Biomedical Science (Blood Science) MSc (IBMS accredited), PgCert, PgDip

Biomedical Science is a key subject area comprising of all aspects of health and disease, within the subject are clinical laboratory disciplines that specifically address the knowledge and understanding of disease processes in the context of the study and investigation of those processes. The MSc Biomedical Blood Science incorporates clinical biochemistry, immunology, haematology and transfusion science.

This programme is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) as the professional body of Biomedical Scientists within the United Kingdom. The IBMS aims to promote and develop the role of Biomedical Science within healthcare to deliver the best possible service for patient care and safety. This ensures that, through a spirit of partnership between the Institute and the University, a good quality degree is achieved that prepares the student for employment in circumstances requiring sound judgement, critical thinking, personal responsibility and initiative in complex and unpredictable professional environments.

Assessment

The rich and varied assessment strategy adopted by this programme ensures student development of employability and academic skills, providing an opportunity to demonstrate both professional and academic attainment. Assessment design is largely driven by a number of key principles which include: promotion of independent learning, student autonomy, responsibility for personal learning and development of innovation and originality within one’s chosen area of interest. Note that not all modules culminate in a final examination.

Careers

MSc Biomedical Blood Science graduates often go on to work in fields related to healthcare, laboratory science or education. Of those students still studying, some have gone to study medicine, PhD training or the Scientist Training Programme to become Clinical Scientists. You will also gain PGCert and PGDip awards in this course.

The main aim of the programme is to provide multidisciplinary, Master's Level postgraduate training in Biomedical Blood Science. This will involve building on existing, undergraduate knowledge in basic science and applying it to clinical, diagnostic and research applications relevant to Clinical Biochemistry, Medical Immunology, Haematology and Transfusion Science. Intended learning outcomes of the programme reflect what successful students should know, understand or to be able to do by the end of the programme. Programme specific learning outcomes are provided in the Programme Specification available by request, but to summarise the overarching course, aims are as follows: To develop students’ knowledge and understanding of different theoretical perspectives, methodological approaches, research interests and practical applications within Blood Science; To explore and explicitly critique the clinical, diagnostic and research implications within the fields of Clinical Biochemistry, Medical Immunology, Haematology and Transfusion Science, and to place this in the context of a clinical laboratory, fully considering the potential implications for patients, health workers and research alike; To develop a critical awareness of Biomedical ethics and to fully integrate these issues into project management including grant application and business planning; To support student autonomy and innovation by providing opportunities for students to demonstrate originality in developing or applying their own ideas; To direct students to integrate a complex knowledge base in the scrutiny and accomplishment of professional problem-solving scenarios and project development; To enable student acquirement of advanced laboratory practical competencies and high level analytical skills. Students will also achieve PGDip and PGCert.