This is the first online full BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science programme within the UK and Ireland that has been accredited by the IBMS. This part-time course will allow students to meet the academic requirements as part of an IBMS Certificate of Competence programme without the need to leave their current employment. The degree would have to be accompanied by completion of the Registration Training Portfolio for professional registration as a Biomedical Scientist within the UK. Students can also achieve this over a shorter time period. Before now, it would take the average student up to seven years to complete a BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science programme part-time by on-campus attendance. This more flexible online version will allow students to complete part-time, in just four years.
At some point in our lives, we all benefit from the services of Biomedical Scientists, for example, screening of patients, diagnosis of disease, evaluation of the effectiveness of a treatment, or research to develop new healthcare technologies, diagnostic tests or therapies. The purpose of this widening access course is to provide a part-time, online BSc (Hons) degree for secondary education qualified scientists and technologists working in a clinical healthcare setting in life sciences, medical biotechnology and biopharmaceutical industries or other areas of biomedical sciences, producing competent graduates to meet national needs in Ireland and the UK.
Students access their teaching material and interact with their tutors and class using the online virtual learning environments of Ulster University and IT Sligo, with a requirement to only attend once per year for an intensive practical session at one of the campuses. For students aspiring to work within a clinical laboratory as a Biomedical Scientist within the UK, achievement of IBMS accreditation means that successful graduates will be able to meet the academic requirements that form a necessary part of an IBMS Certificate of Competence programme to obtain professional registration with the HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council).
Professor Victor Gault, Head of School of Biomedical Sciences at Ulster said:
“I am delighted the Institute of Biomedical Science have endorsed and accredited this collaborative online programme with IT Sligo. This will greatly facilitate the career development for those wishing to pursue employment as Biomedical Scientists in clinical laboratories.”
Dr Jeremy Bird, Head of Faculty of Science at IT Sligo said:
“I welcome recognition of this innovative partnership between Ulster University and IT Sligo. The successful professional accreditation of the programme by the Institute of Biomedical Science is an indication of the programme’s quality, and recognition of its professional standing.”