Biomedical Studies (Distance Learning) – MSc

Why study this course?

This Biomedical Studies (Distance Learning) MSc is a flexible online course designed to help you undertake Continuing Professional Development (CPD), top-up your qualifications or progress to a postgraduate qualification in biomedical science. This course is ideal if you are already working in a biomedical science environment.

More about this course

Taught entirely online, this remote Biomedical Studies MSc allows you to learn at your own pace with the support of our biomedical science team. Learning materials are available 24/7 through our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), Weblearn, with the majority of learning being self-directed. Core modules may include some online tutorials, giving you the option to engage with your module leaders and fellow students. However, this interactive side to the course isn’t mandatory. As a participant of this master’s course you’ll have access to our online help service, where we aim to respond to all online queries as quickly as possible.

Members of the academic staff are often ex-practitioners of biomedical science, and you’ll find many of our researchers and staff members are conducting cutting-edge research. The team is also involved in an active biomedical science research group covering areas such as immunology, haematology, microbiology and biochemistry.

Like many of our applicants, you may already be working in a biomedical science environment, either as part of a health service or the broader industry. While people take the course for various reasons, it’s especially well-suited for those seeking career advancement and CPD.

You can use the modules taken to complete IBMS top-up education towards your competency portfolio or as CPD. If you complete the MSc core modules and 80 credits from option modules, then you’ll be entitled to the MSc qualification.

The distance learning modules in this course can be used to convert from less relevant BSc routes by undertaking studies in appropriate subject areas such as biochemistry, immunology and microbiology. 

Accreditation of Prior Learning

Any university-level qualifications or relevant experience you gain prior to starting university could count towards your course.

Modular structure

The modules listed below are for the academic year 2022/23 and represent the course modules at this time. Modules and module details (including, but not limited to, location and time) are subject to change over time.

Year 1 modules include:

Advanced Immunology (core, 20 credits)

Bioethics, Research and Grant Proposal (core, 20 credits)

Research Project (Biomedical Science) (core, 60 credits)

Haemoglobinopathies (option, 10 credits)

Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology in Health and Disease (option, 20 credits)

Introduction to Cell Biology (option, 10 credits)

Introduction to Cellular Pathology (option, 10 credits)

Introduction to Clinical Biochemistry (option, 10 credits)

Introduction to Clinical Genetics (option, 20 credits)

Introduction to General Microbiology (option, 10 credits)

Introduction to Haematology (option, 10 credits)

Introduction to Immunology (option, 10 credits)

Introduction to Medical Microbiology (option, 20 credits)

Introduction to Molecular Biology and Genetics (option, 10 credits)

Introduction to Toxicology (option, 10 credits)

Introduction to Transfusion and Transplantation Science (option, 10 credits)

Where this course can take you

Successful completion of these modules has helped our graduates to be considered for promotion at work, usually within biomedical science environments for employers such as the National Health Service (NHS).

If you have two years of relevant professional experience, you’ll also be able to apply for membership of the IBMS.