Our IBMS-accredited MSc Advanced Biomedical Science gives you the skills and knowledge to advance (or build towards) a career as an NHS biomedical scientist. The proficiencies covered are also transferable to careers within the bioscience sector and research.
The course aims to give you a balance of theory and application of a range of techniques relevant to the biomedical sciences such as medical genetics, disease pathology, research design and biomedical quality control.
The degree has been designed with input from biomedical scientists, research scientists and bioscience experts. It combines the best elements of biomedical science with an appreciation of the advanced technologies important in healthcare provision.
Emphasis is placed on the application of quality and management processes in the improvement of healthcare provision by biomedical laboratories.
The MSc consists of core and optional modules allowing pathway flexibility through the MSc to meet the bespoke needs of individual students.
* A fully online version is available to students who are already HCPC-registered biomedical scientists.
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Bikash studies on our MSc Advanced Biomedical Science programme at Lanarkshire campus.
“After completing my graduation from UWS, I feel very confident that I will be working as a biomedical scientist or I’ll be studying further, doing a PhD.”
Bikash found his place at UWS – find yours!
This programme aligns to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals:
Professional approval and accreditation
Our course is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS).
Placement opportunities
Work-based learning modules (as an alternative to the discipline-specific modules) are available to students who are, or have completed, an IBMS Specialist portfolio.
Career prospects
Graduates can enter a wide range of vocations, providing they meet the requirements of the employer and employment opportunities, including:
Please note that graduation with the MSc does not entitle you to become registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a biomedical scientist. Registration requires demonstration that certain standards of proficiency are met, and you are advised to check the IBMS and HCPC websites.
90 percent of research at UWS is classed as world-leading, internationally excellent, or recognised internationally (Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021)
Completing the MSc Advanced Biomedical Science has been a wonderful and rewarding experience. I felt completely supported by the university staff and learned a lot that I’m sure will shape my practice in the future. The coursework is designed to encourage contemplation and enhance essential, transferable skills such as communication, data analysis and critical thinking. I would absolutely recommend this course to anyone wishing to pursue or advance a career in Biomedical Science.
Cara Morton, MSc Advanced Biomedical Science graduate
We welcome Scottish, UK and international students and consider all applicants on an individual basis.
Don’t worry if your qualifications are not listed here, we take a range of factors into account when assessing your application and are happy to consider other alternative combinations of qualifications and experience
If you are applying with an EU or non-EU qualification, please check our Postgraduate Entry Requirements page which gives more information about country-specific entry requirements.
You must have gained a second class BSc Honours in Biomedical Science, Bioscience or a related science degree.
You may also be considered with other academic, vocational or professional qualifications deemed to be equivalent.
All academic degrees/awards at UWS are taught in English. For applicants whose first language is not English*, the University sets a minimum English language proficiency level. All English language qualifications must have been gained within two years of the start of your UWS course.
* applicants who are exempt from English language requirements include:
In general terms, if you are applying to study a course at, or above, Year 1 (SCQF Level 7) bachelor’s degree level, then the UKVI’s minimum level of English proficiency is Common European Framework for References of Languages (CEFR) at B2 (Upper Intermediate).
At UWS, we define our general English language requirements using the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training) as follows:
These are minimum requirements and some courses may require a higher standard for admission†.
† Exceptions to this level of IELTS scoring exist for some accredited or professionally-recognised courses (see IELTS Score Exceptions section below for more information).
For our research degrees (MRes, MPhil, PhD, DBA, DProf) applicants are required to have an IELTS score as follows:
For Midwifery courses that lead to professional registration with the Nursing & Midwifery Council (BSc Midwifery), applicants are required to have an IELTS score as follows:
Our BSc Paramedic Science degree leads to professional registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC); it has different IELTS requirements than other Health-related courses. Although it is not possible to apply for this degree directly as an international student, for applicants who meet SAAS residency requirements and for whom English is not their first language, then the following IELTS scores are required:
For our BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science and MSc Advanced Biomedical Science degrees, which may lead to professional registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), applicants are required to have an IELTS score as follows:
Our BA (Hons) Social Work and MSc Social Work degrees are professionally recognised by the Scottish Social Services Council and applicants are required to have an IELTS score as follows:
For our Certificate of Higher Education courses, applicants are required to have an IELTS score as follows:
In additional to IELTS, we also accept a number of alternative English language for application and admission to our courses for both home/EU and international students at bachelor's degree study at Year 3 (SCQF Level 9), and above. From Cambridge to TOFEL iBT qualifications the number of these qualifications is extensive.
Find out about non-IELTS English Language Tests
UWS has also reviewed a range of High / Secondary School qualifications studied by non-EU applicants that can be used as a basis of entry to a UWS. These range from Botswana GCSEs to USA High School Graduation Diplomas, the number of these qualifications is extensive.
Find out more about international English Language high-hchool qualifications
Applicants who do not meet the minimum English language requirements have the option to study one of our preparatory and pre-sessional English courses. UWS courses available are:
For the award of MSc Advanced Biomedical Science you will generate 180 credits from the below modules. All modules are 20 credits apart from MSc Research Project Dissertation which is worth 60 credits.
The full-time MSc Advanced Biomedical Science programme consists of six taught modules (over Terms 1 and 2) and a research project (conducted in Term 3).
Modules undertaken for the programme vary depending on your position/background.
Core modules
All students will undertake:
Stream B & C students also must take:
Stream C students also undertake:
Optional modules
*Optional work-based learning modules are available only to students who are, or have completed, an IBMS Specialist portfolio
A wide range of teaching methods are used on our Advanced Biomedical Science course. Some of which include:
There will be strong linkages with research and employers throughout our course, for example through guest lecturers from NHS laboratories and the MSc research project. The virtual learning environment used by UWS will facilitate many of these approaches, for example, in group projects, personal development planning (PDP), etc.
From modules common to all students:
The online study mode utilises 100% independent learning although live attendance for some online assessments will be required on occasion.
Assessment on the programme has moved away from traditional unseen exams to other forms of assessment.
Forms of assessment include:
Forms of assessment include:
For modules that include a class test assessment (i.e. an unseen, timed, and proctored assessment), please note the following:
Class tests (including any resits) must be completed at the specified date and time, under one of the following conditions:
Programme Specification and Module Descriptors for Undergraduate and Postgraduate courses are available to download (PDFs). These provide you with core information concerning your chosen subject.
£7,500 Total cost of tuition
£11,750 Total cost of tuition
£11,750 Total cost of tuition
£18,000 Total cost of tuition
£1,070 per module (20 credits)
£1,680 per module (20 credits)
£1,680 per module (20 credits)
£2,570 per module (20 credits)
£7,500 Total cost of tuition
£12,350 Total cost of tuition
£12,350 Total cost of tuition
£18,900 Total cost of tuition
£7,500 Total cost of tuition
£12,350 Total cost of tuition
£12,350 Total cost of tuition
£18,900 Total cost of tuition
£1,070 per module (20 credits)
£1,760 per module (20 credits)
£1,760 per module (20 credits)
£2,700 per module (20 credits)
Estimated cost per year of study.
*This is mandatory for those on Distance Learning mode.
Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) postgraduate tuition fee and living cost loans may be available for eligible (Scottish/EU) students. Check SAAS website for more information.
All students should apply directly to the University through our online application system. Before you apply, you should check that you meet our entry requirements and you should have all your supporting documents ready.
The first stage of the process is to complete the initial application form. You will then receive a follow-up email with further instructions relating to your application including documents that you will need to forward to support your application, e.g. degree transcripts and certificates etc.
Most courses don't have a formal closing date, but they will close when they are full; apply early to avoid disappointment. There may also be funding deadlines that apply to you.
The Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) applies to all international students and researchers (apart from exempt nationalities) who are subject to UK immigration control and are intending to study or research at postgraduate level in certain sensitive subjects.
Students and researchers who are nationals of EU countries, the European Economic Area (EEA), Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland or the United States of America do not need an ATAS certificate.
An ATAS certificate may be required for certain taught postgraduate master's degrees for international students at UWS.
For the latest information on ATAS and details of eligibility and how to apply for a certificate check the UK Government's dedicated ATAS web pages.
Do you have a question about applying for this course? Our friendly admissions teams are here to help!
International prospective students
Our international team is ready to support you with your application and any questions about joining UWS from abroad.
UK-based prospective students
If you’re applying from within the UK, our applicant enquiry team is here to guide you every step of the way.
With cutting edge facilities, specialist knowledge and world-leading and internationally excellent expertise, we aim to develop research outputs that have a tangible, early and positive impact on society across the globe.
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