Program Overview

MSc Biomedical Laboratory Science

Course summary

The MSc Biomedical Laboratory Science course equips you with the advanced knowledge and practical skills required to understand normal and pathological cell processes, linking them to clinical features, diagnostic techniques, and therapeutic responses in various model diseases.

How you learn

You’ll study in an engaging and supportive environment, designed to develop your independence, critical thinking, and professional skills. The course follows our Hallam Model, ensuring an applied, collaborative, and industry-relevant approach to your learning.

• Lectures introduce key concepts, with interactive discussions and problem-solving exercises to encourage deeper learning.
• You'll engage with recent scientific developments and apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings.
• Key skills are embedded in your modules and research project – including scientific writing, literature and database searching, data handling, and critical analysis.

Modules

Year 1

• Cellular Basis Of Disease (40 credits)
  • Assessment: Coursework (60%), Exam (40%)
• Diagnostic Pathology (20 credits)
  • Assessment: Coursework (100%)

Elective modules

• Case Studies In Infectious Disease (20 credits)
  • Assessment: Coursework (100%)
• Data Science (20 credits)
  • Assessment: Coursework (100%)
• Therapeutic Targeting Of Cancer (20 credits)
  • Assessment: Coursework (100%)

Year 2

• Advanced Laboratory And Research Practice (20 credits)
  • Assessment: Coursework (100%)
• Applied Laboratory Practice (20 credits)
  • Assessment: Coursework (100%)
• Research Project (60 credits)
  • Assessment: Coursework (70%), Practical (30%)

Elective modules

• Case Studies In Infectious Disease (20 credits)
  • Assessment: Coursework (100%)
• Data Science (20 credits)
  • Assessment: Coursework (100%)
• Therapeutic Targeting Of Cancer (20 credits)
  • Assessment: Coursework (100%)

Future careers

This course prepares you for a career in:

• Academic research or a PhD
• The health biotechnology sector
• The industrial biotechnology sector
• The pharmaceutical industry

Previous graduates have gone on to work for:

• The NHS
• Public Health England
• Novartis
• ThermoFisher Scientific

Equipment and facilities

Teaching takes place in lecture theatres, seminar rooms, and specialist laboratory facilities. Through our virtual learning environment Blackboard, you’ll be able to access learning materials, interactive resources, and course information – both on-campus and remotely.

You’ll have access to industry-standard equipment, gaining hands-on experience in scenario-based practical sessions. You’ll gain the technical expertise and practical experience needed for a career in biomedical science, using facilities such as:

• Award-winning cell culture suites
• Aseptic microbiology facilities
• High-powered fluorescent microscopes for cell and tissue analysis
• State-of-the-art mass spectrometry equipment
• Molecular biology facilities allowing quantification of nucleic acids and proteins
• An extensive range of analytical equipment, such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography (GC)

Where will I study?

You study at City Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars, and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.

Entry requirements

• A 2:1 in a relevant Honours degree is normally accepted as the entry requirement for the course.
• Applicants with a 2:2 are also actively encouraged to apply and will be considered on an individual basis.
• Applicants with alternative qualifications with academic attainment or skills in subjects which are directly relevant to the course will also be considered.
• If English is not your first language, you will need an IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills, or a recognised equivalent.

Fees and funding

• Our tuition fee for UK students starting part-time study in 2026/27 is £10,940 for the course.
• The tuition fee displayed above is for the full course. If the full course is more than one year in duration, the fee will be divided into annual payments which will then be rounded.
• This may mean the total fee you pay is slightly higher than the fee stated above.
• If you take a break in study or have to re-take part of the course, you may also be charged an additional fee and will be notified of this at the time.
• Our tuition fee for UK students starting part-time study in 2026/27 are: Year 1: £3,650, Year 2: £7,295.

Postgraduate student loans

• Up to £12,858 is available in 2025/26 for home students on most masters courses.

Additional course costs

• The links below allow you to view estimated general course additional costs, as well as costs associated with key activities on specific courses.
• These are estimates and are intended only as an indication of potential additional expenses.
• Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.
• General course additional costs
• Additional costs for Biosciences and Chemistry (PDF, 600.1KB)