MSc Biomedical Science (Blood Science)

Keele University

The main aim of the programme is to provide multidisciplinary, Master’s Level postgraduate training in Biomedical Science (Blood Science) in combination with generic higher level scientific training in areas such as writing grant proposals and business plans. The programme builds on existing, undergraduate knowledge in basic science and applying it to clinical, diagnostic and research applications relevant to Clinical Biochemistry, Medical Immunology, Haematology and Transfusion Science.

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 (Blood Science) incorporates clinical biochemistry, immunology, haematology and transfusion science.

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 accredited 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.

Aims of the course

The main aim of the programme is to provide multidisciplinary, Master’s Level postgraduate training in Biomedical Science (Blood Science). This will involve building on existing, undergraduate knowledge in basic science and applying it to clinical, diagnostic and research applications relevant to Clinical Biochemistry, Medical Immunology, Haematology and Transfusion Science.

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 Blood Science
• To explore and explicitly critique the clinical, diagnostic and research implications within the fields of Clinical Biochemistry, Medical Immunology, Haematology and Transfusion Science, 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

Entry requirements

Please contact the course provider.

Closing date

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