Overview
You can now study this course via multiple pathways:
HLST228 Haematology and Blood Transfusion Sciences pathway
HLST229 with Professional Experience
HLST230 Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology pathway
HLST232 with Professional Experience
HLST231 Infection Science pathway
HLST233 with Professional Experience
As key contributors to modern healthcare, including disease diagnosis, monitoring of therapy and research into disease mechanisms, specialist and senior biomedical scientists are in great demand both within the NHS and private hospital laboratories.
Currently accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS)*, this Master’s course offers postgraduate training in a selected discipline – Haematology and Blood Transfusion Science, Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology or Infection science. This course aims to advance your skills and knowledge in laboratory management, together with modern scientific developments, such as genomics and stem cell technology.
Our multi-million pound, state-of-the-art Alison Gingell Building features a suite of analytical and biological laboratories where you can gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge industry techniques.
Ranked 12th for Graduate Prospects - Guardian University Guide 2020.
See the facilities available in our new Alison Gingell Building.
*Coventry University’s accreditation with IBMS shall be up for renewal in 2021 Whilst Coventry University hopes and anticipates that any renewal would be successful, if the renewal were to be unsuccessful, this course would no longer be accredited and we would notify applicants and students as soon as possible.
Why Coventry University?
An award-winning university, we are committed to providing our students with the best possible experience. We continue to invest in both our facilities and our innovative approach to education. Our students benefit from industry-relevant teaching, and resources and support designed to help them succeed. These range from our modern library and computing facilities to dedicated careers advice and our impressive Students’ Union activities.
Global ready
An international outlook, with global opportunitiesEmployability
Career-ready graduates, with the skills to succeedStudent experience
All the support you need, in a top student cityAccreditation and Professional Recognition
This course is accredited and recognised by the following bodies:
Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS)
The MSc course is currently accredited by the IBMS*; individual modules may also be studied for CPD accreditation.
Accreditations and approvals shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant body's standard review process and subject to the University maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.
SuperLab
The Alison Gingell building contains a state-of-the-art SuperLab, capable of holding up to 270 people at once. The lab's facilities include equipment for microscopy, DNA analysis and forensic testing.
Mock Operating Theatre
Our Alison Gingell building includes a full-size mock operating theatre, containing scrub sinks and theatre lights. We also have a mock hospital ward so that we can study a complete patient pathway.
Hospital Wards
We have two fully-equipped mock hospital wards, each containing 4 beds. The wards are built to NHS standards and contain moveable beds, first aid equipment and patient monitoring tools.
What our alumni say
The support provided to us has really helped our journey as postgraduate students and the career choices we make.
Course information
This master’s course aims to provides an in-depth understanding of disease processes, from the molecular to the body/systems level, alongside the practical applications of biomedical science and recent scientific developments in diagnostic laboratory pathology.
The programme is composed of a combination of modules which upon successful completion build to the award of a Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) Biomedical Science, Master’s (MSc) Biomedical Science, or as an extended MSc Biomedical Science with Professional Experience. You can choose one of three specialist pathways all of which aim to advance your knowledge and link to the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) specialist training portfolio: Clinical Haematology and Blood Transfusion; Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology; and Infection Science. Part-time study is available for all programmes except the extended course with Professional Experience.
This Biomedical Science course includes the opportunity to gain extensive hands on experience in the laboratory, including use of diagnostic instruments encountered in a clinical setting and contemporary techniques in molecular biology. You should appraise current developments in genomics and regenerative medicine and their application to biomedical science, and explore the professional requirements for laboratory management including quality assurance, laboratory accreditation and regulation.
An additional exciting and innovative feature of this course is the inclusion of a module focussed on Entrepreneurship and Strategic Leadership. This module should enable you to understand and apply business management principles in problem-based scenarios. This should give you added skills and promotes innovative thinking which can be applied in many sectors of life, including biomedical science laboratories. This Entrepreneurship and Strategic Leadership module is accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI)** and students who successfully complete the module and meet CMI evidence requirements will gain a Level 7 certificate in Strategic Leadership and Management.
MSc Biomedical Science students undertake a research-based project involving planning, realisation, analysis and reporting of an independent research investigation. Within the School of Life Sciences, a range of project opportunities are available, linked to staff research, including specialist areas of biomedical science such as sickle cell anaemia, cancer genetics and parasitology. Previous students have chosen topics such as investigation of natural products to improve antioxidant levels in sickle cells and the anticancer properties of natural products on a leukaemia cell line. Projects may also be carried out in the workplace if you are working alongside your studies.
The MSc Biomedical Science with Professional Experience aims to produce master’s graduates who are not only knowledgeable about their chosen field of study but also have the skills and competencies, backed by real world experience, to apply these to the workplace. Thus, it aims to provide an innovative course structure for you to evidence your preparedness for future career options. The Professional Experience aspect involves two semesters (semesters 3 and 4 of the course) in a professional environment, which may be either on campus or with external providers***, followed by a final semester in which a research investigation, carried out as part of the Professional Experience, is reported in a formal thesis. A variety of different Professional Experience opportunities are offered***, allowing you to develop particular skills and competencies and extend your particular interests.
***External provider and professional experience opportunities are subject to competitive application and availability.
94%
of students agreed the course is intellectually stimulating
Course Specification
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Modules
We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.
In more detail...
Excitingly, you will use diagnostic equipment in haematology and biochemistry, working with instruments you would see in a real clinical laboratory setting. These instruments should offer a ‘hands on’ approach to testing clinical samples, setting up the instrument, calibration, quality control and result validation. We also offer visits to laboratories, including specialist, commercial and those within the NHS.
There is a focus on developing laboratory and other scientific skills, giving you the opportunity to learn key experimental techniques and develop essential experimental, data handling and reporting skills required in biological and other careers. Other scientific skills, such as literature researching, information technology, bioinformatics, data processing and the use of statistics are integrated within the course.
You’ll be taught by an experienced teaching team, many of which have worked in the NHS in laboratories as scientists or as doctors, bringing their professional and research expertise into their teaching through clinical case studies as the basis for problem-based learning activities. Our practical, vocational approach to teaching has resulted in high levels of student satisfaction among ‘Biology and related Sciences’ students – 95% overall satisfaction, compared to a sector average of 83% in the Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTSE) 2016.
This professionally focused and currently accredited master’s in Biomedical Science course has also been designed in response to employer feedback over current skills gaps and engages with current trends in disease diagnostics, as well as areas such as quality assurance, laboratory accreditation and work based training to engender a safe and accountable service. It has been developed to provide advanced knowledge and skills in the expanding area of Biomedical Science.
A key feature of this course is its engagement with current developments in the area of disease diagnosis as well as updated information in areas such as quality assurance, laboratory accreditation, and work based training; giving the course a professional focus. This course appeals to recent graduates who have progressed from an undergraduate degree in Biomedical Science, as well as those who may be working as Biomedical Science practitioners. For those students on the course who are working as Specialist Biomedical Science practitioners, the course aims to provide a link to their Specialist portfolio training program and provide professional development opportunities to enhance development into more senior roles. The course will also appeal to overseas students who want to work in laboratories in their own country or perhaps open up a diagnostic laboratory; this course should provide the academic and skills background needed to supply a safe and accountable service. This course can also be considered an excellent foundation for those wishing to pursue research in the area at PhD level.
If you choose the extended ‘With Professional Experience’ route, you will have the opportunity to gain substantive professional experience and have the option of applying for an internship with a host of different organisations*** or participate in supervised, campus-based projects. Internships have previously been organised within the public and private sector, including the NHS, private laboratories, healthcare providers, medical research, university research centres and more. Whilst all students are assured a Professional Experience placement, the range of opportunities available varies from year to year. Some are also competitive and selective, so it is not possible to guarantee a specific Professional Experience. Students on MSc Biomedical Science with Professional Experience are given additional support and are assisted to apply for, and secure, Professional Experience opportunities during their first two semesters of study by our Faculty Employability Support Team and the Course Director.
- Teaching links with the local National Health Service (NHS) cardiac rehabilitation team and with staff in hospital diagnostic laboratories.
- For overseas students, it demonstrates your proficiency in laboratory medicine to IBMS and Clinical Pathology Accreditation laboratory training standards.
- Flexible admissions: you can study on either a full-time or part-time basis and individual modules can also be taken for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) accreditation.
- High levels of student satisfaction for ‘Biology and related Sciences’ – 89% for the quality of teaching, compared to a sector average of 83% in the Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTSE) 2016.
- Regular guest lectures from current practitioners in the pharmaceutical industry, laboratory research and other jobs in science in areas including pharmacogenomics, neuropharmacology, pharmacovigilance and drug transport and development.
- Research-inspired teaching with input from experts in our Sports, Life and Exercise Sciences research centre (CSELS), which focuses on the themes of: cellular and molecular biosciences; biological systems, health and disease; and physical activity, exercise and obesity.
- Access to a well-equipped suite of analytical and biological laboratories where you will get hands on experience using industry standard techniques, such as flow cytometry, mass spectrometry, high performance liquid chromatography, and confocal microscopy.
This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will could vary depending upon the module. Assessment methods include essays, laboratory or project reports, seminar presentations, posters, data analysis exercises, formal examinations and portfolio based assessments.
The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards the achieving the intended learning outcomes. Assessments may include exams, individual assignments or group work elements.
On successful completion, you should have knowledge of:
- Advances in Biomedical Science.
- Current methodologies and quality assurance in biomedical science.
- Structure, regulation and organisation of biomedical science within the NHS and health-based industries (both public and private).
- Research methodology, including design and management of scientific research.
On successful completion, you should be able to:
- Deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, make sound judgements in the absence of complete data, and communicate their conclusions to specialist and non-specialist audience.
- Collect, analyse and present data using appropriate methods.
- Apply scientific methods to the critical analysis of literature, reflection, information searching, and research methodology in areas of biomedical science.
- Apply scientific/clinical methods to conducting and management of research.
- Formulate and present a critical argument using a variety of methods (e.g. a presentation or essay) that would stand up to critical review and scrutiny in academic and professional settings.
- Work safely in the laboratory, establishing fundamental techniques and carry out progressively more advanced laboratory-based investigations based on competence in biomedical technologies, including microbiology, cell culture and differentiation, biochemical, molecular and analytical techniques that are particularly relevant to contemporary approaches to disease diagnosis.
- Operate, to lead and collaborate with others in order to solve problems of a practical nature and to provide appropriate solutions.
- Design a research study, including demonstrating awareness of safety and ethical issues.
- Conduct an independent research project, including collection, analysis and presentation of data.
As a full-time student, you can expect to have approximately 12 hours per week of contact teaching. In addition, you will be expected to engage with approximately 4 hours per week of directed study and approximately 12 hours per week of self-directed study, plus preparation of assignments.
Global ready
Did you know we help more students travel internationally than any other UK university according to data from the experts in higher education data and analysis, HESA?
In 2016/17, we were able to provide a total of 3,482 student experiences abroad that lasted at least five days.
Much of this travel is made possible through our Global Leaders Programme, which enables students to prepare for the challenges of the global employment market, as well as strengthening and developing their broader personal and professional skills.
Explore our international experiences1st for
international experiences
Sending more students overseas than any other UK uni (HESA 2016/17)
3,482
Student experiences
The number of student trips abroad for at least 5 days in 2016/17
21,000
and counting
The number of students we’ve helped travel internationally so far
12
global programmes
As well as trips, we offer other opportunities like language courses
Entry Requirements
Tuition Fees
We pride ourselves on offering competitive tuition fees which we review on an annual basis and offer a wide range of scholarships to support students with their studies. Course fees are calculated on the basis of what it costs to teach each course and we aim for total financial transparency.
EU student fees
EU nationals and their family members starting in the 2019/20 academic year remain eligible for the same fees as home students and the same financial support. Financial support comes from Student Finance England, and covers undergraduate and postgraduate study for the duration of their course, providing they meet the residency requirement.
For tuition fee loans
EU nationals must have resided in the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland for the three years prior to the start of their course. The purpose of that three year residency should not have been mainly for the purpose of receiving full time education.
For maintenance loans
EU nationals must have resided in the UK and Islands for the five years prior to the start of their course. The purpose of that five year residency should not have been mainly for the purpose of receiving full time education.
Career prospects
The course aims to prepare you for a wide range of careers spanning government, academic, commercial, industrial and healthcare applications of biomedical sciences.
Examples of possible career routes include working in laboratory quality assurance and management or becoming a researcher or biomedical scientists for the NHS, public health laboratories, commercial diagnostic laboratories, the Blood Transfusion service, university research laboratories and bioscience/life sciences private companies. Within the NHS, a master’s qualification is required for further career progression to apply for Senior Biomedical Scientist positions at Band 7 and above.
The scientific knowledge and skills you should acquire during and on successful completion of the course can be a useful basis for a career in: teaching; technical and scientific writing (such as medical writing or writing for the media); clinical trials; drug registration, patenting or monitoring; medical publishing or other information services; regulatory affairs or sales and marketing. The course is also an excellent foundation for further studies leading to a PhD.
Coventry University is committed to preparing you for your future career and giving you a competitive edge in the graduate job market. The University’s Careers and Employability team provide a wide range of support services to help you plan and prepare for your career.
Where our graduates work
Our previous graduates have gone on to careers in teaching, research, for organisations including the Armed Forces and the NHS, as well as companies like The Binding Site.
Disclaimer
By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the 19/20 Contract can be found here. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.
The tuition fee for the course that is stated on the webpage and in the prospectus will apply. If the duration of the course is longer than one academic year, the university may increase the fee for each subsequent year of study but any such increases will be no more than inflation.
Following the UK’s planned exit from the European Union, EU students should be aware that there may be a change to UK laws following the UK’s exit from the European Union, this may change their student status, their eligibility to study part time, and/or their eligibility for student finance. Coventry University will act in accordance with the UK’s laws in force in relation to student tuition fees and finance at that time.
Graduate Immigration Route visa – Based on current information from the UK Government, students whose study extends beyond summer 2021 may be eligible for a visa under the UK Government’s Graduate Immigration Route, which will enable students to stay and work, or look for work, in the UK at any skill level for up to two (2) years. Check the most up to date guidance available to check your eligibility and any updates from the UK Government before making an application or enrolment decision.
