About the course

Overview

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 Science (Medical Microbiology) incorporates Microbiology and Virology.

The School of Life Science has developed extremely active and successful undergraduate and postgraduate Biomedical Science programmes. We have embraced specialists working in NHS Trusts and associated industries to develop outstanding, collaborative relationships covering key diagnostic and clinical specialties. Not only do students benefit from the inclusion of such specialist practitioners onto our teaching programmes, input from employers helps to shape the curriculum and can lead to highly competitive project opportunities working within related industries.

This MSc programme supports students to develop their subject-specific knowledge and understanding, ability to critically analyse and evaluate an evidence-base, work independently, and adapt to various contexts.

IBMS Accreditation

This programme is seeking accreditation 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).

An IBMS accredited postgraduate degree does not count towards the academic requirements for HCPC registration but does 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.

About the course

The main aim of the programme is to provide multidisciplinary, Master's Level postgraduate training in Biomedical Science. This will involve building on existing, undergraduate knowledge in basic science and applying it to clinical, diagnostic and research applications relevant to Medical Microbiology and Virology.

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 Medical Microbiology and Virology
• To explore and explicitly critique the clinical, diagnostic and research implications within the fields of Medical Microbiology and Virology, 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
• To promote and sustain communities of practice that allow students to share best practice, encourage a multidisciplinary approach to problem-solving and to develop extensive communication skills, particularly their ability to convey complex, underpinning knowledge alongside their personal conclusions and rationale to specialist and non-specialist listeners
• To provide students with a wide range of learning activities and a diverse assessment strategy in order to fully develop their employability and academic skills, ensuring both professional and academic attainment

Also available: MSc Biomedical Science (Blood Science)

Course structure

How the course is taught

This one year programme is structured so that all taught sessions are delivered in just two days of the working week. Full-time students are expected to engage in independent study for the remaining 3 days per week. Consolidating taught sessions in this way allows greater flexibility for part-time students who will be expected to attend one day a week for two academic years, reducing potential impact in terms of workforce planning for employers and direct contact for students with needs outside of their academic responsibilities.

Semester 1 will focus on two main areas, the first being Biomedical ethics, grant application, methodological approaches, analytical reasoning and research. The second area focuses on the role of Medical Microbiology in the assessment, investigation and evaluation of the relationship between microorganisms and the host and clinical manifestations by body system.

Semester 2 will also focus on two main themes; firstly, business planning, leadership and laboratory skills. Secondly, the role of epidemiology in the investigation of disease and health outcomes, the laboratory's role in the establishment of relationships between organisms and outbreaks, antimicrobial therapy and alternatives and the local and global response to communicable disease.

Teaching and Learning Methods

This programme places just as much emphasis on developing the way in which students approach, integrate and apply new knowledge and problem-solving as it is with the acquisition of higher level information. As such, particular emphasis is placed on developing critical thinking, innovation, reflective writing, autonomous learning and communication skills to prepare candidates for a lifetime of continued professional development.

The teaching and learning methods employed throughout this programme reflect these principles. For example, there is greater emphasis on looking at the subject from a patient-orientated, case study driven perspective through problem-based learning (PBL) that encourages students to think laterally, joining up different pieces of information and developing a more holistic level of understanding. 

Assessment

The rich and varied assessment strategy adopted by this programme ensure 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 originalit within one’s chosen area of interest. Note that not all modules culminate in a final examination. 

Taught Modules

The modules taken are:

Entry Requirements

Academic entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold either a 1st or 2nd class honours degree in Biomedical Science, or equivalent Life Science bachelor programme. Applications from candidates who do not meet this criteria, but can demonstrate appropriate professional qualifications and/or experience will also be considered. Note that applicants who have attained the IBMS Specialist Diploma may be eligible to enrol with accredited prior certified learning with reduced tuition fees and limited module exemption.

Students who do not meet the entry requirements for this course, we offer the opportunity to take a Pre-MSc programme. For more information follow the link to the Graduate Diploma in Biomedical Science course.

English Language Entry Requirement for International Students

IELTS 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component. The University also accepts a range of internationally recognised English tests.

If you do not meet the English language requirements, the University offers a range of English language preparation programmes.

Fees and scholarships

Course tuition fees for 2019/20 academic year

UK/EU students £7,800 per year
International students: £14,560 per year

Some travel costs may be incurred if an external project or placement is undertaken; any such costs will be discussed with the student before the project is confirmed. It will be possible for the student to select an internal project and that would not incur any additional travel costs. There may be additional costs for textbooks and inter-library loans.

Living costs

Keele University is located on a beautiful campus and has all the facilities of a small town. Student accommodation, shops, restaurants and cafes are all within walking distance of the teaching buildings. This is a very cost effective way to live and to reduce your living costs.

Scholarships and Funding

The University is committed to rewarding excellence and potential. Each year we offer a range of prestigious scholarships;

UK/EU students - more information on scholarships and funding

International students - more information on scholarships and funding

Our expertise

• Dr Helen Price - Senior Lecturer
• Naomi Forrester-Soto - Reader
• Dr Daniel Tonge - Lecturer
• Dr Mark Skidmore - Senior Lecturer
• Dr Mirna Mourtada-Maarabouni - Lecturer
• Rebecca Harrison - Programme Director and Teaching Fellow