Clinical Biochemistry (MSc)

The programme is specifically designed to provide students with a thorough grounding in the theory and practice of clinical biochemistry as conducted within the modern health science laboratory. In particular, the programme seeks to develop a student's academic, practical, professional and communication skills so that he/she can seamlessly integrate into, and thereby form a productive part, of a health service laboratory team.

• provide students with advanced understanding and applied knowledge in the theory and practice of Clinical Biochemistry
• equip students with a critical understanding of how biochemical investigations are employed to develop a clinical diagnosis
• provide students with the necessary professional and research skills to promote lifelong learning and career development

The programme provides unique opportunity for students to undertake core professional and research skills education and  training with students from  the other health science disciplines within the pathology services of the health service. 

Through shared taught units students will benefit from inter-professional multi-disciplinary learning whilst at the same time gaining the ability to apply core knowledge and understanding specific to clinical biochemistry.

Core Taught Units

Healthcare science 1 - Introduction to human biology and disease  (15 credits): This unit introduces students to the physiology and biochemistry of the major organ systems and the molecular basis of common diseases.

Healthcare science 2 - Analytical methods (15 credits): This unit equips students with key analytical skills plus knowledge and understanding of the scientific basis and use of the major analytical technologies and diagnostic platforms used in clinical biochemistry

Introduction to Clinical Biochemistry (15 credits): This unit provides students with an introduction to the theory and practice of Clinical Biochemistry and the role the Clinical Biochemistry laboratory plays in the investigation, diagnosis and management of disease.

Practical Masterclasses (15 credits): This unit is designed to provide students with hands-on experience of techniques used in the research laboratory.

Subject Specific Taught Units

Diseases of the Major Organs  (15 credits)

Endocrinology (15 credits)

Nutrition and Drug Monitoring (15 credits)

Paediatric Biochemistry (15 credits)

Together these units equip students with a detailed knowledge and understanding of the theory and practice of clinical biochemistry.

Research Project and Dissertation (60 credits)

This permits students to develop and refine core research and transferable skills in addition to expanding their knowledge and understanding of clinical biochemistry.

The programme is accredited by the Association for Clinical Biochemistry.

Academic entry qualification overview:

The programme is suitable for graduates in biochemistry, physiology, pharmacology, pharmacy, medicine and other biological subjects which contain elements of biochemistry and/or physiology. Graduates in chemistry are accepted onto the programme but do have to have studied significant elements of biochemistry and/or physiology during their undergraduate degree.

An honours degree (2:1 minimum), or overseas equivalent, is required for direct entry to the programme. Flexibility on entry requirements will be considered for candidates with proven appropriate professional experience. Under these circumstances candidates will be considered on an individual basis and may be required to enrol initially on the Diploma track.

English language:

Students whose first language is not English require a minimum of:

• IELTS 6.5 with 6.0 in writing
• TOEFL:
  • 577 paper-based (TWE - 6.0)
  • 233 computer-based (TWE - 6.0)
  • 90 internet-based (with 22 in each component)

* TWE - Test of Written English

Some English language test results are only valid for two years. Your English language test report must be valid on the start date of your course

Other international entry requirements: We accept a range of qualifications from different countries. For these and general requirements including English language see entry requirements from your country.

All applicants must apply online, and the following supporting documents should be provided to support the application:

• Two academic references (references should be signed by your referee, dated within the last 6 months and on letterhead paper). The reference should comment on your suitability for postgraduate study (specifically for the MSc Clinical Biochemistry)
• We reserve the right to request a referee report form. The form is used to determine your ranking within your graduating year. Please ensure your referee provides an employment or academic email address on their reference for the University to contact.
• Photocopies of degree certificates and official transcripts of previous study (where available)
• Evidence of English language ability (if appropriate). Please note if any documents are in a language other than English, official translations need to be provided

International Students: Please upload a copy of your current valid passport showing the photograph page with your application.

Without these documents a decision cannot be given.

Please upload any supporting documents with the online application. If unable to do this, submit the application online and either post or email copies of the documents separately to:

Miss Rebecca Green

Room 1.581 Stopford Building, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT

Email: Rebecca.Green-3@manchester.ac.uk

Tel: +44 (0)161 275 5265

• Apply online

Please note: A place on this course cannot be guaranteed if offers made are not accepted by 30 June. 

A range of formative and summative assessments (e.g. MCQs, ECQs, written and verbal presentations, closed and open book exams) will be employed by the programme.

The assessments will be constructed to assess a student's knowledge and understanding whilst at the same time refining and expanding his/her intellectual and transferable skills.

The programme provides students with the necessary knowledge and skills to obtain positions in health service and private section diagnostic laboratories, pharmaceutical industry or academic research.

Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences

See: About the Faculty

Investigation of the biochemical basis of disease, and the identification of biochemical biomarkers of disease.

Contact name: Rebecca Green

Telephone: +44 (0)161 275 5265

Email: rebecca.green-3@manchester.ac.uk

Website: www.mhs.manchester.ac.uk/postgraduate/programmes/taughtmasters/clinbiochemistry/?code=02113