduates also move into pharmaceutical industries or continue their research interests and complete their PhD. 

Careers service

The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.

Careers and Employability aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.

We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability. We provide access to part-time jobs, extra-curricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs and postgraduate study.