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Biomedical Science MSc (online)

Level up in the lab with an online Masters in Biomedical Science

This innovative IBMS-accredited online Biomedical Science MSc blends academic theory with hands-on, practical techniques to equip you with further specialist knowledge, key transferable skills and strategic problem-solving techniques to enhance your career as a Biomedical Scientist.

Please note, this distance learning Biomedical Science MSc programme requires you to have access to a workplace laboratory. See entry requirements for more details.

Duration

Minimum two years, part-time

Intakes

January, March, May, July, September and November

Fees

£697.50 per 15-credit module

Application deadline

Request information for all deadline details.

Location

100% Online
Flexible and enhanced student support

Typical Entry Requirements

Second class BSc honours degree or above in Biomedical Science, or Biological Science which includes a significant amount of biomedical science.

Entry Requirements

A 2.2 Honours Degree or above in Biomedical Science, or in Biological Science with a significant amount of biomedical science, from any university in the UK, the Republic of Ireland, from a national awarding body or an international equivalent.

OR

An equivalent standard (normally 50%) in a Graduate Diploma, Graduate Certificate, Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma, or an approved alternative qualification.
In exceptional circumstances, individuals with substantial and significant experiential learning and written evidence that they meet the necessary criteria as determined by the Course Committee may also be considered for the course.

Professional Requirements

  • You should be employed as a Biomedical Scientist, Trainee Biomedical Scientist or equivalent in a hospital or research laboratory.
  • When you apply, you will need to confirm that you will have access to a laboratory to enable you to complete the Research Project.
  • You will need to provide a signed agreement from your employer that they will appoint a mentor to supervise your project.
  • During the application process, you will also have to choose the specialism that is most relevant to your career aspirations. Choose one of these four pathways:
    • Medical microbiology
    • Haematology
    • Clinical chemistry
    • Cell pathology

For these specialist modules, students must provide evidence that they have studied that specialism at level 5, or demonstrate the ability to undertake the module through the accreditation of prior experiential learning.

English language requirements

  • You will need to provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English (GCSE grade C or equivalent).
  • If English is not your first language, the minimum requirement is Academic IELTS 6.0 (with no band score less than 5.5), or a Trinity ISE Pass at level III. Ulster University also recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.

About this programme

Looking to take your biomedical science career to the next level without a break?

With Ulster University, you can gain a part-time, online Masters in Biomedical Science while working in the lab.

Accredited by the IBMS, this course allows you to specialise in your chosen area of expertise and build on your existing subject knowledge. You’ll also learn to reflect critically on current practice and policy, while developing creative and strategic problem-solving skills.

You will gain practical professional skills as you carry out a Research Project in your own place of work*, under the supervision of Ulster’s highly reputed course leaders and academics.

A choice of four specialised pathways offers you the chance to narrow your focus in an area of interest within Cellular Pathology, Clinical Chemistry, Haematology or Medical Microbiology.

*This distance learning Biomedical Science MSc programme requires you to have access to a workplace laboratory. See entry requirements for more details.

Biomedical_Science_Background

“Ulster University’s MSc in Biomedical Science is an excellent postgraduate course for specialising further in this increasingly important field of life sciences. “The part-time, distance learning nature of the course provides flexibility and convenience, allowing students to balance their study with other commitments. Join us at Ulster and we can help you achieve your potential.”

Professor Stephen McClean, Head of School of Biomedical Sciences

Key highlights

  • IBMS-accredited Masters degree – Specialise in your chosen area of biomedical research with our online MSc, recognised by the Institute of Biomedical Science.
  • Study anywhere, anytime – Pay as you learn on our Masters programme, with an alumni discount available to all Ulster graduates.
  • Excellent student support – A personal Student Success Advisor will answer your queries and support you from registration through to graduation.
  • Find your research specialism – Conduct your own Research Project in a specialism of your choice.
  • Advance your career as you learn – Gain specialist knowledge as a Biomedical Scientist and apply your learnings immediately to boost your prospects in the field.
  • Ulster ranks as 2nd for Biomedical Science The Guardian University Guide (2024)
  • Top 30 The Guardian University Guide (2024)
  • Top 10% in UK for research impact Ulster University (Ref 2021)

Modules

The modules on this course cover various advanced theories and practices, with optional specialisms to enable you to pursue your own area of interest.

  • Introduction to Personalised Medicine and Pharmacogenomics (15 credits)
  • Applied Research Methods (15 credits)
  • Advances in Medical Biotechnology and Healthcare Delivery (15 credits)
  • Evidence-Based Practice in Healthcare Sciences (30 credits)
  • Research Project (60 credits)

Students must choose one of these two optional modules:

  • Quality Management (15 credits)
  • Biomedical Informatics (15 credits)

Optional specialism – choose one of these four modules:

  • Advances in Cellular Pathology (30 credits)
  • Recent Advances in Clinical Chemistry (30 credits)
  • Haematology in Health and Disease (30 credits)
  • Advances in Medical Microbiology (30 credits)

With our flexible carousel programme structure, you can study at a pace that suits you and take study breaks if necessary.

To gain your Biomedical Science Masters degree, you will need to successfully complete all modules to earn the necessary 180 credits.

Assessments

Methods used to track your success vary by module but include class tests, written assignments, report writing, and sessional examinations. The Research Project which you will carry out in your place of work also makes a significant contribution to your final result.

“Many of our researchers are world-leading experts. They are widely published in high-impact journals and many of them get research funding annually. This means that the content of our courses is informed by cutting-edge research that is exploring new applications and developments in biomedical sciences. In this way, we can point to how things will be in another few years.”

Professor Declan McKenna, Associate Head of the School of Biomedical Sciences.

  • Fees and funding

    Cost per 15-credit module: £697.50

    Fees are payable on a module-by-module basis as you progress through the course*. In the 2023/24 academic year, modules are priced at £46.50 per credit point, so a 15-credit module will cost £697.50.

    The number of credits you take will be determined by your chosen award, as outlined below:

    Master of Science: 180 credits

    *Tuition fees may be subject to an annual inflationary increase each academic year in line with Ulster University’s terms and conditions. The increase will come into effect for the September teaching period each year.

    Flexible options allow students, sponsors or their employers to make payment as easy as possible. A 10% Alumni Discount is available for eligible candidates.

  • Why choose Ulster?

    The School of Biomedical Science at Ulster University is proud to be ranked 2nd in the UK for biomedical science (Guardian University Guide, 2024).

    In the area of Allied Health Professions, Ulster is ranked among the top 6% of UK universities for Research Power, with 100% of its Biomedical Research Environment rated World Leading (REF, 2021).

  • Programme Outcomes

    Graduates of the programme will emerge with advanced skills in the field and a critical awareness of professional practice, ready to progress to management positions.

    The programme aims to enhance your career prospects, developing specialist skills and subject knowledge in order to enhance your ability to move into senior roles in the biomed sector.

    MSc graduates are eligible for IBMS membership and can subsequently qualify for Chartered Scientist status in the UK.

    During the online course, you can expect to develop:

    • A flexible approach to problem-solving in the field
    • Improved skills, knowledge and the competency to take on a greater supervisory role
    • The ability to independently reflect on your practice and the initiative to solve diverse problems
    • The ability to critically appraise the relative merits and limitations of the techniques used in your chosen specialism
    • A critical awareness of the principles that relate to professional practice, scientific integrity and ethical issues
    • A responsible approach to the promotion of new developments and the maintenance of standards within the sector
  • Career Focused

    This course’s curriculum has been designed to ensure real-world relevance and develop the skills to advance as a biomedical scientist.

    Healthcare context

    Graduates will understand how the clinical diagnosis and management of patients is influenced by commercial decisions, public sector policies, regulations and ethical considerations.

    Evidence-based practice

    There is a growing emphasis on policy and practice having a scientific evidence base. On the course, you will learn how to critically reflect on your performance as a practitioner to ensure the service you provide meets the needs of your clients and patients.

    Biomedical informatics

    As part of your medical research, you will become familiar with the need to collate, integrate, analyse and interpret clinic-pathological data, and data generated by experimental techniques.

    Research Methods

    Well-planned research is the basis for improving the biomedical sector. On the course, you will gain an understanding of how an intellectual approach is essential for the successful execution of a research project.

    Ethical theory

    In research and practice, healthcare scientists are required to follow codes of practice and legislation which are underpinned by ethical theory. As you complete your Masters, you’ll fully appreciate the importance of understanding this theory and how it informs current practice.

  • Student support

    Delivered 100% online, our MSc Psychology Conversion course gives you the freedom to tailor your learning around other life commitments, so you can study whenever and wherever. Ulster offers multiple start dates throughout the year, module-by-module payment plans and the opportunity to pause your studies if needed.

    You’ll benefit from an immersive curriculum, 24/7 access to materials and a wide variety of learning methods, including interactive study sessions, directed learning exercises and practical activities. You’ll also have the opportunity to grow your global network through collaboration and discussion with fellow students from around the world.

    As a distance learning student, you’ll receive support from course academics and a Student Success Team, who will be on hand to guide you from day one right through to graduation.

    “The best support out of the other three unis I’ve been to.”

    – John Hughes – Ulster Online MSc student

     

    “All the support was fantastic, and the monthly calls are very helpful and reassuring.”

    – Emma Spittles, Ulster Online MSc student 

Faculty

The Faculty of Life and Health Sciences is a leading provider of health-related education.

The School of Biomedical Science offers an extensive portfolio of accredited degree and research programmes covering seven exciting yet diverse disciplines. Its awards include:

  • Ranked 2nd in the UK for biomedical science (Guardian University Guide, 2024).
  • In the top 6% of UK universities for Research Power in Allied Health Professions
  • 100% of its Biomedical Research Environment rated World Leading (REF 2021).

Our Module Leaders are research-active staff and core members of the BMSRI. Together, they produce world-class research that informs their teaching and contributes to the university’s national and international reputation for excellence.

The BMSRI is the School’s own research institute and provides state-of-the-art equipment, specialist laboratories and infrastructure offering clinical and translational services to its academics.

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