ObjectivesThe course has been designed to produce 'hands-on' professionals with a broad range of skills in laboratory based biomedical sciences. Successful completion of the course will enable you to meet Standard 3a.1 of the HPC Standards of Proficiency which requires the knowledge components of an accredited biomedical science degree. The course caters for the needs of non-accredited graduates, providing them not only with supplementary relevant education to meet the regulatory requirements of the HPC/IBMS, but also with a University award in recognition of completion of their study.
Entry requirementsYou would normally be expected to possess all of the following: an Honours degree in Biosciences or an equivalent qualification deemed suitable by the HPC/IBMS; a letter of recommendation from the professional body (IBMS) indicating supplementary areas of biomedical sciences to be studied; and graduate applicants will normally be employed in an accredited pathology laboratory. In addition, if you have not received your secondary or tertiary education in English, you should normally have attained the equivalent of an IELTS score of at least 6.5, TOEFL (computer based test) of at least 250 or Cambridge Proficiency, Grade C or equivalent. If you have been asked by the HPC/IBMS to complete fewer areas of supplementary education you may take individual modules on a “module buyer” basis. If you have been asked to take additional modules to those offered by the Graduate Diploma/Diploma you will also need to complete these at additional cost, in terms of both money and time.
Academic titleGraduate Diploma in Biomedical Sciences
Course descriptionCourse Content
The supplementary education required to meet Standard 3a.1 of the HPC Standards of Proficiency is provided through modules taken from our accredited BSc Honours Biomedical Sciences.
The seven taught modules being offered are those that the HPC/IBMS have deemed necessary for most of the potential registrants: Pathobiology and Investigative Pathology cover the requirements for the Biology of Disease component of Standard 3a.1; the others are:
-Clinical Chemistry
-Cellular Pathology
-Haematology and Transfusion Science
-Medical Microbiology
-Medical Immunology
-Additionally two work-based modules, Accredited Work Place Learning 2 and Accredited Work Place Learning 3, not requiring attendance at the University, are offered.
Successful completion of eight modules (120 credits) are required for the Graduate Diploma in Biomedical Sciences.
Teaching and Assessment
The course combines lecture, tutorial and practical laboratory elements. Formal examinations are supported by continuous assessment.
Associated Careers
The course is aimed at those who are already employed in a routine hospital pathology laboratory as trainee biomedical scientists but do not have an accredited BSc in biomedical sciences.