Are you looking to progress your career within the field of biomedical science? Covering a range of pathology disciplines from medical microbiology to transfusion science, our IBMS accredited MSc explores core topics, focuses on real-world scenarios and offers flexible learning, so you can fit your studies around additional commitments you may have, such as family or work.
Why study Biomedical Science (Online) at Keele University?
Accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) – the leading professional body for scientists, support staff and students in biomedical science
Combine the flexibility of online content with the support of weekly online sessions and on-campus residential weeks
Benefit from Keele's £45m investment in state-of-the-art science facilities
Explore many of the core disciplines found within a Pathology Laboratory, integrating complex knowledge and understanding to investigate patient-driven case studies
Optional residential weeks will provide opportunities for inter-professional education and networking with Keele academics and guest speakers
Course summary
Our Biomedical Science (Online) MSc explores health and disease from a patient or population-oriented, case-study driven perspective. This multidisciplinary approach encourages you to think outside of the box to gain a more holistic level of understanding. Programme content focuses on many of the core disciplines found within a typical pathology laboratory including;
Medical Microbiology
Virology
Clinical Biochemistry
Haematology
Transfusion Science
Clinical Immunology
You will explore the type of laboratory tests and analyses that take place in these key disciplines in addition to learning how to critically evaluate and assess each of the techniques and understand how they relate to the diagnosis and monitoring of disease states. To widen your knowledge in the field, you will also investigate the clinical and research implications of biomedical science.
Alongside this core academic foundation, the programme also aims to develop your key professional skills and nurture new attitudes to the approach, integration and application of new knowledge and problem solving. Particular emphasis will be placed on developing critical thinking, innovation, autonomous learning and communication skills, to help prepare you for a lifetime of continued professional development.
If you'd prefer to study on campus you may be interested in:
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.
IBMS accreditation assures students and employers that the learning outcomes of an IBMS accredited postgraduate degree courses meet or exceed the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) qualification descriptors for a higher education qualification at Masters level (Level 7).
Please note that an IBMS accredited postgraduate degree does not count towards the academic requirements for Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registration. It does however meet the requirements for registration with the Science Council as a Chartered Scientist (CSci) if other eligibility criteria of corporate membership and active engagement in Continued Professional Development are met. A Master’s level qualification is also one of the entry criteria for the Institute’s Higher Specialist Examination and award of the Higher Specialist Diploma, a route towards the membership grade of Fellowship and designation FIBMS.
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Course structure
The MSc Biomedical Science provides multidisciplinary postgraduate training which aims to develop your subject-specific knowledge and understanding, as well as your critical, analytical and scientific skills.
This course can be studied 100% online. You can choose to study full-time over one year or part-time over two years. This is an ideal option if you you need to study in a flexible manner, from an overseas student who is unable to travel to the UK or you are currently working in a busy laboratory around a changing shift pattern.
To achieve the MSc, you must complete 180 credits, studying five compulsory modules, including the Biomedical Science Research Project (60 credits).
You will also have the opportunity to attend optional residential weeks.
Modules
The module details given below are indicative, they are intended to provide you with an idea of the range of subjects that are taught to our current students. The modules that will be available for you to study in future years are prone to change as we regularly review our teaching to ensure that it is up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods, as well as student voice. The information presented is therefore not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules available in any given year.
LSC-40081-Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology (30 credits, semester 1) In this module you will take a detailed exploration of the role of Clinical Biochemistry and Medical Immunology in healthcare. Indicative content includes immunodeficiency, electrolytes, renal disease, inherited diseases and tumour markers.
LSC-40079-Medical Microbiology (30 credits, semester 1) Taking a detailed exploration of Medical Microbiology, you will examine the relationship between microorganisms and the host and clinical manifestations by bodily system. As such, you will explore the kind of laboratory tests and analyses that take place in these key areas.
LSC-40085-Haematology and Transfusion Science (30 credits, semester 2) In this module you will study the role of haematology and transfusion science in the patient pathway. Key areas of this discipline include haemopoiesis and anaemia; haemostasis and coagulopathies; haemato-oncology: transfusion science and tissue typing for transplant.
LSC-40083-Infectious Disease (30 credits, semester 2) Indicative content you may study in this module includes the investigation of outbreaks at a public and global level, antimicrobial use and stewardship, infection prevention and alternatives to antimicrobials.
LSC-40059 - Biomedical Science Research Project (60 credits, semester 3) The Biomedical Science Research Project provides an excellent opportunity for you to work alongside colleagues to undertake a significant research project. This could include lab-based research here within the School; clinical audits in partnership with local NHS providers; data analysis or a systematic review. At the end of the module you will attend a mini student-conference where you will meet colleagues, present your main findings in a professional setting and learn what topics your peers have been working on. If you currently work in the healthcare/life sciences sector, there may be an opportunity for you to complete your project at work with academic supervision from a member of Keele staff.
To enhance core module content, you will have the opportunity each semester to attend optional week-long residentials. Residentials will provide you with the opportunity to develop your subject-specific knowledge, critical thinking and networking skills, in an autonomous manner. You will attend lab classes, academic skill development workshops, professional practice workshops and bespoke networking opportunities.
In addition to enhancing key lab skills, residential weeks also provide opportunities for inter-professional education and networking with your peers, Keele academics from the Schools of Life Sciences and Medicine, and guest speakers such as Senior Biomedical Scientists, Clinical Scientists, Consultants and researchers.
Residential weeks will take place around the middle of the semester and sessions will be organised in themes so that you are able to attend specific days or, the whole week.
Proposed activities during residential weeks could include:
Case-based learning
Guest speakers such as Senior Biomedical Scientists, Clinical Scientists, Consultants and researchers
Journal clubs
Laboratory classes
Tours of local pathology departments
Workshops focused on developing key academic skills
The School of Life Sciences is recognised nationally and internationally for its excellence in research and teaching. It has developed strong collaborative relationships with a range of diagnostic and clinical specialists who currently work in NHS Trusts and associated industries. These specialist practitioners not only help shape the curriculum to ensure you graduate with the skills and knowledge real employers need, but also provide valuable contributions to our teaching.
The following section details our typical entry requirements for this course for a range of UK and international qualifications. If you don't see your qualifications listed, please contact us to find out if we can accept your qualifications.
Typical offer
Please ensure that you read the full entry requirements by selecting your qualifications from the dropdown menu below. This will include any subject specific, GCSE/Level 2 Maths, and English language requirements you may need.
Typical offer: 2:2 degree in a bioscience, medical, or pharmacology related subjectAdditional criteria apply
Please select your country from the drop-down list below for the full entry requirement information
UK
2:2 degree in a bioscience, medical, or pharmacology related subject or demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Bangladesh
60% in a 4-year degree or 3-year degree with a 2-year Master's in a bioscience, medical, or pharmacology related subject from a public university or CGPA 2.8 in a 4-year degree or 3-year degree with a 2-year Master's in a bioscience, medical, or pharmacology related subject from a private university or demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
We don’t accept degrees from certain universities, please see our Bangladesh Country Page for more information
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Canada
70% or C or a GPA of 2.5 in a degree (Ordinary or Honours) in a biomedical, pharmacology or bioscience related subject or demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
China
70% in a degree in a bioscience, medical, or pharmacology related subject or 65% in a degree in a bioscience, medical, or pharmacology related subject from a '211' university or demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Ghana
Second class degree in a bioscience, medical, or pharmacology related subject or demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
India
55% or CGPA 6/10 in a degree of at least 3 years in a bioscience, medical, or pharmacology related subject or demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Kenya
Second class degree in a bioscience, medical, or pharmacology related subject or demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Nepal
60% / 2.4 in a 4-year Bachelor's degree in a bioscience, medical, or pharmacology related subject or 65% / CGPA 2.8 in a 3-year Bachelor's degree in a bioscience, medical, or pharmacology related subject or demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Nigeria
Second class degree in a bioscience, medical, or pharmacology related subject or demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Pakistan
We accept a range of qualifications from Pakistan. Please visit our Pakistan Country Page for more information
or we will consider demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need an English language qualification (see below)
South Africa
Second class division 2 / 60% in a Bachelor's degree with Honours in a bioscience, medical, or pharmacology related subject or Second class division 1 / 70% in an Ordinary Bachelor's degree in a bioscience, medical, or pharmacology related subject or demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Sri Lanka
55% in a Special Bachelor's degree in a bioscience, medical, or pharmacology related subject or demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Uganda
Second class degree in a bioscience, medical, or pharmacology related subject or demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Zimbabwe
Second class degree in a bioscience, medical, or pharmacology related subject or demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
English language requirements
All of our courses require an English language qualification or test. For most students, this requirement can be met with a 4 or C in GCSE English. Please see our English Language guidance pages for further details, including English language test information for international students. For those students who require an English language test, this course requires a test from Group C.
References
Normally, you will need to provide at least one academic reference to support your application unless you have been out of study longer than two years. If it has been more than two years since you last studied on a degree-level programme, you will normally need to provide an employment reference instead. For more information about Academic References, please see our Postgraduate how to apply web pages.
The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process which enables applicants to receive recognition and formal credit for learning acquired in the past through formal study or work and life experiences.
RPL can also be requested for admission onto the start of a programme in lieu of the admission requirements. For more information, see our Recognition of Prior Learning web pages.
Professional qualifications and work experience
The majority of our courses will consider relevant work experience and/or professional qualifications at the appropriate level, as an alternative to an undergraduate degree for entry. The work experience should be for a sustained period and at a suitable level, based within a relevant sector to your chosen course.
Admissions staff will review your work experience and/or professional qualifications during the assessment of your application to ensure suitability in terms of relevancy, level and appropriate learning outcomes.
General information
The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the typical offer which would be made to candidates, along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate's application.
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Funding
We are committed to rewarding excellence and potential. Please visit our scholarships and bursaries webpage for more information.
Please note, if your course offers a January start date, the January 2025 start date falls in the 2024/25 academic year. Please see the January 2025 fees for the relevant fees for starting this course in January 2025
Planning your funding
It's important to plan carefully for your funding before you start your course. Please be aware that not all postgraduate courses and not all students are eligible for the UK government postgraduate loans and, in some cases, you would be expected to source alternative funding yourself. If you need support researching your funding options, please contact our Financial Support Team.
For continuing students, fees will increase annually by RPIX, with a maximum cap of 5% per year.
Our Biomedical Science (Online) MSc aims to equip you with the specialist knowledge and skills to pursue further study at doctoral level or enter a wide range of careers in the pharmaceutical industry, NHS, or research laboratories. You may decide to embark on a research career within academia, research institutes or industry. Alternatively this programme may also be used as a stepping stone to enter other professions such as medicine or veterinary science.
The flexible options on this programme will enable you to study alongside work and other commitments, providing you with the skills, knowledge and qualifications to progress in your chosen career. On successful completion of the programme, you will graduate with advanced level analytical, communication, critical thinking, innovation and autonomous learning skills to help prepare you for a lifetime of continued professional development.
Positions you may find interesting:
Academic (PhD, teaching careers)
Bioinformatician
Biomedical engineer/scientist
Biophysicist
Cell processing and manufacturing specialist
Clinical operations researcher
Clinical research scientist
Clinical trials researcher/coordinator
Computational biologist
Drug development scientist
Geneticist
Grant writer
Industrial research scientist/analyst
Medical degree
Medical laboratory scientist
Microfluidic scientist
NHS senior biomedical scientist
Product development scientist
Research technician
Research trainee/fellow
Science entrepreneur
Scientific consulting
Scientific sales representative
Scientist in cell/gene therapy labs (R&D)
Scientist in Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) labs (R&D)
Our MSc is carefully crafted to fit in and around other commitments you may have in your busy life. The programme offers a bespoke, flexible model, with the majority of material delivered online, supported by weekly online, optional drop-in sessions where lecturers are available to go through content and answer questions. This will provide you with the opportunity to develop your subject-specific knowledge, critical thinking and networking skills, in an autonomous manner.
Core content will be supported by optional on-campus residential laboratory weeks, where you will have the opportunity to further develop your subject-specific knowledge, critical thinking and networking skills in an autonomous manner.
Teaching
Teaching is delivered through a series of taught modules that comprise a range of learning and teaching activities, designed to promote skill development and attitudes for life.
Core material will be available asynchronously each week using micro videos, links to supporting reading; key learning outcomes and processes to facilitate students asking questions. This will also be supported with optional weekly drop-in sessions. Please note, some methods listed below will only be delivered during the optional residentials.
Teaching methods may include:
Academic skills training
Bespoke asynchronous content
Case-based learning
Extended research projects
Laboratory practicals
Seminars
Small group activities
Workshops
Assessment
This programme has a rich and varied assessment strategy to ensure you graduate with strong employability and academic skills. Assessment design is largely driven by several key principles which include promotion of independent learning, student autonomy, responsibility for personal learning, acknowledgement of the internationalisation perspective within Biomedical Science and development of innovation and originality within your chosen area of interest.
The School of Life Sciences is recognised nationally and internationally for its excellence in research and teaching. The majority of the School’s research reflects broad strength in biomedical science and there are strong links with the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. These relationships provide opportunities to interact with clinicians and translational research at the University Hospitals of North Midlands (UHNM).
Specialist research themes include: molecular biology and ecology of parasites and vectors in tropical diseases; sustainability in crops and control of crop pests, glycobiology and immunology; structural biology; molecular cell biology of apoptosis and its dysregulation; cancer; autoimmune disease; X-ray crystallography; neurobiology and neuroplasticity; neurodegeneration and regeneration; auditory neuroscience and deafness.
You will be taught by world-leading researchers and clinical practitioners whose expertise includes apoptosis, proteomics, epigenetics, diabetes, cell and molecular biology, cell physiology and pathology. Our excellent industry links enable us to invite a range of specialists who share their experience and expertise delivering a seminar series for staff and students.
The School of Life Sciences has invested £45m in the creation of state-of-the-art science facilities on campus, including new research and teaching laboratories. In 2019, the opening of the David Attenborough Laboratories greatly increased our teaching and research areas, providing two additional state-of-the-art teaching laboratories with space for 120 students between them.
