Biomedical Science (Blood Science)

Course summary

This IBMS-accredited MSc Biomedical Science (Blood Science) course focuses on the diagnostic, research and clinical techniques that rely on blood or its components to successfully identify, treat and manage medical conditions.

Blood analysis helps to identify markers of disease and health conditions such as diabetes, HIV, cancer and coronary heart disease, while transfusions – of red blood cells, platelets and plasma – are used to treat patients having surgery or with medical conditions such as anaemia, cancer blood disorders.

Comprising of all aspects of human health and disease, biomedical science is one of the broadest areas of modern science and medicine. By developing new treatments and uncovering new knowledge which can save and improve lives, it is arguably one of the most important too.

Blood Sciences is one of four different and distinct laboratory disciplines within the field of Biomedical Science, as outlined by the IBMS, alongside Infection Sciences, Cell Sciences, and Genetics and Molecular Pathology. At Keele, we also offer a MSc Biomedical Science (Medical Microbiology) comprising of all aspects of human health and disease, as well as a Graduate Diploma in Biomedical Science.

Building on existing, undergraduate knowledge in basic science, you’ll undertake higher level scientific training to develop the advanced laboratory and analytical skills needed in clinical or research contexts, fully aware of the potential implications for patients, health workers and research alike.

Incorporating the study of clinical biochemistry, medical immunology, haematology and transfusion science, the emphasis on this MSc is to look at health and disease from a patient or population-oriented perspective and in support of evidence-based clinical decision-making.

As well as real-life case studies covering thyroid function disorders, heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, and malaria, for example, you’ll hear direct from practicing health professionals working in local NHS Trusts. This provides a unique opportunity not only to make valuable contacts for your future career, but also discuss UK public health trends, such as advances in screening and diagnostics, novel treatments and therapies.

We pay particular attention to the development of core practical skills in areas such as critical thinking, innovation, communication, problem-solving and project management. Preparing you to take on more senior roles, you’ll become familiar with biomedical ethics, aware of how to fully integrate these issues, for example, when writing grant proposals and business plans.

You have significant flexibility when choosing your research project which could take the form of any of the following: laboratory-based research; virtual or dry laboratory-based research; bioinformatics analysis; a clinical audit; or systematic review of current literature. It may be possible to undertake your research project within the NHS or, if you're already working in the science sector, you could tackle a problem or issue that could affect real change for your employer.

The School of Life Sciences is recognised nationally and internationally for its excellence in research and teaching with all of its programmes accredited either by the Royal Society for Biology and/or the IBMS. It has developed strong collaborative relationships with a range of diagnostic and clinical specialists who currently work in NHS Trusts and associated industries. These specialist practitioners not only help shape the curriculum to ensure you graduate with the skills and knowledge real employers need, but also provide valuable contributions to our teaching. Guest lectures have previously covered, for example, screening of newborn babies, endocrinology and infertility, lipid disorder and tumour markers.

Other courses you might be interested in:

• MSc Biomedical Science (Online)
• MSc Biomedical Science (Medical Microbiology)
• GradDip Biomedical Science (Pre-MSc)

All of our courses require an English language qualification or test. For most students, this requirement can be met with a 4 or C in GCSE English. Please see our English Language guidance pages for further details, including English language test information for international students. For those students who require an English language test, this course requires a test from Group C.

Your career

Biomedical science sit at the heart of multidisciplinary teams in healthcare, providing the vital scientific information which informs clinical decisions, monitors patient conditions, investigates disease and identifies ways to stop or fight infection.

The roles open to you on graduation are vast and varied and include: drug testing, infection control, cancer screen, forensics, pharmaceutical research, blood donation, transfusion services, rapid response labs, point of care testing, armed forces, and teaching. You could also enter the commercial field in technical support roles and sales in the research and healthcare markets.

The general skills you’ll gain – for example, in data analysis, investigation, interpretation, problem-solving, critical thinking, communication, observation, project management – are highly valued by employers and relevant to almost any career path.

While the specialist research skills you learn provide a strong foundation for pursuing further study at doctoral level for those interested in doing so. You could embark on a research career that may include research and development roles within academia, research institutes or industry.

Graduates of this course have gone on to PhD study, medical writing and to become a Biomedical Scientist (depending on their undergraduate degree). Some have gone to to study medicine or the Scientist Training Programme to become Clinical Scientists.

Positions may include:

• Academic (PhD, teaching careers)
• Bioinformatician
• Biomedical engineer/scientist
• Biophysicist
• Cell processing and manufacturing specialist
• Clinical operations researcher
• Clinical research scientist
• Clinical trials researcher/coordinator
• Computational biologist
• Drug development scientist
• Geneticist
• Grant writer
• Industrial research scientist/analyst
• Medical degree
• Medical laboratory scientist
• Microfluidic scientist
• NHS biomedical scientists
• Product development scientist
• Research technician
• Research trainee/fellow
• Science entrepreneur
• Scientific consulting
• Scientific sales representative
• Scientist in cell/gene therapy labs (R&D)
• Scientist in Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) labs (R&D)
• Scientist in pharma (R&D)
• Synthetic biologist