Biomedical Science: Medical Microbiology MSc

Why choose this course?

Our expert teaching staff and guest speakers will help you  develop a comprehensive understanding of the organisms, pathology, diagnostic techniques and control of infectious disease in existing and emerging pathogens

An extended research project will enable you to pursue an area of interest in depth. It can be an excellent selling point when looking for a job or promotion.

The course is delivered two days per week and, with part-time options, can help you fit your studies around other commitments.

Mode Duration Attendance Start date
Full time 1 year 2 days a week September 2023
Full time 1 year 2 days a week January 2024
September 2024
Full time 2 years including professional placement 2 days a week plus placement year September 2023
Full time 2 years including professional placement 2 days a week plus placement year January 2024
September 2024
Part time 2 years 1 day a week September 2023
Part time 2 years 1 day a week January 2024
September 2024

Reasons to choose Kingston University

  • This course is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science.
  • It offers an in-depth understanding of both global and public health implications of microbial disease.
  • The University has extensive links with leading healthcare and research laboratories, such as GlaxoSmithKline, UK Health Security Agency and Animal and Plant Health Agency.

Accreditation

This course is accredited for 2022 entry by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS); we are currently renewing our accreditation for 2023 entry. Graduates can apply to the IBMS for consideration for admission as Members of the Institute. 

What you will study

Practising expert biomedical scientists are an integral part of the teaching team and ensure that the programme content reflects current practice. Academic staff at the University provide the opportunity for involvement in internationally-recognised research.

The programme comprises four taught modules, plus an extended research project where students have the opportunity to apply their knowledge and to develop competences in advanced laboratory techniques.

Core modules will familiarise you with the theoretical and practical aspects of molecular medicine used in research and hospital laboratories, the molecular basis of immunological mechanisms, cellular mechanisms of disease, physiological manifestations and implications to public health. You will learn about the principles and practice of laboratory management in biomedical science, and you will acquire the skills required for researching and communicating in biomedical science. You will also study modules in your specialist route. In addition to subject-specific knowledge, the course aims to develop your communication and other skills.

In addition to the standard 12-month programme, we also offer the course as a two-year postgraduate programme with an optional integrated work placement component. This option is available for both international and full-time home/EU students of this course.

For a student to go on placement they are required to pass every module first time with no reassessments. It is the responsibility of individual students to find a suitable paid placement. Students will be supported by our dedicated placement team in securing this opportunity.

Modules

Optional placement year

Modules

Immunology and the Biology of Disease

30 credits

This module provides students with an introduction to the concepts of immunity and pathobiology. Students will become familiar with the different cells and organs of the immune system and how these function and interact to protect the body from infection. In addition, the module introduces students to the cellular mechanisms and genetic causes of disease considering both the physiological manifestations and the public health implications. The module also introduces some of the molecular processes and signalling events that are important in communication between cells of the immune system. It goes on to consider the role of cellular pathology in the context of other pathology disciplines such as clinical chemistry. Practical classes give students the opportunity to apply their basic knowledge of immunology to interpret the significance of laboratory data and the role of the immune system in disease.

Microbial Pathogenesis and Control of Infectious Disease

30 credits

This module addresses the key features of commensal and pathogenic micro-organisms and their interaction with host cells. It will introduce the theory and practice of modern diagnostic methods used in clinical microbiology as well as the current strategies used to combat infectious diseases. The normal microbial flora of healthy individuals and its contribution to health and disease are considered together with the study of pathogenic micro-organisms. The module introduces students to the factors that determine microbial pathogenicity and will link these factors to a disease. The module will also demonstrate how research in this area can help in the design of strategies to combat microbial infections. The module also critically evaluates the use of disinfection and sterilisation methods, as well as vaccines and antimicrobials in public health. Complex issues such as resistance to antimicrobial agents are also examined together with microbiological standards for food, potable water and sewage.

Taxonomy of microorganisms and diagnosis of infectious disease

30 credits

Within this module, the structural properties of microorganisms are introduced and discussed in the context of their use in taxonomic grouping and in aiding identification of microbial agents. In addition the module also explores the general principles of both traditional and molecular methods of laboratory investigation of infectious disease. Students' knowledge is developed by the in-depth consideration of a number of specific infectious diseases of contemporary importance, with key material being delivered by external specialist practitioners. The material delivered in the module is directly related to the requirements of the biomedical science workplace. The taxonomic aspects covered relate directly to current practices in the grouping of organisms, and cover both traditional and modern molecular techniques. Similarly, in the diagnostics component of the module both traditional and developing diagnostic techniques are covered, often by outside speakers from industry. This not only provides a context for the current application of these techniques, but also scope to demonstrate the requirement for continuous improvements in diagnostics. The module also re-enforces how an understanding of these techniques and developments enhance employability.

Research techniques and scientific communication

30 credits

The module enables students to develop and extend skills required to research and communicate in biosciences, and the principles and practice of laboratory techniques, research planning, management, data handling and presentation. The material is contextualised by lectures, practicals, workshops and directed reading around the planning and execution of experiments and interpretation of the data in a clinical setting or in clinically-based studies.

Research Project

60 credits

This Research project module is the final stage in the MSc qualification and represents 60 Level 7 credits. It is designed as a 'capstone' module, and gives students the opportunity to use and synthesise the knowledge and skills they have acquired from the other taught modules in applied "real-world learning". It involves presenting work in formats appropriate to wider professional audiences, practising new and/or improved laboratory skills, and most importantly demonstration of the ability to independently solve complex problems.

Professional placement

Professional placement

120 credits

The Professional Placement module is a core module for those students following a masters programme that incorporates an extended professional placement. It provides students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in an appropriate working environment and develops and enhances key employability and subject specific skills in their chosen discipline. Students may wish to use the placement experience as a platform for the major project or future career.

It is the responsibility of individual students to find and secure a suitable placement opportunity. This should not normally involve more than two placements which must be completed over a minimum period of 10 months and within a maximum of 12 months. The placement must be approved by the Course Leader, prior to commencement to ensure its suitability. Students seeking placements will have access to the standard placement preparation activities offered by Student Engagement and Enhancement (SEE) group.

Read more about the postgraduate work placement scheme.

Work placement scheme

Many postgraduate courses at Kingston University allow students to take the option of a 12-month work placement as part of their course. The responsibility for finding the work placement is with the student; we cannot guarantee the placement, just the opportunity to undertake it. You may find securing a professional placement difficult as they are highly competitive and challenging, but they are also incredibly rewarding. It is very important to prepare and apply yourself if this is the route you wish to take. Employers look for great written and oral communication skills and an excellent CV/portfolio. As the work placement is an assessed part of the course, it is covered by a student's Student Route visa.

Find out more about the postgraduate work placement scheme.

Entry requirements

Typical offer

  • A 2:2 or above honours degree or equivalent in; biomedical science; medical microbiology; medical genetics; molecular biology; haematology; or immunology. Other biology and medical science degrees will be considered on an individual basis. All applicants must demonstrate sufficient understanding of immunology and medical microbiology. Applications are considered individually and candidates with relevant experience are welcome to apply.

Please note: each application is assessed on an individual basis and may be subject to additional requirements, such as undertaking short course(s), work experience and/or English language qualification(s). Meeting particular minimum entry requirements does not automatically guarantee a place.

 

International

In order to complete your programme successfully, it is important to have a good command of English and be able to apply this in an academic environment. Therefore, if you are a non-UK applicant* you will usually be required to provide certificated proof of English language competence before commencing your studies.

For this course you must pass IELTS academic test in English with an overall score of 6.5, with no element below 6.0, or meet the scores listed on the alternative online tests. Please note that we do not accept Standard XII as proof of Academic English.

Applicants who do not meet the English language requirements may be eligible to join our pre-sessional English language course.

Please make sure you read our full guidance about English language requirements, which includes details of other qualifications we'll consider.

* Applicants from one of the recognised majority English speaking countries (MESCs) do not need to meet these requirements.

Country-specific information

You will find more information on country specific entry requirements in the International section of our website.

Find your country:

Teaching and assessment

A wide range of assessments are provided in the programmes. Assessments can be either formative or summative, the formative assessments being designed to provide students with the opportunity to practice assignments and receive feedback as a form of ‘feed-forward' for the summative assessments.

Assessments are designed to assess advanced skills and evaluation of information. In addition to formal examinations, coursework assessment formats are varied in nature and include written reports and essays, poster and oral presentations, a research proposal and in-class tests. They are often authentic in nature, designed around problem-solving exercises and case studies to develop students' research abilities and critical thinking. The research project, which comprises one third of the programme, is designed as a ‘capstone' project and aims to give students the opportunity to use and synthesise the knowledge and skills they have acquired during their degree.

Considerable effort is made to ensure that assessment loading for students is manageable, and assessment points are appropriately spread throughout the year. Each module has no more than three summative assessments, including any formal examination.

 

Guided independent study (self-managed time)

When not attending timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. This typically will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for exams. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, the library and CANVAS, the online virtual learning platform.

Support for postgraduate students

As a student at Kingston University, we will make sure you have access to appropriate advice regarding your academic development. You will also be able to use the University's support services

Your workload

Type of learning and teaching

Year 1

Year 1
  • Scheduled learning and teaching: 432 hours
  • Guided independent study (self-managed time): 768 hours

36% of your time is spent in timetabled learning and teaching activity.

How you will be assessed

Type of assessment

Year 1

Year 1
  • Coursework: 45%
  • Exams: 19%
  • Practical: 11%

Assessment typically comprises exams (e.g. test or exam), practical (e.g. presentations, performance) and coursework (e.g. essays, reports, self-assessment, portfolios, dissertation).

 

Feedback summary

We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 20 working days.

Class sizes

­You will be part of an intimate cohort of students which provides dedicated academic guidance and advice as well as the opportunity to build a life-long network of colleagues. Some modules are common across other postgraduate programmes; you may therefore be taught alongside postgraduates from other courses.

Who teaches this course?

This course is delivered by the School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry.

The School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry offers an outstanding and diverse portfolio of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in biological and biomedical sciences, chemistry, forensic science, pharmacy, pharmacological and pharmaceutical sciences, and sport science and nutrition.

We've invested heavily in the development of new facilities including laboratories for teaching and research to provide students with access to ultra-modern equipment in a wide range of teaching facilities.

Postgraduate students may run or assist in lab sessions and may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader.

Fees for this course

2024/25 fees for this course

Home 2024/25

  • MSc full time £10,900
  • MSc part time £5,995

International 2024/25

  • MSc full time £18,500
  • MSc part time £10,175

2023/24 fees for this course

Home 2023/24

  • MSc full time £9,860
  • MSc part time £5,423

International 2023/24

  • MSc full time £15,800
  • MSc part time £8,690

Tuition fee information for future course years

If you start your second year straight after Year 1, you will pay the same fee for both years.

If you take a break before starting your second year, or if you repeat modules from Year 1 in Year 2, the fee for your second year may increase.

Fees for the optional placement year

If you choose to take a placement as part of this course, you will be invoiced for the placement fee in Year 2. Find out more about the postgraduate work placement scheme and the costs for the placement year.

Postgraduate loans

If you are a UK student, resident in England and are aged under the age of 60, you will be able to apply for a loan to study for a postgraduate degree. For more information, read the postgraduate loan information on the government's website.

Scholarships and bursaries

Kingston University offers a range of postgraduate scholarships, including:

If you are an international student, find out more about scholarships and bursaries.

We also offer the following discounts for Kingston University alumni:

Gangolli scholarship

Through the generous support of Professor Sharat and Mrs Lilian Gangolli, we are able to offer a fully-funded (100% of fees) scholarship for taught MSc courses in the School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry. The scholarship aims to encourage academic excellence and allow talented young graduates to continue to higher levels of learning and research.

Find out more, by visiting the Gangolli Scholarship page.

Additional costs

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs that are not covered by tuition fees which students will need to consider when planning their studies. Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, access to shared IT equipment and other support services. Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. 

Where a course has additional expenses, we make every effort to highlight them. These may include optional field trips, materials (e.g. art, design, engineering), security checks such as DBS, uniforms, specialist clothing or professional memberships.

Textbooks

Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. You may prefer to buy your own copy of key textbooks, this can cost between £50 and £250 per year.

Computer equipment

There are open-access networked computers available across the University, plus laptops available to loan. You may find it useful to have your own PC, laptop or tablet which you can use around campus and in halls of residences. Free WiFi is available on each of the campuses. You may wish to purchase your own computer, which can cost between £100 and £3,000 depending on your course requirements.

Photocopying and printing

In the majority of cases written coursework can be submitted online. There may be instances when you will be required to submit work in a printed format. Printing, binding and photocopying costs are not included in your tuition fees, this may cost up to £100 per year.

Field trips

All field trips that are compulsory to attend to complete your course are paid for by the University. There may be small fees incurred for optional field trips such as travel costs and refreshments.

Travel

Travel costs are not included in your tuition fees but we do have a free intersite bus service which links the campuses, Surbiton train station, Kingston upon Thames train station, Norbiton train station and halls of residence.

Placements

If the placement year option is chosen, during this year travel costs will vary according to the location of the placement, and could be from £0 to £2,000.

What this course offers you

  • The Biomedical Science course is designed for graduates who want to acquire an in-depth understanding of disease processes.
  • It is ideal for both professional biomedical and research careers.
  • You can tailor the course to your own interests by choosing from two different pathways, one focusing on haematology and the other on medical microbiology.
  • The research project gives you the chance to further specialise. You study an area of interest, either in industry or research, in greater depth and gain valuable research skills. Our students often find this an excellent selling point when looking for a job or promotion.
  • The taught modules aim to prepare you for future careers. Alongside your academic studies, you gain experience in a range of skills, including problem solving, communication, time management, and cooperation and teamwork.
  • Lectures from practising biomedical scientists and visits to specialist labs further enhance your understanding of the working environment.
  • We offer flexible timetables and part-time options to help you fit your studies around other commitments.
  • The course is also offered as a two-year programme with an integrated work placement that takes place between the taught component of the course and the research project.

After you graduate

Examples of recent graduate destinations include:

  • biomedical scientist at Kingston Hospital, Kingston
  • biomedical scientist at St George's Hospital, London
  • trainee biomedical scientist at Barnet and Chase Farm Hospital, London
  • trainee biomedical scientist at St George's Hospital, London.

Careers and recruitment advice

The Faculty has a specialist employability team. It provides friendly and high-quality careers and recruitment guidance, including advice and sessions on job-seeking skills such as CV preparation, application forms and interview techniques. Specific advice is also available for international students about the UK job market and employers' expectations and requirements.

The team runs employer events throughout the year, including job fairs, key speakers from industry and interviews on campus. These events give you the opportunity to hear from, and network with, employers in an informal setting.  

What our graduates say

I became a State Registered Biomedical Scientist in a local NHS microbiology laboratory in 1983. In 2002, having raised a family, I turned my attention back to my career. After applying for a senior post at a neighbouring trust it became apparent that if I wanted to progress I would need to undertake an MSc accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Sciences (IBMS).

Any reservations I had about resuming my education were rapidly dispelled. As a group, the lecturers at Kingston challenged us and encouraged us to challenge them in return. This and the diversity within the class created a proactive, dynamic atmosphere where information and ideas flowed freely and productively. We were inspired and motivated by lecturers that made studying a pleasure.

My graduation in 2004 gained me a promotion at work and Fellowship of the IBMS. The MSc has opened career opportunities and choices that were previously closed to me. After completing a leadership course run by my employers last year, I have now been offered the post of deputy laboratory manager in microbiology.

As a result of the findings of my MSc project I have recently made the decision, with the backing and support of Kingston University and my colleagues at work, to continue with the work for my PhD. I am now looking forward to the new challenges at work and the continuation of my academic development within the community at Kingston University.

Jackie Kenny

I have spent my professional career in Caribbean laboratories doing bench work, teaching students, and managing a laboratory team in a fast-paced general hospital. After 17 years, I decided to challenge myself and travel abroad to gain a global, more diverse perspective in my field.

My MSc at Kingston University gave me that, and so much more. It not only developed my knowledge and skill, it helped me to develop myself and my perspective towards biomedical sciences. At Kingston University, the programme is designed to challenge the student, not only academically but also on a personal level, with continued support from the lectures, including course leaders and director. The practical sessions, assessments and research project encouraged me to think critically, creatively, and more broadly about the material. Furthermore, the courses required me to reflect on my approach, abilities, and experience, which allowed me to gain valuable insight on my process and how I could improve on my current skillset. I now see how powerful reflections can be for the outcome of any project. The masters focus on applied knowledge and practice provided a much broader vision of my work and the ways I can apply my skills.

By being able to tap into different aspects of my field and myself, I am leaving Kingston University with a greater interest to learn more, to see myself transferring my new knowledge and skills to different fields and professions and to grow more holistically. The course has broadened my horizons to options and career pathways I'd previously not considered, from very specialised hospital settings to research and development, scientific marketing, and communications.

Cindy Harricharan, 2023 MSc Biomedical Science graduate

Doing my masters degree at Kingston University in Biomedical Science was indeed a steep learning curve in my life. Not only did the course change my outlook on the subject matter but more importantly, it changed my perspective on life as a whole and has taught me some core values through academia that I have carried on into life. The course was exciting, and I used the opportunity to fully explore and understand the vastness of the field of science and what it has to offer a person like me. The academics at Kingston University were nothing short of approachable, kind and helpful and have significantly contributed towards my success in my masters degree. The lessons I picked up from Kingston University will stay with me for life and I am beyond grateful for the experience.

Riya Augustine, MSc Biomedical Science with Professional Placement, 2021

How we work with industry partners

Our links with industry provide a practical base for our courses. They also help us to ensure your studies are kept up to date and relevant to the workplace.

This course includes:

  • up-to-the-minute information from practising biomedical scientists; and
  • visits to specialist laboratories to enhance your knowledge of the working environment.

Current research in this subject

Many of our staff in the Faculty are research active. This ensures they are in touch with the latest thinking and bring best practice to your studies.

Research focuses on the interaction of chemistry and life sciences with medicine. It is divided into three main sub-areas;

  • Therapy  including immunology, stem cell research and allergenic effects of foods;
  • Parasitology  including parasite transmission, drug responses and host cellular immune responses; and
  • Pharmaceutical Sciences  including the use and understanding of free-radical reactions and the use of anti-cancer drugs/new bioactive natural products.

Get professional experience alongside your studies

We work with a variety of employers such as hospitals, community health care, NHS foundation trusts, academic publishers, and pharmaceutical companies, many of which also offer professional experience opportunities for our Biomedical Science with Management Studies MSc students.

Benefits of professional experience

  • Get work experience in a scientific environment – making you more employable
  • Work on a project of benefit to the employer
  • Develop transferable skills and enhance your CV
  • Make professional contacts
  • Receive a work reference at the end of a successful placement

What's on offer

  • Part-time, unpaid and either office or laboratory-based
  • Flexible to fit in with your studies and the employer's needs
  • An academic supervisor allocated to all placement students
  • Should encompass 200 hours of work during the period October to April alongside studies

Professional experience could include

  • Conducting discrete pieces of research, investigation, and fact finding
  • Supporting laboratory work such as ensuring that Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are available for all lab materials
  • Assessing, archiving, sorting, transcribing, and filing scientific documents and files
  • Taking minutes in meetings involving scientific content

How to get professional experience

Competition to gain professional experience is fierce and places are not guaranteed. During Induction Week, you will be introduced to the scheme and the Kingston University Careers and Employability Centre resources where you will find a CV and covering letter template.

All applications must use these CV and covering letter templates, which are accessed via your KU account. Therefore, to apply for the Professional Experience opportunities, you must first be a student enrolled on an eligible MSc programme.

The KU Careers and Employability Centre will help you to complete your CV and covering letter, so that you can make your best application for the scheme. CVs and covering letters are reviewed by employers and students chosen for interview are supported to prepare by the Careers and Employability Centre.

Please email Lori Snyder for any general information you need about the professional experience scheme.

Course changes and regulations

The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course. Course changes explained.

Programme Specifications for the course are published ahead of each academic year.

Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.

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