Overview
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.
You can now study this course via multiple pathways:
- Haematology and Blood Transfusion Sciences pathway
Haematology and Blood Transfusion Sciences pathway with Professional Experience - Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology pathway
Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology pathway with Professional Experience - Infection Science pathway
Infection Science pathway with Professional Experience
Accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) for the 2021/22 intake, this master’s course offers you the chance to focus your studies by selecting one of three specific course pathways – 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.
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.
COVID-19
The University may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via emerging online technologies and methods across all courses. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are prepared for courses due to start in or after the 2020/2021 academic year to be delivered in a variety of forms. The form of delivery will be determined in accordance with Government and Public Health guidance. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.
Due to the ongoing restrictions relating to COVID-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) and some non-academic offerings (particularly in relation to international experiences), may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.
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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.
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. If any changes occur with respect to our accreditation, we will notify applicants and students as soon as possible.
This MSc course includes the Entrepreneurship and Strategic Leadership module accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI). Please visit the CMI website for full details on the CMI accreditation.
Coventry University’s accreditation with CMI is currently ongoing for the relevant modules, but is frequently reviewed and monitored by the CMI through their quality systems. If any changes occur with respect to our accreditation related to these modules, we will seek to notify applicants and students as soon as possible.
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 provide 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 MSc Biomedical Science with Professional Experience. On the MSc course (with or without 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 if you choose to study the MSc 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 Entrepreneurial Practice. 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 Entrepreneurial Practice module is accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) and students who successfully complete the module and meet CMI evidence requirements can gain a Level 7 certificate in Strategic Leadership and Management. Please see Accreditation and Professional Recognition section.
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.
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 may be offered, allowing you to develop particular skills and competencies and extend your particular interests. While all students are assured a professional experience placement, the range of opportunities available vary 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 Talent Team and the course director.
*Please note that we are unable to guarantee any placement opportunities and that any such opportunities referred to on this webpage may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the Course Director or the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student.
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Course Specification
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Modules
Please note that 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...
This professionally-focused and currently accredited MSc in Biomedical Science has been designed in response to employer feedback over current skills gaps. It engages with current trends in disease diagnostics, and has been developed to provide advanced knowledge and skills in the expanding area of biomedical science.
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 NHS laboratories as scientists or doctors. They can bring their professional and research expertise into their teaching through clinical case studies as the basis for problem-based learning activities.
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. 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 programme 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. The Msc Biomedical Science 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. While 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 Talent Team and the course director. Please note that it is not possible to transfer from one course to another part way through the course.
This course can be offered on a part-time basis. Whilst we would like to give you all the information about our part-time offering here, it is tailored for each course each year depending on the number of part-time applicants. Therefore, the part-time teaching arrangements vary. Please contact ad0095@coventry.ac.uk for more information about studying this course part-time.
- 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.
- 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. These include flow cytometry, mass spectrometry, high performance liquid chromatography, and confocal microscopy
- Teaching links with the local NHS cardiac rehabilitation team and with staff in hospital diagnostic laboratories
- Regular guest lectures from current practitioners who are usually in the pharmaceutical industry, laboratory research and other jobs in science in areas including pharmacogenomics, neuropharmacology, pharmacovigilance and drug transport and development (subject to availability)
- For overseas students, the MSc aims to demonstrate 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.*
- Individuals who want to complete individual modules for top ups or CPD would need to consult the IBMS and employers to determine which modules are suitable for them. See https://www.ibms.org/registration/degree-assessment-for-hcpc-registration/
The master’s course offers the opportunity to study one of three specialist areas in biomedical science, all of which aim to advance knowledge and link to the IBMS specialist training portfolio: Clinical Haematology and Blood Transfusion; Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology; and Infection Science.
Teaching and learning incorporates lectures, workshops, tutorials, presentations, group and individual problem-based learning projects, and practical laboratory sessions to improve your skills in data analysis and statistical evaluation. This is supported by an extensive suite of analytical and biological laboratories staffed by experienced technicians.
The university's online learning environment will be used for links to relevant resources and online discussions. Some modules will require you to collate and analyse data from your workplace or from the university and you will be expected to spend a significant proportion of your time in self-guided and guided study, discussing your learning with your peer group both informally in workshops and formally through seminars and other presentations.
Where possible, coursework uses applied tasks that mimic the skills needed in jobs to help ensure you are attractive to future employers, such as collection and interpretation of drug dose response data to assess therapeutic and lethal ranges. The course also offers the opportunity for industry visits and fieldtrips within the UK (subject to availability and additional fees), which have previously included a subsidised daytrip to look around the biotechnical laboratories within Nottingham’s BioCity, the UK’s largest bioscience business incubator, or other professional laboratories.
You will receive a series of lectures and seminars on selected contemporary topics in modern biomedical science, delivered by university teaching, research staff and specialist visiting lecturers, including HCPC registered biomedical scientists from local hospitals. For example, we recently hosted a session on current blood transfusion methods with a HCPC registered practitioner from the local hospital and an expert from a well-known toxicology department in the West Midlands. These may be delivered virtually.
The MSc Biomedical Science course can be studied over three semesters (12 months) as a traditional full-time master’s and two years part-time, starting in September and May. The PgDip Biomedical Science can be studied over two semesters. The part-time option has proved popular among students who are working full-time alongside their studies.
The MSc Biomedical Science with Professional Experience course can be studied over five semesters (20 months) as an extended full-time course. This incorporates two additional professional experience modules, in which you gain experience through either an internship with an external organisation or with the university. Placements, subject to competitive application and selection, will normally be undertaken for three to five days per week for 18-22 weeks over two semesters, though shorter placements are subject to approval.*
*Please note that we are unable to guarantee any placement opportunities and that any such opportunities referred to on this webpage may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the Course Director or the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student.
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.
The contact hours may be made up of a combination of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, and online classes and tutorials.
As an innovative and enterprising institution, the university may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended or distance learning), the university may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.
Throughout the world, there is an increasing demand for highly trained biomedical scientists who can supply a quality service based on UK NHS/IBMS standards for laboratory training linked to recognised Clinical Pathology Accreditation schemes and UK Assurance Standards. In China, India and especially Africa, for the diagnosis and treatment of HIV, healthcare and healthcare training with quality assurance of standards within laboratory practice is now a prime concern. Indeed, many of our international students plan to return to their home countries and work in - or open their own - diagnostic laboratories.
Our links with universities in Tanzania have led to the development of an online international learning (OIL) project so that our students can share ideas with master’s students studying in this African country. Topics include ethics in genetics, diagnosis and screening for conditions including albinism, sickle cell disease and Down Syndrome. Our Centre for Global Engagement supports students undertaking projects internationally and there is the possibility of joining staff and students on a field trip to Malawi to contribute to a variety of community-based projects, including one on albinism.
Please note that we are unable to guarantee any international opportunities and that any such opportunities referred to on this webpage may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student.
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.
Course essentials – additional costs
- This course may incur additional costs associated with any field trips, placements or work experience, study abroad opportunities or any other opportunity (whether required or optional), which could include (but is not limited to) travel, accommodation, activities and visas. This course may incur additional costs associated with any equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire.
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
Graduate Immigration Route visa
Based on current information from the UK Government, international 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.
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 Talent 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 2021/22 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 course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For UK and EU students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation. Following the UK’s exit from the European Union, EU students should be aware that there may be a change to UK laws following the UK’s exit, this may change their student status, their eligibility to study part time, and/or their eligibility for student finance. We will act in accordance with the UK’s laws in force in relation to student tuition fees and finance from time to time.
For International students the tuition fee that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For international students, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation.
