MSc Biomedical Science - Anglia Ruskin University

Course overview

Our MSc Biomedical Science course will progress your scientific skills, allow you to explore exciting new specialisms and develop advanced knowledge of biomedical science. This online MSc biomedical science course is ideal if you're a working biomedical scientist looking to take the next step towards Chartered Scientist status or to further your research career with projects related to your interests.

Delivered as supported online learning, it offers the flexibility to fit study around your other commitments while you benefit from teaching by experienced ARU lecturers and HCPC-registered hospital practitioners, including Senior Biomedical and Clinical Scientists. You can tailor your Biomedical Science Masters through a specialist independent research project in a pathology area such as Haematology, Clinical Chemistry, Cellular Pathology or Medical Microbiology.

Accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) and guided by an employers’ panel that includes the NHS, this Masters in Biomedical Science provides a research-informed scientific education and practical skills valued by employers, making it a strong choice for biomedical science distance learning.

Why choose this course?

Supported online learning gives you the flexibility to fit study around your other commitments
Learn from experienced and passionate tutors, including ARU lecturers and HCPC-registered hospital practitioners
Tailor your studies with a specialist independent research project in an area of personal interest and relevance to your laboratory
Our Biomedical Science Masters is guided by an employers’ panel that includes the NHS
Accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS)
Study at a University of the Year (THE), with a strong reputation for teaching excellence

What you’ll gain

An advanced understanding and knowledge of biomedical science
The skills and confidence to carry out biomedical research
The opportunity to specialise in pathology areas such as Haematology, Clinical Chemistry, Cellular Pathology or Medical Microbiology
Specialist research skills through an independent project focused on your chosen pathology area
A range of management skills that can be applied to your own work in any pathology specialism
A wide-ranging, research-informed scientific education with practical skills and experience that employers value, supporting progression towards Chartered Scientist status

Next application deadline: 27th May 2026

Apply now

Course modules and assessments

Modules

Due to the structure of this course, there will be instances where you will study two modules simultaneously during a trimester. You will be supported by your tutors to help manage your workload and assessment deadlines.

Please contact one of our advisers to discuss the pacing of this course and the options available to match your circumstances.

General Pathology

This module is designed to enable you to fully understand the principles of pathology and to illustrate the required knowledge base and principles using case studies. You’ll develop a full understanding of disciplinary methodologies, both theoretical and research based. You’ll also conduct a study of immunopathology and transplantation to illustrate the interaction of pathology and immunology.

Moving towards Mastery

This module enables the learning which you must undertake in order to provide a foundation for your post-graduate study; using subject related examples as tools for your learning. You'll learn to develop the style and techniques which are essential to your success in the MSc and to practice the assessment methods. You'll learn to appreciate the concept of Mastery and demonstrate the depth and systematic understanding of knowledge and the ability to work with theoretical and research-based knowledge at the forefront of your academic discipline.

An Introduction to Management in Biomedical Science

Research Methods in Biomedical Science

Biomedical Specialisms 1 - Epidemiology and Pathogenesis

Biomedical Specialisms 2 - Diagnostics and Treatment

Masters Project

Modules are subject to change and availability.

How you’ll be assessed

We’ll assess your progress using the portfolios you’ll create for each taught module, as well as your final year dissertation.

Accreditation

Professional recognition

Our Biomedical Science MSc is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science. IBMS accreditation ensures that our degree course covers the specified subjects at the required level to meet the Health and Care Profession Council (HCPC) standards of proficiency for biomedical scientists.

It also ensures that you receive a wide-ranging, research informed scientific education and develop the practical skills and experience that employers value.

How you'll study

100% Online study

Dedicated support

Study online and graduate on campus

Our Biomedical Science MSc is studied 100% online.

You’ll study through Canvas, our world-class online Learning Management System (LMS), which can be accessed from your phone, pc or tablet at home or on the move. Canvas provides instant access to study materials, forums, and support from tutors and classmates, as well as enabling easy submission of your assignments.

On successful completion of your studies you’ll be invited to attend a graduation ceremony on campus. If attending the ceremony in person is not possible then we’ll arrange to have your certificate sent to you.

Entry requirements

What you’ll need to start this course

You must hold an undergraduate degree in biomedical science or equivalent, HNC with bridging course, or HNC plus laboratory experience.

If English is not your first language you will be expected to demonstrate a certificated level of proficiency of at least IELTS 7 (Academic level) or equivalent English Language qualification, as recognised by Anglia Ruskin University.

As a distance learner, you'll also need a suitable computer with internet connection, together with sufficient IT competence to make effective use of our online learning management system (LMS) with high-speed internet and email.

You should be employed in an appropriate laboratory to support your learning and your major project and will need a guarantor.

Your guarantor can be your Line Manager or Training Officer or work-based Mentor or none of these. Your guarantor’s main role is to be another person at work who is aware that you are taking your MSc Biomedical Science by distance learning, and who may be able to assist your progress. Preferably, your Guarantor will:

be qualified to at least MSc / MPhil level

be HCPC-registered

work in the same place as you

be familiar with your work

agree to be your Guarantor for academic years 1 and 2 of your course

Each applicant is considered on an individual basis. You are advised to contact Dr Richard Jones ([email protected]) prior to application. Two references must be supplied.

Fees and Funding

Fees

The full tuition fee for this course is £9,000.

The tuition fees you pay each year for the full Biomedical Science MSc will be £3,000. The course is studied over 3 years.

Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) may reduce the tuition fees. This will be confirmed once your application has been submitted. Please note that APL may affect your eligibility for a postgraduate loan.

Funding

Your course can be fully funded by the Postgraduate Student Loans now available (subject to eligibility).

We offer payment by instalments, so you can spread the cost of studying with us.

For military students: You can use your ELCs towards this course. Anglia Ruskin University is a recognised ELCAS provider (number 1007). Please contact your Learning Centre for details of ELC, eligibility and how to apply.

For more information on how you fund your studies please see our funding page.

Meet your course leader

Dr Richard Jones

Richard has over 15 years postdoctoral experience in molecular biology, biochemistry, biophysics, and cell biology.

Before joining ARU, Richard completed four Postdoctoral Research Associate positions at Yale University (USA) and at the universities of Leeds, Manchester and York.

Qualifications

PGCLTHE, Anglia Ruskin University
MB ChB Medicine, University of Leeds School of Medicine
PhD in NMR Spectroscopy, University of Manchester Department of Chemistry and Zeneca Pharmaceuticals Department of Cardiovascular and Musculoskeletal Research
BSc (Hons) Chemistry and Molecular Physics, University of Nottingham

Richard's research interests include biochemical and biophysical studies of extracellular matrix and membrane proteins implicated in human eye, skin and vascular diseases. He collaborates with Professor Clair Baldock and Dr Tao Wang (University of Manchester, UK) and Professor Gladys Ko (Texas A&M University, USA) investigating the structure and function of eye proteins, the dysfunctions of which are implicated in different macular degenerations.

Richard's broad background has enabled him to supervise students' final year bioinformatics and meta analyses projects in areas including dystonia; Huntington's disease; myasthenia gravis; generalised anxiety disorder; legal and illegal highs; infection of cardiac rhythm management devices; foods for treatment of diseases; bioinformatics analyses of a variety of proteins; myocardial infarction; cancer biomarkers; fluid bag seal strength; diabetes and diabetic retinopathy; and amblyopia.

What our students say

Overall, my experience with ARU was amazing. I felt supported, empowered and accomplished. I’ve achieved what I was hoping for when I signed up for the course and I’ve enjoyed every moment.

Dio, Healthcare Alumni

Read Dio's story

I found the staff immensely helpful and supportive. Each module provided an opportunity to learn something new, put it into practice, reflect on it and see the positive results.

Rachael, Healthcare Alumni

Read Rachael's story

To be able to delve into a subject that you are passionate about and to explore different topics within that subject was really motivating. I found both staff and support services very helpful.

Beth, Healthcare Alumni

Read Beth's story

Despite studying online in a different part of the world and a different time zone, this was never apparent. Whenever I needed support and advice it was always swift and very helpful.

Tara, Healthcare Alumni

Read Tara's story

Awards and recognition

Be part of the University of the Year

We're proud to be the Times Higher Education (THE) University of the Year 2023. The prestigious THE awards honour ’exceptional performance during the 2021-22 academic year, and reflect ARU’s success in delivering high-impact projects during this period, despite the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The award recognises the difference we make in the region and our communities – while also acknowledging the broader impact of our world-leading research, and the contributions our students and graduates make to society.

Gold-standard education

We're proud to have received a Gold award for the quality of our education in a UK-wide review of university teaching standards.

Why we're rated Gold

Our course content and delivery is rated as outstanding with the review citing ‘innovative and highly effective course design and content that inspires students to actively engage and commit to their learning’.

We’re also rated outstanding in the areas of:

student engagement in learning
learning environment and academic support
learning resources
student engagement in improvement
approaches to supporting student success
intended educational gains
approaches to supporting educational gains.

What is the Teaching Excellence Framework?

The Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) is a national scheme run by the Office for Students that focuses on the areas students care most about: teaching, learning, and achieving positive outcomes from their studies.

It has three outcomes: Bronze, Silver and Gold.

This rating was awarded in September 2023, and lasts for four years.

Supported distance learning

We understand that distance learning is different to traditional campus study and if you’re new to online study you may have concerns or apprehensions about studying your MSc Biomedical Science remotely, and that’s natural.

To help put your mind at ease we have a dedicated Distance Learning Support Team to help and support you throughout your time at ARU, starting with your first online induction and staying with you right through to graduation. In addition, you’ll also be supported by specialist module tutors, well experienced in supporting distance learning students.

Once you start your MSc Biomedical Science, we encourage the creation of online communities and many of our learners find these connections with others invaluable, helping them to stay motivated, share concerns or make new friendships.

Visit our support page to learn more about our support services.

Visit Support

Careers

Everything you need to know about building your career in science

What could a Biomedical Science MSc do for my career?

You'll already hold an undergraduate degree in Biomedical Science, Fellowship of the IBMS or related Higher National Certificate and be working in a laboratory setting, but you’re looking to enhance your career, this postgraduate degree will do just that.

Furthermore, you’ll gain an internationally recognised qualification that will demonstrate your high level of specialist knowledge and quality of work to current or future employers where you may wish to seek promotion and career advancement.

Not only will you hone your current skills but you will discover new skills and adopt greater responsibilities in your chosen role, ideal for those with their eye on laboratory management positions. With this course, you can expect to widen your career prospects across a number of institutions including the NHS and the pharmaceutical industry.

What job roles can I consider with a Biomedical Science MSc?

A Biomedical Science MSc could lead to career advancement opportunities within public health, private pharmaceutical, and biomedical research areas, as well as clinical biochemistry. These are just some of the job roles that a Biomedical Science MSc graduate may consider, possibly with further training or experience depending on the role:

Biomedical Scientist
Research Scientist
Biotechnologist
Microbiologist
Clinical Scientist
Clinical Research Associate

If you are looking for more information about these job profiles and potential salary earnings see Prospects.ac.uk. It’s important to note that salaries can vary widely depending on the job role, employer, industry sector and location.

The Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) also has a useful careers section profiling various biomedical science job roles.

What skills will I get from the MSc Biomedical Science to help my career?

What can I study after an MSc Biomedical Science?

Careers Advice Service

Once you become an ARU student you will be able to access our Employability Service to help you whatever stage your career, whether that’s landing your dream job or the next progression step.

We offer:

careers advice, including one-to-one online and telephone appointments with our experienced advisers
help with your CV, job searches, applications and interview preparation
an online portal packed with useful careers resources
our Employability Programme, which helps you hone the skills employers say they want in graduates.

Biomedical Science MSc

IBMS-accredited online postgraduate degree

Key facts about your online degree

How you'll study

Application deadline

Professional accreditation

Course length

Fees: £9,000

Start dates

Course overview

Why choose this course?

What you’ll gain

Next application deadline: 27th May 2026

Course modules and assessments

Modules

General Pathology

Moving towards Mastery

An Introduction to Management in Biomedical Science

Research Methods in Biomedical Science

Biomedical Specialisms 1 - Epidemiology and Pathogenesis

Biomedical Specialisms 2 - Diagnostics and Treatment

Masters Project

How you’ll be assessed

Accreditation

Professional recognition

How you'll study

Study online and graduate on campus

Entry requirements

What you’ll need to start this course

Fees and Funding

Fees

Funding

Meet your course leader

Dr Richard Jones

What our students say

Awards and recognition

Be part of the University of the Year

Gold-standard education

Supported distance learning

Careers

Everything you need to know about building your career in science

What could a Biomedical Science MSc do for my career?

What job roles can I consider with a Biomedical Science MSc?

What skills will I get from the MSc Biomedical Science to help my career?

What can I study after an MSc Biomedical Science?

Careers Advice Service

Take the next step, apply today