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Prepare for a career with the power to change lives. Gain the advanced knowledge and expertise needed to play a crucial role in diagnosing diseases and guiding treatment strategies.
Investigating disease at a cellular level means joining the fight against some of the most serious disorders afflicting humans. We’ve designed our MSc Cellular Pathology degree to enable you to develop an advanced understanding of cellular pathology that you’ll need in a research or clinical context.
You’ll cover a range of different areas – exploring disorders, developing analytical techniques and getting to grips with histopathology.
You’ll also complete an independent research project, building professional-level research skills. This is your opportunity to explore the pathologies that fascinate you most by making the most of our extensive links with hospitals across Greater Manchester to conduct research in a real-world context. ...
1 year full-time
3 years part-time
Danny“Time management is critical - juggling tight assessment deadlines alongside lectures and part-time work prepares you perfectly for a busy career. The ability to process and follow complex instructions, such as those in practical labs, are skills that will help you in the workplace.”
MSc Biomedical Science alumnus
Our masters in cellular pathology is based around six core modules. You can study all modules within one year if you’re studying full-time or spread them over the course of three years if studying part-time.
You’ll cover modules based around various aspects of cellular pathology, including pathological basis of disease, where you’ll learn to apply cellular and biochemical techniques to the diagnosis of a range of common clinical disorders. In other modules, you’ll look at ways of taking a systematic approach to disorders and the principals and applications of essential analytical techniques in modern biomedical science, such as electrophoresis, mass spectrometry and recombinant DNA technology.
We have designed our Research Methods and Ethics in Biomedical Science module to help you develop advanced skills in research methods. You’ll explore the evidenced-based and ethical frameworks you’ll need to complete your own in-depth, independent research project. Above all, your research project is your chance to tackle the issues that fascinate you most. With a deep dive into a topic of your choice, your project will help you understand both the process and the communication of scientific enquiry. You’ll be guided through your proposal and review process to equip you with the skills you need to complete an independent piece of research.
We represent one of the highest concentrations of health research excellence, ranking 15th in the UK for the power of our health and biomedical research (REF 2021).
Our research is targeted at alleviating the threats of infectious disease, cardiovascular disease, stroke and age-related decline to human health and wellbeing. We recognise that a fundamental understanding of how biology and biological interactions contribute to these disease conditions will inform clinical application and policy change to benefit human health and wellbeing. Our research stretches through prokaryote microbiology, through eukaryote cell, tissue and organ biology to clinical science and human population studies.
We conduct basic and translational research to understand biological systems in disease, sensing and detecting by-products of disease and contemporary challenges, including ageing and development of new technologies for personalised medicine.
Our scientists are pioneering new ideas with global, real-world application. You’ll be joining a collaborative community dedicated to improving health and wellbeing, making a positive difference to people's lives.
Whether you've already made your decision about what you want to study, or you're just considering whether postgraduate study is right for you, there are lots of ways you can meet us and find out more about postgraduate student life at Manchester Met.
We offer:
Your studies are supported by a department of committed and enthusiastic teachers and researchers, experts in their chosen field.
We often link up with external professionals too, helping to enhance your learning and build valuable connections to the working world.
These typical entry requirements may be subject to change for the 2025/26 academic year. Please check back for further details.
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’ll be eligible for exemption from some of the units 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.
Full-time fee: £12,000 per year. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).
Part-time fee: £2000 per 30 credits studied. The fee per credit will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (eg no repeat years or breaks in study). The total amount you pay each year may differ based on the number of credits studied.
Full-time fee: £22,000 per year. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).
Part-time fee: £3667 per 30 credits studied. The fee per credit will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (eg no repeat years or breaks in study). The total amount you pay each year may differ based on the number of credits studied.
A masters qualification typically comprises 180 credits, a PGDip 120 credits, a PGCert 60 credits, and an MFA 300 credits. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of study provided the course is completed in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).
Lab coats and safety glasses are provided free of charge and are expected to last for the duration of the course. Students will have to purchase replacements for lost or damaged items.
Optional estimate: £10 - £100
You may wish to join the Institute of Biomedical Science. The level at which you join will depend upon your individual circumstances/ background. The annual cost can vary from £10 to £100.
Optional estimate: £400
All of the books required for the course are available from the library. We also have PC labs and a laptop loan service. However, many students choose to buy some of the core textbooks for the course and/or a laptop. You may also need to print your assignments and other documents. Campus printing costs start from 5p per page. Estimated costs are £300 for a laptop and up to £100 each year for books and printing.
From a Clinical Scientist or Cytotechnologist to a Biomedical Scientist in Histopathology, the course can pave the way to a wide range of opportunities in areas like hospital science, biomedical and pharmaceutical industries.
The subjects you’ll cover will not only help you prepare for the Institute of Biomedical Science higher specialist examination and for the advanced practice that follows but can also lay the groundwork for careers in research or teaching, or to pursue studies towards a PhD.
Our work with the NHS and clinicians helps us keep our curriculum up-to-date and clinically relevant, ensuring that our graduates have the skills and knowledge which are vital for the workplace – and sought after by employers.
You’ll have careers support from the moment you join us and for up to three years after you’ve finished your course. We offer a range of services, both in the Department of Life Sciences and through the University’s Careers Service, including dedicated careers and employability advisers you can turn to for guidance and support.
We’ve built strong links across the NHS in the region, working with clinicians to keep our courses relevant and ensure that our graduates are ready for the workplace. So, when you leave us, you should 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.
The Department of Life Sciences was the first in the UK to design and receive accreditation for the new Practitioner Training Programme Healthcare Science degrees commissioned by Higher Education England's Modernising Scientific Careers. The course combines academic study and work-based training and is a professional qualification required to practice as a healthcare science practitioner in a number of areas.
Study in the Dalton building
We've invested £115m into cutting-edge facilities and advanced technology to enhance your learning. With newly refurbished computing labs and interactive study spaces, this redevelopment has been built to prepare students for the modern workplace.
Please contact our course enquiries team.
Get advice and support on making a successful application.
You can review our current terms and conditions before you make your application. If you are successful with your application, we will send you up to date information alongside your offer letter.
Programme review
Our programmes undergo an annual review and major review (normally
at 6 year intervals) to ensure an up-to-date curriculum supported by the
latest online learning technology. For further information on when we
may make changes to our programmes, please see the changes section of our
terms and conditions.
Important notice
This online prospectus provides an overview of our programmes of study
and the University. We regularly update our online prospectus so that
our published course information is accurate. Please check back to the
online prospectus before making an application to us to access the most
up to date information for your chosen course of study.
Confirmation of regulator
The Manchester Metropolitan University is regulated by the Office for
Students (OfS). The OfS is the independent regulator of higher education
in England. More information on the role of the OfS and its regulatory
framework can be found at
officeforstudents.org.uk.
All higher education providers registered with the OfS must have a student protection plan in place. The student protection plan sets out what students can expect to happen should a course, campus, or institution close. Access our current student protection plan.