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Immunology (HCPC topic "Clinical Immunology")

Immunology Top Up Module


  Key facts:

  • 10 undergraduate level credits
  • Distance Learning or Campus Based
  • Standalone module
  • Module code: BY3IM1
  • Corresponds to HCPC topic "Clinical Immunology"

This course is for you if you need to “top-up” your existing degree to become a registered Biomedical Scientist, or are seeking advanced theoretical knowledge of the role of the immune system in health and disease, including the modern day techniques used for immunological analyses, as part of your continuing professional development.

  • Corresponding HCPC topic(s): "Clinical Immunology"

  • Credit value: 10 undergraduate level credits

  • Specific level: This is a Level 6 module, equivalent to the final year of an undergraduate degree

  • Mode of delivery: Distance Learning or Campus Based

  • Course type: Standalone Module 

  • Number of places available: Up to 25

  • Start date: September

  • Duration: Registration covers one academic year. Course delivery is scheduled over approximately two or three weeks in Term 1, with an examination in January. Although this will depend upon the individual, a typical student can expect to spend around 8 hours a week studying throughout the duration of the course delivery, equivalent to 100 hours of study in total when including examination preparation.

  • Entry requirements: 

    • General entry requirements: In order to study this module you must have a non-accredited undergraduate degree in Biomedical Sciences or an undergraduate degree in a related field (such as biology or biochemistry). 

    • Taking this module in order to “top-up” your existing degree for IBMS registration: Prior to registering for a top-up module (or modules) you need to contact the Institute of Biomedical Science. They will assess your degree in order to confirm that it is eligible for “Top-Up” and to determine the additional subject areas in which you need further qualifications. You will need to contact the IBMS by April in the year of application to ensure that you have confirmation of your module requirements in time to register for your modules with Aston University.

    • Degrees not eligible for Top-up: If your degree is not eligible for top up but you still wish to become a registered Biomedical Scientist, we recommend that you apply to take our accredited BSc Biomedical Science undergraduate degree.

    • Taking this module for professional development: No additional requirements apply.

    • International students: we welcome applications from international students who are already in the UK with a valid visa. Unfortunately we are not able to accept applications from international students who wish to come to the UK solely to take this course. We are also not able to accept international students to take the distance learning route. You will be asked to provide a scanned copy of your UK visa, and of your passport when you submit the online registration form so that we can check you are eligible to take the top up modules.

Application deadlines: 

  • Application to IBMS (if applicable):

    • UK / EU students: April
    • International students: April
  • Application to Aston University:
    • UK / EU students: 31 July (please note that you must also have paid the course fee in full by 31 August)
    • International students: 1 July (please note that you must also have paid the course fee in full by 31 July)
    • If you wish to apply after the deadline, please contact us to check as depending upon availability we may still be able to consider your application.
  • Enrolment: 
    • UK / EU students: September
    • International students: September
How to apply:
  • Applications are currently open for our next intake. See above for details about applying to the IBMS if applicable.
  • Please complete an online application form. You will also need to download, complete, and upload a copy of the following form as part of the online application form: Biomedical Science Modules Form  .
Apply now cpd
For 2018 entry: £550
This course is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS).

This course allows you to develop your knowledge in clinical immunology and immunopathology. You will explore topics such as dysfunctions in immunity and immunological tests. It is ideal if you wish to “top-up” your existing degree to become a registered Biomedical Scientist, or if you are looking to take a course as part of your continuing professional development.

This module is available on campus “by attendance” or via distance learning. We welcome applications from international students who are already in the UK with a valid visa; however we are not able to accept those who wish to come to the UK solely to take this course. Students taking this course by distance learning must be based in the UK.

For both modes of study, students must attend a BMS Top-up Induction session on campus in week zero (mid-September), at which we will show you how to access your university record and Blackboard (the Virtual Learning Environment). All the learning material can be accessed and the coursework assessments completed remotely via Blackboard.

For attendance, the module runs over approximately 2 or 3 weeks in Term 1, involving lectures, seminars and workshops involving group discussion, and an on-line assignment. As an example, in the 2016-2017 academic year teaching took place as follows:

  • 9am to 11am on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays in weeks 1 and 2
  • 9am to 12noon on Fridays in weeks 1 and 2

Please note that this is for illustrative purposes only. 

For distance learning, the study can be spread out over the term and a week-by-week study guide is available; the seminars and workshops can be substituted by directed reading but attendance is encouraged if possible. Recorded lectures are made available after they are delivered to attendance students as detailed above.

The module is examined on campus during the January examination period.

This module provide students with an advanced theoretical knowledge of the role of the immune system in health and disease whilst highlighting the modern day techniques used for immunological analyses. It will cover the different cell types involved in an orchestrated immune response and how they co-operate with each other to generate an effective immune response. It will teach you about self and non-self recognition, auto-immune diseases and immune deficiency diseases, as well as the experimental evidence has led to current concepts.

Both “by attendance” and distance learning routes make extensive use of Blackboard, our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), but there will be obvious differences in learning methods and timetables between by attendance and distance learning.

All course material, including recorded lectures, self-assessment quizzes, timetables, and some directed reading will be available on Blackboard. Blackboard allows you to access a comprehensive range of study materials, scientific journals, e-journals, databases and much more.

Our CPD courses offer you the opportunity to enhance your knowledge and skills in order to develop your career. In addition, our ethos is to equip you to make a real difference in your field.

These modules will allow you to obtain the academic competences that are required to apply to the Health Professions Council for Registration as a Biomedical Scientist.

Our courses are written and delivered by staff at the forefront of Life and Health Sciences teaching and research. Many members of staff practise / have practised professionally. In the recent Teaching Excellence Framework assessment, Aston University was awarded Gold, the highest award possible. In addition, our courses are regularly reviewed by relevant professional experts.

Biomedical Sciences Top Up Modules Course Director: Dr Jonathan Cox

Module Coordinator: Dr A Devitt

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Interested? We'd love to hear from you