Why study this course?

London Met’s innovative Blood Science (Distance Learning) MSc focuses on the diagnostic techniques, quality assurance / quality control (QA/QC) and regulatory issues within this emerging field. This master's course is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS), offering you the advantage of the opportunities for knowledge and career development this respected body provides. Delivered as a flexible online programme through our online portal, WebLearn, you’ll be able to fit your studies around your working life.

More about this course

The Blood Science (Distance Learning) MSc course is designed to provide you with a deep understanding of the emerging, mixed-disciplinary field of blood science.

This master's specialisation combines haematology, immunology, transfusion and clinical biochemistry developed from the increasing automation within pathology.

Created with input from current practitioners in the field, the course is suitable for biomedical science practitioners, graduates of biomedical or related human sciences and those who want work or already are working in blood science departments within pathology.

Taught entirely online, this remote Blood Science MSc allows you to learn at your own pace with the support of our biomedical science team. Learning materials are available 24/7 through our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), Weblearn, with the majority of learning being self-directed. Core modules may include some online tutorials, giving you the option to engage with your module leaders and fellow students. However, this interactive side to the course isn't mandatory. As a participant of this master's course you'll have access to our online help service, where we aim to respond to all online queries as quickly as possible.

You’ll examine different theoretical perspectives, methodological approaches, research interests and practical applications.

Each module has a module leader who is responsible for developing the curriculum and coordinating the production of the  online learning materials.

Your final research project will be conducted in your place of work with joint supervision provided by your laboratory training officer and a member of staff from the School of Human Sciences. For those not working in a suitable laboratory, research may be conducted at London Metropolitan University with additional bench fees for materials.

The course is designed to support professionals and their career development in the healthcare profession, biomedical/biotechnology industry or in academia, with the ability to take individual modules for continuing professional development (CPD). The course also has the potential to lead on to doctoral study.

If you'd like to discover more about this course, you can request the course handbook by emailing biomedonline@londonmet.ac.uk.

Assessment

Exercises and short phase tests will be used to provide you with feedback on your progress.

Summative assessment of your knowledge base and understanding will be incorporated into formal in-course tests and exercises, personal learning logs and end of module assessments completed at the end of each unit. These may be held at set date and time points, which will be provided in good time for you to be able to make yourself available.

Your master's research project assessment will culminate in the presentation of a dissertation and a poster presentation via a face-to-face messaging system or similar technology.

Professional accreditation

This course is accredited by the IBMS, and all students are eligible for eStudent Membership of the IBMS.

Single modules taken for CPD obtain 100 points per 10 credits with the IBMS.

Fees and key information

Course type
Postgraduate
Entry requirements View
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Entry requirements

You will be required to have:

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

Lower grades, or non-degree qualifications supplemented by substantial work experience, may be considered at interview.

Accelerated study

Transfer of credit may be possible. If you can demonstrate knowledge and skills at a postgraduate level equivalent of up to one third of the master of science, postgraduate diploma or postgraduate certificate-required modules, then you may apply for appropriate transfer of credit through our APEL (Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning) coordinator.

You are advised to discuss eligibility for credit with the course leader before completing a Credit Application Form.

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.

Modular structure

The modules listed below are for the academic year 2023/24 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 1 modules include:

This module provides an understanding and knowledge of the theory and practice of immunology. Reviewing the development and operation of the immune system in both health and disease. Exploring current ideas in immunopathology, immunosuppression, stem cells and immunotherapy. Exploring recent developments in immunoassays and immunocytochemical techniques for detection of antigens and disease markers.

This module currently runs:
  • all year (September start)

The module is designed to provide students with an understanding of skills needed for the planning, organisation and practice of research in science. Bioethical considerations to developing a research project, and proposals for funding such as approaching an organisation for a grant are tacked. 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.

This module currently runs:
  • autumn semester

This module provides a review of the principles and practice of clinical biochemistry, 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

This module currently runs:
  • spring semester

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 QA/QC, GLP and BSH guidelines for current practice.

This module currently runs:
  • all year (September start)

This module provides an opportunity for student-lead problem solving applying knowledge acquired to a specific research question.

This module currently runs:
  • spring semester

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.

This module currently runs:
  • all year (September start)

This module provides an understanding and knowledge of the theory and practice of haematology. Examining the different elements that constitute blood in normal and diseased states, investigating the causes and diagnosis of anaemias, haemoglobinopathies and thalassaemias, haematological malignancy, haemostasis and thrombosis.

This module currently runs:
  • all year (September start)

This module provides an understanding and knowledge of the theory and practice of human anatomy and physiology and the aetiology, pathology, clinical presentation, treatment and diagnosis of diseases affecting human body systems.

This module currently runs:
  • all year (September start)

This module aims to expose students to some of the key questions of cell biology concerning the structure of cells and intracellular activities.

This module currently runs:
  • all year (September start)

This module provides an understanding and knowledge of the theory and practice of Cellular Pathology. This module surveys the incidence and cause of human diseases. Diseases are characterised by comparing pathological with non-pathological states, with particular reference to underlying molecular and cellular perturbations

This module currently runs:
  • all year (September start)

This module provides information and guidance to facilitate an in depth understanding and knowledge of the theory and practical applications of clinical genetics. It explains UK NHS current approaches to clinical genetics and explores how cutting edge research in this field may impact human health and disease management in the future

This module currently runs:
  • all year (September start)

This module focuses on the structure and classification of a selected range of microorganisms and their impact on human society.

This module currently runs:
  • all year (September start)

This module focuses on the structure and classification of a selected range of microorganisms and their impact on human society.

This module currently runs:
  • all year (September start)

This module provides information and guidance to faciliatate an indepth understanding and knowledge of the theory and practical applications of molecular biology and genetics. It explains the underlying mechanisms of molecular biology and enables these ideas to be expanded to the understanding of human health and disease.

This module currently runs:
  • all year (September start)

This module provides information and guidance to faciliatate an indepth understanding and knowledge of the theory and practical applications of toxicology. It explains the underlying mechanisms of xenobiotic (drug) metabolism and enables these ideas to be expanded to the understanding of human health and disease.

Where this course can take you

The extension of knowledge this course provides allows practising biomedical scientists to be considered for promotion at work. Increasing numbers of healthcare scientists are benefitting from training in this discipline too.

Your career opportunities could include employment in National Health Service (NHS) hospital laboratories and other health-related areas. Roles include those in pharmacology, biotechnology and similar areas.

Our graduates have also been well-placed to apply for research studentships and PhD research scholarships.

Graduates with two years relevant professional experience can apply for the Member grade of membership of the IBMS.

Fees

The fees are £670 per 10-credit module and £910 per 20-credit module, with the exception of

  • The Research Project module, costing £2,510, plus a workbench fee charge if conducted in our laboratories. Before this module is taken the Bioethics Research and Grant Proposal module must have been passed first.
  • Registrations onto the Project module from Autumn 2021 onwards, which will be eligible for a discount to £2020, plus any applicable workbench fees if a valid IBMS membership is held upon registration.

Should you exercise your statutory right to cancel your enrolment within 14 days, no fees or charges will apply and any payments made will be refunded.

All fees for this course are subject to standard university rules and regulations.

Additional costs

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.

It is recommended that you apply at least one month before the next intake date, so that your application can be processed and you'll have access to materials in time for the live broadcast modules you'll join with students who are studying at the University.

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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