Biomedical Science MSc

Program Overview

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Biomedical Science MSc

Course Overview

The Biomedical Science MSc lets you tailor your course to your interests and experience with a wide range of optional modules in addition to our core delivery.

You can mix modules in microbiology, molecular biology, haematology, clinical chemistry, or blend basic science with studies in science communication or commercialisation. This flexibility allows you to deepen your understanding of human diseases, their investigation, and therapy, while also enhancing your skills in designing and executing project work.

Top reasons to study with us

• You'll develop the ability to use and critically evaluate a wide range of literature in the field, to research practically an area of interest in biomedical sciences
• You’ll gain a range of transferable skills that will enhance your employability and open up research opportunities both in the UK and internationally
• The course has been designed to provide you with the broad range of skills and knowledge needed for diagnostic, academic and industrial laboratory practice

Course structure

To be awarded the MSc in Biomedical Science, you'll need to study modules for 180 credits. You'll study three core modules and five option modules. The following modules are indicative of what you'll study on this course.

Core modules

Postgraduate Project

This module aims to enhance your skills of self-management, experimental design, critical analysis and interpretation of data, enabling you to present and justify your research.

40 credits

Postgraduate Research Methods

You will be able to develop your skills in information retrieval, critical analysis and presentation relevant to your research topic, and form a clear plan for your project.

20 credits

Professionalism and Skills in Biomedical Science

This module will enhance your professionalism, employability and laboratory skills applicable to the Bioscience/Life Science industry. Emphasis will be placed on professional responsibility, acquisition and implementation of advanced laboratory techniques and soft/transferable skills.

The module will give you direct access to the Careers and Employability Service and by alignment of the assessment, to the Westminster Postgraduate Employability Award. The central ethos will be upon the development of a professional employability portfolio throughout your higher education journey. Extracurricular activities relating to scientific endeavour such as school research talks and careers/employability events will be encouraged, and you will be informed of such opportunities through direct messaging from the careers service, the School Employability blackboard site and the Westminster Engage platform (employability portal).

20 credits

Option modules

Advanced Cancer Biology

This module will explore the role of common signalling pathways and other molecular mechanisms implicated in carcinogenesis, including the role of cancer stem cells in disease progression and metastasis. Recent advances in diagnostic methods and therapeutic strategies will be discussed as well as ways in which public health initiatives can lower the risk of cancer development, and how issues related to cancer are reported in the media.

20 credits

Advances in Cellular Pathology

This module will engage with modern pathology practice in the cellular pathology specialty. You will evaluate advances in diagnostic, prognostic and predictive testing in the laboratory, discussed in the light of developments in our underpinning understanding of pathology and of evolving technologies.

20 credits

Cell Signalling in Health and Disease

This module provides up to date information on cell signalling processes coupling surface receptor engagement to changes in gene expression. A gene-editing workshop is also included in the module. Transcriptional, post-transcriptional and post-translational mechanisms are discussed in relation to selected cell signalling pathways responsible for controlling cell functions such as cell cycle, cell differentiation and cell death. In addition, examples of defective cell signalling through inherited and somatically acquired mutations in signalling components will be highlighted in relation to human disease.

20 credits

Cellular Haematology

This module will enable you to understand how blood cells are produced and how they function in normal and pathological situations. You will consider the causes, consequences and laboratory features of a range of red cell disorders and haematological malignancies, and be able to evaluate and interpret the relevant diagnostic testing procedures.

20 credits

Clinical Medical Microbiology

The module aims to enable you to analyse critically aspects of microbial physiology, metabolism and chemotherapy and relate these to appropriate areas of medical microbiology, such as pathogenicity, disease diagnosis, treatment and control.

20 credits

Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism

This module aims to emphasise the intellectual skills and knowledge you require to understand endocrine function, assays of hormone concentration, pathologies and their laboratory investigation. Emphasis is placed on developing a deep understanding of the cellular and biochemical processes which underlie pathology.

20 credits

Communicating Science

Introducing you to key concepts in science communication, its challenges, rewards and applications, this module is designed to incorporate scenarios related to your interests, such as health, drug discovery and water science. The roles of science and scientists in society and how the public perceives, interacts with and responds to the information produced by scientists are explored, with the history of communicating science used to contextualise current issues in disseminating information.

20 credits

Diagnostic Clinical Biochemistry

An in depth study of the aetiology, pathogenesis and laboratory investigation of selected pathologies and their laboratory investigation. Principles of key and current analytical methods in the field are also included as well as the latest developments in diagnostic clinical biochemistry.

20 credits

Immunohaematology and Haemostasis

This module will cover clinically important blood group systems and laboratory techniques used to identify blood group antigens and antibodies, and to ensure safety of blood components for transfusion and transplantation. In addition you will examine the various components of the haemostasis system together with clinical disorders leading to increased risk of bleeding or thrombosis. Anticoagulant therapy and relevant laboratory techniques for investigation of haemostasis will also be covered.

20 credits

Immunopathology

This module comprises lectures and case studies to give an understanding of modern advances in immunology and immunopathology, strategies for the diagnosis of inherited and acquired immunological disorders based on diversity and inclusion. The module aims to analyse modern concepts on the interface between innate and adaptive immune responses to intracellular and extracellular pathogens; to discuss and to illustrate cellular and molecular mechanisms of hypersensitivity and autoimmunity, primary and secondary immunodeficiency, vaccination, antitumour immunity. Applications of modern methods of diagnosis of immunopathological disorders are presented in relation to current advances in fundamental and clinical immunology and immunopathology creating a robust basis for the enhancement of employability.

20 credits

Infectious Diseases and Public Health

The module explores the factors determining the importance of infectious diseases and the role of surveillance in their control. You will develop a critical approach to contemporary literature on selected diseases, evaluating the relative importance of epidemiology, routine laboratory investigations, laboratory-based research, clinical diagnosis and control of infectious diseases.

20 credits

Molecular and Cellular Therapeutics

This module is designed to make you aware of the impact of molecular biology on the diagnosis of human diseases. You will critically review the technologies and determine the advantages and disadvantages associated with each diagnostic strategy. Issues of accuracy, implementation, ethics and safety will be addressed.

20 credits

Precision Medicine

The module provides you with a critical appreciation of the human genome, its regulation, functional significance of gene mutations and current approaches of identification of human genetic disorders. Topics covered include: molecular basis of host-pathogen interaction; molecular pathology of disease with simple genetics; molecular genetics of disease; complex systems, immunogenetics and disease; and molecular genetics of cancer.

20 credits

Science, Technology and Commercialisation

You will gain an insight into the scope of commercial biotechnology, starting and financing a company, the role of intellectual property protection, writing a business plan, assessing projects, managing a company, managing company finances, and coping with industrial safety legislation.

20 credits

Systems Biology

This module will introduce the theoretical and practical underpinnings of systems biology. The emphasis is on studies of entire systems, assisted by the use of bioinformatics and how the knowledge from these may be applied to medicine. The module will examine databases and other resources as well as discuss issues key to the studies of entire systems.

20 credits

Professional accreditation

This course is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS).

Please note: potential applicants without an IBMS-accredited undergraduate degree in Biomedical Sciences who want to become HCPC-registered Biomedical Scientists in the UK should contact the IBMS for advice on the suitability of their qualifications for HCPC registration. The IBMS assesses non-accredited qualifications against HCPC education standards to determine whether individuals will need to undertake supplementary education or top-up modules to meet HCPC standards of proficiency for biomedical scientists.

Programme specification

For more details on course structure, modules, teaching and assessment, download the programme specification (PDF).

Careers

Graduates from our Biomedical Science MSc courses have gone on to a variety of research and employment destinations. These have included beginning their research career by entering into a PhD programme or entering research and development roles in research institutes or industry. Those already working in research or healthcare laboratories have gained additional or translational skills to enhance their current roles. Our graduates have also entered the commercial field in technical support roles and sales in the research and healthcare markets.

Enhance your career prospects

On graduating, you'll be equipped for your career whether you're entering a PhD programme or seeking employment in academia, research institutes, or pharmaceutical and related industries.

Tailor the course to your interests

With a wide variety of option modules to choose from, you can adapt the course to fit your chosen research interests.

Employers around the world

The University’s Careers and Employability Service has built up a network of over 3,000 employers around the world, helping all our students explore and connect with exciting opportunities and careers.

Westminster Employability Award

Employers value graduates who have invested in their personal and professional development – and our Westminster Employability Award gives you the chance to formally document and demonstrate these activities and achievements.

The award is flexible and can be completed in your own time, allowing you to choose from a set of extracurricular activities.

Activities might include gaining experience through a part-time job or placement, signing up to a University-run scheme – such as mentoring or teaching in a school – or completing online exercises.

Course Leaders

Dr David Gaze

Senior Lecturer in Chemical Pathology

David completed both Undergraduate and Postgraduate degrees in West Yorkshire followed by a PhD in Clinical Biochemistry in London. He is currently lecturer in Clinical Biochemistry at the University of Westminster and Honorary Cardiac Research Scientist within the Department of Chemical Pathology, Clinical Blood Sciences at St George's Hospital and Medical School, London.

Dr Gaze has authored and co-authored in excess of 150 peer reviewed papers and over 200 abstracts, as well as presented at over 50 internationally invited conferences. He is a peer reviewer of 25 medical journals. He is also a member of the Royal Society of Medicine of London; The Association for Clinical Biochemistry, the American Association of Clinical Chemistry; Institute of Biomedical Sciences; Institute of Biology; European Society of Pathology; The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland and associate member of the Royal Institution of London.

Professor Emanuela Volpi

Professor

Dr Emanuela Volpi is a Reader in Biomedical Sciences in the School of Life Sciences at the University of Westminster. Dr Volpi holds a PhD in Evolutionary Biology (Molecular Biology and Genetics) from the University of Rome ‘La Sapienza’. Before joining Westminster, Dr Volpi worked as a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at Cancer Research UK. She was subsequently appointed Head of Molecular Cytogenetics and Microscopy at the Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, Nuffield Department of Medicine (University of Oxford). Her teaching and research expertise is in medical molecular genetics, with a specific focus on genome functional organisation, chromosomal fragility and instability, nuclear architecture and dynamics, and cancer biomarkers.

Why study this course?

Excellent laboratory facilities

You'll learn in a thriving research environment and will have access to excellent laboratory facilities within the School of Life Sciences.

Develop your knowledge of biomedical sciences

Studying this course, you'll improve your understanding of human diseases and their investigation and therapy.

Fantastic central London location

You'll be based at our Cavendish Campus in the heart of multicultural central London, with easy access to London's huge range of scientific, library and cultural resources.

Entry Requirements

UK

A minimum of a lower second class honours degree (2:2) in biomedical sciences or a closely related discipline. Professional qualification of equivalent status and associated work experience or an equivalent qualification deemed suitable by the course team.

If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.5 in writing and no element below 6.0.

Applicants are required to submit one academic reference. If part-time and intending to do your project in the workplace, an additional letter of support from your employer is required.

International

A minimum of a lower second class honours degree (2:2) in biomedical sciences or a closely related discipline. Professional qualification of equivalent status and associated work experience or an equivalent qualification deemed suitable by the course team.

If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.5 in writing and no element below 6.0.

Applicants are required to submit one academic reference. If part-time and intending to do your project in the workplace, an additional letter of support from your employer is required.

Fees and Funding

UK

UK tuition fee: Tuition fees have yet to be confirmed for this course (Price per academic year)

When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.

International

International tuition fee: Tuition fees have yet to be confirmed for this course (Price per academic year)

When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.

Teaching and Assessment

How you’ll be taught

Teaching methods across all our postgraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application.

How you’ll be assessed

Our postgraduate courses include a variety of assessments, which typically fall into three broad categories:

• Written exams: end of semester exams
• Practical: examples include presentations, podcasts, blogs
• Coursework: examples include essays, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation

Supporting you

Study support

• Workshops
• 1-2-1 support
• Online resources

Personal tutors

Support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential

Student advice team

Provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas

Extra-curricular activities

• Volunteering opportunities
• Sports and fitness activities
• Student events

Course Location

Cavendish Campus

With state-of-the-art science and psychology labs and refurbished computer suites, our Cavendish Campus offers our science and technology students a range of learning spaces that are both dynamic and inspiring,

Located in central London, our Cavendish Campus is just a five-minute walk from Oxford Street and Tottenham Court Road.