Why study this course?

Accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS), this postgraduate master's course is designed for biology, medicine, biomedical and life sciences graduates who are keen to develop their knowledge in this field. Studying in London, which is renowned for its medical institutions, presents you with ample opportunity for career development.

More about this course

On the Biomedical Science MSc, you’ll carry out studies on biomedical science, develop a high level of scientific knowledge and understanding of disease processes and enhance your intellectual development through research projects.

By learning these advanced scientific concepts and improving your understanding of disease processes, you’ll develop an informed and critical appreciation of recent scientific developments in relation to diagnostic laboratory pathology.

Where options are available, we will also help you gain additional specialist knowledge in areas such as ageing, epidemiology and medical genetics.

The research project and dissertation will present you with an opportunity to focus and enhance your intellectual development to a high standard, worthy of the IBMS accreditation.

The London Met team delivering the course have an exceptional research profile, particularly in oncology, molecular medicine, immunology and virology. Specialist guest lecturers will add their own enlightenment and passion to this fascinating subject.

Overall, the Biomedical Science MSc will provide you with an advanced study of biomedical science that will underpin your professional development and progression.

Assessment

You’ll undertake a variety of assessment methods including case studies, literature evaluations, self diagnostic testing, debates, group work, presentations, coursework, essays and cumulative exams.

Data handling skills are assessed by, practical reports, problem solving exercises, information abstracting and reviewing exercises, poster presentations, exams and seminar presentations.

Practical skills are summatively assessed through the coursework assignments, including those in the final Research Project module.

Professional accreditation

This course is accredited by the IBMS, the leading professional body of biomedical scientists with over 20,000 members in over 30 countries.

Successfully passing the course will also make you eligible to sit the IBMS Higher Specialist Diploma, which in turn allows you to upgrade and become a Fellow of the IBMS, a level of membership reserved for those working at the highest level of their profession.

To register with the HCPC, you will need to complete Biomedical Science BSc, this course cannot be used.

Fees and key information

Course type
Postgraduate
Entry requirements View
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Entry requirements

You will be required to have:

  • a 2.2 UK undergraduate degree in biomedical science, although applications are welcome from other related subjects and will be considered on an individual basis

Accreditation of Prior Learning

Any university-level qualifications or relevant experience you gain prior to starting university could count towards your course at London Met. Find out more about applying for Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL).

English language requirements

To study a degree at London Met, you must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. If you require a Student visa you may need to provide the results of a Secure English Language Test (SELT) such as Academic IELTS. This course requires you to meet our higher requirements.

If you need (or wish) to improve your English before starting your degree, the University offers a Pre-sessional Academic English course to help you build your confidence and reach the level of English you require.

Modular structure

The modules listed below are for the academic year 2023/24 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:

This module currently runs:
  • autumn semester - Wednesday morning

The module focuses on the development and operation of the immune system in both health and disease and explores current research in immunopathology, stem cells and immunotherapy. Review the development and operation of the immune system in both health and disease. Explore current ideas in immunopathology, immunosuppression, stem cells and immunotherapy. Explores recent developments in immunoassays and immunocytochemical techniques for detection of antigens and disease markers.

This module currently runs:
  • autumn semester - Thursday morning

Biomedical Diagnostics focuses on current and emerging wet techniques used to analyse disease biomarkers, with an emphasis on genomic markers, for diagnosis in medicine. It runs in the Autumn semester and is assessed by an in-course test and an essay. There are no pre-requisites other than satisfaction of general entry requirements, and it includes a component of laboratory work.

This module currently runs:
  • autumn semester - Thursday afternoon

This module provides a review of the principles and practice of clinical biochemistry. It draws student’s attention to evolving technologies and expands understanding of biochemical analysis, metabolism and physiology to those situations commonly encountered in the clinical chemistry laboratory. The aims of this module are to provide a critical review of the principles and practice of clinical biochemistry, to draw students attention to evolving technologies and to expand understanding of biochemical analysis, metabolism and physiology to those situations encountered in the clinical chemistry laboratory. The students will be able to demonstrate how these principles are applied to contemporary clinical and laboratory practice both for service provision and research and able to examine the evidence for use, and limitations of, the common procedures used in the diagnosis and management of patients and donors. It will also enable them to outline the principles of quality management and the principles of health and safety management relating to clinical biochemistry.

This module currently runs:
  • spring semester - Tuesday afternoon

This module reviews the aetiology, pathophysiology and clinical investigation of selected systems diseases that make a significant contribution to morbidity and mortality within healthcare. It gives an evaluative systems approach to disease (including cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, gastrointestinal, endocrine, immune disorders and cancer) with reference to underlying molecular and cellular perturbations.
The module aims to provide, through in depth study, knowledge and understanding of pathology, characterise molecular and cellular factors underpinning the pathogenesis of selected human diseases and an appreciation of the genetic basis of inherited diseases using up-to-date primary sources and discusses the latest technological innovations.
It will also allow students to critically research and evaluate selected topics within the subject area, and communicate the results in a cogent and balanced manner, reinforce analytical, evaluative and communication skills.

This module currently runs:
  • autumn semester
  • summer studies
  • spring semester

This module provides an opportunity for student-lead problem solving applying knowledge acquired to a specific research question . The module aims to provide students with the opportunity to apply and develop previously acquired knowledge and skills to a laboratory or IT-based biomedical research problem; and undertake, critically evaluate, reflect, and report on, an individual research programme.

This module currently runs:
  • autumn semester - Tuesday morning
  • spring semester - Wednesday morning

The module is designed to provide students with an understanding of skills needed for the planning, organisation and practice of research in science. Different analytical approaches to problems will be reviewed together with the need to consider statistics and quality control in the design of projects. Students will consider the impact of appropriate safety, ethical and resourcing implications in the design and operation of a project.

This module currently runs:
  • spring semester - Tuesday afternoon

This module explains the existing cancer therapies, including radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery and expands into growing fields in cancer biology and oncology of the role of the immune system in cancer development, especially the roles of inflammation and immunoevasion. Cancer Immunotherapy will enable an understanding of the underlying mechanisms of cancer growth and enable these concepts to expand into an understanding of the concepts behind developing targeted cancer immunotherapies.

This module currently runs:
  • spring semester - Wednesday afternoon

This module applies in silico approaches to explore the relationship between genotype and phenotype in the context of human disease and health. It includes an analysis of the influence of genetic variation in human populations to the penetrance of disease phenotype and to responses to environment, lifestyle and therapy. It runs in the Spring semester and is assessed by two pieces of coursework and a presentation. There are no pre-requisites other than satisfaction of general entry requirements.

This module currently runs:
  • spring semester - Thursday morning

This module focuses on the practice of haematology in a clinical setting. Providing the understanding and knowledge of the theory and practice of haematology. The module also explores the epidemiology, causes, consequences and monitoring of haematological and haemostatic disease. A focus on Quality Assurance/Quality Control, Good Laboratory Practice and British Society for Haematology guidelines for current practice. The aims of this module are:
To develop an advanced and comprehensive knowledge of a range of haematological, haemorrhagic and thrombotic diseases, and to provide knowledge and understanding of the most recent advances in the clinical management of malignant haematological disease. Investigate current trends, practice and research in haematology. To develop an understanding of the provision for Quality Assurance/Quality Control, Good Laboratory Practice, and the National External Quality Assessment Service.
In conjunction with the above, the module will develop students' ability to appraise, research, critically evaluate, formulate and defend a 2,500 word research project on a topical issue in this field.

This module focuses on human diseases with a genetic component, from monogenic disorders to complex, multifactorial diseases. Consideration is also given to hereditary mechanisms not linked to DNA sequence (e.g. genomic imprinting).
The module aims to provide an appreciation of the genetic basis of inherited diseases and, wherever possible, relate disease phenotype to mutations in gene products or to aberrations in gene expression. The material covered emphasises how an understanding of human biology has advanced through the study of genetic diseases, explores the development of therapeutic strategies using up-to-date primary sources and discusses the latest technological innovations.

This module currently runs:
  • spring semester - Thursday afternoon

This module provides an in-depth understanding and knowledge of the theory and practice of transfusion and transplantation. Investigating the scientific principles of immunology, microbiology, haematology and medical technology which underlie the practice of transfusion and transplantation, with attention to current trends and research. The module also explores the ethical issues associated with transfusion and transplantation.

What our students say

“The content is up-to-date with the latest advancements in science and technology, and therefore the material provided by lecturers is new. The academics don’t hold my hand throughout the degree, and they have high expectations of my capabilities and I truly respect them for that. This also provides me with confidence that is applicable to the real world where I would be set a task and expected to complete it with my own initiative.”
National Student Survey

“Lecturers have drop in hours every week, while module information is clearly listed and very useful. With the biggest lab in Europe, London Met was very well suited to delivering my course with its equipment and lab technicians. Events with guest lecturers and fairs are available. There was always an availability of computers and printers and a vast amount of help overall.”
National Student Survey

Where this course can take you

Graduates of this course have gone on to new roles and promotions including biomedical scientist and Oncologist at institutions such as Guy’s and St Thomas’ National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust and Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre.

Many of our graduates are also well placed to apply for a Research Degree.

Scholarships

A number of partial scholarships are available for international students from outside the EU.

Additional costs

Please note, in addition to the tuition fee there may be additional costs for things like equipment, materials, printing, textbooks, trips or professional body fees.

Additionally, there may be other activities that are not formally part of your course and not required to complete your course, but which you may find helpful (for example, optional field trips). The costs of these are additional to your tuition fee and the fees set out above and will be notified when the activity is being arranged.

How to apply

Use the apply button to begin your application.

If you require a Student visa and wish to study a postgraduate course on a part-time basis, please read our how to apply information for international students to ensure you have all the details you need about the application process.



When to apply

You are advised to apply as early as possible as applications will only be considered if there are places available on the course.

To find out when teaching for this degree will begin, as well as welcome week and any induction activities, view our academic term dates.

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