Admission Criteria

Candidates must be able to satisfy the general admission requirements of the University of the West of Scotland as specified in Chapter 2 of the University Regulatory Framework together with the following programme requirements:

Appropriate Undergraduate Qualification

Other Required Qualifications/Experience

Applicants may also be considered with other academic, vocational or professional qualifications deemed to be equivalent. E.g. Ordinary degree with 3 years working as an Medical Laboratory Assistant. Entry decisions is made on a case-by-case basis.

Further desirable skills pre-application

In the case of a candidate whose native language is other than English, a Qualification Minimum Requirement applies.

In order to meet IBMS criteria applicants should have attained the equivalent of an IELTS score of at least 7.0 (with no component less than 6.5).


Information on other English language test scores is available from Admissions.

General Overview

The MSc Advanced Biomedical Science is an innovative programme designed to provide advanced training in the biomedical sciences. The focus of the programme is the application of research technologies to the biomedical sciences with an emphasis on ensuring that students develop advanced knowledge and skills which can be applied in research, biological sciences and NHS laboratories.

The course is designed to complement current initiatives within the healthcare sector which place considerable emphasis on attaining diagnostic excellence, maintaining continued professional development (CPD) and developing an evidence-based approach to professional practice. This necessitates a focused and positive attitude towards research and development, providing the opportunity for health professions to undertake better-informed practice but requiring development of new skills such as effective literature searching and critical appraisal. This course aims to support this development by providing enhancement to the research technology knowledge-base and through this providing the advanced knowledge and skills which will ultimately produce improvements to research, diagnosis and monitoring of disease pathology, core to the biomedical sciences. Students will have the opportunity to study the latest research technologies and apply them to their chosen specialist area of interest or pathology with a programme that is designed to not only be vocationally relevant by providing the latest advancements in research within biomedical science, but also in consideration of personal development too.

Candidates will normally apply from the following categories and there shall be slight deviations in modules and delivery approaches depending on the stream relevant to the individual:

Stream A:  students currently employed by an appropriate UK-based healthcare provider (e.g. IBMS-approved training site); most commonly this will be NHS-based biomedical scientists.

Stream B:  students who have an IBMS-accredited undergraduate degree.

Stream C:  students who have and undergraduate degree not-accredited by IBMS.

The course will be delivered through the UWS hybrid model. The programme is available as a distance learning (DL) option for Stream A students only (i.e. a modular pathway exists to allow a fully online version of the programme for Stream A students). Such students must ensure that they have sufficient IT facilities and infrastructure to undertake modules fully online. Those who opt for a distance learning route should avoid Advanced Laboratory Techniques module (which is taught on-campus only). Stream A students are welcome to undertake the whole programme via the hybrid model of learning if they wish.  

The full time MSc programme will consist of six taught modules over two terms and a laboratory or non-laboratory-based research project undertaken in the third term. Modules include subject areas in Clinical Immunology, Genetic Analysis in Biomedical Science, Disease: Detection, Monitoring and Therapy, Biomedical Science Quality Management, and Advanced Laboratory Techniques. Students also have ability to undertake modules in the statistical and service quality and organisation management, which are of considerable importance in biomedical science and allied fields. Completion of these modules along with the Research Design module and MSc Research Project module will provide students with a strong ability to bridge research theory with application in emerging fields of biomedical research.

The course is designed primarily for students who have an Honours BSc in Biomedical Science or appropriate biology related field with the title of the degree reflecting the primary aim of providing candidates with the high levels of knowledge and skills required to gain or advance employment within biomedical science. In addition, it is designed to create research opportunities and transferable skills which are beneficial to all. The MSc Advanced Biomedical Science is part of a long-term strategy to enhance health-related research and teaching within the School of Health and Life Sciences and complements the current Honours BSc in Biomedical Science.

Completion of this MSc will provide an advanced knowledge and skills base in research technologies that would greatly enhance the potential of any student to progress to a research PhD.

The teaching and learning strategies adopted for the MSc Advanced Biomedical Science are designed to provide students with the necessary subject knowledge, understanding, abilities and skills for the biomedical science profession. A variety of hybrid teaching methods will be used to ensure that students remain engaged, motivated and challenged to learn. Advanced Biomedical Science at post-graduate level is amenable to a wide range of teaching methodologies. This will include enquiry-based learning, critical thinking, data analysis, directed learning and problem solving. There will be strong linkages with research throughout the course, for example through attending research seminars from guest speakers and UWS staff, and through conducting the MSc research project. The VLE used by UWS will facilitate many of these approaches for personal development planning (PDP) or making data sets available for analysis. VLE will also allow some flexibility in the pace of study for students for example in the use of self-learning materials, pre-recorded mini-lectures, self-assessment tests, etc. Skills of independent learning, planning, lab working, team-working, data analysis and communication will all be attained during the successful completion of the programme. The biomedical science profession requires graduates who are safe and competent workers, and such aptitudes will be advanced in several modules. 

The teaching methods aim to meet the learning outcomes for the course, the individual modules and the needs of students. They cover the range of abilities that would be expected from an MSc graduate in the biomedical sciences and allow flexible and student-centred teaching. Cognisance was taken of the QAA Subject Benchmark statements for Biomedical Science (2019) and SCQF level descriptors which describes the general expectations of the attributes and capabilities that can be expected at Master's level. The procedures that will be used for assessment will correspond to the knowledge, abilities and skills that are to be developed through the programme. Evidence on which the assessment of student achievement will be based includes problem-solving exercises, case studies, critical reviews, presentations, and the planning, conduct and reporting of project work. As this is a course at Master's level, it is important that students are required to apply their knowledge to generate solutions to unfamiliar problems. Assessment of the research project will be crucial in determining whether Master's level learning outcomes have been achieved. Full academic engagement will be expected (further guidance can be found in relevant sections of the University Regulatory Framework).

The award of Advanced Biomedical Science (at either MSc, PG Dip, PD Cert) is dependent on the completion of the criteria provided below, however, students have option to transfer to Master’s in Professional Development (subject to approval) if not all conditions are met. 

Graduate Attributes, Employability & Personal Development Planning

Graduate Attributes

The development of UWS graduate attributes is embedded within all years of the programme. Our aim is to provide students at UWS with opportunities to develop academically, professionally and personally: to broaden their ambitions, extend their attitudes, challenge their assumptions, and assist towards unlocking their potential to succeed in their studies and future lives.

Critical Thinker The ability to evaluate yourself and your own thinking; assessing and evaluating complex information from different sources, challenging and questioning presented knowledge and facts, drawing reflective conclusions and articulating knowledge. Thinking reflectively and logically, being able to explain your thought processes, forming you own conclusions, constructing coherent arguments and taking actions based on your own thinking and relevant information.

Ethically-Minded Understanding ethical principles, awareness and appreciation of the values and beliefs of others in relation to own actions. Knowledge of moral decisions; respect for other people’s beliefs and the environment; being non-judgmental.

Collaborative Ability to work with a range of people, receptive to others’ views and working well with others to reach shared goals. Being a good communicator, open-minded, flexible, empathetic, a good listener, and pro-active.

Autonomous Taking responsibility for own actions to help become an independent learner. Applying learning and knowledge outwith university, having confidence in self, taking responsibility for own actions and making informed decisions. Self-directed, disciplined, using initiative and being self-motivated.

Resilient The ability to weather challenges and setbacks, utilising adversity to build new skills and support others in the future. Being determined, motivated, self-confident and demonstrating will-power. Not fearing failure.

Driven Ambitious; highly motivated to achieve desired outcome; focussed. A willingness to work hard; committed to achieving objectives; highly engaged with self-determination. Pushing personal boundaries and having the confidence to gain new experience.

Problem Solver Identifying what the problems are, including both what is known and what is unknown. Showing the application of knowledge to problematic situations/issues and evaluating a range of creative options; Identifying a problem and then finding solutions. Ability to be creative and knowledgeable enough to ask the right questions and to step up to take ownership of tasks/activities.

Effective Communicator To adapt what you are communicating to a specific audience. Communicating effectively to present ideas, discuss, persuade, negotiate, debate and challenge. Possessing skills to communicate verbally and non-verbally in an engaging and articulate manner. Listening.

Students will be supported in accordance with the Personal Development Planning and Policy Framework of the University. Personal Development Planning is embedded within the programme with links to each module. PDP will be introduced at the beginning of the programme and will be supported with regular workshops for the class. A range of coursework exercises will be identified and used to give students the opportunity to reflect upon their performance and plan for the next cycle of PDP.

Employability skills will be built into the programme at a variety of times in many different ways. Research methods used in biomedical sciences will be a frequent theme of examples in class and in the laboratory exercises. Generic skills that are transferable to many field of employment are embedded throughout the programme and are listed in some detail in the module descriptors.

The Employability Link is a new resource for students which will play an important part in our employability planning. It provides integrated service to students and staff and employers to encourage links between them. Services include advice and support on career planning, graduate recruitment, placement, part time work, summer jobs and volunteering.

Work Based Learning/Placement Details

The opportunity to complete the MSc Research Project in an approved Health service laboratory may be available to students who are employed at that location. Two work-based Learning modules are also available to students who are employed in an approved training laboratory and who have or are completing the IBMS Specialist Portfolio. This learning arrangement will need all three of the parties involved (placement provider, student and University) to accept specific responsibilities during the placement period and so a Work-Based Learning Partnership Agreement will be used for each individual student placement.

Engagement

In line with the Academic Engagement Procedure, Students are defined as academically engaged if they are regularly engaged with timetabled teaching sessions, course-related learning resources including those in the Library and on the relevant learning platform, and complete assessments and submit these on time.

Where a programme has Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Body requirements these will be listed here:

Attendance at synchronous sessions (lectures, tutorials and practicals), completion of asynchronous activities, and submission of assessments to meet the learning outcomes of the modules. Attendance at synchronous sessions is not required for students undertaking the distance learning version of the programme.
https://www.uws.ac.uk/media/6473/academic-engagement-procedure-061020.pdf

Equality and Diversity

The University's Equality, Diversity and Human Rights Procedure can be accessed at the following link: UWS Equality and Diversity Policy

In line with current legislation (Equality Act, 2010) and the UWS Equality, Diversity, and Human Rights Code, our modules are accessible and inclusive, with reasonable adjustment for different needs where appropriate. Module materials comply with University guidance on inclusive learning and teaching, and specialist assistive equipment, support provision and adjustment to assessment practice will be made in accordance with UWS policy and regulations. Where modules require practical and/or laboratory-based learning or assessment required to meet accrediting body requirements the University will make reasonable adjustment such as adjustable height benches or assistance of a ‘buddy’ or helper.
Please refer to the UWS Equality and Diversity Policy at the following link:
https://www.uws.ac.uk/about-uws/uws-commitments/equality-diversity-inclusion/

Knowledge and Understanding

Practice - Applied Knowledge and Understanding

Communication, ICT and Numeracy Skills

Generic Cognitive Skills - Problem Solving, Analysis, Evaluation

Autonomy, Accountability and Working With Others

Knowledge and Understanding

Practice - Applied Knowledge and Understanding

Communication, ICT and Numeracy Skills

Generic Cognitive Skills - Problem Solving, Analysis, Evaluation

Autonomy, Accountability and Working With Others

Knowledge and Understanding

Practice - Applied Knowledge and Understanding

Communication, ICT and Numeracy Skills

Generic Cognitive Skills - Problem Solving, Analysis, Evaluation

Autonomy, Accountability and Working With Others

Regulations of Assessment

Candidates will be bound by the general assessment regulations of the University as specified in the University Regulatory Framework.

An overview of the assessment details is provided in the Student Handbook and the assessment criteria for each module is provided in the module descriptor which forms part of the module pack issued to students. For further details on assessment please refer to Chapter 3 of the Regulatory Framework.

To qualify for an award of the University, students must complete all the programme requirements and must meet the credit minima detailed in Chapter 1 of the Regulatory Framework.

Combined Studies

There may be instances where a student has been unsuccessful in meeting the award criteria for the named award and for other more generic named awards existing within the School. Provided that they have met the credit requirements in line with the SCQF credit minima (please see Regulation 1.21), they will be eligible for an exit award of PgCert/ PgDip in Combined Studies.