Postgraduate Studentships - Search for funding opportunities.
Postgraduate Studentships - Search for funding opportunities.
Study Details: 1 year full-time or 3 years part-time
Cellular pathology is central to diagnosing diseases, and an MSc opens doors to vital roles in healthcare, diagnostics and research.
On this course, you'll advance your knowledge of cellular pathology by exploring a broad range of topics. You'll examine the pathological basis of disease, learning to apply histological and biochemical techniques to diagnose common clinical disorders.
Other modules will focus on systematic approaches to studying diseases and the principles and applications of key analytical techniques in modern biomedical science. For example, electrophoresis, mass spectrometry, and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) techniques. This comprehensive approach will equip you with the expertise needed to tackle complex challenges in the field.
Crucially, we don’t just focus on deepening your knowledge of specific diseases and disorders. Instead, through our Disorder Case Study module, you’ll learn the process of studying a disorder: how to approach it, analyse it and apply relevant scientific techniques.
This shift in perspective enhances your expertise by providing a framework for you to apply to future disorder studies. The skills and insight you gain will guide your ongoing research or clinical work and will be applicable in a variety of settings. It ensures you graduate as a more proficient and confident healthcare scientist with the ability to adapt to challenges in the field.
Throughout each module, you’ll develop advanced skills in research methods, ensuring you utilise evidence-based and ethical frameworks. This solid academic grounding will inform your independent research project in the final semester, which is your chance to deep-dive into a topic of your choice. This is a defining moment in your development, and you’ll be support by our experienced staff – we're ranked 15th in the UK for the power of our health and biomedical research (REF 2021).
It will help you understand both the process and communication of scientific enquiry – preparing you for an impactful career. A strong emphasis on research methods and ethics ensures you’re ready to carry out independent, evidence-based scientific enquiry.
You’ll need a UK honours degree – normally a 2:2 – or the international equivalent, in biological or biomedical science, including the study of Cellular Pathology. We might also consider your application if you a have an equivalent professional qualification or substantial relevant professional experience, or if you have an HNC medical laboratory science plus at least 10 years’ experience. If you are a fellow of The Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS), you may be eligible for exemption from some of the modules on the course.
International students please see mmu.ac.uk/international
Overseas applicants will require IELTS with an overall score of 6.5 with no less than 5.5 in any category, or an equivalent accepted English qualification.
See our website for fees
This course can pave the way to a wide range of opportunities in biomedical and pharmaceutical industries, as well as hospital science. Roles include:
Clinical scientist
Cytotechnologist
Biomedical scientist in histopathology
Pathology technologist
Medical science liaison
Diagnostic product development scientist
Cancer researcher
Alternatively, the course is a great stepping stone for teaching or PhD studies. It also prepares you for the Institute of Biomedical Science higher specialist exam, as well as the advanced-level practice that follows.
We’ve built strong links across the NHS in the region, working with clinicians to keep our courses industry-relevant. This ensures you graduate ready for the workplace. You’ll have the skills and understanding that employers want – whether you’re looking to join the NHS or work in the local bioscience industry, or you want to pursue a future in research, education or management.
Core modules
Research Methods and Ethics in Biomedical Sciences
Analytical and Research Techniques in Biomedical Science
Pathological Basis of Disease and Non-Malignant Dissection
Specialist Histopathology and Management, Malignant Dissection, Immunohistochemistry and Molecular Pathology
Disorder Case Study
Project
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Wed 20 May 2026