Program Overview

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MSc Biomedical Sciences

Overview

Healthcare delivery is transforming and healthcare organisations are exploring different formats for diagnosis and monitoring of diseases. This practical-intensive programme will enable you to examine developments in biomedical sciences that are shaping the future of health care.

Course Detail

Start Date

January, September

Duration

1 year (full-time), 2 years (part-time)

Award Title

MSc

UCAS Code

Apply Direct

Programme Overview

The development of in vitro diagnostics and their implementation as near-patient tests is increasing in importance as part of a paradigm shift in healthcare practice. Care providers, globally, have committed to a transition to a more personalised and adaptive community-based approach and away from traditional hospital-based care.

The World Health Organisation note that accurate, rapid and affordable point-of-care tests (POCT) will increase access to testing and identification of infections, no matter the level of healthcare system. Rapid advances in technology and practice have resulted in the development of increasingly sophisticated and effective devices being used in health care.

Highly skilled biomedical scientists, alongside the wider spectrum of health and care workers, with a solution-oriented mindset are required to support this shift in delivery.

This brand-new Master’s – launching in January 2025 – is among the first in the world to give focus to this area and deliver a programme designed to address evolving healthcare needs.

Industry Placement

Please note: you will be registered on the MSc Biomedical Sciences, which includes a research project. All students will get the opportunity to apply to undertake an industrial placement as an alternative to the research project. Placements, subject to availability, are on a competitive basis and are subject to an application and interview with the placement provider. If successful, you will be moved on to the MSc Biomedical Sciences with Industrial Practise.

Tailor Your Learning

In addition to core biomedical principles – including pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics – our MSc Biomedical Sciences allows you to tailor your learning, choosing between researching:

• The principles for designing and executing experiments in the context of healthcare applications such as diagnostics, and pharmaceuticals.
• The principles of implementation and monitoring of near-patient testing devices.

You'll graduate having received practical training to provide you with the knowledge, skills and understanding of quality processes necessary for the design, development and use of healthcare products. In addition to subject specific knowledge, the course is designed to enhance professional attributes by developing critical thinking, problem solving, and digital and laboratory skills.

Learn from Industry Experts

Developed and delivered in collaboration with NHS and industry, you'll learn from a blend of experienced academics and industry experts.

The programme is aimed at:

• Existing Biomedical Scientists
• Relevant industry professionals and those with a relevant healthcare background (e.g. nurse, paramedic, pharmacist) who want to specialise in the technological advancements of delivery of care.
• Those with a relevant Life Sciences or chemistry background who want to enter the field.

This qualification will put you in a strong position to join an exciting and quickly evolving industry.

World Class Facilities

This is a practical programme, and you'll have access to our state-of-the-art Biomedical Sciences labs. You'll spend between 78-96 hours during the taught modules learning about experimental design and will also have access to commercially available in vitro diagnostic devices.

Entry Requirements

UK Entry

Applicants should have an undergraduate degree (2.2 or better) in a field related to Applied Bioscience, Bioscience, Biomedical Sciences, Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Virology, Human Biology, Immunology, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Genetics, Forensic Biology, Health Sciences. Consideration will be given to applicants who have relevant professional experience in areas including biomedical science and other science fields, primary care and data analytics.

International Entry

We accept a wide range of qualifications from applicants from across the world. Please select the country of your qualification from the searchable list below to view entry requirements. If you have different qualifications to those listed, please contact us using the form below.

Core and Option Modules

Core

• Theory of laboratory-based diagnostic methods and techniques (LSC521)
• Principles of point-of-care testing (devices and systems) (LSC522)
• Experimental design for testing and evaluation (LSC525)
• Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics (LSC527)
• MSc Dissertation (EEM517)

Option - choose two

• Implementation of point-of-care-testing devices (LSC524)
• Quality Assurance Practices (LSC526)
• Statistical Process Control (LSC528)

Career Opportunities

As a graduate of this programme, you'll have the knowledge and skills to enter healthcare sectors around the world as a point of care specialist. This could be with private industry including point of care manufacturers focusing on device development, or with service providers focused on implementation - including the NHS.

Fees & Funding

The course fees you'll pay and the funding available to you depends on factors such as your nationality, location, personal circumstances and the course you are studying. Visit the links below and scroll down to find the Postgraduate section.

• Postgraduate student fees - Scottish Students
• Postgraduate student fees - UK Students (outside Scotland)
• Postgraduate student fees - International & EU Students

Scholarships

• Abertay Postgraduate Taught rUK Scholarship
• International Postgraduate Abertay Scholarships