Biomedical Science

Entry requirements

Applicants must: (a) have gained: (i) a second class honours degree or better in a science subject which contains a significant element of biological sciences from a university of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, or from a recognised national awarding body, or from an institution of another country which has been recognised as being of an equivalent standard; or (ii) an equivalent standard (normally 50%) in a Graduate Diploma, Graduate Certificate, Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma or an approved alternative qualification;

and (b) provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English (GCSE grade C or equivalent);

Students should normally be employed as a biomedical scientist, trainee biomedical scientist or equivalent in a hospital or research laboratory or have access to similar laboratory facilities.

Specialist taught modules require that students have studied that specialism at Level 5 or can demonstrate their ability to undertake the module through the accreditation of prior experiential learning.

In exceptional circumstances, where an individual has substantial and significant experiential learning, a portfolio of written evidence demonstrating the meeting of graduate qualities (including subject-specific outcomes, as determined by the Course Committee) may be considered as an alternative entrance route. Evidence used to demonstrate graduate qualities may not be used for exemption against modules within the programme.

Months of entry

September, February

Course content

The course is primarily designed for career advancement for those working as Biomedical Scientists in the hospital sector or working in the wider discipline of biomedical science, including bio-pharmaceutical and bio-industries.

This course currently allows specialisation in either: cellular pathology, clinical chemistry, haematology, or medical microbiology, and provides the opportunity for critical reflection and evaluation of current practice and policy, enabling lifelong learning and professional development in biomedical science.

For those who follow the approved pathway this course allows specialisation in in one the key disciplines of Biomedical Sciences including: cellular pathology, clinical chemistry, haematology, or medical microbiology, and provides the opportunity for critical reflection and evaluation of current practice and policy, enabling lifelong learning and professional development in biomedical science.

This programme is not suitable for the purposes of HCPC registration

In both the spring and summer semesters of second year, students work on their project, where the research project is normally carried out within the laboratories in their place of work under the supervision of suitably qualified staff. The research project may be carried out within the research laboratories of Ulster University or elsewhere under the supervision of suitably qualified staff.

For those entering the MSc to complete the research project only

Applicants who have a PgD in Biomedical Science and who wish to apply directly for entry onto the MSc programme, (including Ulster students who have previously graduated with the Postgraduate Diploma) are required to take the bridging module, Research Proposal (BMS832). This 10-credit point module supports students in developing an acceptable research project and ensures that the appropriate research governance approvals are in place, prior to commencement of laboratory work. Students are required to successfully pass BMS832 with an approved project before proceeding to the Project Module.

Information for international students

English language requirements for international applicants
The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement

Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.

Fees and funding

Qualification and course duration

MSc