Biomedical Science MSc
Frequently Asked Questions
We make it happen.
Thinking about Ulster’s online MSc in Biomedical Science? We’ve put together answers to some of the most common questions we’re asked about the course.
If you need more help or have other queries, please get in touch with our Enrolment Advisors on +44(0)2034673225 or email admissions@online.ulster.ac.uk
Yes. Ulster’s Biomedical Science MSc has been specifically designed for professionals working in the field or in a closely associated discipline.
You will need a 2.2 honours degree or higher in Biomedical Science, or a Biological Science degree which contains a significant element of Biomedical Science.
Typically, our students are already employed as biomedical scientists or trainee biomedical scientists in hospitals or research laboratories.
You will need access to laboratory facilities (normally at your place of work) in order to complete the Research Project that forms an integral part of the MSc course.
If you are an international applicant, you may also need to provide evidence of your English language ability, for example by holding an Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score lower than 5.5, or a Trinity ISE pass at level III.
For more details about eligibility criteria, please speak to an Enrolment Advisor.
Our research-rich lecturers and course leaders bring a wealth of academic knowledge and industry experience, placing particular emphasis on the latest developments that are taking place across the biomedical science sector.
The four core modules cover personalised medicine and pharmacogenomics, applied research methods, advances in medical biotechnology and healthcare delivery, and evidence-based practice in healthcare sciences.
You will be able to choose between a quality management and biomedical informatics module. Then, depending on your experience to date and where you want your career to lead, you will choose one of these specialisms: advances in cellular pathology; recent advances in clinical chemistry; haematology in health and disease; advances in medical microbiology.
Finally, you will have the opportunity to combine your knowledge with hands-on practice as you devise and carry out a 60-credit Research Project, working under the supervision of a dedicated mentor at your place of work. This will be on a topic of your choosing that will benefit both you and your employer.
The MSc course if fully accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) which supports the development of biomedical science, both nationally and internationally. Its role is to develop professional standards for the benefit of all patients and service users.
The IBMS has links with European biomedical science organisations and accredits university courses in countries including Hong Kong, Australia, Ireland, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Malaysia.
It boasts 71 company members in its ranks and more than 19,000 individual members, of which 530 are based across 73 countries worldwide.
The MSc in Biomedical Science can make you eligible for membership of the IBMS and subsequently be recognised for Chartered Scientist status in the UK.
Read more on our IBMS accreditation blog post.
Our flexible carousel approach to distance learning means you can study wherever and whenever it suits you. This lets you tackle each module around your home and work commitments. You can even take a planned break if you need to, and pick up your studies later.
All your course materials will be available through our interactive online portal. As well as the hours you’ll spend in private study, you’ll be able to join live seminars, group tutorials and discussion forums, talk one-on-one with lecturers and review recorded material at times that suit you.
Course content varies with each module so could include any of the above, as well as problem-based learning exercises around actual case studies.
You’ll also be able to network and collaborate with fellow students wherever they are based in the world.
As well as your online learning, you’ll also work in the laboratory at your place of work as you take on the Research Project towards the end of your course.
Read more about the benefits of online learning.
You’ll be able to gain your Biomedical Science Masters in two years or a little longer, depending on the pace you choose to study.
If you need to take a break during your course, whether for personal reasons or due to work commitments, our flexible course design will allow you to opt out and re-join at a time that’s more suitable for you.
No. Ulster University has been running a variety of online courses for more than 20 years. As a distance learning student you’ll have access to all of our teaching and research facilities, just as you would if you were taking the on-campus course.
There is no need for you to visit the campus, but of course you’ll always be welcome to come and visit the university in person and access its learning resources, research facilities and libraries, talk to academic staff and so on.
There is no difference between the qualification – or the quality of teaching – you’ll receive. You’ll be taught by tutors with years of experience, whether that’s teaching the on-campus course or facilitating your online distance learning.
The course is made up of six modules (four of which are worth 15 credits, two worth 30 credits). Assessments vary by module but will include a combination of tests and assignments, report writing and exams. These will be submitted through our eLearning portal.
Rounding off the course is a 60-credit Research Project where you will be expected to make an original contribution to your chosen area of study and demonstrate research techniques and advanced scholarship to the standards expected of an MSc.
The great thing about our online course is the flexibility it gives you to organise your studies around existing commitments. However, as a guideline, you should expect to study around 20 hours per week during teaching periods – roughly equivalent to 10 hours per credit – over a two year period. It will vary week by week, and there are breaks between modules. There will be some live sessions but these will all be recorded for anyone who isn’t able to join them.
All you need is a reliable internet connection. Throughout your course, you’ll access your online learning materials though our Blackboard e-learning portal, which also gives you access to all your in-course communication tools, advice and support services.
You’ll need one of the following recommended computer operating systems:
- Windows 7 or newer
- Mac OSX 10.6 or newer
- Linux – Chrome OS
- Mobile – iOS 7 or newer/Android 4.2 or newer
Your course leader and the online tutors assigned to each module are there to field content-related questions. As well as sharing relevant expertise, many have years of experience of working in their particular field and play a pivotal role in keeping the course relevant and up-to-date.
You’ll be part of a supportive, engaging community of fellow students, able to participate in interactive seminars, group tasks and more.
You’ll also be assigned a Student Success Advisor, there to support you from day one through to graduation with all kinds of pastoral and planning issues. They’ll be on hand at every step to help you meet deadlines, advise about fees, or guide you through the process of setting up your Research Project.
Ulster’s Enrolment Advisors will guide you through the various steps of the application process. You will need:
- A copy of your degree certificate and transcript (along with an official translation if this is in a foreign language)
- A copy of your driving licence, passport or other proof of identity
- Proof of your English language proficiency, if English is your second language
- Details of which specialist module you have chosen (cellular pathology/clinical chemistry/haematology/medical microbiology)
A supportive work environment is required for successful completion of the Master’s programme, especially in the Applied Research Methods and Research Project modules. In-house support and expertise are also particularly important in the Quality Management module (if chosen as an option). Therefore, you will also need to provide:
- Evidence that you are employed as a Biomedical Scientist, trainee Biomedical Scientist or equivalent in a hospital or research laboratory
- A letter from your employer confirming that you will have access to a laboratory to enable you to complete the Research Project
- A signed letter from your employer stating that they agree to act as your sponsor and that they will appoint an appropriately qualified guarantor/mentor (usually your supervisor or line manager) who agrees to supervise the Research Project
Non-standard applicants will also need to provide:
- Their CV as evidence of relevant work experience
- Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) form
- Evidence of any extra relevant qualifications or memberships
- A portfolio of written evidence to demonstrate they have the necessary graduate qualities
Our Enrolment Advisors will let you know more details of all the relevant documents and certifications required.
You can start your online application here for the Biomedical Science MSc.
Tuition fees for the 2021/22 academic year are £7,995 for UK, EU and International students. You’ll be able to pay your fees in module-by-module instalments, spreading the cost out over the duration of your course, as follows:
| Module | Cost |
|---|---|
| Introduction to Personalised Medicine and Pharmacogenomics | £666.25 |
| Quality Management/Biomedical Informatics | £666.25 |
| Your Chosen Specialism | £1,332.50 |
| Applied Research Methods | £666.25 |
| Advances in Medical Biotechnology and Healthcare Delivery | £666.25 |
| Evidence-Based Practice in Healthcare Sciences | £1,332.50 |
| Sub-Total | £5,330.00 |
| Research Project | £2,665.00 |
| TOTAL | £7,995.00 |
For more information about fees and any financial support available, contact us.
You’ll study a maximum of 90 credits per academic year, but there is the flexibility to opt out of some teaching periods and spread your studies over a longer period of time, to fit around your work and life commitments for example.