Master of Science in Medical Science

Applications are now open for September 2024. 

The MSc in Medical Science is focused on Medical Scientists aiming to enhance their careers in research and advanced clinical (or professional) practice, supporting careers. Learners will develop an in-depth knowledge of clinical and laboratory medicine and advanced skills to conduct independent research.

This programme is fully accredited by the Academy of Clinical Science and Laboratory Medicine (ACSLM).

As part of the entry requirements to the programme all candidates must be CORU registered Medical Scientists and working in a Clinical Diagnostic Laboratory. As a result, CORU accreditation is not applicable for postgraduate programmes where the candidates are already registered with CORU through their CORU accredited undergraduate programmes. 

The MSc will develop skills pertinent to the Medical Science profession through a suite of modules. The medical science practice is highly regulated with stringent guidelines on the legal, ethical, and quality standards pertaining to the clinical laboratory profession. To address this, students will be trained in Applied Quality Management for the Clinical Diagnostic Laboratory and Clinical Operations Management.

Co-delivered by both practitioners and academic experts, the Masters programme will be delivered using a blended learning approach. The programme design team has placed a strong emphasis on work-based learning and the 3 semester long research project will be carried out in a hospital laboratory.

Learning Approach

• Blended learning
• Project-based learning
• Team-Based Learning
• Self-Directed and Flexible Learning
• Industry speakers and Networking events

What to expect:

The programme has been designed for people in full-time employment. Lectures and tutorials will be delivered live on-line and will be recorded, available through ATUs learning platform Moodle.

The department will be running on-site medical technologies networking events in semester 2 and students enrolled on the MSc in Medical Science are welcome to attend.

Click here to view our Programme Brochure

This is a two year online programme. Leaners are required to take a number of mandatory modules with a choice of one 10 ECTS elective in semester 2

Semester 1 (Year 1):

Mandatory

• Design and Analysis of Experiments (5 ECTS)
• Research Methods (5 ECTS)
• Advances in Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics (5 ECTS)

Semester 2 (Year 1): 

Mandatory

• Molecular Diagnostics and Bioinformatics (5 ECTS)
• Research Project in Medical Science (50 ECTS)

Elective:

• Advanced Practice in Transfusion and Transplantation Science (10 ECTS)
• Advanced Clinical Chemistry (10 ECTS)
• Advanced Clinical Laboratory Haematology (10 ECTS)
• Advanced Clinical Microbiology and Infection (10 ECTS)
• Clinical Immunology, Global Infections, and Therapeutics (10 ECTS)
• Advanced Cellular Pathology (10 ECTS)

Semester 3 (Year 2)

Mandatory

• Research Project in Medical Science (50 ECTS) (Continued)
• Applied Quality Management for the Clinical Diagnostic Laboratory (5 ECTS)

Elective (Continued):

• Advanced Practice in Transfusion and Transplantation Science (10 ECTS)
• Advanced Clinical Chemistry (10 ECTS)
• Advanced Clinical Laboratory Haematology (10 ECTS)
• Advanced Clinical Microbiology and Infection (10 ECTS)
• Clinical Immunology, Global Infections, and Therapeutics (10 ECTS)
• Advanced Cellular Pathology (10 ECTS)

Semester 4 (Year 2)

Mandatory

• Research Project in Medical Science (50 ECTS) (Continued)
• Clinical Laboratory and Project Management (5 ECTS)

Data collated from the consultation process expect graduates to fill roles in:

• Chief Medical Scientist
• Laboratory Manager
• Senior Medical Scientist
• Specialist Scientist
• Senior Scientist

The MSc in Medical Science would also qualify graduates for leadership roles in R&D outside the medical science profession.

The programme has been awarded accreditation from the Academy of Clinical Science and Laboratory Medicine.

Entry Requirements

H2.2 Bachelor degree at level 8 in Medical Science or equivalent. Learners enrolled must be practicing medical scientists (CORU registered) in a clinical setting.

English Language Requirements

English Language Requirements will be as determined by ATU and as published in the Access, Transfer and Progression code.

Knowledge of the English language is considered as a basic requirement, and Non-native English speakers who are applicants for Level 9 taught programmes are required to have a minimum score of 6.5 in the IELTs or equivalent.

Exit Award Option Available

The Postgraduate Certificate in Medical Science is a minor exit award worth 30 ECTS. The Postgraduate Certificate is offered to students that are registered on the MSc in Medical Science who have earned 30 ECTS but do not wish to complete the full 90 ECTS.

Fees and Funding

The Total Fees (EU Fees) for this programme can be found on our Fees & Funding webpage - Fees & Funding | ATU - Atlantic Technological University

How to Apply

Select Application Type L9.

Please provide the following documentations to support your application:

1. A CV (max three pages) detailing their qualifications & career to date.

2. A personal motivational statement, which should include an outline of their experience working as a Medical Scientist.

Contact Us

Dr Eugene McCarthy

Head of Department of Analytical, Biopharmaceutical and Medical Sciences

School of Science and Computing

Email: eugene.mccarthy@atu.ie