Biomedical Science MSc
Study level: Postgraduate
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.
Year of entry
Location
Coventry University (Coventry)
Study mode
Full-time
Part-time
Work based Learning
Duration
1 year full-time
2 years part-time
20 months full-time with professional experience
Course code
Various - see overview section
Start date
May 2023
Course overview
This professionally focused MSc engages with current trends in disease diagnostics, and has been developed to provide advanced knowledge and skills in the expanding area of biomedical science.
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.
- This master’s course offers you the chance to focus your studies by selecting a specific course pathway – Haematology and Blood Transfusion Science, Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology, or Infection Science.
- The Biomedical Science MSc 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 experience2, to apply these to the workplace.
- This course aims to advance your skills and knowledge in laboratory management, together with modern scientific developments, such as genomics and stem cell technology.
You can study this course via multiple pathways:
- HLST289 - Haematology and Blood Transfusion Sciences pathway
HLST290 - Haematology and Blood Transfusion Sciences pathway with Professional Experience - HLST291 - Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology pathway
HLST292 - Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology pathway with Professional Experience - HLST293 - Infection Science pathway
HLSU294 - Infection Science pathway with Professional Experience

Global ready
An international outlook, with global opportunities
Teaching excellence
Taught by lecturers who are experts in their field
Employability
Career ready graduates, with the skills to succeedWhy you should study this 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. (Staff may be subject to change)
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 biomedical, biological and other careers. 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 techniques4. Other scientific skills, such as literature researching, information technology, bioinformatics, data processing and the use of statistics are integrated within the course.
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 Biomedical Science MSc can also be considered an excellent foundation for those wishing to pursue research in the area at PhD level.
The Biomedical Science MSc course can be offered on a part-time basis. For more information on completing the course part-time, please refer to the Course Specification.
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 a placement with a host of different organisations2 or participate in supervised, campus-based roles. Placements 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 of a professional experience placement which may be campus-based, 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 experience2. Students on Biomedical Science MSc 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.
Accreditation and Professional Recognition
This course is accredited and recognised by the following bodies:

Chartered Management Institute (CMI)
As part of this course, you will undertake a professional development module which is currently accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) Chartered Management Institute (CMI) for the 2022-23 intake. Upon successful completion of the module, you will gain the CMI Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice at no additional cost. Further details can be found on the Professional Development module homepage.
What you'll study
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.
How you'll learn
The master’s course offers the opportunity to study one of the 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 testing and critical analysing a range of genotyping techniques to report on the most suitable for diagnostic use. 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 (subject to availability). For example, we previously 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 Biomedical Science MSc course can be studied over three semesters (12 months) as a traditional full-time master’s and two years part-time. The part-time option has proved popular among students who are working full-time alongside their studies.
The Biomedical Science MSc 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 (20 hours) per week for 20 weeks over two semesters2.
Teaching contact hours
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.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are prepared for courses due to start in or after the 2022/2023 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.
Assessment
This course will be assessed using a variety of methods, which will vary depending upon the module.
Assessment methods include:
- Essays
- Laboratory or project reports
- Group work
- Individual assignments
- Presentations
- Posters
- Data Analysis and case study exercises
- Portfolio-based assessments
- Time-restricted coursework
The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.
Entry requirements
Fees and funding
2022/23 Tuition fees
Student | Full-time | Part-time |
---|---|---|
UK | £10,600 | £19,350 (with prof. experience) per year | Request fee information |
International | £16,950 | £19,350 (with prof. experience) per year | Not available |
For advice and guidance on tuition fees3 and student loans visit our Postgraduate Finance page.
We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.
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How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?
We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the government's Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.
If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.
Facilities
The Alison Gingell Building contains a state-of-the-art SuperLab4. The lab's facilities include equipment for flow cytometry, DNA analysis, microscopy and cell culture.

SuperLab
Our state-of-the-art SuperLab can hold up to 250 students at one time and has equipment that allows you to gain skills and experience with techniques and equipment that you will encounter in your graduate careers including biosafety hoods, flow cytometers and DNA sequencers.

Analytical Chemistry suite
This is where you can apply your practical and theoretical knowledge to real-life working scenarios. We use a new generation chromatography technique to analyse products ranging from pharmaceutical agents, to cosmetics, drinks and toxins.
Careers and opportunities
The educational aims of the MSc Biomedical Science and MSc Biomedical Science with Professional Experience courses are to:
- Enable students to advance their biomedical science knowledge and understanding through in depth study of focussed areas of the discipline.
- Equip students to develop critical appraisal and evaluation skills and provide opportunities to apply these to contemporary topics informed by published literature and ongoing research.
- Provide opportunities for development of research skills through the completion of a self-directed project, with due regard for health and safety and ethical issues.
- Generate a stimulating and active learning environment allowing students to explore current issues and future developments in biomedical science, with a focus on real world global initiatives.
- Facilitate the development of problem-solving skills in complex scenarios, utilising creativity and initiative, and fostering a continuing professional development ethos.
- Equip students to understand, appreciate and apply leadership and management skills appropriate to their own career development goals.
- Empower students to take ownership of their own learning, through structured self-reflection, independent approaches and professional responsibility and accountability.
- Enhance students’ communication skills, enabling them to develop into confident presenters and collaborators, using written, oral, and digital formats.
In addition, MSc Biomedical Science with Professional Experience aims to:
- Support students to successfully secure and complete an appropriate with Professional Experience placement2, helping them to gain valuable workplace skills that will benefit their future employability.
On successful completion of MSc Biomedical Science or MSc Biomedical Science with Professional Experience a student will be able to:
- Demonstrate in depth and advanced knowledge and understanding of specialist areas of biomedical science practice.
- Critically evaluate scientific literature and current research outcomes.
- Apply knowledge of technological advances to critically appraise the current challenges and future opportunities for biomedical science on a global stage.
- Apply principles of leadership and management to biomedical environments, understanding how such skills are key to career advancement.
- Evaluate problems from diverse perspectives, propose creative solutions and reflect on personal learning experiences developed through such challenges.
- Utilise a diversity of formats to effectively communicate with professional colleagues in a global community.
- Devise, carry out, and report an independent hypothesis-driven biomedical research project, with due regard to health and safety and ethical requirements.
- Recognise and demonstrate key professional skills and practices including independence, initiative, team working, professional integrity and ethical awareness.
- Critically evaluate the principles for leading and developing people and equality, diversity and inclusion at a strategic level.
In addition a graduate of MSc Biomedical Science with Professional Experience will be able to:
- Demonstrate the ability to contribute effectively to a work environment, exhibiting professional conduct and behaviours and reflect on the learning experience.
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, becoming a researcher or biomedical scientist for the NHS, or working in 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.
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.
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, and the NHS.
How to apply
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UK students
To apply to study for a postgraduate course at Coventry University, you can apply online.
For further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.
Chat with our admissions team
Complete our contact form.
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International students
Full-time international students applying to start in September should apply directly to the university. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.
How to applyFor further support for international applicants applying for postgraduate degree view our International hub.
You can also download our International guide which contains lots of useful information about our courses, accommodation and tips for travel.
Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.
Chat with our admissions team.
Complete our contact form.
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Disclaimers
1Accreditations
The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.
2UK and international opportunities
Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or International opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel COVID and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the visa requirements, please contact the International Office.
3Tuition fees
The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For Home Students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University 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.
For International Students, we may increase fees each year but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.
4Facilities
Facilities are subject to availability. Due to the ongoing restrictions relating to COVID-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.
Student Contract
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 2022/23 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.
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