Scholarships
The scholarships below are open to international students and those applying from England, Wales and Northern Ireland with a 2.1 or above for a postgraduate course.
Course detail
Start Date
September and JanuaryDuration
1 year (full-time), 2 years (part-time)Award Title
MScUCAS Code
Apply DirectProgramme Overview
The development of in vitro diagnostics and their implementation as near-patient tests is increasing in importance as part of a paradigm shift in healthcare practice. Care providers, globally, have committed to a transition to a more personalised and adaptive community-based approach and away from traditional hospital-based care.
The World Health Organisation note that accurate, rapid and affordable point-of-care tests (POCT) will increase access to testing and identification of infections, no matter the level of healthcare system. Rapid advances in technology and practice have resulted in the development of increasingly sophisticated and effective devices being used in health care.
Highly skilled biomedical scientists, alongside the wider spectrum of health and care workers, with a solution-oriented mindset are required to support this shift in delivery.
This brand-new Master’s – launching in January 2025 – is among the first in the world to give focus to this area and deliver a programme designed to address evolving healthcare needs.
Industry placement
Please note: you will be registered on the MSc Biomedical Sciences, which includes a research project. All students will get the opportunity to apply to undertake an industrial placement as an alternative to the research project. Placements, subject to availability, are on a competitive basis and are subject to an application and interview with the placement provider. If successful, you will be moved on to the MSc Biomedical Sciences with Industrial Practise.
Tailor your learning
In addition to core biomedical principles – including pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics – our MSc Biomedical Sciences allows you to tailor your learning, choosing between researching:
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The principles for designing and executing experiments in the context of healthcare applications such as diagnostics, and pharmaceuticals.
or
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The principles of implementation and monitoring of near-patient testing devices.
You'll graduate having received practical training to provide you with the knowledge, skills and understanding of quality processes necessary for the design, development and use of healthcare products. In addition to subject specific knowledge, the course is designed to enhance professional attributes by developing critical thinking, problem solving, and digital and laboratory skills.
Learn from industry experts
Developed and delivered in collaboration with NHS and industry, you'll learn from a blend of experienced academics and industry experts.
The programme is aimed at:
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Existing Biomedical Scientists
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Relevant industry professionals and those with a relevant healthcare background (e.g. nurse, paramedic, pharmacist) who want to specialise in the technological advancements of delivery of care.
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Those with a relevant Life Sciences or chemistry background who want to enter the field.
This qualification will put you in a strong position to join an exciting and quickly evolving industry.
World class facilities
This is a practical programme, and you'll have access to our state-of-the-art Biomedical Sciences labs. You'll spend between 78-96 hours during the taught modules learning about experimental design and will also have access to commercially available in vitro diagnostic devices.
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Learning and assessment
You'll be taught using a mixture of lectures and practical tutorials in our dedicated lab spaces. There is an expectation to underpin this learning in your own time, outside of timetabled sessions.
Assessment will take the form of practical projects, reports and exams. You'll produce a research project reflecting on a work placement or an area of study that has particular interest to you.
Entry Requirements
Applicants should have an undergraduate degree (2.2 or better) in a field related to Applied Bioscience, Bioscience, Biomedical Sciences, Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Virology, Human Biology, Immunology, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Genetics, Forensic Biology, Health Sciences.
Consideration will be given to applicants who have relevant professional experience in areas including biomedical science and other science fields, primary care and data analytics.
Modules
Theory of laboratory-based diagnostic methods and techniques (LSC521)
This module is designed to give an understanding of standard diagnostic procedures from a basic science and analytical perspective. Students will learn the similarities and differences between standard biomedical science laboratory and point-of-care diagnostic and health monitoring assays, the type of data generated by such tests and approaches to analysis.
Principles of point-of-care testing (devices and systems) (LSC522)
Point-of-care testing offers numerous advantages to testing done in a centralised laboratory. However, testing in different, non-controlled environments presents significant challenges for healthcare workers wishing to adopt this practice. This module covers the fundamental principles, challenges and problem-solving strategies that should be considered when planning the implementation of point-of-care testing in different environments.
Experimental design for testing and evaluation (LSC525)
The aim of this module is to develop your experimental design skills by improving understanding, use, interpretation and communication of statistical methods and analysis. You'll learn to design and optimise experiments using systematic methods based on standard statistical techniques.
Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics (LSC527)
You'll learn key pharmacological concepts and methods for quantifying and describing the action of drugs within living systems. The aim of this module is to develop your understanding of drug action, how the human body handles drugs and how this can be modelled.
MSc Dissertation (EEM517) (EEM517)
Individual in-depth investigation of a particular aspect of their own specialism. An opportunity to undertake individually an in-depth investigation in a relevant area of interest within an applied context in industry, consolidating theory and examining practice and providing a basis for the writing of a substantial dissertation.
Implementation of point-of-care-testing devices (LSC524)
This module introduces regulatory and practical considerations for those implementing point-of-care-test devices in different settings. The aim of this module is to give students a broad knowledge of the necessary regulatory and practical steps involved implementing new diagnostic devices. Students will develop an appreciation of the scale of context specific issues for implementation of devices in different use settings.
Quality Assurance Practices (LSC526)
This module covers quality assurance (QA) processes and procedures for a clinical diagnostic setting concordant with the latest relevant International Organisation for Standard (ISO) requirements. You'll be introduced to the requirements of ISO 15189:2022 and best practices to ensure quality, reliability, integrity, and competence in a clinical diagnostic setting.
Statistical Process Control (LSC528)
You'll learn about quality and processes and how they can be controlled and monitored using statistical methods. Students will learn how to apply common statistical control methods to identify and resolve production issues, retain quality and reduce costs. The aim of this module is to develop your understanding of processes and how statistical process control (SPC) techniques improves product quality and reduces cost.
Information for International Applicants
Learn more about Abertay's English language requirements, as well as visa information.
English Language Requirements
Explore English language requirements for entry to Abertay University.
Visa Information
All the information you need about visa requirements for studying here at Abertay University.
International Students
Find everything you need to know about applying to Abertay as an international student.
Fees & funding
The course fees you'll pay and the funding available to you depends on factors such as your nationality, location, personal circumstances and the course you are studying. Visit the links below and scroll down to find the Postgraduate section.
More information
Find out about grants, bursaries, maintenance loans and living costs in our postgraduate taught fees and funding section.
Abertay Postgraduate Taught rUK Scholarship
This £1,000 award is open to all prospective new postgraduate students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
International Postgraduate Abertay Scholarships
This £3,000 award is open to all prospective new international postgraduate students at Abertay University.
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Graduate School
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Join us as a postgraduate
When you join us as a postgraduate student or researcher, you’ll join a community of creative like-minded scholars. You will be working in our dedicated study and social spaces – a forum in which you can meet, work and learn with other researchers and postgraduates from across the University.
You’ll benefit from training and professional development opportunities, as well as support with funding applications, placement opportunities, teaching support, public engagement and outreach activity.
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