Biomedical Sciences top-up modules

These standalone modules allow you to develop your knowledge in different areas of Biomedical Science. They are 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.

You can find out more about each module that we offer via the links below:

• Cell Biology
• Cellular Pathology
• Clinical Biochemistry
• Human Anatomy and Physiology
• Haematology and Transfusion Science
• Immunology
• Molecular Biology and Genetics
• Medical Microbiology

See individual module pages for specific details of each module.

Credit value: Students can choose up to a maximum of 110 credits from a suite of option modules. 

Mode of delivery: All modules are available via distance learning.

Course type: standalone modules.

How to apply:

All applications are to be made online using our online application form. You will be required to confirm the name for each of the Biomedical Sciences top-up modules you are applying for by listing them in your personal statement. This is a compulsory part of your application and missing information may result in a prolonged delay in processing your application. Our full list of available modules in this suite of courses can be found in the course overview section of this web page.

For those who wish to undertake modules in order to 'top-up' your existing degree for IBMS registration, please refer to our entry requirements for more details on IMBS set deadlines. 

Start date: September 2023

Duration: Registration covers 1 academic year, with course delivery scheduled over 3-10 weeks depending on the module and delivery method. Examinations take place in January and May.

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. We recommend you contact the IBMS by June 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 Sciences 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.

All modules are available 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.

Students must attend a BMS Top-up Induction session in week zero (mid-September), at which we will show you how to access your university record and 'Blackboard, our Virtual Learning Environment. All course material, including recorded lectures, self-assessment quizzes, timetables, and some directed reading will be available on Blackboard online; coursework submission and feedback are also mainly via this route. Blackboard allows you to access a comprehensive range of study materials, scientific journals, e-journals, databases and much more.

Distance learning: study can be spread out over the term and a week-by-week study guide is available. Recorded lectures are made available after they are delivered to attendance students as detailed above.

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 was awarded a Gold rating. Our courses are regularly reviewed by relevant professional experts.

Biomedical Science top up modules course director: Dr Jonathan Cox

Accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS).

Fees: 

Fees are determined based upon the number of credits in specific modules at the rate of £750 per 10 credits for Sept 2023 start. Please see individual module pages for the fees attributed to that module. 

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.

• Admissions: pgadmissions@aston.ac.uk 
• Course content: j.a.g.cox@aston.ac.uk 
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