Biomedical Science (flexible learning) MSc
About this course
Whether you wish to study a full MSc or just individual modules for continuing professional development (CPD), this flexible programme is designed to further your career in the healthcare profession, biomedical industry or in academia with the potential to lead on to a professional doctorate.
This course has been redesigned to meet the current needs of today’s practitioner, while specific modules are supportive towards HCPC pre-registration knowledge requirements.
This is a self-guided eLearning course designed for you to study at your own pace, with limited attendance required at Nottingham Trent University during this course. This allows you to fit your study in around your other commitments.
You can therefor study part-time and online for an accredited Biomedical Science Masters qualification while continuing to work.
If you are working in the biomedical industry, this course offers the perfect opportunity for you to develop your qualifications whilst working.
-
In the last Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021) - the UK's system for assessing the quality and impact of research in universities - we’re proud that 99% of NTU’s Allied Health Professions, Dentistry, Nursing and Pharmacy submission was assessed to be world-leading or internationally excellent. -
You can enrol for individual modules and gain continuing professional development (CPD) credits. -
Study at your own pace - no attendance is required. The course starts in January, April and September each year - choose the most convenient date for you.
What you’ll study
An MSc is 180 credit points. Students must choose 180 credit points of modules spread across the two years of the course initially. It is suggested there is an even split across the two years with Research Methods in the 1st Year and Research Project in the 2nd Year.
The MSc consists of a number of core modules including:
Advanced Topics in Biomedical Science - 20 credit points
It examines cutting-edge biomedical science themes using the latest technologies, practices, and research. Students will explore NTU and SHiMR research themes to keep the course fresh. The program covers bioinformatics, antibiotic resistance, and the molecular processes of chronic diseases including diabetes and cancer each year, adapting to the latest advances. Students will also learn about cancer biology, including indicators and therapies, and clinical pathology specialities such haematology, transfusion science, clinical biochemistry, cellular pathology, and medical microbiology.
Leadership and Professional Development - 20 credit points
This module equips graduates with the essential leadership and management skills required for careers in biomedical science. Students will explore leadership strategies, attributes, and competencies, with a focus on developing interpersonal skills and the ability to foster innovation through intrapreneurship and entrepreneurship.
Research Project for Biomedical Science by Flexible Learning- 60 credit points
This module requires students to conduct substantial research in their discipline and produce a research paper and poster. Structured activities will help students create a solid research proposal with a focus on rigorous experimental design.
The research project is either conducted in your place of work with joint supervision provided by your laboratory training officer or via an alternative dry project title.
The core modules are studied consecutively throughout the programme and underpin the technology, theories and professional practice of Biomedical Science.
Optional Modules
In addition to your core modules, you will need to choose additional option modules up to the balance of 180 credit points.
These include:
Quality Assurance in the Workplace - 20 credit points
This module is designed to equip graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary to operate within established quality frameworks, ensuring they contribute effectively to the development and maintenance of a culture of quality within their organisations. Students will gain a thorough understanding of key aspects of quality management, including quality management systems, relevant standards, and the roles of internal quality control and external quality assurance.
Clinical Chemistry - 20 credit points
This module offers students a comprehensive exploration of Clinical Chemistry, emphasising its pivotal role in diagnosing, preventing, and treating disease. Students will gain a deep understanding of key topics related to contemporary medical and diagnostic practices, focusing on critical analysis of data and applying their specialised knowledge to clinical settings. Areas of focus include sample handling, laboratory testing, endocrine disorders, toxicology, tumour markers, inherited diseases, and nutritional investigations.
Haematology - 20 credit points
Students are taught to analyse haematological data and use clinical knowledge in this field of study. Laboratories are crucial to diagnosing and treating haematological diseases. Students will learn professional duties, quality assurance, governance, and IT system integration in sophisticated laboratories. Anaemias (iron deficiency, haemolytic, and megaloblastic), haematological malignancies, haemostasis disorders, and blood-borne parasites, especially malaria, are investigated and treated.
Transfusion Science -20 credit points
Students can grasp transfusion science's scientific and technological basis after completing this module. This comprises proper sample handling at all phases of analysis, a thorough understanding of blood type serology's biological principles, and expertise in standard and advanced testing methods and quality assurance practices. Students will also learn clinical and regulatory frameworks to ensure safe practice and good blood component manufacturing. They will also study the science behind transfusion-related concerns and learn how to use blood components and alternatives safely.
Cellular Pathology - 20 credit points
It covers Histopathology and Cytopathology in detail, with a focus on modern medical and diagnostic applications. Students must critically examine data and grasp cellular pathology's function in illness diagnosis and treatment. Fixation and fine needle aspiration, H&E staining, molecular markers, immunohistochemistry, and sophisticated diagnostics like electron microscopy and "Omics" are studied.
Medical Microbiology - 20 credit points
It covers key Medical Microbiology issues in light of modern medical and diagnostic methods. The laboratory's vital role in diagnosing and treating illnesses will be highlighted as students learn data analysis critically and advanced skills. Quality assurance and governance in modern microbiological labs will be reviewed.. Diagnostics for diseases impacting several body systems, healthcare-associated infection screening, and antibiotic susceptibility testing, including resistance detection, will also be covered.
Immunotherapeutics and Diagnostics - 20 credit points
This module covers how immunodiagnostic methods are used in biomedical science. It explores monoclonal antibody and cell-based immunotherapeutics and cancer vaccine development. Students will practise immunology topics in real-world contexts. Antibody construction and function, cellular immune responses, antigen presentation, and immunodiagnostic advances are reviewed.
Chronic Diseases - 20 credit points
It covers the pathobiology of biomedical science's major chronic diseases, including cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Students will study the genotypic and phenotypic alterations that cause cancer metastasis and the current treatments for these disorders. The module will critically examine the molecular processes of heart disease, notably atherosclerosis, and how food affects cardiovascular health. Students will also examine diabetes kinds, aetiologies, dietary effects, and new treatments.
Pharmacology - 20 credit points
This module aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of how drugs interact with macromolecules, such as receptors and ion channels, and the role of modern molecular techniques in pharmacology and drug discovery. Key topics include the classification and mechanisms of drug action, as well as how the disposition of drugs influences clinical responses. Students will explore drug effects at both organ and cellular levels through case studies and specific examples.
Clinical Molecular Biology - 20 credit points
This module equips students with the knowledge and skills to critically assess a wide array of molecular biology techniques used in the diagnosis and monitoring of diseases within core biomedical science disciplines. Students will explore the clinical and diagnostic applications of key methodologies, including DNA extraction, gel and capillary electrophoresis, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) design, sequence-based typing, karyotyping, and cytogenetics as well as technologies such as fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH), genomic microarray testing, next-generation sequencing, CRISPR, and the application of bioinformatics.
Further information
If you have questions regarding the course, please contact the course team at SST PG Enquiries.
We are one of twelve institutes who are education providers for Learning Beyond Registration (LBR). If you are a post registration healthcare professional, our LBR funded modules can help you gain progression in your career.
To find out more about our LBR provision, contact SST PG Enquiries.
We regularly review and update our course content based on student and employer feedback, ensuring that all of our courses remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or module availability in future years.
Careers and employability
Graduates of this postgraduate degree develop a number of specific skills relevant to Biomedical Science. Knowledge and skills acquired will depend on the modules you choose, reflecting your interests, and be directly relevant to your career and professional development.
The course also aids your understanding of the advantages, limitations and applications of a range of fundamental and specialised biomedical techniques. It will teach you how to identify and resolve scientific and technical problems associated with the application of Biomedical Science, and enable you to design, execute and prepare critical written reports.
Graduates will be equipped to:
- deal with complex scientific issues with confidence, independence and originality
- continue advancing their knowledge and understanding
- develop new skills in the application of Biomedical Science
- adapt to future developments in this field of study
- communicate effectively with a range of personnel in management, research and academic contexts.
Although this course does not offer any formal placements, this course is vocationally focused and benefits from strong links with the IBMS and industry.
Re:search Re:imagined
To us, research is about more than writing papers and proposing new ideas. By daring to think differently, we’re disrupting the research landscape and finding the answers to the questions that really matter. From conservation management to sustainable farming, we’re inspiring the brightest minds to rise up and find solutions to some of the most significant global challenges facing society.
NTU Enterprise
You'll also have the opportunity to turn your ideas into a viable business with help from NTU Enterprise, NTU's purpose-built Centre for Entrepreneurship and Enterprise, a support centre to help students create, develop and grow their own businesses.
Campus and facilities
You’ll mainly be studying in the Interdisciplinary Science and Technology Centre (ISTeC) and Rosalind Franklin Buildings with access to facilities including our extensive SuperLab, with space for almost 200 students.
Our self-contained, community-focused Clifton Campus has been designed to keep students busy between lectures. Catch-up with your coursemates in the Pavilion’s barista café and Refectory; brainstorm group presentations in chic and stylish study spaces; enjoy some proper R&R in The Point, home of our Students’ Union. The campus also hosts the multimillion-pound Clifton Sports Hub, offering great options for everyone — whatever your interests, and however competitive you’d like to get!
You’re also right next to the bright lights of Nottingham — one of Britain’s top 10 student cities, and one of Europe’s top 25. All through termtime, a dedicated on-campus bus service will get you to the heart of the action (and back) in under 25 minutes. You’ll find a city stuffed with history, culture, and well-kept secrets to discover at your leisure: enjoy lush green spaces, galleries, hidden cinemas and vintage shopping by day, and an acclaimed food, drink and social scene by night.
Entry requirements
What are we looking for?
- a UK honours degree in a Biological subject such as biology, biomedical science, pharmacology or microbiology (minimum 2.2) or equivalent
- a professional qualification of equivalent status
- You will already be working in pathology or industrial biomedical laboratories or have a strong interests in Biomedical Science.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form
You will need the following:
- a UK honours degree in a Biological subject such as biology, biomedical science, pharmacology or microbiology (minimum 2.2) or equivalent
- a professional qualification of equivalent status
- You will already be working in pathology or industrial biomedical laboratories or have a strong interests in Biomedical Science.
International qualifications
We accept qualifications from all over the world – check yours here:
Postgraduate preparation courses (Pre-Masters)
If you don’t yet meet our entry requirements, we offer Pre-Masters courses through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC), based on our City Campus:
English language entry requirements
You can meet our language requirements by successfully completing our pre-sessional English course for an agreed length of time, or by submitting the required grade in one of our accepted English language tests, such as IELTS:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
Fees and funding
The course fees for September 2025, January 2026, and April 2026 entry are:
| Study route | UK / EU | International |
|---|---|---|
| Part-time | £4,950 (for Year One*) | £4,950 (for Year One*) |
| CPD | £825 per 15 credit points | £825 per 15 credit points |
* Please note that this fee is based on two years of study and the tuition fee stated is for the first year of study only. The course fee for the second year may be subject to annual review.
Funding your studies
Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there’s no need to feel anxious and confused about it. We hope that our funding page will answer all your questions.
Getting in touch
For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service on: +44 (0)115 848 2494.
The course fees for September 2025, January 2026, and April 2026 entry are:
| Study route | UK / EU | International |
|---|---|---|
| Part-time | £4,950 (for Year One*) | £4,950 (for Year One*) |
| CPD | £825 per 15 credit points | £825 per 15 credit points |
* Please note that this fee is based on two years of study and the tuition fee stated is for the first year of study only. The course fee for the second year may be subject to annual review.
Scholarships
We offer scholarships of up to 50% of your tuition fee. You can apply for your scholarship when you have an offer to study at NTU.
Paying fees
Find out about advanced payments, instalment plan options and how to make payments securely to the University:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
How to apply
Ready to join us? Then apply as soon as you can. Just click the Apply button at the top of the page and follow the instructions for applying. Make sure you check the entry requirements above carefully before you do.
If you are interested in joining us in September 2025, this course will be open for applications through the applicant portal from September 2024. Courses starting in January 2026 will be open for applications from July 2025.
You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU in our postgraduates' guide. Here you'll find advice about how to write a good personal statement and much more.
Writing your application
Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. Make sure you include as much information as possible, including uploading evidence of results already achieved, as well as a personal statement.
Keeping up to date
After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process - so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Getting in touch
If you need any more help or information, please contact us at Ask NTU or call on +44 (0)115 848 4200.
Talk to the Course Team
If you have questions regarding the course, please contact SST PG Enquiries.
Apply online through our NTU applicant portal.
If you are interested in joining us in September 2025, this course will be open for applications through the applicant portal from September 2024. Courses starting in January 2026 will be open for applications from July 2025.
Application advice
Apply early so that you have enough time to prepare. After you've applied, we'll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Writing your personal statement
Be honest, thorough, and persuasive – we can only make a decision about your application based on what you tell us:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
The University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised
