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.
The University of Chester Haematology course is a taught postgraduate qualification lasting for one year full-time or two to four years part-time.
Students completing a range of modules followed by a research dissertation are awarded a full Master of Science degree. Students completing fewer modules, without a dissertation, may graduate instead with a Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma.
The MSc in Haematology is designed to enable you to develop an up-to-date, advanced understanding of the disorders of blood and blood-forming tissues. Utilising critical analytical skills, you will evaluate new developments in research into the blood sciences.
You will receive training in the skills required in the reading and interpretation of the literature and translating that into evidence-based practice. We aim to develop your research and writing skills so that you will be in a position to contribute to the scientific literature in an effective manner.
The course culminates in the Research Dissertation, which will be assessed through your production of two publishable scientific articles.
The content of the course is mapped to The Joint Royal Colleges of Physicians Training Board Speciality Training Curriculum for Haematology.
If biomedical or clinical research is your interest, successful completion of the MSc will allow you to directly register onto PhD study and join our team of researchers at the Institute of Medicine.
Our course investigates in detail mechanistic models of haematopoiesis and how knowledge of stem cell theory can inform the treatment of anaemia or leukaemia. Blood carries many hormones and cytokines; these can be used as biomarkers of disease, and we will examine the problems associated with some of these measurements. You will also review current guidelines and their evidence base in the therapeutic management of haematological problems, and explore potential new therapies.
Our course consists of taught modules and a Research Dissertation. We deliver taught modules as three-day intensive courses to facilitate attendance from students in employment. Weekly support sessions and journal club supplement learning – all held in our modern facilities in Bache Hall.
The modules given below are the latest example of the curriculum available on this degree programme. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to change from time to time for reasons which include curriculum enhancement, staff changes, student numbers, improvements in technology, changes to placements or regulatory or external body requirements.
Evidence Based Medicine(Compulsory) (MD7001)
Analysis and Interpretation of Clinical Data(Optional) (MD7002)
Clinical Medicine(Compulsory) (MD7003)
Blood Sciences(Compulsory) (MD7005)
Therapeutic Advances in Treating Haematological Problems(Compulsory) (MD7022)
Case Investigations in Molecular Medicine(Compulsory) (MD7027)
Assessment and Consultation in Clinical Settings(Optional) (MD7069)
Research Dissertation(Compulsory) (MD7100)
You will be assessed via coursework assignments, which may focus on clinical reviews, laboratory reports, posters, oral presentations, or data manipulation exercises.
The following postgraduate funding may be available to study Haematology at the University of Chester.
Erasmus Masters Loans – Offering up to €18,000 for eligible students to study a Masters abroad.
FindAMasters Scholarships – Offering up to £5,000 to new UK, EU and international postgraduates.
Full Time (UK / EU): £6,390
Full Time (international): £11,850 (+£250 per academic year)
Part Time (UK / EU): £710 per 20 credits
Detailed theory teaching and clinical training is given in all sub-specialities of General Internal Medicine with emphasis on clinically relevant, state-of-the-art and topical issues. The following medical sub-specialities will be comprehensively covered in a structured way over 2 years for the University of Buckingham Clinical MD programmes:
The entire curriculum will be taught over 8 terms (for the 2-year MD), with one module per term and 4 terms each year. Students taking the combined Research cum Clinical MD programme will take the MSc in Medical Research in the Clore Laboratory in their first year and then follow the 2-year MD programme.
The total unit value of the Clinical MD curriculum is 360 units. Teaching is delivered over eight courses, each of 45 units:
One unit is equivalent to 10 hours of study, and a typical course may be broken down as follows:
Students will be expected to spend eight 10-week placements at other UK NHS Trusts. A minimum of two terms will be spent at any one trust hospital. This will provide exposure to a broader clinical experience.
During the course of all MD programmes, the teaching plans of individual specialities include attendance at a number of internationally recognised speciality medical conferences within the UK. This affords the MD fellows the opportunity to hear lectures and debates and attend workshops involving internationally renowned speakers on matters of contemporary interest, and to experience the controversies of cutting-edge research in the medical specialities concerned.
At lunch-time each Thursday a Grand Round presentation takes place at Ealing Hospital Postgraduate Centre, in the tradition of all prestigious British postgraduate medical teaching establishments. Consultant staff from medical specialities lead presentations of interesting and unusual clinical cases, followed by a lively session of questions and debate on medical issues raised. Some of the sessions are provided by invited medical speakers of international reputation. Recent advances in medical practice and a wide range of controversial and topical medical issues are discussed with the benefit of authoritative input from senior medical colleagues. This extremely valuable educational resource is part of the routine weekly schedule for all MD fellows.
The Quality Assurance Agency, QAA, is an independent body which checks the quality of UK higher education through an institutional audit. The University of Buckingham voluntarily takes part in this audit process.
This course is delivered by specialists, who are engaged in cutting-edge research, and a variety of visiting specialist lecturers, ranging from Hospital Consultants to Senior Biomedical Scientists. These sessions, which specifically focus on developing areas of biomedical science common to all associated disciplines, include recent advances in genetics and immunology, which will equip you with the skills necessary to either complement your clinical laboratory responsibilities if you are currently employed, or to provide you with essential skills needed for seeking future employment or starting a research career. The course is also a suitable stepping-stone for those considering a career in biomedical research.
The course we provide leads to an Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) accredited MSc Award. As an Institution we have held accredited status for this award for over 25 years, and this is borne out by its continued accreditation by our professional body.
Please note: although this MSc is accredited by the IBMS, completion of this course does not allow you to practice as a registered Biomedical Scientist. To do that, you would need to have studied out Accredited Undergraduate Award and completed your registration portfolio. If you are interested in our BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science award please click here
Typical modules may include
The full-time MSc Biomedical Science route is attractive if you are seeking an academic research career and/or wish to make yourself highly employable in a research laboratory, University Laboratory or in the pharmaceutical industry. You may also wish to continue with a research career, and study towards a PhD.
The part-time route (also available as specialist routes in Medical Microbiology, Clinical Biochemistry, Cellular Pathology or Haematology) is designed for students in full-time employment in biomedical laboratories who are allowed day-release by their employers to improve their professional knowledge.
This course is delivered by specialists, who are engaged in cutting-edge research, and a variety of visiting specialist lecturers, ranging from Hospital Consultants to Senior Biomedical Scientists. These sessions, which specifically focus on developing areas of biomedical science common to all associated disciplines, include recent advances in genetics and immunology, which will equip you with the skills necessary to either complement your clinical laboratory responsibilities if you are currently employed, or to provide you with essential skills needed for seeking future employment or starting a research career. The course is also a suitable stepping-stone for those considering a career in biomedical research.
The course we provide leads to an Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) accredited MSc Award. As an Institution we have held accredited status for this award for over 25 years, and this is borne out by its continued accreditation by our professional body.
Please note: although this MSc is accredited by the IBMS, completion of this course does not allow you to practice as a registered Biomedical Scientist. To do that, you would need to have studied out Accredited Undergraduate Award and completed your registration portfolio. If you are interested in our BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science award please click here
Typical modules may include
The full-time MSc Biomedical Science route is attractive if you are seeking an academic research career and/or wish to make yourself highly employable in a research laboratory, University Laboratory or in the pharmaceutical industry. You may also wish to continue with a research career, and study towards a PhD.
The part-time route (also available as specialist routes in Medical Microbiology, Clinical Biochemistry, Cellular Pathology or Haematology) is designed for students in full-time employment in biomedical laboratories who are allowed day-release by their employers to improve their professional knowledge.
Visit our website for more information on funding options to study at Swansea University - 'Welsh University of the Year 2017' (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2017).
Swansea University is the only UK university to offer a British Blood Transfusion Society approved degree in Advanced Specialist Blood Transfusion.
This is a part-time course that will be delivered via the Work-based Learning (WBL) route with students employed in a variety of heath care settings.
The Master's level course for the Specialist Blood Transfusion has been developed in collaboration with the British Blood Transfusion Society. Members of the British Blood Transfusion Society (BBTS) will work in partnership with colleagues from the College of Human and Health Sciences in providing appropriate support for these students.
The Advanced Specialist Blood Transfusion programme team will provide academic support and facilitation of the WBL and the identified work-based mentor will provide guidance clinically.
Students can therefore be working in a setting distinct from the College and able to work at their own pace and react to learning opportunities in a real life setting.
The BBTS is a professional membership body which is committed to supporting transfusion professionals through the provision of career development and learning opportunities, thus assuring ongoing advancement of blood transfusion and its practitioners. It currently has in excess of 1600 members, representing transfusion professionals at all levels and locations.
Whilst formal training and education has been available for doctors, clinical scientists and biomedical scientists specialising in transfusion medicine for some years, nurses and transfusion practitioners have had limited access to formal programmes of education in blood transfusion. The educational preparation of nurses and transfusion practitioners is critical to promoting safe and effective transfusion practice. The purpose of this degree in Advanced Specialist Blood Transfusion Practice is to prepare the practitioner to achieve the level of expertise that the BBTS has detailed in its curriculum framework for nurses and transfusion practitioners working in UK Blood Services and the wider NHS.
The programme reflects, in part, the content of the original framework for the BBTS Specialist Certificate in Blood Transfusion Science Practice (2008). The framework for the BBTS Specialist Certificate in Transfusion Science Practice for nurses and practitioners working in blood transfusion and associated specialties was compiled by representatives from the BBTS Professional Affairs and Education nursing sub-committee, the UK Blood Services and NHS hospital transfusion team representatives.
The format of work-based learning is well established within the College and concurs with modern learning philosophies, enabling students to learn in their working environment whilst being mentored by experts in their field of practice. This learning enables the employer to support students within their workplace. The student professionally develops whilst continuing to work in their workplace environment.
The CHHS will deliver the Advanced Specialist Blood Transfusion Practice programme in partnership with the BBTS, who will provide subject expertise and curriculum guidance.
This programme is offered on a part-time basis, and will normally take three years to complete.
The MSc programme in Advanced Specialist Blood Transfusion comprises 6 modules (120 credits) and a dissertation (60 credits). The first year will comprise of three 20-credit core modules and the second year will comprise of two 30-credit composite modules. In the final year, students complete the dissertation module (60 credits).
PGDip students undertake the same first and second year modules, but do not undertake the dissertation.
PGCert students undertake the first year modules only.
Modules on the Advanced Specialist Blood Transfusion programme typically include:
The Work Place Learning Journey
The History, Science and Practice of Blood Transfusion
Clinical Governance and its Impact on Managing Adverse Events in Blood Transfusion
Advanced Specialist Practice in Blood Transfusion
Advanced Clinical Governance and Contemporary Issues
Professional Practice in Advanced Specialist Blood Transfusion
Nurses and other allied health care professionals (e.g. ODPs) may be interested in studying for a Master's or postgraduate qualification in Advanced Specialist Blood Transfusion Practice.
The core team for the College of Human and Health Sciences have professional backgrounds in either haematology and/or work-based learning. The programme manager, Mrs Heulwen Morgan-Samuel, has extensive clinical experience in general medical nursing, and has developed expertise in the care of cancer patients, including palliative care, and teaches on many palliative care and oncology modules. She is also the designated lead for haematology nursing in the College. She has published a number of research studies in peer reviewed journals specifically on infection control for the immune-compromised patient and the role of the nurse lecturer in supporting students. Heulwen Morgan- Samuel’s research interests include factors that enhance learning within the clinical environment, student support, principles of care and education for oncology nurses. She has co-edited a revised edition of the Fundamentals of Nursing book which is aimed at the pre registration nursing curriculum designated.
Teaching and learning is based on the best research evidence available, and the programme manager will work in close collaboration with members of the British Blood Transfusion Society (BBTS). Their membership includes professionals from all levels across the transfusion community, maintaining clinical and academic currency, to support and enhance practice in this field. The aim of BBTS is to “play a leading role in safe and effective transfusion practice by delivering high quality education and training, setting standards and promoting research and development and innovation” (BBTS, 2015).
Healthcare professionals employed in the field of blood transfusion that require advanced level education in the speciality would benefit from this degree in Advanced Specialist Blood Transfusion.
It is relevant to those wishing to build on their knowledge of blood transfusions within their existing career, but would also be beneficial to those currently working in an environment that manages blood transfusion who wish to focus and develop their career within this field of practice, as well as being a stepping stone for research study. The knowledge, understanding and skills developed would enhance students' expertise and would build on current practice within their own workplaces.
The Rheumatology MSc,PG Dip course is a part-time study pathway that will develop your understanding of the scientific basis and clinical practice of Rheumatology. The course develops the capacity to understand and critically evaluate research findings, enhances communication and management skills and fosters a multidisciplinary approach to rheumatological care. You are encouraged to publish work in peer-reviewed rheumatology journals.
The course covers the clinical and basic knowledge base of rheumatology in a modular structure:
Students also undertake a research project.
Teaching
The Rheumatology MSc/PG Dip is a part-time course with 18 teaching days per annum. There are approximately 126 hours of taught contact with additional hours associated with assignment preparation, working with a supervisor and feedback. You are required to undertake compulsory NHS placements during the course. Additionally, there are revision seminars and workshops arranged, plus one-to-one support from a King's College academic.
You will also be expected to undertake a significant amount of independent study. The taught component of the course is designed to be an introduction/overview to a large topic area. If you are studying at an MSc level, you will be expected to undertake further reading from a reading list and to have frequent contact with the Programme Director.
Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work.
Assessment
You will be assessed through a combination of coursework and examinations.
Location
This course is primarily taught at the King’s College London Guy’s and Denmark Hill campuses. Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the choice of modules offered at the time. Clinical education is arranged in work-based placements in a variety of settings primarily in the Greater London area, although some placements are based further afield in the South East of England.
Course accreditation
MSc pathway follows The Joint Royal College of Physicians Training Board Specialty Training Curriculum.
The majority of students continue to work in the NHS during study and use the programme for career development in the NHS.