Clinical Laboratory ScienceEolaíocht Saotharlainne Chliniciúil

The MSc in Clinical Laboratory Science programme equips graduates with the skills and knowledge to apply evidence-based diagnostic solutions to support clinical decision making to advance quality healthcare delivery and improve patient outcomes. In addition, the programme aims to provide graduates with the competency to critically evaluate cutting-edge scientific, technological, and bioinformatic developments in Medical Science and to enable them to carry out (and supervise) research and development to advance healthcare diagnostics. Taken together these skills and expert specialist knowledge will enable graduates to perform effectively and advance their practice in a variety of diagnostic settings, including hospital pathology laboratories, diagnostic research facilities and the Medical Science industry sector. The programme provides a framework to support lifelong learning and personal development in the evolving and dynamic field of Medical Science.

This course is accredited by the Academy of Clinical Science and Laboratory Medicine (ACSLM). It part-fulfils the criteria for employment as a senior medical scientist (see acslm.ie for further information).

Entry to the MSc programme will be based on competitive selection process. Applicants who have primary degrees in the broad area of Medical Science will be considered, with the minimum requirement for entry being a 2.2 in a BSc (Hons) degree. Individuals who are eligible for membership of the ACSLM are also eligible to apply. Previous relevant laboratory experience (e.g. research, diagnostic industry sector) will also be considered. The programme admissions committee will evaluate qualifications that are recognised as equivalent to the above on a case-by-case basis. Applicants to the programme may be required to attend an interview as part of the selection process.

Note that students enrolled on the MSc course must complete a laboratory-based research project and it is the responsibility of the student to secure access to suitable facilities, support, and academic supervision for the completion of this project.

Please note, due to the demand for this course early application is essential. Applications for places on this course will be assessed promptly once received. We strongly advise that you apply early for this programme to ensure a place.

Graduates progress to take up senior posts in the clinical pathology service, in the hospital pathology sector, biomedical industry and research institutes.

This is a fully modularised programme which consists of six taught modules and an experimental research project. The core modules are founded on topics designed to develop knowledge and understanding of the molecular basis and advanced laboratory diagnosis and prognosis of human disease and to develops the skills for applied medical science laboratory management and leadership. These core modules will equip graduates with essential transferable skills for scientific and professional development within the Medical Science laboratory setting:

• Laboratory Leadership and Change Management
• Applied Medical Laboratory Management
• Molecular Diagnostics and Applied Bioinformatics
•  Research Methods and Project Planning
•  Current Trends in Near-Patient Testing

In year 1 or year 2 students also select from one of six available specialist discipline modules which will be drawn from the following:

• Advances in Clinical Chemistry
• Advances in Clinical Immunology
• Advances in Cellular Pathology
• Advances in Haematology
• Advances in Medical Microbiology
• Advances in Transfusion Science and Transplantation

Finally, students are required to undertake an experimental research project in their specialist discipline area which will be submitted in the format of a publication ready scientific manuscript. 

This part-time MSc programme is delivered primarily online (>60%) and uses a combination of blended learning, day-release, and block-release formats over the course of two academic years. In total there are 10 days of on-campus tuition spread over two years with the remaining content delivered online. Students who are in employment must organise release from their employment to attend on those days.

In addition to this formal instruction, students are expected to engage in self-directed learning, course work, assignments, tutor interaction and project work during the remaining time. 

Applications will open in February 2025.

Non-EU Students

Non-EU students, not resident in Ireland, are not eligible to apply for part time programs that are delivered on-campus. Applications for part time courses that require on-campus attendance will not be processed and the application fee will not be refunded.