Whether youre seeking to switch careers, pursue a long-held interest in biomedical research or wish to develop subject-specific knowledge and improve your language skills, our Graduate Diploma in Biomedical Science is specifically designed to prepare you for postgraduate study. With access to state-of-the-art facilities, youll spend a year engaged in tailored discipline-specific, pre-masters study which will equip you with the knowledge and skills required to succeed at MSc level. On successful completion, youll transition directly onto our MSc Biomedical Science (Blood Science or Medical Microbiology) programmes, which are accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS).

Course summary

If you graduated in a different science or non-science subject, with a lower class science degree, or wish to improve your English, study, research and presentation skills, this Graduate Diploma provides additional support and extra time to prepare for fast-paced postgraduate study in the area of biomedical science.

Comprising of all aspects of human health and disease, biomedical science is one of the broadest areas of modern science and medicine. By developing new treatments and uncovering new knowledge which can save and improve lives, it is arguably one of the most important too.

The School of Life Sciences is recognised nationally and internationally for its excellence in research and teaching with all of its programmes accredited either by the Royal Society for Biology and/or the IBMS. It has developed strong collaborative relationships with a range of diagnostic and clinical specialists who currently work in NHS Trusts and associated industries. These specialist practitioners not only help shape the curriculum to ensure you graduate with the skills and knowledge real employers need, but also provide valuable contributions to our teaching.

Upon successful completion of the Graduate Diploma (a score of 50% overall or more), you'll be eligible to progress to our MSc Biomedical Science programme, choosing a specialist pathway in either Blood Science or Medical Microbiology. Accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS), it draws on the experiences of practicing health professionals to examine clinical and research applications within clinical biochemistry, immunology, haematology and transfusion science.

Blood Sciences is one of four different and distinct laboratory disciplines within the field of Biomedical Science, as outlined by the IBMS, alongside Infection Sciences, Cell Sciences, and Genetics and Molecular Pathology.

Your career

Biomedical science sit at the heart of multidisciplinary teams in healthcare, providing the vital scientific information which informs clinical decisions, monitors patient conditions, investigates disease and identifies ways to stop or fight infection.

The purpose of this Graduate Diploma is to prepare you to study one of two pathways we offer on the IBMS-accredited MSc Biomedical Science. The Blood Science pathway is focused on the diagnostic, research and clinical techniques that rely on blood or its components to successfully identify, treat and manage medical conditions. Meanwhile, the Medical Microbiology pathway focuses on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment infectious diseases, incorporating the study of microbiology and virology.

Once you successfully graduate from the MSc, you'll be able to pursue a career in biomedical science. As well as preparing you for research and laboratory-based jobs, you'll have the skills to undertake a host of different roles, from technical support roles and sales in the research and healthcare markets, to scientific writing, quality control, or health and safety.