Masters degrees in Cellular Pathology equip postgraduates with the skills to detect, study and treat the effects and nature of diseases within cellular structures of the human body.
Related postgraduate specialisms include Biomedical Science and Clinical Oncology. Entry requirements usually include an undergraduate degree in a relevant subject, such as Medicine or Biology.
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 will enable you to enhance your knowledge and understanding of modern cellular pathology through a range of option modules. In addition, the core modules in cellular pathology are designed to deliver a comprehensive overview of contemporary technical practice in the context of service delivery to the pathologist for diagnostic practice, or for the scientist engaged in cell and tissue-based research.
Our specialist cellular pathology modules are supported by the online use of interactive digital microscopy, for example in pathology case studies, to illustrate the applications of a range of visualisation methods in cellular pathology. Practical experience in research design and methodology is gained through the laboratory-based research project.
The course is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS).
As a graduate of this course you will possess a range of transferable skills that will enhance your employment prospects and your research opportunities in the UK or overseas.
For those biomedical scientists (or international equivalents) undertaking continuing professional development, this course will enhance your knowledge base in your chosen specialist discipline and open up the potential for career advancement or moves towards involvement in research and development.
Successful completion of the course will enhance the career prospects of graduates for entering PhD programmes. You may also find employment in hospital laboratories, academia, research institutes, or in the pharmaceutical and related industries.
If you have a background in biomedical science, biology, medicine and life sciences, this course allows you to develop your knowledge in selected areas of biomedical science.
You gain advanced knowledge and understanding of the scientific basis of disease, with focus on the underlying cellular processes that lead to disease. You also learn about the current methods used in disease diagnosis and develop practical skills in our well-equipped teaching laboratories.
As well as studying the fundamentals of pathology, you can choose one specialist subject from • cellular pathology • microbiology and immunology • blood sciences. Your work focuses on the in vitro diagnosis of disease. You develop the professional skills needed to further your career. These skills include • research methods and statistics • problem solving • the role of professional bodies and accreditation • regulation and communication.
This course is taught by active researchers in the biomedical sciences who have on-going programmes of research in the Biomolecular Sciences Research Centre together with experts from hospital pathology laboratories.
Most of your practical work is carried out in our teaching laboratories which contain industry standard equipment for cell culture, quantitative nucleic acid and protein analysis and a sophisticated suite of analytical equipment such as HPLC and gas chromatography.
Many of our research facilities including flow cytometry, confocal microscopy and mass spectrometry are also used in taught modules and projects and our tutors are experts in these techniques.
The teaching on the course is split between formal lectures and tutorials, and laboratory-based work. A third of the course is a laboratory-based research project, where full-time students are assigned to a tutor who is an active research in the biomedical research centre. Part-time students carry out their research project within the workplace under the guidance of a workplace and university supervisor.
Three core modules each have two full-day laboratory sessions and the optional module applied biomedical techniques is almost entirely lab-based. Typically taught modules have a mixture of lectures and tutorials. The research methods and statistics modules are tutorial-led with considerable input from the course leader who acts as personal tutor.
The course content is underpinned by relevant high quality research. Our teaching staff regularly publish research articles in international peer-reviewed journals and are actively engaged in research into • cancer • musculoskeletal diseases • human reproduction • neurological disease • hospital acquired infection • immunological basis of disease.
Professional recognition
This course is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) who commended us on
The masters (MSc) award is achieved by successfully completing 180 credits.
The postgraduate certificate (PgCert) is achieved by successfully completing 60 credits.
The postgraduate diploma (PgDip) is achieved by successfully completing 120 credits.
Core modules
Optional modules
Assessment methods include written examinations and coursework such as
Research project assessment includes a written report, presentation and portfolio.
This course enables you to start to develop your career in various applications of biomedical science including pathology, government funded research labs or the life sciences industry. It is also for scientists working in hospital or bioscience-related laboratories particularly as biomedical scientists who want to expand their knowledge and expertise in this area.
You gain advanced level knowledge and understanding of the scientific basis of disease, with focus on the underlying cellular processes that lead to disease. You also learn about the current methods used in disease diagnosis and develop relevant practical skills.
As well as studying the fundamentals of pathology, you can choose one specialist subject from
If you choose the MSc route you also take a project module.
Most of your practical work is carried out in our teaching laboratories which contain industry standard equipment for cell culture, quantitative nucleic acid and protein analysis and a sophisticated suite of analytical equipment such as HPLC and gas chromatography.
Many of our research facilities including flow cytometry, confocal microscopy and mass spectrometry are also used in taught modules and projects, and our tutors are experts in these techniques
You develop the professional skills needed to further your career. These skills include • research methods and statistics • problem solving • the role of professional bodies and accreditation • regulation • communication.
The teaching on the course is split between formal lectures and tutorials, and laboratory-based work. A third of the course is a laboratory-based research project, where you are assigned to a tutor who is an active researcher in the Biomolecular Sciences Research Centre.
Three core modules each have two full-day laboratory sessions and the optional module applied biomedical techniques is almost entirely lab-based. Typically taught modules have a mixture of lectures and tutorials. The professional development and research methods and statistics modules are tutorial-led with considerable input from the course leader who acts as personal tutor.
This course is taught by active researchers in the biomedical sciences who have on-going programmes of research in the Biomolecular Sciences Research Centre together with experts from hospital pathology laboratories.
The course content is underpinned by relevant high quality research. Our teaching staff regularly publish research articles in international peer-reviewed journals and are actively engaged in research into • cancer • musculoskeletal diseases • human reproduction • neurological disease • hospital acquired infection • immunological basis of disease.
The masters (MSc) award is achieved by successfully completing 180 credits.
The postgraduate certificate (PgCert) is achieved by successfully completing 60 credits.
The postgraduate diploma (PgDip) is achieved by successfully completing 120 credits.
Core modules:
Optional modules:
Assessment methods include written examinations and coursework, such as:
Research project assessment involves a written report and viva voce.
As a graduate you can start or develop your career in pathology, biomedical sciences or research labs and industry within the biomedical field. It’s also for scientists working in hospital or bioscience-related laboratories particularly as biomedical scientists who want to expand their knowledge and expertise in this area.
Biomed Online is aimed at employees across the health sector who want to keep abreast of the latest developments in biomedical science, healthcare management and related subjects. The Biomed Online Learning programme is managed by a consortium of:
Courses are approved for continuing professional development (CPD) by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS), the leading body for those working in the field.
There are 16 structured online courses currently on offer, with more in the pipeline. Each has been specifically tailored to meet workplace needs and each is delivered online with full support from an experienced practitioner. Together they provide a flexible, practical way to learn, either for CPD or towards a Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert), Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) or Master's degree (MSc).
Complete two 12 week online modules and gain either a PGCert Biomedical Science (Online) award, a PG Cert in Healthcare Quality Management or a PG Cert in Healthcare Management. Each course comprises two components:
Complete four 12 week online modules and gain either a PGDip Biomedical Science (Online) award, a PG Diploma in Healthcare Quality Management or a PG Diploma in Healthcare Management. You can take it further by applying for the MSc programme after completing four online courses and once you have your project idea established.
Complete four online modules and complete a research project and gain an MSc Biomedical Science (Online) award. The MSc can be completed over six years and is validated by the University of Greenwich and accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science.
Your project will be an independent piece of work, laboratory based and audit focused. A significant aspect of the project will be critical evaluation and comparison with material published in journals or where appropriate, work done in other comparable hospitals.
The project will be relevant to your profession and potentially life changing. You will be supported all the way through from how to get started, structuring your project, write up and submission.
Year 1
Students are required to choose 60 credits from this list of options.
Year 2
Students are required to choose 60 credits from this list of options.
Year 3
Students are required to study the following compulsory courses.
Students are assessed through:
The programme is directed mainly towards those working in NHS / healthcare laboratories, with the intention of providing opportunities for professional advancement following registration and for continuing professional development.
Biomed Online Learning Programme is open to national and international students but due to the nature of the project, the MSc Programme is only open to students working in a hospital/laboratory setting in the UK.
Either biomedical science Masters offered at Nottingham Trent University are accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science.
This MSc Biomedical Science course provides a biological understanding of human disease processes, the treatment principles of such diseases, and the underlying biological disciplines that enable their study and explanation. It has extensive links with BioCity Nottingham, the city's groundbreaking healthcare and biosciences centre. One of the largest innovation and incubation centres of its kind in Europe.
This course can be taken full-time for one year or add an additional work placement year to make it two years; or go part-time.
If you would like to study part-time and through distance learning for a Masters qualification while continuing to work, then this flexible programme is for you - MSc Biomedical Science (Flexible Learning). It is designed to further your career in the healthcare profession, biomedical industry or in academia and has the potential to lead on to a professional doctorate.
With multiple entry points in September, January and April, take this Masters as a part-time option or study individual modules for continuing professional development points.
Visit us on campus throughout the year, find and register for our next open event on http://www.ntu.ac.uk/pgevents.
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.
For health care professionals from diverse backgrounds who wish to expand their knowledge of theoretical and practical aspects of oncology, including:
A full-time programme is also available.
The aim of this programme is to give you a scientific understanding of the cellular basis of cancer. We will then discuss how understanding the molecular pathology of the disease can help in stratifying patients to personalised cancer therapeutic approaches and disease management.
Aiming to allow you to understand the research process, this programme draws on examples from within this renowned research Institute and its associated Clinical Trials Unit. A key part of this Masters programme is the planning, execution and reporting of a piece of independent study leading to submission of a dissertation.
At all levels we aim to encourage interactive rather than didactic learning and lecturing. Therefore, in addition to assembling and learning facts you will also to consider some of the philosophical challenges which underlie the treatment of cancer.
The programme is studied part time over 2.5 years and includes a taught element plus a work place based dissertation. During the first year you normally study 4 taught modules (5 weeks of attendance), whilst in the second year you normally study 3 taught modules (3 weeks of attendance) plus start your dissertation. The programme however is intended to be flexible and other patterns of study are permitted (please discuss with the programme lead (Dr Jean Assender).
You can opt for a Postgraduate Diploma on completion of the core modules and 30 credits of optional modules, or an MSc on successful completion of the taught programme and an independently researched dissertation.
As a Birmingham student, you will be joining the academic elite and will have the privilege of learning from world-leading experts, as well as your peers. From the outset you will be encouraged to become an independent and self-motivated learner. We want you to be challenged and will encourage you to think for yourself.
This programme is delivered via one or two 5 day blocks of teaching from Monday to Friday approx 9am-5.30pm. You will participate in a range of teaching styles such as lectures, eLectures (Surgical Oncology sample), small group tutorials, presentations, peer group learning, self-study etc.
You will have access to a comprehensive support system that will assist and encourage you, including personal tutors and welfare tutors who can help with both academic and welfare issues.
So you can get an idea of what some of our students have to say about the programmes we have been in touch with them and compiled some of their comments into student profiles for you to have a look at:
Dr Selvi Radhakrishna, a recent graduate from the PG Diploma in Clinical Oncology programme here at the University of Birmingham, has written a book that presents the various cultural issues an Indian woman might face when diagnosed with breast cancer. This New Indian Express article tells the story.
Careers Support for Postgraduate Students
Careers Network – We can help you get ahead in the job market and develop your career
We recognise that as a postgraduate student you are likely to have specific requirements when it comes to planning for your next career step. Employers expect postgraduates to have a range of skills that exceed their subject knowledge. Careers Network offers a range of events and support services that are designed for all students, including postgraduates looking to find their niche in the job market. The Careers Network also have subject specific careers consultants and advisers for each College so you can be assured the information you receive will be relevant to your subject area. For more information visit the Careers Network website.
This course offers you an ideal opportunity to enhance your career prospects in a range of specialist areas within biomedical science. You will enrich and update your knowledge, gaining a postgraduate qualification which will help you achieve progression at work.
This IBMS accredited course is carefully tailored to maximise your employability within bioscience and offers an unrivalled range of professional expertise and top class facilities. You will learn both practical and theoretical aspects of clinical chemistry, medical microbiology, cellular pathology and haematology. It will offer you the chance to study a core MSc alongside a specialisation within different areas of Biosciences.
This course is designed and tailored to your own preferred specialism in either of the following: Biotechnology and Genomics; Cancer Biology and Therapeutics; Clinical Microbiology and Immunology; Medical Physiology or Toxicology.
You will learn about research methods and how to use diagnostics when detecting diseases or other medical conditions in order to assess potential treatments. Teaching will be based on lectures, seminars, workshops, independent web-based learning and laboratory-based learning in our state-of-the-art facilities. The broad field of learning also suits people who are simply interested in furthering their knowledge of the subject. The course can be worked around a full-time job and there are intermediate awards available – a PG Diploma and a PG Certificate.
