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Biomedical Science MSc (online)

Level up in the lab with an online Masters in Biomedical Science 

Overview

Biomedical Science MSc (online)

Features and benefits of the course: 

  • IBMS-accredited Masters degree – Specialise in your chosen area of biomedical research with our online MSc, recognised by the Institute of Biomedical Science.
  • Study anywhere, anytime – The online Biomedical Science MSc can be studied anywhere in the world. Students only need access to a laboratory.
  • Flexible payment options – Pay as you learn on our Masters programme, with an alumni discount available to all Ulster graduates.
  • Excellent student support – A personal Student Success Advisor will answer your queries and support you from registration through to graduation.
  • Find your research specialism – Conduct your own Research Project in a specialism of your choice.
  • Advance your career as you learn – Gain specialist knowledge as a Biomedical Scientist and apply your learnings immediately to boost your prospects in the field. 
  • Type
    Master of Science, Online
  • Length
    Minimum two years, part-time
  • Faculty
    Faculty of Life and Health Sciences
  • School:
    School of Biomedical Sciences
  • Intakes
    January, March, May, September & November (2023)
  • Fees
    £666.25 per 15-credit module 
  • Typical Entry Requirements
    Second class BSc honours degree or above in Biomedical Science, or Biological Science which includes a significant amount of biomedical science.

This innovative IBMS-accredited online Biomedical Science MSc blends academic theory with hands-on, practical techniques to equip you with further specialist knowledge, key transferable skills and strategic problem-solving techniques to enhance your career as a Biomedical Scientist.

IBMS Accreditation logo for the Biomedical Science MSc at Ulster UniversityPlease note, this distance learning Biomedical Science MSc programme requires you to have access to a workplace laboratory. See entry requirements for more details.

Entry Requirements

Typical Entry Requirements

  • A 2.2 UK Honours Degree or above in Biomedical Science or in Biological Science with a significant amount of biomedical science, or an international equivalent.
  • You must be working as a trainee or qualified biomedical scientist in a hospital, research laboratory or equivalent or have access to similar laboratory facilities.
  • Evidence of competence in written and spoken English (GCSE grade C or equivalent).

English language requirements

  • Academic IELTS 6.0 (with no band score less than 5.5), or a Trinity ISE Pass at level III.
Read more

Modules

Modules

  • Introduction to Personalised Medicine and Pharmacogenomics
  • Applied Research Methods
  • Advances in Medical Biotechnology and Healthcare Delivery
  • Evidence-Based Practice in Healthcare Sciences
  • Research Project

Students must choose one of these two optional modules

  • Quality Management
  • Biomedical Informatics

Optional specialism – choose one of these four modules

  • Advances in Cellular Pathology
  • Recent Advances in Clinical Chemistry
  • Haematology in Health and Disease
  • Advances in Medical Microbiology

Assessments

Methods used to track your success vary by module but include exams, coursework, or a combination of the two. The Research Project which you will carry out in your place of work also makes a significant contribution to your final result.

Read more

Fees & Funding

Fees

Course fees: £666.25 per 15-credit module

Fees are payable on a module-by-module basis as you progress through the course*. In the 2022/23 academic year, modules are priced at £42.44 per credit point, so a 15-credit module will cost £666.25. In the 2023/24 academic year, modules are priced at £46.50 per credit point, so a 15-credit module will cost £697.50.  

The number of credits you take will be determined by your chosen award, as outlined below:  

Master of Science: 180 credits   

*Tuition fees may be subject to an annual inflationary increase each academic year in line with Ulster University’s terms and conditions. The increase will come into effect for the September teaching period each year.   

Funding

Flexible options allow students, sponsors or their employers to make payment as easy as possible. A 10% Alumni Discount is available for eligible candidates.

Additional costs

As well as your tuition fees above, you should budget for the following additional costs associated with university study. These include (but are not limited to) computer equipment, learning materials, books, journals, graduation ceremonies, exam resits, etc.

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Faculty

Academic Expertise

Dr Jayne Devlin

Dr Jayne Devlin

Dr Sarah Atkinson

Dr Sarah Atkinson

Dr Shu-Dong Zhang 

Dr Shu-Dong Zhang 

Finbarr O’Harte

Finbarr O’Harte

Dr Maria Mulhern

Dr Maria Mulhern

Dr Declan McKenna 

Dr Declan McKenna 

Dr Patrick Naughton 

Dr Patrick Naughton 

Dr Paul Thompson 

Dr Paul Thompson 

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Make an enquiry

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e.g. biomedical sciences or biological sciences


e.g. biomedical scientist or trainee


Professor Stephen McClean, Head of the School of Biomedical Science at Ulster University

“Ulster University’s MSc in Biomedical Science is an excellent postgraduate course for specialising further in this increasingly important field of life sciences.

“The part-time, distance learning nature of the course provides flexibility and convenience, allowing students to balance their study with other commitments. Join us at Ulster and we can help you achieve your potential.” 

Professor Stephen McClean, Head of School of Biomedical Sciences  

About this course

Looking to take your biomedical science career to the next level without a break?  

With Ulster University, you can gain a part-time, online Masters in Biomedical Science while working in the lab. 

Accredited by the IBMS, this course allows you to specialise in your chosen area of expertise and build on your existing subject knowledge. You’ll also learn to reflect critically on current practice and policy, while developing creative and strategic problem-solving skills. 

You will gain practical professional skills as you carry out a Research Project in your own place of work*, under the supervision of Ulster’s highly reputed course leaders and academics. 

A choice of four specialised pathways offers you the chance to narrow your focus in an area of interest within Cellular Pathology, Clinical Chemistry, Haematology or Medical Microbiology.

*This distance learning Biomedical Science MSc programme requires you to have access to a workplace laboratory. See entry requirements for more details. 

Why Ulster University?

The School of Biomedical Science at Ulster University is proud to be ranked 2nd in the UK for biomedical science (Guardian University Guide, 2024).  

In the area of Allied Health Professions, Ulster is ranked among the top 6% of UK universities for Research Power, with 100% of its Biomedical Research Environment rated World Leading (REF, 2021). 

2023 Awards for Ulster University and School of Biomedical Sciences

Who is this Masters programme for?

This MSc is aimed at working biomedical professionals with some work experience in a healthcare setting*. You may be working in a hospital’s clinical laboratory or for an independent organisation in an associated field, in a role such as analytical chemist, clinical scientist, forensic scientist, microbiologist, toxicologist or trainee scientist.  

The programme’s flexible online format makes it a great fit for working professionals. You can work from anywhere, at any time, gaining your Masters qualification at a pace that suits you (over two years minimum) with the opportunity to pause your studies if you require. 

Note: This MSc is not a suitable qualification for the purposes of Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registration in the UK.  

*Enrolling students must have a related undergraduate degree – a BSc in Biomedical Science (Honours), or a related biological science degree with a significant biomedical element – unless in exceptional circumstances. Access to laboratory facilities is also a requirement. 

Learn more in our comprehensive guide to how to become a biomedical scientist in the UK. 

Fees

Cost per 15-credit module: £666.25 

Fees are payable on a module-by-module basis as you progress through the course*. In the 2022/23 academic year, modules are priced at £42.44 per credit point, so a 15-credit module will cost £666.25. In the 2023/24 academic year, modules are priced at £46.50 per credit point, so a 15-credit module will cost £697.50.  

The number of credits you take will be determined by your chosen award, as outlined below:  

Master of Science: 180 credits   

*Tuition fees may be subject to an annual inflationary increase each academic year in line with Ulster University’s terms and conditions. The increase will come into effect for the September teaching period each year.   

Funding & Scholarships

Flexible options allow students, sponsors or their employers to make payment as easy as possible. A 10% Alumni Discount is available for eligible candidates.

Intakes

Start when it suits you.

January, March, May, September, November (2023)

January, May, July, September (2024)

Entry Requirements

  • A 2.2 Honours Degree or above in Biomedical Science, or in Biological Science with a significant amount of biomedical science, from any university in the UK, the Republic of Ireland, from a national awarding body or an international equivalent.

OR

  • An equivalent standard (normally 50%) in a Graduate Diploma, Graduate Certificate, Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma, or an approved alternative qualification.

In exceptional circumstances, individuals with substantial and significant experiential learning and written evidence that they meet the necessary criteria as determined by the Course Committee may also be considered for the course.

Professional Requirements

  • You should be employed as a Biomedical Scientist, Trainee Biomedical Scientist or equivalent in a hospital or research laboratory.
  • When you apply, you will need to confirm that you will have access to a laboratory to enable you to complete the Research Project.
  • You will need to provide a signed agreement from your employer that they will appoint a mentor to supervise your project.
  • During the application process, you will also have to choose the specialism that is most relevant to your career aspirations. Choose one of these four pathways:
    • Medical microbiology
    • Haematology
    • Clinical chemistry
    • Cell pathology

For these specialist modules, students must provide evidence that they have studied that specialism at level 5, or demonstrate the ability to undertake the module through the accreditation of prior experiential learning.

English language requirements

  • You will need to provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English (GCSE grade C or equivalent).
  • If English is not your first language, the minimum requirement is Academic IELTS 6.0 (with no band score less than 5.5), or a Trinity ISE Pass at level III. Ulster University also recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.

Modules

The modules on this course cover various advanced theories and practices, with optional specialisms to enable you to pursue your own area of interest. 

  • Introduction to Personalised Medicine and Pharmacogenomics (15 credits) 
  • Applied Research Methods (15 credits) 
  • Advances in Medical Biotechnology and Healthcare Delivery (15 credits) 
  • Evidence-Based Practice in Healthcare Sciences (30 credits) 
  • Research Project (60 credits) 

 Students must choose one of these two optional modules: 

  • Quality Management (15 credits) 
  • Biomedical Informatics (15 credits) 

 Optional specialism – choose one of these four modules: 

  • Advances in Cellular Pathology (30 credits) 
  • Recent Advances in Clinical Chemistry (30 credits) 
  • Haematology in Health and Disease (30 credits) 
  • Advances in Medical Microbiology (30 credits) 

With our flexible carousel programme structure, you can study at a pace that suits you and take study breaks if necessary.  

To gain your Biomedical Science Masters degree, you will need to successfully complete all modules to earn the necessary 180 credits.

Assessments

Methods used to track your success vary by module but include class tests, written assignments, report writing, and sessional examinations. The Research Project which you will carry out in your place of work also makes a significant contribution to your final result.

Flexible online learning

This online MSc programme has been designed to offer maximum flexibility for working professionals. 

Unlike many traditional institutions, Ulster offers multiple start dates throughout the year, module-by-module payment plans and the opportunity to pause your studies if needed. 

With more than 20 years’ experience in running distance learning programmes, Ulster University is well-placed to deliver this flexible Masters. You’ll benefit from: 

  • Interactive group sessions 
  • Student-led online seminars 
  • 24/7 access to learning materials 
  • Collaborative discussions with your peers 
  • Case study exercises to develop practical skills 

Learn more about online learning at Ulster.

Excellent student support

One of the great things about learning online with Ulster is the comprehensive level of student support available. 

You’ll receive excellent support from course academics and a dedicated Student Success Advisor who will be on hand to guide you from enrolment right through to graduation. 

What our students are saying about our support services: 

“All the support was fantastic, and the monthly calls are very helpful and reassuring.”

– Emma Spittles – Biomedical Science MSc student 

“The best support out of the other three unis I’ve been to.”

– John Hughes – Health Psychology MSc student 

Programme Outcomes

Graduates of the programme will emerge with advanced skills in the field and a critical awareness of professional practice, ready to progress to management positions. 

The programme aims to enhance your career prospects, developing specialist skills and subject knowledge in order to enhance your ability to move into senior roles in the biomed sector. 

MSc graduates are eligible for IBMS membership and can subsequently qualify for Chartered Scientist status in the UK. 

During the online course, you can expect to develop: 

  • A flexible approach to problem-solving in the field 
  • Improved skills, knowledge and the competency to take on a greater supervisory role 
  • The ability to independently reflect on your practice and the initiative to solve diverse problems 
  • The ability to critically appraise the relative merits and limitations of the techniques used in your chosen specialism 
  • A critical awareness of the principles that relate to professional practice, scientific integrity and ethical issues 
  • A responsible approach to the promotion of new developments and the maintenance of standards within the sector 

Discover the top careers for our MSc graduates.

Career Focused

This course’s curriculum has been designed to ensure real-world relevance and develop the skills to advance as a biomedical scientist. 

Healthcare context  

Graduates will understand how the clinical diagnosis and management of patients is influenced by commercial decisions, public sector policies, regulations and ethical considerations. 

Evidence-based practice  

There is a growing emphasis on policy and practice having a scientific evidence base. On the course, you will learn how to critically reflect on your performance as a practitioner to ensure the service you provide meets the needs of your clients and patients. 

Biomedical informatics  

As part of your medical research, you will become familiar with the need to collate, integrate, analyse and interpret clinic-pathological data, and data generated by experimental techniques. 

Research Methods  

Well-planned research is the basis for improving the biomedical sector. On the course, you will gain an understanding of how an intellectual approach is essential for the successful execution of a research project. 

Ethical theory  

In research and practice, healthcare scientists are required to follow codes of practice and legislation which are underpinned by ethical theory. As you complete your Masters, you’ll fully appreciate the importance of understanding this theory and how it informs current practice. 

Associate Head of School of Biomedical Sciences, Professor Declan McKenna

“Many of our researchers are world-leading experts. They are widely published in high-impact journals and many of them get research funding annually.

This means that the content of our courses is informed by cutting-edge research that is exploring new applications and developments in biomedical sciences. In this way, we can point to how things will be in another few years.”

Professor Declan McKenna, Associate Head of the School of Biomedical Sciences. Read the full interview.

The Faculty

The Faculty of Life and Health Sciences is a leading provider of health-related education. 

The School of Biomedical Science offers an extensive portfolio of accredited degree and research programmes covering seven exciting yet diverse disciplines. Its awards include: 

  • Ranked 2nd in the UK for biomedical science (Guardian University Guide, 2024).
  • In the top 6% of UK universities for Research Power in Allied Health Professions 
  • 100% of its Biomedical Research Environment rated World Leading (REF 2021). 

Our Module Leaders are research-active staff and core members of the BMSRI. Together, they produce world-class research that informs their teaching and contributes to the university’s national and international reputation for excellence. 

The BMSRI is the School’s own research institute and provides state-of-the-art equipment, specialist laboratories and infrastructure offering clinical and translational services to its academics.  

Meet Your Faculty

Dr Jayne Devlin

Dr Jayne Devlin

Teaching Fellow 

Dr Jayne Devlin graduated from Queen’s University, Belfast with a BSc (Hons) in Microbiology and Genetics in 1989 and gained her DPhil in Cell and Molecular Biology from the University of Oxford in 1993.

She completed a post-doctoral research position at the Marie Curie Research Institute in Oxted, Surrey before joining the Cancer and Ageing Research Group at Ulster University in 1996. She was Visiting Researcher at the Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences in Szeged, Hungary until 2000.

Professor Finbarr O’Harte 

Professor Finbarr O’Harte 

Professor of Endocrinology and Metabolism 

Professor Finbarr O’Harte holds a BSc Hons and PhD from Queen’s University, Belfast. 

Finbarr is a patent holder and academic co-founder of Diabetica Limited, an Ulster University start-up company focused on innovative diabetes therapeutics. 

He has over 180 peer-reviewed publications (h-index 37), made many presentations at national and international conferences, and was awarded the Nordisk Medal of the Irish Endocrine Society (2005). He is the current President of the Irish Endocrine Society. 

His many research interests include peptides in therapy and drug development, hormone receptor modelling, and glucagon receptor antagonists in diabetes therapy. 

Dr Maria Mulhern 

Dr Maria Mulhern 

Lecturer 

Dr Mulhern took up her position as Lecturer in the School of Biomedical Sciences at Ulster University in 2013 and leads the Biostatistics teaching across the School. Other teaching interests include Research Methodologies, Ethics and Research Governance, and Food Product Development (including sensory analysis). 

She is an active researcher in the Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), has published more than 40 peer-reviewed papers in the areas of vitamin D in health and disease, and investigated pre and post-natal effects of nutrition on cognitive development and immune function.

Dr Declan McKenna

Dr Declan McKenna

Associate Head of School of Biochemical Sciences 

Dr Declan McKenna’s translational research looks at the role of microRNAs in disease, his main focus being on prostate cancer and how these can be used to improve diagnosis, prognosis and potential therapeutic intervention.

His lab’s research aligns with the Personalised Medicine and Stratified Medicine strategic initiatives at Ulster University, working with colleagues in academia, industry and clinical institutions through funded research projects.

As well as being co-ordinator for Haematology modules at BSc and MSc level, Declan also contributes to modules on Molecular Pathology of Disease, Stem Cell Biology, Biomedical Professional Practice and Study Skills.

Dr Paul Thompson 

Dr Paul Thompson 

Senior Lecturer 

As a Senior Lecturer at Ulster, Paul is interested in how the vitamin D and retinoid pathways regulate the expression of metabolic gene products and their relevance to endobiotic/drug bioavailability, in addition to such diseases as prostate cancer and melanoma.

At Ulster, Dr Thompson has attracted project funding from Prostate Cancer UK, Prostate Research Campaign UK and the European Union CEC Framework 7.

Dr Patrick Naughton 

Dr Patrick Naughton 

Senior Lecturer in Medical Microbiology 

Patrick took up his academic post at Ulster University over 20 years’ ago. He has produced more than 70 research outputs and is a regular reviewer for journals in the field of microbiology (pathogenicity and infection) and provides grant reviews for several research funders.

Patrick is an active member of the NICHE research group (Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health), focussing on bacterial pathogenicity and antibiotic resistance.

Dr Shu-Dong Zhang 

Dr Shu-Dong Zhang 

Senior Lecturer 

Before joining the Northern Ireland Centre for Stratified Medicine, Dr Zhang worked as a Principal Investigator and a Lecturer in Bioinformatics in the Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology (CCRCB) at Queen’s University, Belfast.

Dr Zhang’s research has also led to fruitful collaborations with biologists and cancer epidemiologists, securing joint collaborative projects funded by leading charities such as Cancer Research UK.

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