This course aims to provide you with the skills and knowledge of theory and practice that will enable you to work as a professional capable of making important contributions in the field of clinical biochemistry. The course aims to further enhance your knowledge of clinical biochemistry, to engage you with contemporary issues and debates within the discipline, and to develop your critical and analytical skills.
The taught programme contains specific modules in Clinical Biochemistry, such as endocrinology and metabolism and diagnostic clinical biochemistry, which you can apply to diagnostic biomedicine, as well as offering you a choice of modules related to molecular diagnostics or haematology.
The course is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical science (IBMS).
The following modules are indicative of what you will study on this course.
Core modules
Option modules
The course has been designed to provide professionals with a broad range of transferable skills in Biomedical Sciences with clinical biochemistry, with particular reference to possessing the ability to critically discuss and evaluate concepts, analytical techniques, current research and advanced scholarship in Clinical Biochemistry.
Successful completion of the course will enhance the career prospects of graduates for entering Ph.D programmes; you may find employment in hospital laboratories, academia, research institutes, as well as in the pharmaceutical, diagnostic and related industries.
Our MSc in Clinical Biochemistry will give you a thorough grounding in a discipline that deals with the clinical analysis of body fluids and other biological material to aid the diagnosis, therapy and monitoring of diseases.
Clinical biochemists are typically clinical scientists who work in hospital laboratories providing advice and interpretation of analytical results to other healthcare professionals such as clinicians, general practitioners and nurses.
They are also involved in the development of new analytical methods and improvement of clinical services, including quality assurance and audit.
Through this MSc, you will gain a core knowledge and understanding of the normal physiology and pathophysiology of the major organs and endocrine systems, as well as more specialist areas such as paediatric biochemistry and drug monitoring.
You will also develop a core knowledge and understanding of clinical disorders and how biochemical parameters and laboratory methods are used for the investigation, diagnosis and management of patients.
We aim to give you:
Innovative teaching
We utilise mobile technology in our teaching by providing you with an iPad for you to use throughout your studies. You will benefit from interactive teaching environments that simulate the clinical laboratory where you will apply your theoretical knowledge to solve real-life clinical case scenarios.
Laboratory research experience
You have the option to spend 10 weeks in the laboratory conducting research to present in your dissertation.
Professional teaching and learning
Most of the course is taught by NHS professionals working in the field of clinical biochemistry. You will also learn alongside students from a variety of health science backgrounds within pathology, helping you to integrate within a health service laboratory team in the future.
We use a range of teaching and learning methodologies throughout the course, including lectures, tutorials, workshops and interactive clinical case tutorials using mobile technology and iPads. Some of these will be delivered online.
Find out more by visiting the postgraduate teaching and learning page.
We will assess your progress using a range of formative and summative assessments, such as MCQs, ECQs, written and verbal presentations.
The assessments will be constructed to assess your knowledge and understanding while at the same time refining and expanding your intellectual and transferable skills.
The units that form part of the MSc are listed in the Course unit list further down the page.
There are also two PGCert pathways available, each comprising the following units:
PGCert Clinical Biochemistry (Foundation)
PGCert Clinical Biochemistry (Advanced)
You will be able to access a range of facilities throughout the University.
You will undertake your theoretical learning on the main University campus.
Your research project may be carried out in a laboratory within the University or at teaching hospitals in Greater Manchester.
Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service .
Individual units from this MSc can be taken as standalone courses for continuing professional development .
Our course attracts a wide range of students from a bioscience and medical background from home and abroad.
Many students study this course as a springboard for further academic research or as a stepping stone before applying for the NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP).
The course may also help individuals with their own career progression if they are already working within a clinical laboratory. The course also attracts intercalating medical students and professionals who may wish to specialise in clinical biochemistry/chemical pathology.
This course is approved by the Association for Clinical Biochemistry.
The aim of the MRes is to provide training at Masters level for intercalating medical undergraduates, medical and science graduates and career academics-in-training, so meeting regional and national demands for research oriented skills in these disciplines.
A key element of the programme design is the development of relevant, appropriate research skills, in addition to a systematic understanding and critical awareness of the research process.
The programme prepares the student for doctoral research training and satisfies the criteria of the Research Councils for Master of Research training.
The programme is built around the research interests of the Institutes of Ageing & Chronic Disease and Infection & Global Health and consists of eleven Programme Pathways (listed below) reflecting the world-class research being carried out in these areas within both Institutes.
During the course you will undertake three 12-week research projects with academics (both clinical and non-clinical) from these Institutes. By carrying out three research projects linked to one of the pathways highlighted above, you will graduate with the pathway branding in your degree certificate, for example MRes in Clinical Sciences (Emerging & Zoonotic Infections) [or other appropriate pathway].
Alternatively, you are able to experience a broader range of research by carrying out projects across different pathways, and receive the qualification MRes in Clinical Sciences.
This part-time, distance learning programme:
There is an emphasis on self-directed learning and reflection, enabling students to identify and meet their own learning needs. The programme has recently undergone major revisions and now includes optional pathways to meet a range of service needs, and the opportunity to register as an independent prescriber.
Clinical topics include:
Optional modules support the development of a specialist clinical area, leadership, management and quality and service improvement skills. The final year includes a quality and service improvement project. There are opportunities for inter-professional learning and cross-sector working, with well-utilised small amounts of contact time to support learning networks.
The core modules are delivered through distance learning with two additional mandatory study days at the University of Bradford. There are potentially extra study days for optional modules.
Top 200 - 2018 QS World University Rankings by subject
Students will be taught core clinical topics and have the freedom to focus on particular clinical areas of interest. Students will develop the knowledge, understanding and skills necessary to meet the learning outcomes of the programme through a blended approach including: an induction day, distance learning materials and activities presented via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), a collaborative learning day with members of the MSc in Clinical Pharmacy (Secondary Care), programme and work-based learning including formative assessment and reflection on learning experiences.
The majority of modules are assessed by 100% coursework based on your practice. (The only exception to this is the ‘Prescribing for Pharmacists’ module).
Students who have completed the course report increased confidence to take on new roles in community pharmacy and greater job satisfaction.
The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance employability and this is an integral part of many programmes. Specialist support is available throughout the course from Career and Employability Services including help to find part-time work while studying, placements, vacation work and graduate vacancies. Students are encouraged to access this support at an early stage and to use the extensive resources on the Careers website.
Discussing options with specialist advisers helps to clarify plans through exploring options and refining skills of job-hunting. In most of our programmes there is direct input by Career Development Advisers into the curriculum or through specially arranged workshops.
You will have an academic tutor assigned to support you throughout the programme.
The Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) including Blackboard and PebblePad (for e-Portfolios) will support students learning at a distance.
Use of Library facilities is available online or on campus. Students are also able to access a range of study days organised for secondary care pharmacists as CPD days.
The School of Pharmacy has an excellent national and international reputation in practice research.
The most recent Research Excellence Framework (2014) exercise rated 92% of our Pharmacy research as of international quality/world-leading.
We have a vibrant Medicines Optimisation Research group to support Master's projects.
Physician Associates are skilled members of the health care team who are qualified to provide a wide range of medical services in practice with a licensed physician. Training as a Physician Associate allows you to develop and direct your healthcare career in a primary care setting or almost any medical specialty. This flexibility is unique to the Physician Associate role and makes it an exciting new career choice. Physician Associate training is based on a ‘fast track’ medical school model that was developed in the U.S in 1965.
UK/EU Physician Associate students may be eligible for a bursary to cover a proportion of their fees. Find out more under 'fees and additional costs'.
Our MSc in Physician Associate Studies is delivered within the University’s Institute of Medical Sciences at the Medway campus where students have the added benefit of training in a specialist facility with qualified medical practitioners engaged in postgraduate education and research.
You will spend a significant portion of the first year in the simulation suite learning hands on skills. The simulation suite is equipped with mock wards as well as a surgical suite with anesthesia and laparoscopic equipment. Highly sophisticated human simulation models will be used in the teaching of hands on skills to prepare you for your second year clinical based modules.
The Physician Associate role was introduced in the UK in 2003. Physician Associates are now recognised as skilled and valued members of the health care profession. The newly qualified Physician Associate post has been evaluated under the NHS Agenda for change at Band 7 with potential to advance to Band 8 with experience and advanced education.
Physician Associates can perform medical history and physical examinations, screen and interpret results of diagnostic studies, diagnose patients, implement treatment plans, counsel patients regarding illness and preventative medicine and facilitate access to appropriate health care resources.
As with many types of medical providers, duties of a Physician Associate will depend on the medical setting where they work, their level of experience, their specialty and their supervising physician.
Physician Associates may provide care to individuals across the age spectrum in a variety of healthcare settings. More information on the Physician Associate profession and salary may be found on the Royal College of Physicians Physician Associate Faculty web page.
Suitability
The course is aimed at people interested in pursuing a healthcare career in a primary care setting or almost any medical specialty.
It is designed for people with a strong science background. Please see more details under 'Further entry requirements'.
Content
he Physician Associate curriculum begins with a year of rigorous medical science, pharmacology and clinical reasoning taught by a qualified team of specialist physicians and Physicians Associates. One day per week in the first year is spent in a general practice clinical setting. The second year is comprised of six specialist clinical placements and intensive classroom teaching in advanced skills and concepts.
Upon successful completion of the MSc in Physician Associate Studies*, you are eligible to take the National Exam for Physician Associates and be part of the Physician Associate Managed Voluntary Registry (PAMVR) which allows you to be employed by the NHS. The profession is currently working towards regulation in the UK and is overseen by the Royal College of Physicians Physician Associate Faculty.
All modules are taught using a combination of teaching methods, including lectures, problem based learning, short case review and hand on/skills practice.
Lecture, practice based learning, case review and skills application are incorporated in each module to ensure students assimilate clinical knowledge and skills in all areas.
What can I do next?
Physician Associates in the UK work in a wide variety of healthcare settings which include:
• GP surgeries
• Accident and Emergency departments
• Inpatient medical and surgical wards
• Trauma and Orthopaedics
• Mental Health
• Paediatrics
• Hospital Operating Theatres
The MSc in Physician Associate Studies is delivered within the University’s Institute of Medical Sciences (IMS) at the Medway campus which has a growing reputation for expertise in medical education and research.
The Institute houses a fully equipped clinical simulation suite enabling clinicians to develop skill and expertise using specialised endoscopic surgical equipment, cardiology diagnostics or otorhinolaryngological techniques and procedures.
The teaching team is comprised of specialists in Cardiology, M.H, Endocrinology, Ear Nose and Threat (ENT), Paediatrics, Geriatrics, Emergency Medicine, Orthopaedics, GU, GI, WH, SH, Anaesthesia/Pain, GP, Neurology and Genetics
Attendance
The Physician Associate Studies programme is full time, Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 5pm for 45 – 47 weeks per year.
The programme is very challenging and demanding, therefore we caution students who plan to work while enrolled on the course.
Funding
To be confirmed, please enquire
