Biomedical Science MSc

You’ll have the opportunity to tailor your studies by choosing a specialist pathology area. Through this you can either enhance your knowledge and understanding of your current field, or open up a career path into a new area such as management.

Accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) and guided by an employers’ panel (including the NHS), this course is a great asset to your professional development, whether you’re working in healthcare or industry.

Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) accredited

IBMS accreditation ensures that our degree course covers the specified subjects at the required level to meet the Health and Care Profession Council (HCPC) standards of proficiency for biomedical scientists. It also ensures that you receive a wide-ranging, research informed scientific education and develop the practical skills and experience that employers value.

Modules

Due to the structure of this course, there will be instances where you will study two modules simultaneously during a trimester. You will be supported by your tutors to help manage your workload and assessment deadlines.

Please contact one of our advisers to discuss the pacing of this course and the options available to match your circumstances.

General Pathology

This module is designed to enable you to fully understand the principles of pathology and to illustrate the required knowledge base and principles using case studies. You’ll develop a full understanding of disciplinary methodologies, both theoretical and research based. You’ll also conduct a study of immunopathology and transplantation to illustrate the interaction of pathology and immunology.

Moving towards Mastery

This module enables the learning which you must undertake in order to provide a foundation for your post-graduate study; using subject related examples as tools for your learning. You'll learn to develop the style and techniques which are essential to your success in the MSc and to practice the assessment methods. You'll learn to appreciate the concept of Mastery and demonstrate the depth and systematic understanding of knowledge and the ability to work with theoretical and research-based knowledge at the forefront of your academic discipline.

An Introduction to Management in Biomedical Science

This module is designed to help you develop a range of management skills that can be applied to your own work in any of the pathology specialisms. It is based on a scenario in which an accreditation visit to a laboratory has been failed. You will produce a business plan to correct the deficiencies identified and, in so doing, provide the evidence that you have achieved the learning outcomes.

Research Methods in Biomedical Science

You’ll gain the skills to confidently carry out biomedical research by investigating the selection, application, analysis and evaluation of a range of research methods. You’ll consider ethical aspects and discover development and implementation of your future research project in biomedical science. You’ll prepare a portfolio of evidence and focus on self-evaluation via critical reflection.

Biomedical Specialisms 1 - Epidemiology and Pathogenesis

This module provides an opportunity for you to apply your knowledge and expertise to a subject specialism of your choice: Haematology, Clinical Chemistry, Cellular Pathology, or Medical Microbiology. If your circumstances best suit a cross-disciplinary choice, that can also be accommodated.

Biomedical Specialisms 2 - Diagnostics and Treatment

This module provides an opportunity for you to apply your knowledge and expertise to a subject specialism of your choice (Haematology, Clinical Chemistry, Cellular Pathology or Medical Microbiology) within the context of disease diagnosis and subsequent treatment and control. If your circumstances best suit a cross-disciplinary choice, that can also be accommodated.

Masters Project

You’ll chose a research topic relevant to your laboratory and conduct a significant research project that may involve a literature review, data collection, analysis and a write-up. The final piece of work should be equivalent to a maximum of 10,000 words.

Assessment

We’ll assess your progress using the portfolios you’ll create for each taught module, as well as your final year dissertation.

Dr Richard Jones

Richard has over 15 years postdoctoral experience in molecular biology, biochemistry, biophysics, and cell biology.

Before joining Anglia Ruskin, Richard completed four Postdoctoral Research Associate positions at Yale University (USA) and at the universities of Leeds, Manchester and York.

Qualifications

• PGCLTHE, Anglia Ruskin University
• MB ChB Medicine, University of Leeds School of Medicine
• PhD in NMR Spectroscopy, University of Manchester Department of Chemistry and Zeneca Pharmaceuticals Department of Cardiovascular and Musculoskeletal Research
• BSc (Hons) Chemistry and Molecular Physics, University of Nottingham

Richard's research interests include biochemical and biophysical studies of extracellular matrix and membrane proteins implicated in human eye, skin and vascular diseases. He collaborates with Professor Clair Baldock and Dr Tao Wang (University of Manchester, UK) and Professor Gladys Ko (Texas A&M University, USA) investigating the structure and function of eye proteins, the dysfunctions of which are implicated in different macular degenerations.

Richard's broad background has enabled him to supervise students' final year bioinformatics and meta analyses projects in areas including dystonia; Huntington's disease; myasthenia gravis; generalized anxiety disorder; legal and illegal highs; infection of cardiac rhythm management devices; foods for treatment of diseases; bioinformatics analyses of a variety of proteins; myocardial infarction; cancer biomarkers; fluid bag seal strength; diabetes and diabetic retinopathy; and amblyopia.

Our Biomedical Science MSc is studied 100% online.

You’ll study through Canvas, our world-class online Learning Management System (LMS), which can be accessed from your phone, pc or tablet at home or on the move. Canvas provides instant access to study materials, forums, and support from tutors and classmates, as well as enabling easy submission of your assignments.

On successful completion of your studies you’ll be invited to attend a graduation ceremony on campus. If attending the ceremony in person is not possible then we’ll arrange to have your certificate sent to you.

What could a Biomedical Science MSc do for my career?

You'll already hold an undergraduate degree in Biomedical Science, Fellowship of the IBMS or related Higher National Certificate and be working in a laboratory setting, but you’re looking to enhance your career. This postgraduate degree will do just that.

Furthermore, you’ll gain an internationally recognised qualification that will demonstrate your high level of specialist knowledge and quality of work to current or future employers where you may wish to seek promotion and career advancement.

Not only will you hone your current skills but you will discover new skills and adopt greater responsibilities in your chosen role, ideal for those with their eye on management positions. With this course, you can expect to widen your career prospects across a number of institutions including the NHS and pharmaceutical laboratories.

What job roles can I consider with a Biomedical Science MSc?

A Biomedical Science MSc could lead to career advancement opportunities within public health, private pharmaceutical, and biomedical research areas. These are just some of the job roles that a Biomedical Science MSc graduate may consider, possibly with further training or experience depending on the role:

• Biomedical Scientist
• Research Scientist
• Biotechnologist
• Microbiologist
• Clinical Scientist
• Clinical Research Associate

If you are looking for more information about these job profiles and potential salary earnings see Prospects.ac.uk. It’s important to note that salaries can vary widely depending on the job role, employer, industry sector and location.

The Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) also has a useful careers section profiling various biomedical science job roles.

What skills will I get from the Biomedical Science MSc to help my career?

You’ll enhance your CV with a higher-level award that includes both deeper knowledge of the subject and added transferable skills such as:

• Analytical and evaluating skills
• Integrating theory and practice
• Autonomy relating to learning and working
• Manage resources and information
• Problem-solving
• Communication skills
• Self-evaluation for professional development

What can I study after a Biomedical Science MSc?

Successful MSc students, who particularly enjoy engaging with the academic environment and who wish to pursue academic careers in lecturing and/or research, may progress to doctoral study at Anglia Ruskin University or elsewhere.

Careers Advice Service

Once you become an ARU student you will be able to access our Employability service to help you whatever the stage of your career, whether that’s landing your dream job or the next progression step.

We offer:

• careers advice, including one-to-one online and telephone appointments with our experienced advisers
• help with your CV, job searches, applications and interview preparation
• an online portal packed with useful careers resources
• our Employability Programme, which helps you hone the skills employers say they want in graduates.

Fees

The full tuition fee for this course is £7,700.

The tuition fees you pay each year for the full Biomedical Science MSc will be £2,566 or £2,567. The course is studied over 3 years.

Accredited Prior Learning may reduce the tuition fees. This will be confirmed once your application has been submitted.

Funding

Your course can be fully funded by the Postgraduate Student Loans now available (subject to eligibility).

We offer payment by instalments, so you can spread the cost of studying with us.

For military students: You can use your ELCs towards this course. Anglia Ruskin University is a recognised ELCAS provider (number 1007). Please contact your Learning Centre for details of ELC, eligibility and how to apply.

For more information on how you fund your studies please see our funding page.