Cellular pathology is the study of structural and functional changes in cells, tissues and organs that underlie disease. It is a dynamic, fast-evolving specialism which saves many lives by providing rational clinical care and therapy in the fight against many serious diseases, particularly cancer. Our Biomedical Science courses have a burgeoning international reputation, due to our world-class research in areas including biomarkers, public health and biomodelling. Our Centre for Investigative and Diagnostic Oncology has pioneered techniques for cancer diagnosis and treatment, including our breakthrough in the development of a vaccine for bladder cancer. Our course has a strong practical element, with an emphasis on developing the skills needed in a laboratory and gaining hands-on experience of diagnostic techniques, and our teaching and research facilities surpass those at some UK medical schools. Our £3 million specialist labs are equipped with the most up-to-date technology; here you'll learn to use cutting-edge techniques and equipment for cellular and molecular analysis, such as MALDI-TOF mass spectrometers, flow cytometers, DNA sequencing, real-time PCR, electrophoresis and high-performance liquid chromatography, histology and confocal microscopy. We also have fully-equipped proteomics facilities, a histopathology lab and an incredibly modern cell culture facility. You’ll gain a sound understanding of the structure and function of the body’s major organs; how different diseases affect the body and how they can be treated and prevented; bioanalytical technologies and techniques, and research methods.You’ll study four core modules, common to all four postgraduate biomedical science courses: advanced bioanalytical techniques, biomedical ethics and law, laboratory leadership and management, and experimental design and statistics. Alongside these you’ll study four specialist cellular pathology modules: major organ histopathology, pathological basis of disease, genetics disorders and cancer. The core modules will cover how to design and carry out experiments and statistical analyses; literature searching, referencing and citation; techniques for analysing samples and molecules, including electrophoresis, gas and liquid chromatography and immunochemical techniques; aspects of managing a laboratory, from people management to business plans and budgets; safety, regulations and quality management; and ethical and legal issues, such as those surrounding research on animals and humans, assisted reproduction and genetics. The specialist modules will cover the cellular structure and function of different organs and types of tissue; the workings and effects of diseases; the use of histopathology and cytology to make diagnoses; and processing and diagnostic techniques and technologies. You’ll look specifically at cancer, cervical screening and the HPV vaccination, oncogenes, organ transplants, genetic disorders and the social and ethical issues surrounding genetic testing, and Human Tissue Authority regulations. You’ll then work on a dissertation, which will involve planning and carrying out an independent and original research project in a laboratory or clinical setting. You’ll work under the guidance of a supervisor, who you’ll meet with for at least an hour a week, and can base your project at your workplace if you’re in relevant employment. You’ll carry out a literature review and draw up a research proposal, design and conduct your experiments, collect and analyse your data, and present your findings in a 12,000 to 15,000-word report and a presentation to your tutors and fellow students. The course will also improve your IT, numeracy, research, communication, presentation, management, teamwork, problem-solving, analytical and observational skills. If you don’t want to or aren’t able to complete the full MSc, you can also obtain a PG Cert or PG Dip, studying four modules for a PG Cert and eight for a PG Dip, omitting the dissertation.

70 per cent of patient diagnoses in the UK are based on laboratory results – everyone, at some point in their lives, will benefit from the services of biomedical scientists. They represent the second largest profession registered by the Health Professions Council and there is a high demand for well-qualified graduates in the field. Cervical screening alone saves more than 1,000 lives each year in the UK. Our course will equip you with all the skills you need to work in a diagnostic laboratory in an NHS or private hospital, or in research (an MSc is increasingly becoming a requirement for the latter). Cellular pathologists in hospital laboratories work alongside doctors, analysing patients’ samples to produce often urgent results, and advising on treatment. Alternatively, you could work in a medical or pharmaceutical research lab, developing new techniques for diagnosing and treating diseases. As well as an excellent eye for detail, you’ll need good people skills and the ability to meet deadlines, sometimes under great pressure. Cellular biologists also need to be methodical to ensure samples are dealt with correctly and not mixed up. Biomedical scientists also work in primary care, in doctor’s surgeries and clinics, or there are opportunities with Public Health England, the Medical Research Council and the Health and Safety Executive. Other sectors you could work in include academia, education, biotechnology, and even areas like patent law, forensic science and science journalism. There are opportunities to work in management, running a lab, or as a consultant, and international roles in hospitals, schools and universities. A lot of our students go on to do a PhD. If you’re already working in cellular pathology, our MSc will help you progress to a more senior position.