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Biomedical Science (Haematology and Transfusion Science) MSc

Gain a world-class education from our team who have worked on pioneering cancer treatment projects and research in haematologic disorders, especially haematologic malignancies

Biomedical Science (Haematology and Transfusion Science) MSc

Code
PGB90X (MSc)
Start
September 2024
Duration
1 year full-time
2 years part-time
Attendance
Full-time
Part-time
Fees
£10,500 (UK) *
£16,800 (INT) *
Course leader
Zhanzhong Shi

Why choose Biomedical Science (Haematology and Transfusion Science) MSc at Middlesex?

Haematologists specialise in disorders of the blood and blood-forming tissues, and their contribution to patient care is fundamental and wide-ranging. Whether you're analysing data from patients' samples, matching donated blood with someone who needs a transfusion or researching cures for blood cancers, your work will improve and save countless lives.

If you're currently working in haematology, this master's degree will help you progress to a more senior position. You might also wish to explore your options in research or academia, or even complete further study at a doctoral level.

Our courses have a strong international reputation and the University's strong links with London hospitals and NHS Laboratories ensures that you will be studying the latest developments, practices and research. Our Centre for Investigative and Diagnostic Oncology has pioneered techniques for cancer diagnosis and treatment, and the Haematology department is very active in research into blood cancers, HIV and AIDS.

This course will equip you with the knowledge and skills for a range of roles such as management, consultancy, lab supervision, or in international roles within hospitals, schools and universities. There are also opportunities in diagnostic laboratories within both the public and private sectors.

Accreditations

This degree is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS). Accreditation is a recognition that it will provide qualified biomedical scientists, who are specialist practitioners or intend to specialise with advanced knowledge and skills required for clinical practice.

What you will gain

The Biomedical Science Haematology and Transfusion Science master's degree is taught by our experienced academics who have close ties to London hospitals and NHS Laboratories.

You'll learn about cutting-edge advancements, techniques, and research, and have the chance to tour nearby labs in London.

Haematologists specialise in disorders of the blood and blood-forming tissues. Their contribution to patient care is fundamental and wide-ranging. Whether you're analysing data from patients' samples, matching donated blood with someone who needs a transfusion or researching cures for blood cancers, your work will improve and save countless lives.

Our master's degree in Biomedical Science is very practical and you'll learn:

  • The latest laboratory skills and diagnostic techniques
  • Using our cell culture, proteomics and microbiology labs
  • Techniques such as DNA sequencing, real-time PCR, electrophoresis and HPLC
  • How to use MALDI-TOF mass spectrometers and flow cytometers
  • How to design and carry out experiments, statistical analyses and techniques for analysing samples and molecules
  • How to manage a laboratory proficiently; including people management, business plans, budgets, safety regulations, and quality management.

If you do not wish to study the full MSc, you can apply to PGCert where you study only four modules.

3 great reasons to pick this course

  • Cutting-edge research facilities
    Study at our £36 million Hatchcroft Building featuring state-of-the-art bioscience, cell and tissue culture, mass spectrometry, and medical engineering labs
  • Diverse career opportunities
    Succeed in sectors like hospital laboratories, pharmaceuticals, academia, biotechnology, patent law, forensic science, and science journalism
  • Excellent reputationTop 2 university in the UK – Times Higher Education Young Universities,  2022

Find out more

Sign up now to receive more information about studying at Middlesex University London.

We'll teach you how human blood works and about the disorders that can affect it. You'll study techniques for diagnosing and monitoring disease, and how to analyse blood test results.

You’ll study blood cell formation, full blood count, and different types of anaemic disorders – such as nutritional anaemia, haemoglobinopathies and immune haemolytic anaemia. You'll also explore normal haemostasis and haemostatic disorders as well as haematologic malignancies such as leukaemias, lymphomas, myelomas, myelodysplasia and myeloproliferative neoplasms.

You’ll also study blood transfusions and blood donation including blood types, blood typing and tissue typing techniques as well as haemolytic disease of newborns, reactions to transfusions, and safety measures and care of blood products.

Also, we will explore the ethical and legal issues that affect some research areas such as assisted reproduction and genetics, and human or animal research.

  • Modules

    • Advanced Bioanalytical Techniques (15 credits) - Compulsory

      The module aims to examine advanced bioanalytical techniques that are used in biomedical research, for the analysis of products, for improving diseases understanding and for the analysis of disease biomarkers. It also provides a detailed understanding of the principles, theory and practice of bioanalytical techniques, including safety, instrumentation, sample preparation techniques together with analysis and interpretation of analytical data.

    • Biomedical Ethics and Law (15 credits) - Compulsory

      The module aims to provide insight into a range of ethical and legal issues that relate to professional practice, to research with human and animal subjects and to human reproduction, particularly various forms of reproductive technology. It will also aim to give students a broad overview of the relevant current UK ethical and legal regulations for research using human tissues. The module will further explore the ethical issues present in the rapidly developing area of genetic technology, including genetic testing and selection, genetic engineering, and the concept of genetic disease. After an introduction to basic ethical theory and legal principles, the focus of the module will be on exploring ways in which, by applying theoretical considerations to practice, ethical and legal issues can be critically analysed and addressed.

    • Blood Analysis and Pathology (15 credits) - Compulsory

      This module aims to introduce principles and diagnostic techniques of general haematology. It looks at the individual components of normal human blood in detail, and explains the molecular mechanisms of haematological diseases affecting each component. The module also analyses the role of the haematology laboratory in diagnosis and treatment of patients with haematological abnormalities.

    • Experimental Design and Statistics (15 credits) - Compulsory

      The module aims to provide students with the tools required to design effective and efficient experiments and to test scientific hypotheses. The module will also equip students with the tools necessary for statistical analysis in a hypothesis testing context.

    • Haemato-oncology (15 credits) - Compulsory

      This module aims to introduce specialist diagnostic techniques used in haemato-oncology. It provides deep appreciation of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of leukaemias, lymphomas and myelomas. It also analyses the role of the haematology laboratory in diagnosis and treatment of patients with these conditions.

    • Leadership and Management (15 credits) - Compulsory

      The module aims to provide students with current theories and approaches to leadership and management in order they can bring about effect positive change in the team or organisation that they lead or manage.

    • Research Project (60 credits) - Compulsory

      Module aims to develop students' skills in planning and execution of an analytical, laboratory-based study and critical evaluation of real research results drawing on their acquired knowledge from other modules. In addition, the module aims to develop students' communication skills to enable them to communicate their findings in written and oral form.

    • Transfusion Science (15 credits) - Compulsory

      This module aims to examine the science upon which blood transfusion is based (including measures to maintain and improve safe blood transfusion), and analyse the role of the haematology laboratory in diagnosis and treatment of patients with haematological abnormalities.

    • Haemostasis (15 credits) - Compulsory

      The module aims to provide you with deep understanding of diagnosis, management and treatment of patients with common clotting disorders through a case–study approach.

To find out more about this course, please download the Biomedical Science (Haematology and Transfusion Science) MSc specification (PDF).

How we'll teach you

The course is delivered by our experienced academics and industry partners in person and via digital platforms. Our learning activities include lectures, seminars, workshops, tutorials, laboratory practicals, interactive computer-based sessions and videos, and group projects.

Your timetable will be built around on-campus sessions using our professional facilities, with online sessions for some activities where we know being virtual will add value. We’ll use technology to enhance all of your learning and give you access to online resources to use in your own time.

Where will you study?

You will study at our north London campus, often at the Hatchcroft building, one of the UK's best-equipped laboratories.

Timetable

Whether you are studying full or part-time – your course timetable will balance your study commitments on campus with time for work, life commitments and independent study.

We aim to make timetables available to students at least 2 weeks before the start of term. Some weeks are different due to how we schedule classes and arrange on-campus sessions.

Teaching vs independent study

In a typical year, you’ll spend about 1200 hours on your course.

Outside of teaching hours, you’ll learn independently through reading articles and books, working on projects, undertaking research, and preparing for assessments including examinations, coursework and presentations.

Typical weekly breakdown

The table below gives you an idea of what learning looks like across a typical week. Some weeks are different due to how we schedule classes and arrange on-campus sessions.

You'll receive full information on your teaching before you start your course.

A typical week looks like this:

Learning

Hours per week

On-campus

10

Online

7

Independent study

3

Learning terms

On-campus: This includes tutor-led sessions such as lectures, seminars, lab sessions and demonstrations as well as student-led sessions for work in small groups.

Online learning: This is teaching that is delivered online using tools like Skype or Zoom, as well as work that you do yourself using online teaching resources.

Independent study: This is the work you do in your own time including reading and research.

Part-time study

You can also study this course part-time over two years.

Academic support

We have a strong support network online and on campus to help you develop your academic skills. We offer one-to-one and group sessions to develop your learning skills together with academic support from our library, IT teams and learning experts.

Coursework, exams and assessments

As well as practical and theoretical exams and your research project and dissertation, you’ll be assessed through presentations and written assignments, including essays, laboratory reports and logbooks, critical reviews, data analysis and problem-solving exercises, quizzes, and papers made up of a literature review, hypothesis and research question. You will receive regular feedback on your work, including your assessed work, from your tutors and sometimes from fellow students. You will also be asked to evaluate your own work.

For your dissertation, you'll design, conduct and evaluate the results of your own independent and original research project. This will normally take place within our laboratories or your own clinical setting.

Feedback

You'll evaluate your work, skills and knowledge and identify areas for improvement. Sometimes you'll work in groups and assess each other's progress. Each term, you'll get regular feedback on your learning.

Bioengineering and medical engineering labs

You’ll study in some of the best facilities in the UK. Housed within a new eco-friendly centre specially built for science and technology, our 30-plus labs include:

  • A bio-modelling centre
  • Robotics and mechatronics equipment
  • Mass spectrometry suite

Cell and tissue culture lab

alt text: woman seated looks down microscope in Cell and tissue culture lab at middlesex university

This lab focused on the culture of mammalian cell lines. Its outstanding facilities include:

  • Biological safety cabinets for the sterile handling of cells
  • Four phase-contrast microscopes
  • Several atmosphere-controlled incubators for growing cells.

Use the lab to discover new biomarkers which can be used to detect disease, as well as in vitro models to determine the efficacy of many potential treatments for disease. This facility is essential to cancer, reproductive, stem cell and nano-pharmaceutics research at Middlesex.

Mass spectrometry and analytical facilities

Alt text: mass spectrometry facilities at middlesex university

Our exceptional array of high-end equipment can support your research in:

  • Investigative and diagnostic Oncology
  • Urban pollution control
  • Biophysics and bioengineering
  • Molecular biology
  • Reproductive biology.

Microbiology and molecular biology labs

There's everything you need to develop advanced microbial techniques, infectious sample processing and the culture of microorganisms.

You can develop molecular biology techniques such as:

  • Cloning and analysing DNA and RNA sequences
  • Quantify RNA levels
  • Separate DNA molecules.

You’ll be able to use industry-standard equipment including:

  • A Leica SP2 confocal microscope for the high-resolution analysis of protein sub-cellular distribution
  • Our tissue culture facility for the large-scale production of monoclonal antibodies and proteins
  • A Nikon live cell microscope system for time-lapse imaging.

Student support

We offer lots of support to help you while you're studying including financial advice, wellbeing, mental health and disability support.

Additional needs

We'll support you if you have additional needs such as sensory impairment or dyslexia. And if you want to find out whether Middlesex is the right place for you before you apply, get in touch with our Disability and Dyslexia team.

Wellness

Our specialist teams will support your mental health. We have free individual counselling sessions, workshops, support groups and useful guides.

Work while you study

Our Middlesex Unitemps branch will help you find work that fits around uni and your other commitments. We have hundreds of student jobs on campus that pay the London Living Wage and above. Visit the Middlesex Unitemps page.

Financial support

You can apply for scholarships and bursaries and our MDX Student Starter Kit to help with up to £1,000 of goods, including a new laptop or iPad.

We have also reduced the costs of studying with free laptop loans, free learning resources and discounts to save money on everyday things. Check out our guide to student life on a budget.

How can the MSc Biomedical Science (Haematology and Transfusion Science) support your career?

Our university's postgraduate courses have been recognised for their ability to support your career.

95% of our postgraduate students go on to work or further study Graduate Outcomes, 2022.

Career paths

Biomedical science is the second largest profession registered by the Health Professions Council, and there is a high demand for well-qualified graduates.

There are many opportunities available in a variety of sectors including hospital laboratories, the pharmaceutical industry, academia, education, biotechnology, and even areas like patent law, forensic science and science journalism.

Biomedical scientists also work in primary care, in doctor’s surgeries and clinics, or there are opportunities with the National Blood Service, Public Health England, the Medical Research Council, and the Health and Safety Executive.

MDXworks

MDXworks, our employability service, will help you make the most of your experience and connections to achieve your career goals. You'll have unlimited access to one-to-one advice and support from specialists in your sector plus 24/7 online support. You can also make the most of events and networking opportunities, on and off campus.

Our dedicated lifetime career support, like our business start-up support programme and funding for entrepreneurs, has been recognised with the following awards:

  • The top 20 UK universities for business leaders and entrepreneurs – Business Money, 2023 
  • A top 10 university for producing CEOs – Novuana, 2023.

Global alumni network

You’ll be studying with students from 122 countries who’ll become part of your personal global network. You'll learn how to work with a global mindset and make invaluable connections on your course for your chosen industry.

  1. UK entry
  2. International entry
  3. How to apply

The fees below refer to the 2024/25 academic year unless otherwise stated.

UK students*

Full-time students: £10,500
Part-time students: £70 per credit
Part-time students: £35 per dissertation credit

*Course fees are subject to annual inflation so the total costs for part-time study are shown here as a guide

For more information and to answer your frequently asked questions, please visit our postgraduate funding page.

The fees below refer to the 2024/25 academic year unless otherwise stated.

International students*

Full-time students: £16,800
Part-time students: £112 per credit
Part-time students: £56 per dissertation credit

*Course fees are subject to annual inflation so the total costs for part-time study are shown here as a guide

For more information and to answer your frequently asked questions, please visit our postgraduate funding page.

Additional costs

We cover your costs for the day-to-day things that you need to do well in your studies.

  • Free – laptop loans,Wi-Fi and printing
  • Free specialist software for your course
  • Free online training with LinkedIn Learning.

Financial support

We offer lots of support to help you with fees and living costs. Check out our guide to student life on a budget and find out more about postgraduate funding.

Postgraduate scholarships

You may be eligible for one of our scholarships including:

  • The Alumni Postgraduate Award – for all UK/EU Middlesex alumni a 20% fee reduction
  • The Commonwealth Scholarship – full course fees, airfares and a living allowance
  • The Chevening Scholarship – full course fees
  • The European Academic Awards – £1000 to £7000 for students showing academic excellence
  • Regional or International Merit Award –up to £2,000 towards course fees

For international students, we also have a limited number of other awards specific to certain regions, and work in partnership with funding providers in your country to help support you financially with your study.

Find out more about our postgraduate scholarships.

Help from your employer

Your employer can contribute towards the cost of your postgraduate study as part of their staff development programme.

Work while you study

If you are not currently working, we can help you find work that fits around uni and your other commitments. We have hundreds of student jobs on campus that pay the London Living Wage and above.

Fees disclaimers

1. UK fees: The university reserves the right to increase postgraduate tuition fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions. The tuition fees for part-time UK study are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.

2. International fees: Tuition fees are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.

Any annual increase in tuition fees as provided for above will be notified to students at the earliest opportunity in advance of the academic year to which any applicable inflationary rise may apply.


We’ll carefully manage any future changes to courses, or the support and other services available to you, if these are necessary because of things like changes to government health and safety advice, or any changes to the law.

Any decisions will be taken in line with both external advice and the University’s Regulations which include information on this.

Our priority will always be to maintain academic standards and quality so that your learning outcomes are not affected by any adjustments that we may have to make.

At all times we’ll aim to keep you well informed of how we may need to respond to changing circumstances, and about support that we’ll provide to you.

Other courses

Biomedical Science (Medical Microbiology) MSc

Start: September 2024

Duration: 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time

Code: PGB900 (MSc)

Biomedical Science (Cellular Pathology) MSc

Start: September 2024

Duration: 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time

Code: PGB90A (MSc)

Biomedical Science (Medical Immunology) MSc

Start: September 2024

Duration: 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time

Code: PGC550

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