Biomedical Science (Medical Microbiology) - MSc
Biomedical scientists, microbiologists and virologists play a critical role in preventing, diagnosing, treating and managing the spread of infection. Accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science, our MSc aims to deepen your understanding of disease processes and the methods used to test, analyse and monitor them. Keele has long-established expertise in infectious diseases and conducts research in collaboration with worldwide networks including ECLIPSE.
Month of entry
- September, January
Mode of study
- Full time, Part time
Location
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
Why study Biomedical Science (Medical Microbiology) at Keele University?
Course summary
This Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) accredited MSc Biomedical Science (Medical Microbiology) course focuses on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment infectious diseases, incorporating the study of microbiology and virology.
Comprising of all aspects of human health and disease, 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.
Infection Sciences is one of four different and distinct laboratory disciplines within the field of Biomedical Science, as outlined by the IBMS, alongside Blood Sciences, Cell Sciences, and Genetics and Molecular Pathology. At Keele, we also offer an MSc Biomedical Science (Blood Science) covering clinical biochemistry, medical immunology and haematology, as well as a Graduate Diploma in Biomedical Science.
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.
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. Real-life case studies on travel associated infections, outbreaks of infectious disease and vector-borne infections, for example, provide up-to-date information on different aspects of disease caused by bacteria and viruses, which laboratory tests and diagnostics were applied and why.
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 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, medial mycology, antimicrobial stewardship, and public health outbreak investigation.
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Next steps
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.
Course structure
The MSc Biomedical Science (Medical Microbiology) 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 compulsory modules, including the Biomedical Science Research Project, Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases.
Part-time students will complete the following modules in their first year of study: Scientific Leadership and Innovation; Infectious Diseases and the following modules in their second year of study: Medical Microbiology and Advanced Research Skills.
If you hold the IBMS Specialist Diploma and successfully enrol on the course with accredited prior certified learning, you can claim exemption from one of the five modules - Advanced Research Skills.
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 role of medical microbiology in the assessment, investigation and evaluation of the relationship between microorganisms and the host and clinical manifestations by body system.
In Semester two, you will study methodological approaches, advanced research techniques and laboratory skills. You will also examine the role of epidemiology in the investigation of disease and health outcomes, the laboratory's role in the establishment of relationships between organisms and outbreaks, antimicrobial therapy and alternatives and the local and global response to communicable disease.
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-40049 Medical Microbiology (30 credits, semester one)
Taught by both experienced healthcare practitioners and prominent biomedical science researchers, you will explore the role of medical microbiology in the delivery of modern-day healthcare, giving you a critical insight into the patient pathway. This module aims to develop and enhance your understanding of the clinical and technical role of medical microbiology laboratories in the diagnosis and monitoring of infectious disease. You will develop key analytical skills used to assess, investigate and evaluate pathobiology and patient pathways, and to develop evidence-based arguments to support clinical decision-making. Lectures will be supported by a number of patient cases delivered in small group tutorials using a case-based learning approach. Typical subject areas include bacteriology, virology, parasitology and mycology.
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-40055 Infectious Disease (30 credits, semester two)
Infectious diseases represent a significant threat to the human population and require a multidisciplinary, global approach. Taught by tutors working within or related to the field of the treatment and control of infectious diseases, you’ll focus on the role of epidemiology in the investigation of disease, prediction of communicable disease outbreaks and health outcomes. This includes the role of the laboratory in the establishment of relationships between organisms and outbreaks, antimicrobial therapy and alternatives, and the local and global response to communicable disease.
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 (Blood Science)
Students who have attained the IBMS Specialist Diploma and are successfully enrolling with accredited prior certified learning are exempt from the following module: LSC-40127 Advanced Research Skills.
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 are eligible to be awarded the Postgraduate Certificate (PgC) and Postgraduate Diploma (PgD) respectively.
Next steps
Entry requirements
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.
Next steps
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.
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.
Funding
We are committed to rewarding excellence and potential. Please visit our scholarships and bursaries webpage for more information.
Please note, if your course offers a January start date, the January 2025 start date falls in the 2024/25 academic year. Please see the January 2025 fees for the relevant fees for starting this course in January 2025
Planning your funding
It's important to plan carefully for your funding before you start your course. Please be aware that not all postgraduate courses and not all students are eligible for the UK government postgraduate loans and, in some cases, you would be expected to source alternative funding yourself. If you need support researching your funding options, please contact our Financial Support Team.
For continuing students, fees will increase annually by RPIX, with a maximum cap of 5% per year.
Next steps
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 scientists
- 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
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 (Blood Science) 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 online 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.
Next steps
Our expertise
Teaching staff
The School of Life Sciences is recognised nationally and internationally for its excellence in research and teaching. The majority of the School’s research reflects broad strength in biomedical science and there are strong links with the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. These relationships provide opportunities to interact with clinicians and translational research at the University Hospitals of North Midlands (UHNM).
Specialist research themes include: molecular biology and ecology of parasites and vectors in tropical diseases; sustainability in crops and control of crop pests, glycobiology and immunology; structural biology; molecular cell biology of apoptosis and its dysregulation; cancer; autoimmune disease; X-ray crystallography; neurobiology and neuroplasticity; neurodegeneration and regeneration; auditory neuroscience and deafness.
You’ll be taught by world-leading researchers and clinical practitioners whose expertise includes apoptosis, proteomics, epigenetics, diabetes, cell and molecular biology, cell physiology and pathology.
Our excellent industry links enable us to invite a range of specialists who share their experience and expertise by giving guest lectures to our students. Previous speakers, for example, have included pharmacists, epidemiologists, mycology professors, reference laboratory managers and clinicians.
Next steps
Facilities
State-of-the-art science laboratories
Our David Attenborough Laboratories provide cutting-edge science facilities, support Keele’s world-leading research and teaching, and tackle the key challenges of the 21st Century.
Equipment and methods you will become familiar with during practical laboratory work include:
- Preparative and analytical methods in biochemistry, including enzyme kinetics and metabolite quantification
- Core microbiology techniques
- Molecular biology methods such as polymerase chain reaction
- Immunological techniques for antigen-antibody identification and characterisation
The research laboratories will make a significant contribution to the Global Health Initiative at Keele, and will be home to researchers working on neurological disorders including Parkinson’s disease, spinal injury, oncology, viral infections and carbohydrate biochemistry. You may also carry out some of your practical laboratory work in Keele's state-of-the-art Central Science Laboratory (CSL) building - which is part of the biggest single investment in learning and teaching in the University’s history.