MSc Clinical Biochemistry

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Please apply via our online application form . See the application and selection section for details of the supporting documents we require.

We recommend that you apply as early as possible. We reserve the right to close applications if the course is full.

Your application form must include the following documents.

• One academic reference will be sought. You will be required to provide contact details for one referee when completing your application form.
• Official degree certificates (with translations if not in English) if you have already graduated.
• Official university transcripts (with translations if not in English).
• Full CV.
• Personal statement (300-500 words).
• If English is not your first language, we require proof of your English language ability. If you have already taken an English language qualification, please include your certificate with your application. We may be willing to consider your application without this document, but if we choose to make you an offer, the conditions will include IELTS (or equivalent qualification).

Supporting documents should be uploaded and submitted with the online application form.

Your application cannot be considered until all your supporting documents are supplied. Please include your University ID number in all correspondence and do not send any documents before you have submitted your application.

You are not guaranteed to have a place on this course if you do not accept our offer within four weeks of it being made.

Our MSc in Clinical Biochemistry will give you a thorough grounding in a discipline that deals with the clinical analysis of body fluids and other biological material to aid the diagnosis, therapy and monitoring of diseases.

Clinical biochemists are typically clinical scientists who work in hospital laboratories providing advice and interpretation of analytical results to other healthcare professionals such as clinicians, general practitioners and nurses.

They are also involved in the development of new analytical methods and improvement of clinical services, including quality assurance and audit. During the MSc you will also develop your analytical skills with relevant practical sessions.

Through this MSc, you will gain a core knowledge and understanding of the normal physiology and pathophysiology of the major organs and endocrine systems, as well as more specialist areas such as paediatric biochemistry and drug monitoring.

You will also develop a core knowledge and understanding of clinical disorders and how biochemical parameters and laboratory methods are used for the investigation, diagnosis and management of patients.

PhD with integrated master's

If you're planning to undertake a PhD after your master's, our Integrated PhD programme will enable you to combine your postgraduate taught course with a related PhD project in biology, medicine or health.

We aim to give you:

• an advanced understanding and applied knowledge of the theory and practice of clinical biochemistry;
• a critical understanding of how biochemical investigations are employed to develop a clinical diagnosis;
• the necessary professional and research skills to promote lifelong learning and career development.

Innovative teaching

The course is taught in a blended format allowing you to self-pace theoretical knowledge before learning and how to apply it in guided teaching. We utilise interactive teaching throughout your studies using simulation of clinical cases where you will apply your theoretical knowledge to solve real-life laboratory scenarios.

Lab skills

You will complete a practical course in our cutting-edge postgraduate laboratories allowing you to develop analytical skills both in handling samples and for data analysis. We cater for students from a range of backgrounds and are able to offer top up sessions to those with limited laboratory experience at undergraduate level.

Research experience

You will conduct a 10 week research project which can take a number of formats including laboratory based work, adapted systematic reviews of the published literature or analysis of laboratory data. You will learn how to formulate a research question, conduct an effective literature search and critically appraise publications.

Professional teaching and learning

Most of the course is taught by NHS professionals working in the field of clinical biochemistry. You will also learn alongside students from a variety of health science backgrounds within pathology, helping you to integrate within a health service laboratory team in the future.

We use a range of teaching and learning methodologies throughout the course, including lectures, tutorials, workshops and interactive clinical case tutorials using mobile technology and iPads. Some of these will be delivered online.

Find out more by visiting the postgraduate teaching and learning page.

We will assess your progress using a range of formative and summative assessments, such as MCQs, ECQs, written and verbal presentations.

The assessments will be constructed to assess your knowledge and understanding while at the same time refining and expanding your intellectual and transferable skills.

You will be able to access a range of facilities throughout the University.

You will undertake your theoretical learning on the main University campus.

Your research project may be carried out in a laboratory within the University or at teaching hospitals in Greater Manchester.

Our course attracts a wide range of students from a bioscience and medical background from home and abroad.

Many students study this course as a springboard for further academic research (for example a PhD) or as a stepping stone before applying for the NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP).

The course may also help individuals with their own career progression if they are already working within a clinical laboratory. The course also attracts intercalating medical students and professionals who may wish to specialise in clinical biochemistry/chemical pathology.