Biomedical Sciences top-up modules

See individual module pages for specific details of each module.

Credit value: Students can choose up to a maximum of 120 credits from a suite of option modules. 

Mode of delivery: All modules with the exception of  Microbiology and Genetics are available via distance learning or 'by attendance', i.e. on campus. Microbiology and Genetics is only available with on campus attendance.

Course type: standalone modules.

Number of places available: varies, up to 25 per module.

Applications: All applications are made online using our online application form. You will be required to confirm the name and mode of study (online or on-campus) 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.

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. 

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.

This course is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS).

These 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. Please note that modules/structure changes will be coming into effect for 2022/23 entry. These changes are yet to be confirmed.

• Applied Molecular Biology - Standalone module 
• Cell Biology - Standalone module
• Cellular Pathology - Standalone module
• Clinical Microbiology - Standalone module
• Haematology and Transfusion Science - Standalone module
• Human Physiology - Standalone module
• Immunology - Standalone module
• Medical Biochemistry - Standalone module
• Microbiology and Genetics - Standalone module

Please note, in order to offer you the best possible experience and keep our programmes up to date and relevant, the University is going through a transition period and is reconfiguring a number of our programmes. These improvements will affect applicants from September 2022 onwards. This webpage will be updated with new course information in due course.

This course is part of the School of Biosciences which sits within the College of Health and Life Sciences.

All modules are available via on campus or distance learning (excluding Microbiology and Genetics which is only available by on campus attendance. 

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 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.

On campus: each runs over several weeks in either Term 1 or 2, please see the individual module pages for more information.

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.

All students will be required to attend on campus examinations in either the January or May exam weeks. 

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

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 
• Follow us on Twitter: @AstonLHS 
• Follow us on Facebook: Aston University School of Life and Health Sciences