Education and professional training in the biomedical sciences.
The programme provides graduates who possess an honours degree (or equivalent), partially acceptable to the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS), with appropriate education and professional training in the biomedical sciences. The course enables students to top-up their current degree to a standard equivalent to a BSc in Biomedical Sciences acceptable to the IBMS for the purpose of Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registration as a Biomedical Scientist. Students who wish to take this course to gain registration should check with the relevant body that it will meet their needs.
We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.
Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:
For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.
For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.
We look forward to hearing from you.
In this section
For the award of Graduate Certificate you must complete modules worth at least 60 credits:
Semester One:
Clinical Immunology (15 credits); Medical Microbiology (15 credits); Haematology & Transfusion Science (15 credits).
Semester Two:
Cellular Pathology (15 credits); Molecular Pathology (15 credits); Clinical Biochemistry (15 credits).
The course primarily caters for students wishing to become HCPC registered Biomedical Scientists. However, as it provides a wide range of scientific modules in the biomedical science area, the course is suitable for anyone interested in supplementing their existing knowledge in this varied and exciting field.
Part Time - typically 1 year
This is a distance learning programme and can be started in September or January of each academic year. This course has a practical laboratory component which may be carried out within the student's workplace or by attending campus.
Students participate in an induction aimed at the effective online learning, focused on the Blackboard Learn virtual learning environment (BBL). Subject-specific tutors support students to engage in a range of teaching and learning methods. Students participate in BBL-posted online lectures, many of which are inclusive of problem-based interactive tasks. Through the University’s online libraries, students gain access to their directed reading, in the form of e-books and journal articles.
Students participate in tutor-supported online activities and discussions, and in online self-assessment quizzes. Those studying the Cellular Pathology, Clinical Biochemistry, Medical Microbiology and Haematology & Transfusion Science and Clinical Immunology modules are required to carry out a number of laboratory practical sessions. A student working in/having the access to an approved NHS training laboratory or equivalent can carry out all the practical sessions at his/her workplace. Otherwise, a student must attend Coleraine for practical sessions on three occasions, over 2-3 days per visit.
Students are assessed by a combination of Coursework and Examinations. Students undertake traditional written examinations, either at Coleraine or in their locality through the “Guarantor system” for Ulster University delivered modules. If a student opts to take his/her Ulster University examinations via the “Guarantor system” then s/he must nominate a line manager or professional to administer his/her exams under Ulster University specified conditions. Coursework includes essays, tests, critical reviews, plans, reflective statements, practical reports, journal based learning, case study reports, problem solving/data interpretation, and research papers.
The University employs over 1,000 suitably qualified and experienced academic staff - 59% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.
Courses are taught by staff who are Professors (25%), Readers, Senior Lecturers (18%) or Lecturers (57%).
We require most academic staff to be qualified to teach in higher education: 82% hold either Postgraduate Certificates in Higher Education Practice or higher. Most academic staff (81%) are accredited fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) - the university sector professional body for teaching and learning. Many academic and technical staff hold other professional body designations related to their subject or scholarly practice.
The University employs over 1,000 suitably qualified and experienced academic staff - 59% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.
Courses are taught by staff who are Professors (25%), Readers, Senior Lecturers (20%) or Lecturers (55%).
We require most academic staff to be qualified to teach in higher education: 82% hold either Postgraduate Certificates in Higher Education Practice or higher. Most academic staff (81%) are accredited fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) by Advanced HE - the university sector professional body for teaching and learning. Many academic and technical staff hold other professional body designations related to their subject or scholarly practice.
The profiles of many academic staff can be found on the University’s departmental websites and give a detailed insight into the range of staffing and expertise. The precise staffing for a course will depend on the department(s) involved and the availability and management of staff. This is subject to change annually and is confirmed in the timetable issued at the start of the course.
Occasionally, teaching may be supplemented by suitably qualified part-time staff (usually qualified researchers) and specialist guest lecturers. In these cases, all staff are inducted, mostly through our staff development programme ‘First Steps to Teaching’. In some cases, usually for provision in one of our out-centres, Recognised University Teachers are involved, supported by the University in suitable professional development for teaching.
Figures correct for academic year 2021-2022.
Here is a guide to the subjects studied on this course.
Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.
In this section
Status: O
Year: 1
This module is optional
This module presents an in-depth consideration of the pathology, cellular and molecular biology of the major non-infectious diseases of humans. The module enables students to integrate practical and theoretical information gained in earlier modules. Current and emerging strategies in disease diagnosis, treatment and monitoring are also discussed, which underpin further study in Biomedical Sciences.
Status: O
Year: 1
This module is optional
This module provides a comprehensive overview of key concepts in haematology and transfusion science, with emphasis on their relevance in health and disease, as well as an appreciation of the application of these concepts in clinical practice. It provides the student with the appropriate knowledge and intellectual skills necessary to work in a routine or research laboratory setting and underpin further study in the biomedical sciences.
Status: O
Year: 1
This module is optional
This module is designed to provide an understanding in clinical biochemistry sufficient to underpin clinical practice or further study in the biomedical sciences.
Status: O
Year: 1
This module is optional
This module provides an introduction to the biology of microorganisms that cause human infection. The module explores the diversity of pathogenic mechanisms in operation across a range of diseases and there is an important focus on recent advances in our understanding of host-microbe interactions. A major goal of the module is to provide examples of how this knowledge can be translated into practical ways to diagnose and control microbial pathogens. This is accomplished by an in-depth consideration of; the principles of disinfection and sterilisation, the theoretical background to current diagnostic techniques and an appreciation of how epidemiological monitoring can be used to control Healthcare Associated Infection (HAI).
Status: O
Year: 1
This module is optional
This module provides knowledge of key concepts in fundamental and clinical immunology and understanding of the value of applying such knowledge in clinical environments.
Status: O
Year: 1
This module is optional
This module provides a foundation in Cellular Pathology encompassing core aspects of professional practice from gross specimen to slide, and microscopic examination of normal and abnormal tissues (histopathology) and cells (cytopathology) for structural changes and indicators of disease. The module is designed to meet the changing needs of the cellular pathology laboratory and as such will provide up-to-date theoretical knowledge combined with practical laboratory based work experience.
We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.
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Applicants must:
(1) Have gained an Honours or non-Honours degree from a University of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, from the Council for National Academic Awards, the National Council for Educational Awards, the Higher Education Training and Awards Council, or from an institution of another country which is recognized as being of an equivalent standard or an equivalent standard in an approved alternative qualification
(2) Provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English (GCSE grade C or equivalent)
(3) Normally be employed as a biomedical scientist, trainee biomedical scientist or equivalent in a hospital or research laboratory or have access to similar medical facilities
As an alternative to 1 and 2, Applicants may provide evidence of their ability to undertake the programme through the accreditation of prior experiential learning.
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 for Tier 4 visa purposes.
Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.
In this section
The course primarily caters for students wishing to become HCPC registered Biomedical Scientists.
Accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS).
Visit Tuition Fees 2023/24 for more details on the price of this course.
It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges) and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition fees.
Where a course has additional mandatory expenses (in addition to tuition fees) we make every effort to highlight them above. We aim to provide students with the learning materials needed to support their studies. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. Computer suites and free Wi-Fi are also available on each of the campuses.
There are additional fees for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.
Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as a part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs, as well as tuition fees.
See the tuition fees on our student guide for most up to date costs.
We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.
Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:
For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.
For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.
We look forward to hearing from you.
