Biomedical Science (Graduate Diploma)

Biomedical Science (Graduate Diploma) - Pre MSc, GradDip

Whether you’re seeking to switch careers, pursue a long-held interest in biomedical research or wish to develop subject-specific knowledge and improve your language skills, our Graduate Diploma in Biomedical Science is specifically designed to prepare you for postgraduate study. With access to state-of-the-art facilities, you’ll spend a year engaged in tailored discipline-specific, pre-master’s study which will equip you with the knowledge and skills required to succeed at MSc level. On successful completion, you’ll transition directly onto our MSc Biomedical Science (Blood Science or Medical Microbiology) programmes, which are accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS).

Month of entry

September

Mode of study

Full time

Location

Keele University campus

Subject area

Life Sciences, Natural Sciences

Fees for 2024/25 academic year

UK - Full time £7,350 per year
International - Full time £13,800 per year

Duration of study

1 year

Apply now

Why study Biomedical Science (Graduate Diploma) at Keele University?

Prepare to succeed at postgraduate study – bridge skills gaps, boost your confidence and develop core academic skills in research, analysis, critical thinking, writing and presentation.

Guaranteed progression on successful completion to MSc (Blood Science/Medical Microbiology), accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science

£45m investment in state-of-the-art science facilities which feature fluorescence microscopes, electron microscopes and tools for molecular biology.

Keele has long-established expertise in infectious diseases and conducts research in collaboration worldwide networks including ECLIPSE and Target Malaria.

Engage with world-class researchers and biomedical scientists with expertise in parasitology, bacteriology and virology.

Course summary

If you graduated in a different science or non-science subject, with a lower class science degree, or wish to improve your English, study, research and presentation skills, this Graduate Diploma provides additional support and extra time to prepare for fast-paced postgraduate study in the area of biomedical science.

Comprising of all aspects of human health and disease, biomedical science is one of the broadest areas of modern science and medicine. By developing new treatments and uncovering new knowledge which can save and improve lives, it is arguably one of the most important too.

The School of Life Sciences is recognised nationally and internationally for its excellence in research and teaching with all of its programmes accredited either by the Royal Society for Biology and/or the IBMS. 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.

Upon successful completion of the Graduate Diploma (a score of 50% overall or more), you'll be eligible to progress to our MSc Biomedical Science programme, choosing a specialist pathway in either Blood Science or Medical Microbiology. Accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS), it draws on the experiences of practicing health professionals to examine clinical and research applications within clinical biochemistry, immunology, haematology and transfusion science.

Blood Sciences is one of four different and distinct laboratory disciplines within the field of Biomedical Science, as outlined by the IBMS, alongside Infection Sciences, Cell Sciences, and Genetics and Molecular Pathology.

Successful completion of this course will guarantee you direct entry on to the Biomedical Science (Blending Learning) MSc.

Other courses you might be interested in:

Next steps

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"This course is the perfect transitioning programme! It helped me gain the knowledge and skills required to succeed at the MSc level, as well as the opportunity to network with and learn from my lecturers, peers and experienced laboratory staff. All that I learned during this postgraduate diploma helped me to go on to successfully complete the Biomedical Science MSc and be awarded a prestigious summer internship in Geneva, Switzerland. So, I would highly recommend this course to anyone interested in studying life sciences at postgraduate level."

Gia, Biomedical Science (Graduate Diploma)

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Course structure

The curriculum of this Graduate Diploma has been custom designed to prepare you for postgraduate study within the field of Biomedical Science.

During Semester 1 and 2 of the pre-master’s programme, you study five compulsory core modules (90 credits), which aim to develop your subject-specific knowledge and understanding across a broad range of biomedical science disciplines, as well as your critical, analytical and scientific skills. You'll get a strong grounding in modern biomedicine, and study the basic scientific core subjects and the biology of disease. The aim is to build your skills and confidence in preparation for scholarly study and research at postgraduate level.

If needed, additional optional modules in English for Academic Purposes (2, 3 or 4) are available for non-native English speakers. You will study the level of module most appropriate for your needs. While this module does not form part of the overall award, successful completion is required for progression to the Master's programme for those who take it.

This level 6 course is studied as a one-year full-time course, with a September start date.

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.

Compulsory core modules

LSC-30041 Biomedical Science and Pathology (30 credits, Semester 1 & 2)
The module enhances your knowledge and understanding of the pathobiology of human disease as it relates to cellular pathology, clinical immunology, haematology, clinical biochemistry, medical microbiology and clinical virology. You’ll examine the analytical and clinical functions of three more of the major departments of a modern hospital pathology laboratory, including Haematology, Clinical Pathology, Clinical Immunology, Blood Transfusion, Clinical Biochemistry and Medical Microbiology. In addition, the module gives you an accurate insight into the role of Biomedical Scientists and how they assist clinicians in the diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of disease.

LSC-30014 Biochemistry Research Project (non-experimental) (15 credits, Semester 1 & 2)
You’ll be introduced to some of the key non-experimental research skills that are routinely used by biochemists and biomedical scientists. For example, in-depth literature searching, analysis of experimental data, and the use of a computer as tool for both research (bioinformatics) and dissemination of information (web page construction). As part of your assessment, you will be tasked with researching the literature on a specific topic, using library and web-based resources in order to produce a written review. In addition, you will either process and interpret some raw experimental data provided to them.

LSC-30028 Advances in Medicine (15 credits, Semester 1)
New developments in medicine are positively impacting the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, palliative care and control of relapse in a range of diseases including, infectious diseases, metabolic disorders, cancer and organ dysfunction. This module provides an insight into fast emerging areas of research including nanotechnology and new biochemical tests in the fields of heart disease, cancer and fertility investigations, which will potentially improve patient care. You will also have the chance to discuss new developments in the fields of tissue engineering and stem cell technologies, and the cutting-edge advances in vaccinology and tissue transplantation.

LSC-30009 Clinical Pathology (15 credits, Semester 2)
The aim of this module is to illustrate the roles of existing and newly emerging biochemical and molecular techniques, including the use of personalised medicines in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases within a hospital pathology department. You’ll also gain an appreciation of cost-benefit decisions that are inherent in many of the diagnostic methodologies and their implications for both the patient and the clinician. Module content covers both standardised testing options and the development of new diagnostic procedures with a particular emphasis on genetic and epigenetic aspects of disease. Topics include: clinical diagnostic pathology; pharmacology; biochemistry; genetics; and inflammatory diseases. You’ll be taught by staff working for the University Hospital of North Staffordshire (UHNS), which provides a unique insight into how patients are managed, from their very first presentation at the UHNS, from the perspective of diagnosis and treatment.

LSC-30026 Case Studies in Biomedical Science (15 credits, Semester 2)
This module aims to give you an understanding of the UK health trends and the factors that affect these trends. Through clinical case studies and small group tutorials, you will explore why the UK has some of the highest incidences of certain diseases and conditions in Europe and consider what factors contribute to making them some of the most common and/or rising health problems faced by this country. This will include understanding the relevant socioeconomic factors as well as understanding the bioscience of the disease process and its diagnosis and management. You will also focus on what is being done by Government and the NHS to tackle these major health problems.

Optional modules

For non-native English speakers if required, we offer the option of taking the appropriate level module in English for Academic Purposes (EAP) with your Semester 1 and 2 modules.

ENL-90006 English for Academic Purposes 2 (15 credits, Semester 1 & 2)
ENL-90001 English for Academic Purposes 3 (15 credits, Semester 1 & 2)
ENL-90002 English for Academic Purposes 4 (15 credits, Semester 1 or 2)

Delivered by staff within the dedicated Language Centre at Keele, these modules are designed to help you develop the skills essential for success with your academic studies and research. Through a series of classroom-based workshops and activities, you’ll develop the specific academic reading, writing, verbal communication and presentation skills needed for post-undergraduate study.

Next steps

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"returning to Keele as a mature student to study a Pre-Master’s course in Biomedical Science has given me the chance to change my career without undergoing a second undergraduate degree, and furthermore, has allowed me the opportunity to apply for a Master’s degree in a subject I, otherwise, would not have been admissible to study. The Pre-Master’s course covered a range of relevant topics and I found that I was able to tailor my assignments to my specific areas of interest. "

Hobart, Biomedical Science (Graduate Diploma)

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Entry requirements

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: Successful completion of a degree in a bioscience, medical or pharmacology related subject

Please select your country from the drop-down list below for the full entry requirement information

UK

Successful completion of a degree in a bioscience, medical, or pharmacology related subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience