Award and Teaching Institution:
Final Award:
Programme Title:
Programme Accredited by:
Duration:
Subject Benchmark statement:
Date Produced:
Programme Specification
University of Bradford
MSc (QAA Framework for Higher Education Qualifications at
Level M, 2001)
Biomedical Sciences (Cellular Pathology – Histopathology or
Cytopathology)
The Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS)
Normally 2.0 years part-time, but up to 5 years
None, but the BSc Biomedical Sciences (2007) and the HPC
Standards of proficiency of Biomedical Scientists were used as
reference points
5th of June, 2008.
Biomedical Science is a key healthcare science providing the scientific basis and evidence for diagnosis and treatment
of disease. There is a demand by biomedical scientists in clinical diagnostic laboratories, and their employers, to
develop their specialist subject knowledge in specific disciplines, in addition to the development of specific
competencies and skills in the workplace. The course promotes advanced scholarship within cellular pathology
(histopathology /cytology), with a core of molecular pathology; alongside the development of key transferable skills and
research techniques required by the biomedical scientist at IBMS Specialist Diploma level and beyond. The course is
taught by experienced practitioners in laboratory medicine and University staff. The aims and learning outcome
statements have been referenced to the University's Teaching and Learning Strategy
(http://www.brad.ac.uk/admin/acsec/TLS.html), and the NHS Knowledge Skills Framework, the IBMS Record of
Training for the Specialist Diploma. The course uses a range of teaching strategies with a component of work-based
learning (WBL) in your clinical diagnostic laboratories, combined with research to broaden and deepen knowledge and
understanding of your specialist discipline, and also develop your management skills and enhance autonomous
learning, research and personal transferable skills. The taught course component is designed to develop the specialist
knowledge and research training for the MSc and also the IBMS Specialist Diploma, to complement the competence
training you receive from your employer. The assessment for the Specialist Diploma is co-ordinated through the IBMS
and your laboratory manager or training officer (www.ibms.org), and involves the submission of a Specialist Portfolio.
The award of the MSc is separate and distinct from your assessment for the Specialist Diploma, though the MSc
assessments can be used to evidence your specialist knowledge. The learning outcomes for the specialist knowledge
component of the Specialist Portfolios are largely developed within the taught component of the course, with emphasis
on acquiring critical insight in a specialist body of knowledge in cellular pathology, and the undertaking of an action
research project on your area of work and expertise, to develop service provision and enhance the patient experience.
Students who have completed Specialist Portfolios in specialisms other than cytology, may also join the course and
receive accredits towards the MSc for Work-Based Learning I, and the specialist subject modules (equivalents of
Cellular Pathology A and B). The MSc programme has an additional work-based research project, which is essential
for the skills for Health Care Scientist career framework for career progression beyond Biomedical Scientist Specialist.
The course may also be of interest to Biomedical Scientists in the non-NHS clinical diagnostics sector.
A
Programme Aims
The programme is intended to enable you to:
A1
Develop a systematic understanding and critical awareness of, and skills in specialist areas of cellular
pathology, either histopathology or cytopathology;
A2
Develop within the context of Biomedical Sciences, a comprehensive understanding of communication,
research and scientific method;
A3
Develop a critical evaluation of techniques used in cellular pathology and cytology for the diagnosis and
monitoring of disease
A4
Deliver a flexible programme of postgraduate study in Biomedical Sciences to registered Biomedical
Scientists, that allows you to develop key academic and transferable skills that are required by Biomedical
Scientist Specialist or Advanced Practitioners in the NHS, or equivalent in other organizations;
A5
Provide you with a detailed knowledge of the principles of management and knowledge of the organization of
the NHS, or your place of work;
A6
Attain the specialist subject knowledge and skills you need to evidence alongside your work based
competencies to submit your IBMS Specialist Portfolio, to become a Specialist Practitioner;
A7
Enable you to work effectively, in partnership with other health professionals, support staff, patients and
service users;
A8
Provide learning opportunities to enable you to think critically and to further develop as an autonomous lifelong
learner; and a reflective practitioner;
A9
Further develop your personal, professional and research key skills.
B
Programme Learning Outcomes
These indicate what a graduate should know and understand and be able to do on successful completion of the
programme. On successful completion of the programme you will be able to:
B1. Subject Knowledge & Skills
B1.1
B1.2
B1.3
B1.4
B1.5
B1.6
Explain and critically evaluate specialized areas of Cellular Pathology, either cytopathology or
histopathology, in a clinical context;
Critically evaluate and communicate scientific data and literature;
Critically evaluate and appraise competently laboratory techniques; with due regard for safety
legislation and quality control;
Write, interpret and review scientific reports;
Design and implement an original research project,
employ appropriate experimental approaches and report your findings in relation to current research
knowledge and understanding;
Undertake an action research project on a work based service;
B2. Core Academic Skills
B2.1
B2.2
B2.3
B2.4
Demonstrate critical thinking through an ability to independently:

recognise, define and prioritise problems;

analyse, interpret, evaluate and prioritise information, recognizing its limitations;
Demonstrate a conceptual understanding of research and scientific method
through an ability to independently:

critically evaluate methodology;

critically analyse and interpret data;

undertake a work-based research project

formulate hypotheses/conclusions based on complete and incomplete data;
Critically review service provision by an action research project;
Critically evaluate Standard Operating Procedures, perform vertical audit trails;
B3. Personal & Key Skills
B3.1
Communicate effectively orally and in writing to experts and non-experts;
through problem solving, constructing arguments and decision making;
B3.2
Develop IT skills through the use of technology, computer-assisted learning and databases;
B3.3
Exercise initiative, personal responsibility and independent learning
B3.4
Develop practice through reflection;
B3.5
Employ statistics;
B3.6
Work effectively in teams or groups in the context of a diverse society
B3.7
Critically analyze service provision, its management and organization;
B3.8
Undertake project planning;
B3.9
Undertake action research for a ‘lean management’ review
B3.10
Conduct self in a professional manner within prevailing legislation;
C. Programme Structure and the Curriculum
The taught course is studied over two academic years. Each year there is a double 20 credit module of Cellular
Pathology (A or B, run alternatively) in semester 1, which each covers half of the specialist subject knowledge and has
either an introduction to, or an update to, molecular diagnostics, in years 1 and 2, respectively. There is a core
molecular pathology component to Cellular Pathology, but you can specialize in either a cytopathology or
histopathology route to understand the pathology of diseases. In the first year the Cellular Pathology module is
complemented by a linked 20 credit Work-Based Learning module I in which the knowledge is critically evaluated in a
clinical context and you identify the area of your action research project. In the subsequent year the remainder of the
specialist knowledge is taught in the alternate Cellular Pathology module (A or B), and you undertake an action
research project in the other Work-Based Learning module II.
Each taught year consists of 60 credits, with a 20 credit linked module of Research & Analytical Methods in Year 1,
and in Year 2 semester 2 a module on Experimental Design, to develop understanding of scientific research and
experimental design, respectively. The university-based components of the course will be delivered over a single day
of the week. The Masters programme follows on from this and incorporates an additional 60 Credit work-based
research project. It is anticipated that you will explore potential work based research projects with your training
advisors and the course team in Year 1 and start an approved project in Year 2, though your actual start may be
affected by the ethical approval process.
D. Learning Teaching and Assessment
The teaching and learning strategy takes into consideration the learning outcomes for the course and those of the
IBMS Record of Laboratory Training for the Specialist Diploma. The competence based aspects required for the IBMS
Record of Laboratory Training for the Specialist Diploma will be wholely delivered and assessed in the student's
workplace, using the host laboratory training programme. The University will not be involved in assessing your
workplace competencies. A wide variety of teaching methods, appropriate to the learning outcomes of the individual
modules, are employed throughout the programme, and are supported by formative assessment. The teaching
methods progressively focus on student-centered approaches to learning, thus you will be expected to take increasing
responsibility and reflective analysis for your learning as you progress through the course. In this way you will
develop the attributes needed for life-long learning and continued professional development as a reflective practitioner.
Coursework (SOP’s, vertical audit trails, and action research projects) which relates to work-based learning will be
assessed by work-based training officers/line managers and university academics against defined marking schemes
Unit Code
Unit Title
Module
Type
Year 1 & PgD
Core
Core
BM-9136D
BM-New
Cellular Pathology A
Work-Based Learning I
BM-9132D
Research & Analytical Methods
Core
Year 2 & PgD
Core
Core
Core
BM-9133D
BM-9135D
BM-New
Experimental Design
Cellular Pathology B
Work-Based Learning II
BM-9129Z
Year 3 & MSc
Research Project (Work-Based)
Credits
Level
Semester
20
20
M
M
1
2
20
(Linked)
M
1&2
20
20
20
(Linked)
M
M
M
2
1
1&2
60
M
N/A
Subject Specific Skills:
Subject specific knowledge will be developed through a series of lectures, workshops and directed study and assessed
by unseen written examination essay questions, critical appraisal, journal presentations and coursework assignments
(outcomes B1.1-2, B1.4-5). Work-Based Learning will also support this, and develop evaluation of laboratory
techniques and service provision both on the micro-scale (specific techniques and their applications, outcome B1.3)
and the macro scale (on an action research project on service provision, outcome B1.6). Critical evaluation of
experimental techniques and appropriate technique selection will be largely developed by work based learning, the
Experimental Design, Research and Analytical Methods modules and the research project (B1.3-5), but will also occur
gradually and cumulatively through a number of modules employing a mix of lectures, Work-Based Learning,
coursework, workshops, individual project work and directed private study. They will be assessed by unseen written
examination using essay questions, course work assignments, oral presentations, dissertation and project work. The
project dissertation provides a major opportunity to demonstrate autonomy in data handling and critical analysis in a
research context . There is an opportunity to write a project proposal (on your work-based research project), with
ethical approval, in the Experimental Design module (outcome B1.5). An analysis of a service provision within your
organization will include the principles of management to influence how your action research could be implemented in
your organization (outcome B1.6).
Core Academic Skills:
The Cellular Pathology modules and the Work-Based Learning I modules will develop your critical thinking and
conceptual understanding in the context of your specialist area of work (outcomes B2.1-4). The knowledge and
research based components will be developed through lectures, project work, and directed study (small-group
seminars, journal clubs, laboratory investigations and individual work based scientific research and action research,
and assessed by critical appraisal, course work, seminar paper, written assignment, oral presentation, viva and project
work) throughout all modules. Action research on service provision will be developed by the Work-Based Learning
modules and lectures/tutorials
Personal Transferable Skills:
Research planning/preparation/ethics/design/reporting and statistic skills (outcomes B3.1-3.3, 3.5-3.10) are largely
developed in the Work-based Learning Modules, Experimental Design and Work-based Research Project. Reflective
practice (Outcome B3.4) is specifically developed in the Work-based Learning Modules, and is the key for Continuous
Professional Development.
E. Admission requirements
These are in accordance with the University of Bradford’s admission requirements, and you should demonstrate that
you have:
 an Honours degree in a related scientific discipline or equivalent, at 2:2 or above.
 you are in employment, and have access to a clinical diagnostics laboratory
 written support from your manager or training officer to undertake work-based learning
Students from outside the UK/EU must also:
 meet the current visa and entry requirements
 must satisfy the University they have an IELTS overall band score of at least 6.0
The University welcomes applications from all potential students, regardless of their previous academic experience.
Most important in the decision to offer a place is our assessment of a candidate’s potential to benefit from their studies
and of their ability to succeed on this particular course. Entrance requirements will vary, but are set after consideration
of each applicant’s academic background and achievements and all other relevant experience. Students may apply for
accreditation for prior credited learning (APCL) or prior experiential learning (APEL) in accordance with the University’s
Policy and Procedure for APEL/APCL.
Students who have successfully completed the IBMS Specialist Diploma in any specialism are encouraged to join the
course and will receive accreditation for Work-Based Learning I, and the specialist subject module equivalents of
Cellular Pathology A and B) towards the award of MSc Biomedical Sciences.
F. Admission Policy
For admission you need a completed application form, a CV, and a letter from your manager or training officer, and
where relevant your sponsor.
G. Assessment regulationsTo be eligible for the award of Postgraduate Diploma in Biomedical Sciences you must
attain at least 40% in individual units amounting to 100 Credits and at least 35% in individual units amounting to the
other 20 Credits. To be eligible for the award of Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences you must attain at least 40%
in individual units amounting to 160 Credits and at least 35% in individual units amounting to the other 20 credits. If
you obtain an overall weighted average of at least 70% at the first attempt, including a mark of over 70% in the 60
Credit project at first attempt, you will be awarded a Masters degree with Distinction. If you obtain an overall weighted
average of at least 60% at the first attempt, including a mark of over 60% in the 60 Credit project, at first attempt will be
awarded a Masters degree with Merit.
The full assessment regulations covering postgraduate courses are available on the University website.
H. Student Support & Guidance
The Division of Biomedical Sciences has a well deserved good reputation in this area. You will have a dedicated MSc
Course Tutor, MSc Secretary, Subject Librarian, and a personal tutor to provide academic and pastoral support. In
addition, an HPC-registered practitioner based at the University, will liaise with you and your work-based training
officers/line manager/employer for the development of your Specialist Portfolio, if you wish to submit a Specialist
Portfolio to the IBMS. Student academic support is also provided by individual tutors / supervisors of the work-based
learning and the Research Project, through regular meetings for the duration of these activities, and formative
feedback is given on drafts prior to submission. Division support is enhanced by a strong University infrastructure
including particularly the Disabilities Office, Careers Service, Library and Computing services. You will also have
electronic access to course and module materials through a Virtual Learning Environment that will support your
learning
I. How to obtain further information
Further information can be obtained from Dr. Steven Picksley, the MSc Course & Admissions Tutor, Department of
Biomedical Sciences, University of Bradford, +441274235935, s.m.picksley@bradford.ac.uk
Please note that the details provided above are subject to change in line with developments in
University policy and course review.
14th of August , 2008.