Biomedical Science: Haematology MSc
Subject and course type
- Biomedical Science, Cancer Biology and Microbiology
- Postgraduate
Streamline your Biomedical Science studies with this Biomedical Science: Haematology MSc course that puts the focus on blood-related diseases. This course is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science.
You are reading:
Explore haematological disease processes and the latest diagnostic techniques
Receive up-to-the-minute information from practising biomedical scientists and visit specialist laboratories.
Our Biomedical Science: Haematology MSc course is delivered by the School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry. From biological and biomedical sciences to chemistry, forensic science, and sport science and nutrition, the school offers an outstanding and diverse portfolio of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
We've invested heavily in the development of new facilities, including laboratories for teaching and research to provide students with access to ultra-modern equipment.
We have extensive links with leading healthcare and research laboratories, such as GlaxoSmithKline, the National Blood Transfusion and Transplant Service and local teaching hospitals. Our links with industry provide a practical base for our courses. They also help us to ensure your studies are kept up to date and relevant to the workplace.
The lecturers at Kingston University challenged us and encouraged us to challenge them in return. This and the diversity within the class created a proactive and dynamic atmosphere where information and ideas flowed freely and productively. We were inspired and motivated by lecturers who made studying a pleasure.
Why choose this course
Our Biomedical Science: Haematology MSc course will introduce you to key concepts of haematopoietic stem cells and normal blood cell production. Focus will be on disease processes, the underlying pathological mechanisms, how they are diagnosed and personalised patient treatments.
During your time at Kingston, the course will offer guidance and preparation for your future IBMS registration. An extended laboratory research project will enable you to pursue an area of interest in depth.
Research active biomedical scientists are an integral part of the teaching team. This ensures they are in touch with the latest thinking and bring best practice to your studies. These academic staff provide the opportunity for involvement in internationally-recognised research.
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS). Graduates can apply to the IBMS for consideration for admission as Members of the Institute.
Course content
The programme comprises four taught modules, plus an extended research project where students have the opportunity to apply their knowledge and to develop competences in advanced laboratory techniques.
The modules will familiarise you with the theoretical and practical aspects of molecular medicine used in research and hospital laboratories, the molecular basis of immunological mechanisms, cellular mechanisms of disease, physiological manifestations and implications to public health. You will learn about the principles and practice of laboratory management in biomedical science, and you will acquire the skills required for researching and communicating in biomedical science. You will also study modules in your specialist route. In addition to subject-specific knowledge, the course aims to develop your communication and other skills.
To provide our MSc students with the best learning experience, allowing them to get the most out of their study time, the taught elements of our MSc course are typically delivered across two working days during the week.
In addition to the standard 12-month programme, we also offer the course as a two-year postgraduate programme with an optional integrated work placement component. This option is available for both international and full-time home/EU students of this course.
For a student to go on placement they are required to pass every module first time with no reassessments. It is the responsibility of individual students to find a suitable paid placement. Students will be supported by our dedicated placement team in securing this opportunity.
Modules
Modules
30 credits
This module explores the normal production of red cells and platelets and function of clotting factors. It then considers how acquired and hereditary abnormalities can lead to anaemia and coagulopathies, and examines how patients present clinically and are then diagnosed and treated. This includes exploring the roles played by the National Blood Transfusion and Transplant service in treatment of these disorders and considers the key clinical considerations of blood transfusion. The lectures and practical classes are designed to provide you with some real insights into genuine laboratory practice and the ways in which theory informs the day-to-day analysis of blood in hospital diagnostic laboratories.
30 credits
This module initially explores how the haematopoietic system develops through the different stages of human development and growth, and then focuses on tumours of haematopoietic and lymphoid tissues, including acute and chronic leukaemias, myeloproliferative neoplasms, multiple myeloma, and lymphomas. You will examine the molecular basis of these diseases, as well as their pathophysiology, diagnosis and available treatment. You will develop a critical approach to the subject through the use of case studies and data interpretation. Techniques used for the diagnosis of haematological malignancies are also explored in laboratory practical sessions.
30 credits
This module provides you with an introduction to the concepts of immunity and pathobiology. You will become familiar with the different cells and organs of the immune system and how these function and interact to protect the body from infection. You will be introduced to the cellular mechanisms and genetic causes of disease considering both the physiological manifestations and the public health implications. The module also introduces some of the molecular processes and signalling events that are important in communication between cells of the immune system. It goes on to consider the role of cellular pathology in the context of other pathology disciplines such as clinical chemistry. Practical classes will give you the opportunity to apply your basic knowledge of immunology to interpret the significance of laboratory data and the role of the immune system in disease.
30 credits
The module enables you to develop and extend skills required to research and communicate in biosciences, and the principles and practice of laboratory techniques, research planning, management, data handling and presentation. The material is contextualised by lectures, practicals, workshops and directed reading around the planning and execution of experiments and interpretation of the data in a clinical setting or in clinically-based studies.
60 credits
This Research project module is the final stage in the MSc qualification and represents 60 Level 7 credits. It is designed as a 'capstone' module, and gives you the opportunity to use and synthesise the knowledge and skills you have acquired from the other taught modules in applied 'real-world learning'. It involves presenting work in formats appropriate to wider professional audiences, practising new and/or improved laboratory skills, and most importantly demonstration of the ability to independently solve complex problems.
Optional placement year
Module
120 credits
The Professional Placement module is a core module for those students following a masters programme that incorporates an extended professional placement. It provides you with the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills in an appropriate working environment and develops and enhances key employability and subject specific skills in your chosen discipline. You may wish to use the placement experience as a platform for the major project or future career.
It is the responsibility of individual students to find and secure a suitable placement opportunity. This should not normally involve more than two placements which must be completed over a minimum period of 10 months and within a maximum of 12 months. The placement must be approved by the Course Leader, prior to commencement to ensure its suitability. Students seeking placements will have access to the standard placement preparation activities offered by Student Engagement and Enhancement (SEE) group.
Read more about the postgraduate work placement scheme.
I enjoyed the journey through my professional placement programme experience. This paved the way to a permanent position as a Biomedical Scientist in Haematology and Blood Transfusion.
Career opportunities
Careers and recruitment advice
The University has a specialist employability team. It provides friendly and high-quality careers and recruitment guidance, including advice and sessions on job-seeking skills. For example, CV preparation, application forms and interview techniques.
Specific advice is also available for international students about the UK job market and employers' expectations and requirements.
The team runs employer events throughout the year, including job fairs, key speakers from industry and interviews on campus. These events give you the opportunity to hear from, and network with, employers in an informal setting.
Work placement scheme
Many postgraduate courses at Kingston University enable students to take the option of a 12-month work placement as part of their course. Although the University supports students in finding a placement and organises events to meet potential employers, the responsibility for finding the work placement is with the student; we cannot guarantee the placement, just the opportunity to undertake it.
You may find securing a professional placement difficult as they are highly competitive and challenging, but they are also incredibly rewarding. It is very important to prepare and apply yourself if this is the route you wish to take. Employers look for great written and oral communication skills and an excellent CV/portfolio. As the work placement is an assessed part of the course, it is covered by a student's Student Route visa.
Find out more about the postgraduate work placement scheme.
Teaching and assessment
A wide range of assessments are provided in the programmes. Assessments can be either formative or summative, the formative assessments being designed to provide students with the opportunity to practice assignments and receive feedback as a form of ‘feed-forward' for the summative assessments.
Assessments are designed to assess advanced skills and evaluation of information. In addition to formal examinations, coursework assessment formats are varied in nature and include written reports and essays, poster and oral presentations, a research proposal and in-class tests. They are often authentic in nature, designed around problem-solving exercises and case studies to develop students' research abilities and critical thinking. The research project, which comprises one third of the programme, is designed as a ‘capstone' project and aims to give students the opportunity to use and synthesise the knowledge and skills they have acquired during their degree.
When not attending timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically this will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for exams. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, the library and CANVAS, the online virtual learning platform.
As a student at Kingston University, we will make sure you have access to appropriate advice regarding your academic development. You will also be able to use the University's support services.
A course is made up of modules, and each module is worth a number of credits. You must pass a given number of credits in order to achieve the award you registered on, for example 360 credits for a typical undergraduate course or 180 credits for a typical postgraduate course. The number of credits you need for your award is detailed in the programme specification which you can access from the link at the bottom of this page.
One credit equates to 10 hours of study. Therefore 180 credits across a year (typical for a postgraduate course) would equate to 1,800 notional hours. These hours are split into scheduled and guided. On this course, the percentage of that time that will be scheduled learning and teaching activities is shown below. The remainder is made up of guided independent study.
- 31% scheduled learning and teaching
The exact balance between scheduled learning and teaching and guided independent study will be informed by the modules you take.
Your course will primarily be delivered in person. It may include delivery of some activities online, either in real time or recorded.
Types of assessment
- Year 1: Coursework 45%; exams 19%; practical 11%
Assessment typically comprises exams (e.g. test or exam), practical (e.g. presentations, performance) and coursework (e.g. essays, reports, self-assessment, portfolios, dissertation).
Please note: the above breakdowns are a guide calculated on core modules only. If your course includes optional modules, this breakdown may change to reflect the modules chosen.
We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 20 working days.
You will be part of an intimate cohort of 20-40 students which provides dedicated academic guidance and advice as well as the opportunity to build a life-long network of colleagues. Some modules are common across other postgraduate programmes; you may therefore be taught alongside postgraduates from other courses.
Fees and funding
| Fee category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Home (UK students) | |
| Full Time | £11,400 |
| Part Time | £6,270 |
| International | |
| Full Time | £19,300 |
| Part Time | £10,615 |
| Fee category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Home (UK students) | |
| Full Time | £10,900 |
| Part Time | £5,995 |
| International | |
| Full Time | £18,500 |
| Part Time | £10,175 |
Funding support for postgraduate students
If you are a UK student living in England and under 60, you can apply for a loan to study for a postgraduate degree on the government's website.
Scholarships and bursaries
For students interested in studying Biomedical Science: Haematology MSc at Kingston, there are several opportunities to seek funding support:
The Gangolli Scholarship is a fully-funded (100% of fees) scholarship for Kingston University graduates progressing to a taught MSc course in the School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry.
For more information on how to apply for this scholarship, visit the Gangolli Scholarship page.
The Inspire the Future Scholarship offers a 40% reduction in fees for taught masters or postgraduate diploma courses with September start dates. 20 scholarships are available for progressing Kingston University graduates.
For more information on how to apply for this scholarship, visit the Inspire the Future Scholarship page.
International postgraduate students could receive up to £5,000 towards tuition in their first year of study.
For more information on how to apply for these scholarships, visit the International Scholarship page.
If you are a Kingston University 2024/25 undergraduate progressing to a 2025/26 postgraduate degree (taught or research), you could get a 15% reduction in tuition fees.
For more information on how to apply for this scholarship, visit the Postgraduate Progression Scholarship page.
Kingston University offers a 10% discount on full and part-time postgraduate degree course tuition fees to our alumni.
For more information on how to apply for this discount, visit our alumni discount page.
Additional course costs
Some courses may require additional costs beyond tuition fees. When planning your studies, you’ll want to consider tuition fees, living costs, and any extra costs that might relate to your area of study.
Your tuition fees include costs for teaching, assessment and university facilities. So your access to libraries, shared IT resources and various student support services are all covered. Accommodation and general living expenses are not covered by these fees.
Where applicable, additional expenses for your course may include:
Our libraries have an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as open-access computers and laptops available to rent. However, you may want to buy your own computer or personal copies of key textbooks. Textbooks may range from £50 to £250 per year. And a personal computer can range from £100 to £3,000 depending on your course requirements.
While most coursework is submitted online, some modules may require printed copies. You may want to allocate up to £100 per year for hard-copies of your coursework. It’s worth noting that 3D printing is never compulsory. So if you choose to use our 3D printers, you’ll need to pay for the material. This ranges from 3p per gram to 40p per gram.
Kingston University will pay for all compulsory field trips. Fees for optional trips can range from £30 to £350 per trip.
Your tuition fees don’t cover travel costs. To save on travel costs, you can use our free intersite bus service. This route links the campuses and halls of residence with local train stations - Surbiton, Kingston upon Thames, and Norbiton.
Specific courses may require uniforms, specialty clothing, or specific equipment like lab coats and safety shoes.
Some courses may require professional memberships.
Apply for this course
Before you apply
Please read the entry criteria carefully to make sure you meet all requirements before applying.
How to apply online
Use the course selector drop down at the top of this page to choose your preferred course, start date and mode, then click 'Apply now'. You will be taken to our Online Student Information System (OSIS) where you will complete your application.
If you’re starting a new application, you’ll need to select ‘new user’ and set up a username and password. This will allow you to save and return to your application.
Application deadlines
We encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Applications will close when the course is full.
Information required to confirm your place
If English is not your first language, we will require proof of your proficiency to allow us to confirm your place on the course. This will generally be either an IELTS or TOEFL test certificate, which can be forwarded to us after you have submitted your application. If you do not hold a formal English language qualification, please indicate how you have acquired your proficiency in written and spoken English.
After you have applied
If the postgraduate admissions tutor requires further information or wishes to invite you to further assessment by interview they will contact you directly. You will then hear whether your application has been successful.
If you do not clearly meet the standard entry requirements and the admission tutor wishes to see a portfolio from you, you will be sent an email asking you to upload your portfolio to your Kingston University OSIS account. Further details on how to do this will be provided at the time.
Course changes and regulations
The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course. Find out more about course changes
Programme Specifications for the course are published ahead of each academic year.
Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.
What our students and graduates say
As a result of the findings of my MSc project, I have recently made the decision, with the backing and support of Kingston University and my colleagues at work, to continue with the work for my PhD. I am now looking forward to the new challenges at work and the continuation of my academic development within the community at Kingston University.
Enrolling for a masters in Biomedical Science at Kingston University has been the best plan I've made in my career. During the course, I was challenged to be inclusive in class discussions and to be objective while critically assessing cases during course assessments and projects. Through this practice, I developed transferable skills which I apply currently at work.
Through my placement, I completed my IBMS registration portfolio and got supported by my employer to carry out my top-up supplementary education modules. Above all, I gained relevant skills, work experience and, most importantly, industry network and reference.
