Fees and key information

Course type
Postgraduate
Entry requirements
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Why study this course?

Our Blood Science MSc course is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS), and will allow you to develop extensive knowledge in the emerging area of blood science. We will help you develop your high-level reasoning skills and contribute to your lifelong learning and continuous professional development (CPD). Through the skills and knowledge gained, you will be well-equipped to become a professional practitioner in this field.

The Blood Science MSc course at London Metropolitan University is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills to practice biomedical science at the highest level in the emerging multidisciplinary area of blood science.

This increasingly popular field within pathology is a merger of three previously separate fields: clinical biochemistry, medical immunology and clinical haematology.

This course is ideal for your career advancement or CPD. For example, you may currently be working in a biomedical science environment, in either the health service or other related industry, and wish to progress further in your career.

You can study either part-time or full-time starting in the autumn or spring, allowing you to fit your studies around your working life. You'll be supported by our Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs) Weblearn and Collaborate, which are accessible from home at all times.

All modules are taught by experts in their field with research interests and qualifications in relevant topics at a PhD level. You will learn in lectures, tutorials, seminars and practical workshops.

The completion of an IBMS-accredited course such as this Blood Science MSc is an essential prerequisite to attain the Chartered Scientist (CSci) professional qualification.

Accredited by the IBMS

This course is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS)

Take your career to new heights

This course is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills to practice biomedical science at the highest level in the emerging multidisciplinary area of blood science

Study in a way that suits you

You can study either part-time or full-time starting in the autumn or spring, allowing you to fit your studies around your working life

Course modules

The modules listed below are for the academic year 2024/25 and represent the course modules at this time. Modules and module details (including, but not limited to, location and time) are subject to change over time.

Year modules

Clinical Biochemistry

This module currently runs:
autumn semester - Thursday afternoon

(core, 20 credits)

This module provides a review of the principles and practice of clinical biochemistry. It draws student’s attention to evolving technologies and expands understanding of biochemical analysis, metabolism and physiology to those situations commonly encountered in the clinical chemistry laboratory. The aims of this module are to provide a critical review of the principles and practice of clinical biochemistry, to draw students attention to evolving technologies and to expand understanding of biochemical analysis, metabolism and physiology to those situations encountered in the clinical chemistry laboratory. The students will be able to demonstrate how these principles are applied to contemporary clinical and laboratory practice both for service provision and research and able to examine the evidence for use, and limitations of, the common procedures used in the diagnosis and management of patients and donors. It will also enable them to outline the principles of quality management and the principles of health and safety management relating to clinical biochemistry.

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Haematology

This module currently runs:
spring semester - Thursday morning

(core, 20 credits)

This module focuses on the practice of haematology in a clinical setting. Providing the understanding and knowledge of the theory and practice of haematology. The module also explores the epidemiology, causes, consequences and monitoring of haematological and haemostatic disease. A focus on Quality Assurance/Quality Control, Good Laboratory Practice and British Society for Haematology guidelines for current practice. The aims of this module are:
To develop an advanced and comprehensive knowledge of a range of haematological, haemorrhagic and thrombotic diseases, and to provide knowledge and understanding of the most recent advances in the clinical management of malignant haematological disease. Investigate current trends, practice and research in haematology. To develop an understanding of the provision for Quality Assurance/Quality Control, Good Laboratory Practice, and the National External Quality Assessment Service.
In conjunction with the above, the module will develop students' ability to appraise, research, critically evaluate, formulate and defend a 2,500 word research project on a topical issue in this field.

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Research Project

This module currently runs:
spring semester
summer studies
autumn semester

(core, 60 credits)

This module provides an opportunity for student-lead problem solving applying knowledge acquired to a specific research question . The module aims to provide students with the opportunity to apply and develop previously acquired knowledge and skills to a laboratory or IT-based biomedical research problem; and undertake, critically evaluate, reflect, and report on, an individual research programme.

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Scientific Frameworks For Research

This module currently runs:
spring semester - Wednesday morning
autumn semester - Tuesday morning

(core, 20 credits)

The module is designed to provide students with an understanding of skills needed for the planning, organisation and practice of research in science. Different analytical approaches to problems will be reviewed together with the need to consider statistics and quality control in the design of projects. Students will consider the impact of appropriate safety, ethical and resourcing implications in the design and operation of a project.

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Transfusion Science

This module currently runs:
spring semester - Thursday afternoon

(core, 20 credits)

This module provides an in-depth understanding and knowledge of the theory and practice of transfusion and transplantation. Investigating the scientific principles of immunology, microbiology, haematology and medical technology which underlie the practice of transfusion and transplantation, with attention to current trends and research. The module also explores the ethical issues associated with transfusion and transplantation.

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Advanced Immunology

This module currently runs:
autumn semester - Wednesday morning

(option, 20 credits)

The module focuses on the development and operation of the immune system in both health and disease and explores current research in immunopathology, stem cells and immunotherapy. Review the development and operation of the immune system in both health and disease. Explore current ideas in immunopathology, immunosuppression, stem cells and immunotherapy. Explores recent developments in immunoassays and immunocytochemical techniques for detection of antigens and disease markers.

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Biomedical Diagnostics

This module currently runs:
autumn semester - Thursday morning

(option, 20 credits)

Biomedical Diagnostics focuses on current and emerging wet techniques used to analyse disease biomarkers, with an emphasis on genomic markers, for diagnosis in medicine. It runs in the Autumn semester and is assessed by an in-course test and an essay. There are no pre-requisites other than satisfaction of general entry requirements, and it includes a component of laboratory work.

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Genetic and Genomic Informatics

This module currently runs:
spring semester - Wednesday afternoon

(option, 20 credits)

This module applies in silico approaches to explore the relationship between genotype and phenotype in the context of human disease and health. It includes an analysis of the influence of genetic variation in human populations to the penetrance of disease phenotype and to responses to environment, lifestyle and therapy. It runs in the Spring semester and is assessed by two pieces of coursework and a presentation. There are no pre-requisites other than satisfaction of general entry requirements.

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Integrated Pathology

This module currently runs:
spring semester - Tuesday afternoon

(option, 20 credits)

This module reviews the aetiology, pathophysiology and clinical investigation of selected systems diseases that make a significant contribution to morbidity and mortality within healthcare. It gives an evaluative systems approach to disease (including cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, gastrointestinal, endocrine, immune disorders and cancer) with reference to underlying molecular and cellular perturbations.
The module aims to provide, through in depth study, knowledge and understanding of pathology, characterise molecular and cellular factors underpinning the pathogenesis of selected human diseases and an appreciation of the genetic basis of inherited diseases using up-to-date primary sources and discusses the latest technological innovations.
It will also allow students to critically research and evaluate selected topics within the subject area, and communicate the results in a cogent and balanced manner, reinforce analytical, evaluative and communication skills.

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Medical Genetics and Genomics

This module currently runs:
spring semester - Monday afternoon

(option, 20 credits)

This module focuses on human diseases with a genetic component, from monogenic disorders to complex, multifactorial diseases. Consideration is also given to hereditary mechanisms not linked to DNA sequence (e.g. genomic imprinting).
The module aims to provide an appreciation of the genetic basis of inherited diseases and, wherever possible, relate disease phenotype to mutations in gene products or to aberrations in gene expression. The material covered emphasises how an understanding of human biology has advanced through the study of genetic diseases, explores the development of therapeutic strategies using up-to-date primary sources and discusses the latest technological innovations.

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Course details

You will be required to have:

  • a second class undergraduate honours degree or above (or equivalent) in biomedical or life sciences subjects (that included appropriate biomedical content), although other less relevant subjects may be considered

You are advised to discuss eligibility for credit with the course leader before completing a credit application form.

Accelerated study

If you can demonstrate postgraduate level knowledge and skills in up to one-third of the required modules, you may apply through the department’s Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) coordinator, for appropriate transfer of credit.

Accreditation of Prior Learning

Any university-level qualifications or relevant experience you gain prior to starting university could count towards your course at London Met. Find out more about applying for Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL).

English language requirements

To study a degree at London Met, you must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. If you require a Student visa you may need to provide the results of a Secure English Language Test (SELT) such as Academic IELTS. This course requires you to meet our higher requirements.

If you need (or wish) to improve your English before starting your degree, the University offers a Pre-sessional Academic English course to help you build your confidence and reach the level of English you require.

You'll be assessed through self-diagnostic testing, debates, group work, computer-based analysis, lab reports, presentations, coursework, essays and cumulative exams.

Practical skills will be assessed periodically through the coursework assignments, including those in the final Research Project module.

Data handling skills will be assessed through practical reports, problem solving exercises, information abstracting and reviewing exercises, poster presentations, exams and seminar presentations.

Individual modules are accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS).

Your career opportunities may include working in areas such as National Health Service (NHS) hospital laboratories and other health-related departments. Our graduates have also gone on to apply for research studentships.

The course modules will also count towards IBMS top-up education for your competency portfolio and as evidence of continuing professional development (CPD).

If you've already studied your undergraduate degree with us, as a graduate of London Met, you'll be entitled to a 20% discount on any further study with us.
* exclusions apply

Please note, in addition to the tuition fee there may be additional costs for things like equipment, materials, printing, textbooks, trips or professional body fees.

Additionally, there may be other activities that are not formally part of your course and not required to complete your course, but which you may find helpful (for example, optional field trips). The costs of these are additional to your tuition fee and the fees set out above and will be notified when the activity is being arranged.

How to apply

Use the apply button to begin your application.

If you require a Student visa and wish to study a postgraduate course on a part-time basis, please read our how to apply information for international students to ensure you have all the details you need about the application process.

When to apply

You are advised to apply as early as possible as applications will only be considered if there are places available on the course.

To find out when teaching for this degree will begin, as well as welcome week and any induction activities, view our academic term dates.

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