Biomedical Science (Blood Science)

Biomedical Science (Blood Science) - MSc

Specialising in the field of blood science, you will study the crucial role that Pre-Analytical Processing, Clinical Biochemistry, Haematology and Coagulation, Immunology, Blood Transfusion, Point of Care Testing, and Phlebotomy have in healthcare. Accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS), our MSc draws on the experiences of practicing health professionals to examine clinical and research applications within clinical biochemistry, immunology, haematology and transfusion science. With access to state-of-the-art facilities, you’ll develop advanced laboratory techniques, and core practical skills in areas such as project management, writing grant proposals and business plans.

Month of entry

September, January

Mode of study

Full time, Part time

Location

Keele University campus

Subject area

Health and Rehabilitation, Life Sciences, Natural Sciences, Science

Fees for 2025/26 academic year

UK - Full time £11,400 per year. Part time £6,300 per year.
International - £17,700 per year.

Duration of study

1 year full time, 2 years part time

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Why study Biomedical Science (Blood Science) at Keele University?

Accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) – the leading professional body for scientists, support staff and students in biomedical science

Benefit from Keele's £45m investment in state-of-the-art science facilities

Teaching is consolidated to support workplace or personal commitments – you'll only spend two days a week at the University if you're studying full-time, or one day if you're part-time

Engage with world-class researchers and biomedical scientists with expertise in parasitology, bacteriology and virology

Opportunity for holders of the IBMS Specialist Diploma to enrol with accredited prior certified learning, gaining exemption from one of five modules

Course summary

This IBMS-accredited MSc Biomedical Science (Blood Science) course focuses on the diagnostic, research and clinical techniques that use (predominantly) patient blood samples to successfully identify, treat and manage medical conditions.

Blood analysis helps to identify markers of disease and health conditions such as diabetes, HIV, cancer and coronary heart disease, while transfusions – of red blood cells, platelets and plasma – are used to treat patients having surgery or with medical conditions such as anaemia, cancer blood disorders.

Biomedical science is one of the broadest areas of modern science and medicine. By developing new treatments and uncovering new knowledge which can save and improve lives, it is arguably one of the most important too.

Blood Sciences is one of four different and distinct laboratory disciplines within the field of Biomedical Science, as outlined by the IBMS, alongside Infection Sciences, Cell Sciences, and Genetics and Molecular Pathology.

Building on existing, undergraduate knowledge in basic science, you’ll undertake higher level scientific training to develop the advanced laboratory and analytical skills needed in clinical or research contexts, fully aware of the potential implications for patients, health workers and research alike.

Incorporating the study of clinical biochemistry, medical immunology, haematology and transfusion science, the emphasis on this MSc is to look at health and disease from a patient or population-oriented perspective and in support of evidence-based clinical decision-making.

As well as real-life case studies covering thyroid function disorders, heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, and malaria, for example, you’ll hear direct from practicing health professionals working in local NHS Trusts. This provides a unique opportunity not only to make valuable contacts for your future career, but also discuss UK public health trends, such as advances in screening and diagnostics, novel treatments and therapies.

We pay particular attention to the development of core practical skills in areas such as critical thinking, innovation, communication, problem-solving and project management. Preparing you to take on more senior roles, you’ll become familiar with biomedical ethics, aware of how to fully integrate these issues, for example, when writing grant proposals and business plans.

You'll have significant flexibility when choosing your research project which could take the form of any of the following: laboratory-based research; virtual or dry laboratory-based research; bioinformatics analysis; a clinical audit; or systematic review of current literature. It may be possible to undertake your research project within the NHS or, if you're already working in the science sector, you could tackle a problem or issue that could affect real change for your employer.

The School of Life Sciences is recognised nationally and internationally for its excellence in research and teaching with all of its programmes accredited either by the Royal Society for Biology and/or the IBMS. It has developed strong collaborative relationships with a range of diagnostic and clinical specialists who currently work in NHS Trusts and associated industries. These specialist practitioners not only help shape the curriculum to ensure you graduate with the skills and knowledge real employers need, but also provide valuable contributions to our teaching. Guest lectures have previously covered, for example, screening of newborn babies, endocrinology and infertility, lipid disorder and tumour markers.

Other courses you might be interested in:

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"My master's degree built on the skills and knowledge I had gained during my undergrad, as well as providing a great insight into the specialised fields, modalities and disciplines of a hospital pathology department. This course offers incredible opportunities and is an excellent step for those who desire to pursue careers in clinical or research-based biomedical science."

Ben, Biomedical Science (Blood Science)

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Course structure

The MSc Biomedical Science (Blood Science) provides multidisciplinary postgraduate training which aims to develop your subject-specific knowledge and understanding, as well as your critical, analytical and scientific skills.

The course can be studied as either a one-year full-time or two-year part-time course, with a September or January start date. To achieve the MSc as a full time student, you must complete 180 credits, studying five modules including the Biomedical Science Research Project (60 credits), Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology (semester one), and Haematology and Transfusion Science (semester two).

Part-time students will complete Scientific Leadership and Innovation; and Haematology & Transfusion Science modules in their first year and Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology and Advanced Research Skills in their second.

If you hold the IBMS Specialist Diploma and successfully enrol on the course with accredited prior certified learning, you can claim exemption from two of the seven modules – the Research Methodologies and Advanced Laboratory Techniques modules.

The full-time programme is structured so that all taught sessions are delivered in just two days of the working week, though you are expected to undertake independent study over the remaining three days. If you wish to study part-time, you’ll only be required on campus one day a week over two years, making it much easier to study around childcare or other commitments.

Semester one focuses on two main areas, the first being biomedical ethics, grant application, leadership and project management. The second area focuses on the clinical and diagnostic implications of Blood Science for patients and health workers, with the major emphasis being on clinical biochemistry and immunology.

In Semester two, you will explore clinical and diagnostic implications of Blood Science for patients and health workers, with the major emphasis being on haematology and blood transfusion. You'll also study methodological approaches, advanced research techniques and laboratory skills.

Semester three demonstrates your understanding of the philosophy and principles of research, and your competence in the design, execution, analysis and reporting of a professional research project. This could include lab-based research here within the School, clinical audits in partnership with local NHS providers, data analysis or a systematic review. Any biomedical science practitioners studying the course will be expected to choose a project based on their personal area of speciality, completing laboratory and data collection in conjunction with their employers.

There are two interim awards available, depending on how many modules have been successfully completed: a Postgraduate Certificate for any two modules (60 credits); and a Postgraduate Diploma for all four taught modules (120 credits).

Modules

The module details given below are indicative, they are intended to provide you with an idea of the range of subjects that are taught to our current students. The modules that will be available for you to study in future years are prone to change as we regularly review our teaching to ensure that it is up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods, as well as student voice. The information presented is therefore not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules available in any given year.

Compulsory modules

LSC-40123 Scientific Leadership and Innovation* (30 credits, semester one)
This module will focus on key professional competencies, equipping you with the the knowledge, insight and frameworks to identify emerging issues in the field, develop innovative solutions and lead on new scientific endeavours. We take a discussion-based approach to delivery, using case studies and lived experiences to develop a keen understanding of biomedical ethics, leadership and project management. The assessment strategy provides you an opportunity to pursue an area of personal interest and demonstrate your commitment to continued professional development and communities of practice.

LSC-40051 Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology (30 credits, semester one)
The aim of this module is to give you a deep understanding of the role that Clinical Biochemistry and Medical Immunology departments play in the provision of healthcare across the UK. You will explore how disease and disorders relevant to Blood Sciences affect the human body with emphasis on incidence/prevalence, aetiology and pathology (cellular, molecular or whole system). You will develop key analytical skills used to assess, investigate and evaluate pathobiology and patient pathways, focusing on the different biomarkers available and their roles in screening, diagnosis, monitoring or prognosis.

LSC-40127 Advanced Research Skills* (30 credits, semester two)
This module focusses on the development of Advanced Scientific Research Skills. Through a series of tutorial sessions, student-led journal clubs, laboratory practicals and multidisciplinary team meetings (MDT) you will develop both your scientific practice (interpretation, critique, communication) and practical laboratory skills. Teaching will be centred around a core clinical case study with diagnostic elements applicable to both the haematology and medical microbiology routes. MDT meetings will provide the opportunity to share expertise.

LSC-40053 Haematology and Transfusion Science (30 credits, semester two)
You will gain a deeper understanding of how pathobiology can adversely affect metabolism and physiology. As part of this module, you will meet practicing health professionals from local NHS Trusts. They will talk to you about their role in the delivery of modern-day health care and explain how health practitioners working in Haematology and Blood Transfusion use pathobiology knowledge to assess, investigate and evaluate patient needs.

LSC-40059 Biomedical Science Research Project* (60 credits, semester three)
This module represents the culmination of your learning as a Masters student. This is an excellent opportunity for you to work alongside colleagues to undertake a significant research project. This could include lab-based research here within the School; clinical audits in partnership with local NHS providers; data analysis or a systematic review.
The module will end with a mini student-conference, providing you with an opportunity to meet all of your colleagues, present your main findings in a professional setting and learn what each of you has been doing. Practitioner Biomedical Scientists, or equivalent, taking this programme are expected to design a project based on their personal area of speciality and conducted within their workplace. It is expected that the project will reflect a partnership between their workplace and the University.

* Module shared with students following the MSc Biomedical Science (Medical Microbiology)

Students who have attained the IBMS Specialist Diploma and are successfully enrolling with accredited prior certified learning are exempt from the following two modules - LSC-40033 Advanced Laboratory Techniques, and LSC-40038 Research Methodologies.

Requirements for an award

In order to obtain the Master’s degree, students are required to satisfactorily accrue 180 M Level credits. Students who exit having accrued 60 or 120 M Level credits excluding the ‘Dissertation – Biomedical Science Research Project’ are eligible to be awarded the Postgraduate Certificate (PgC) and Postgraduate Diploma (PgD) respectively.

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Accreditation

This programme is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) as the professional body of Biomedical Scientists within the United Kingdom. The IBMS aims to promote and develop the role of Biomedical Science within healthcare to deliver the best possible service for patient care and safety. This ensures that, through a spirit of partnership between the Institute and the University, a good quality degree is achieved that prepares the student for employment in circumstances requiring sound judgement, critical thinking, personal responsibility and initiative in complex and unpredictable professional environments.

IBMS accreditation assures students and employers that the learning outcomes of an IBMS accredited postgraduate degree courses meet or exceed the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) qualification descriptors for a higher education qualification at Masters level (Level 7).

Please note that an IBMS accredited postgraduate degree does not count towards the academic requirements for Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registration. It does however meet the requirements for registration with the Science Council as a Chartered Scientist (CSci) if other eligibility criteria of corporate membership and active engagement in Continued Professional Development are met. A Master’s level qualification is also one of the entry criteria for the Institute’s Higher Specialist Examination and award of the Higher Specialist Diploma, a route towards the membership grade of Fellowship and designation FIBMS.

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Entry requirements

The following section details our typical entry requirements for this course for a range of UK and international qualifications. If you don't see your qualifications listed, please contact us to find out if we can accept your qualifications.

Typical offer

Please ensure that you read the full entry requirements by selecting your qualifications from the dropdown menu below. This will include any subject specific, GCSE/Level 2 Maths, and English language requirements you may need.

Typical offer: 2:2 degree in a bioscience, medical, or pharmacology related subject Additional criteria apply

Please select your country from the drop-down list below for the full entry requirement information

UK

2:2 degree in a bioscience, medical, or pharmacology related subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

Bangladesh

60% in a 4-year degree or 3-year degree with a 2-year Master's in a bioscience, medical, or pharmacology related subject from a public university
or
CGPA 2.8 in a 4-year degree or 3-year degree with a 2-year Master's in a bioscience, medical, or pharmacology related subject from a private university
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience

We don’t accept degrees from certain universities, please see our Bangladesh Country Page for more information

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

Canada

70% or C or a GPA of 2.5 in a degree (Ordinary or Honours) in a biomedical, pharmacology or bioscience related subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

China

70% in a degree in a bioscience, medical, or pharmacology related subject
or
65% in a degree in a bioscience, medical, or pharmacology related subject from a '211' university
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

Ghana

Second class degree in a bioscience, medical, or pharmacology related subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

India

55% or CGPA 6/10 in a degree of at least 3 years in a bioscience, medical, or pharmacology related subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

Kenya

Second class degree in a bioscience, medical, or pharmacology related subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

Nepal

60% / 2.4 in a 4-year Bachelor's degree in a bioscience, medical, or pharmacology related subject
or
65% / CGPA 2.8 in a 3-year Bachelor's degree in a bioscience, medical, or pharmacology related subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

Nigeria

Second class degree in a bioscience, medical, or pharmacology related subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

Pakistan

We accept a range of qualifications from Pakistan. Please visit our Pakistan Country Page for more information

or we will consider demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience

You will also need an English language qualification (see below)

South Africa

Second class division 2 / 60% in a Bachelor's degree with Honours in a bioscience, medical, or pharmacology related subject
or
Second class division 1 / 70% in an Ordinary Bachelor's degree in a bioscience, medical, or pharmacology related subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

Sri Lanka

55% in a Special Bachelor's degree in a bioscience, medical, or pharmacology related subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

Uganda

Second class degree in a bioscience, medical, or pharmacology related subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

Zimbabwe

Second class degree in a bioscience, medical, or pharmacology related subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

Students who do not meet the entry requirements for this course, we offer the opportunity to take a Pre-MSc programme. For more information follow the link to the Graduate Diploma in Biomedical Science course.

English language requirements

All of our courses require an English language qualification or test. For most students, this requirement can be met with a 4 or C in GCSE English. Please see our English Language guidance pages for further details, including English language test information for international students. For those students who require an English language test, this course requires a test from Group C.

References

Normally, you will need to provide at least one academic reference to support your application unless you have been out of study longer than two years. If it has been more than two years since you last studied on a degree-level programme, you will normally need to provide an employment reference instead. For more information about Academic References, please see our Postgraduate how to apply web pages.

Personal Statement/Statement of Purpose

Please see our Postgraduate how to apply web pages for guidance on what to include in your personal statement.

Recognition of Prior Learning

The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process which enables applicants to receive recognition and formal credit for learning acquired in the past through formal study or work and life experiences.

RPL can also be requested for admission onto the start of a programme in lieu of the admission requirements. For more information, see our Recognition of Prior Learning web pages.

Professional qualifications and work experience

The majority of our courses will consider relevant work experience and/or professional qualifications at the appropriate level, as an alternative to an undergraduate degree for entry. The work experience should be for a sustained period and at a suitable level, based within a relevant sector to your chosen course.

Admissions staff will review your work experience and/or professional qualifications during the assessment of your application to ensure suitability in terms of relevancy, level and appropriate learning outcomes.

General information

The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the typical offer which would be made to candidates, along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate's application.

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"The MSc is great; it gives you the opportunity to tailor the course to some of your own personal interests with the modules that enable you to choose your own essay titles, as well as receiving lectures from professionals within the clinical field, a great opportunity. It has provided me with adaptable skills that I believe have helped me secure my dream job!"

Brittany, Biomedical Science (Blood Science)

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"The course covered a range of current topical areas taught by experts in the field ranging from practising university lecturers, laboratory staff and consultants. This allowed me to create a number of valuable contacts which, in turn, led to me securing a Biomedical Scientist position at my local hospital. I am currently undertaking a vast amount of training in the Haematology department and feel the MSc has created solid foundations. "

George, Biomedical Science (Blood Science)

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Your career

Biomedical science sit at the heart of multidisciplinary teams in healthcare, providing the vital scientific information which informs clinical decisions, monitors patient conditions, investigates disease and identifies ways to stop or fight infection.

The roles open to you on graduation are vast and varied and include: drug testing, infection control, cancer screen, forensics, pharmaceutical research, blood donation, transfusion services, rapid response labs, point of care testing, armed forces, and teaching. You could also enter the commercial field in technical support roles and sales in the research and healthcare markets.

The general skills you’ll gain – for example, in data analysis, investigation, interpretation, problem-solving, critical thinking, communication, observation, project management – are highly valued by employers and relevant to almost any career path.

While the specialist research skills you learn provide a strong foundation for pursuing further study at doctoral level for those interested in doing so. You could embark on a research career that may include research and development roles within academia, research institutes or industry.

Graduates of this course have gone on to PhD study, medical writing and to become a Biomedical Scientist (depending on their undergraduate degree). Some have gone to to study medicine or the Scientist Training Programme to become Clinical Scientists. Many students have completed postgraduate study to support a promotion application and/or enhance current career prospects.

Positions may include:

Academic (PhD, teaching careers)
Bioinformatician
Biomedical engineer/scientist
Biophysicist
Cell processing and manufacturing specialist
Clinical operations researcher
Clinical research scientist
Clinical trials researcher/coordinator
Computational biologist
Drug development scientist
Geneticist
Grant writer
Industrial research scientist/analyst
Medical degree
Medical laboratory scientist
Microfluidic scientist
NHS biomedical scientist
Product development scientist
Research technician
Research trainee/fellow
Science entrepreneur
Scientific consulting
Scientific sales representative
Scientist in cell/gene therapy labs (R&D)
Scientist in Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) labs (R&D)
Scientist in pharma (R&D)
Synthetic biologist

Next steps

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"The course is well structured and is delivered through a variety of modalities that range from autonomous case-based learning, to lectures delivered by local experts. The variety ensured that it remained engaging and interesting throughout the year for me."

Tom, Biomedical Science (Blood Science)

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Teaching, learning and assessment

How you'll be taught

The course is primarily taught through subject-centred lectures, seminars and laboratory-based sessions. This is supported by a range of workshops, tutorials, guest lectures and research seminars.

On this programme, the ways in which you approach, integrate and apply new knowledge and problem-solving are just as important as the acquisition of higher level information itself. For this reason, we place particular emphasis on developing critical thinking, innovation, reflective writing, autonomous learning and communication skills to prepare you for a lifetime of continued professional development.

The teaching and learning methods employed throughout this programme reflect these principles. For example, we approach the subject from a patient-orientated, case study driven perspective through case-based learning (CBL) that encourages you to think laterally, joining up different pieces of information and developing a more holistic level of understanding.

Two of the modules, Scientific Leadership and Innovation, and Advanced Research Skills, are taught alongside students from the MSc Biomedical Science (Medical Microbiology) course. This provides opportunities to meet and exchange ideas with peers who work in different fields and specialities and in other parts of the country, sometimes the world.

How you’ll be assessed

Modules are assessed by a mixture of assessment methods, including lab reports, essays, presentations and open book examinations to demonstrate your understanding of subject-specific content, as well as your analytical abilities and your evaluation of particular concepts and methodologies. Formative assessment occurs in a continuous process driven by lecturer-led discussion sessions, one-on-one mentoring, and practice presentations and posters. Note that not all modules culminate in a final examination.

The rich and varied assessment strategy helps to ensure the development of employability and academic skills, providing an opportunity to demonstrate both professional and academic attainment. Assessment design is largely driven by a number of key principles which include: promotion of independent learning, student autonomy, responsibility for personal learning and development of innovation and originality within one’s chosen area of interest.

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Keele Postgraduate Association

Keele University is one of a handful of universities in the UK to have a dedicated students' union for postgraduate students. A fully registered charity, Keele Postgraduate Association serves as a focal point for the social life and welfare needs of all postgraduate students during their time at Keele.

KPA interior

Hugely popular, the KPA Clubhouse (near Horwood Hall) provides a dedicated postgraduate social space and bar on campus, where you can grab a bite to eat and drink, sit quietly and read a book, or switch off from academic life at one of the many regular events organised throughout the year. The KPA also helps to host a variety of conferences, as well as other academic and career sessions, to give you and your fellow postgraduates the opportunities to come together to discuss your research, and develop your skills and networks.

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