Higher Diploma in Science in Medical Science

Applications are closed for September 2024. 

Medical scientists work in the health care system and provide a crucial service that contributes to the diagnosis and prognosis of disease as well as guiding treatment. The Higher Diploma in Medical Science is a graduate programme aimed specifically at medical laboratory assistants with a degree in science (see Entry Requirements under course details) who wish to obtain a qualification that will allow them to work as medical scientists. This CORU approved programme provides an alternative route for qualification as a medical scientist to the traditional BSc Medical Science/BSc Biomedical Science routes. Delivery will be blended (a mixture of online and face-to-face delivery) to suit those in full-time employment. There is a requirement in Year 2 that the student completes 1000 hours of Practice Placement. You can check out the course brochure here. 

Entry Criteria

Module exemption(s) may be granted to a candidate under the University’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy. A medical science specific RPL form can be requested from the Head of Department if candidates wish to apply for module exemptions. For more information please see the current ATU RPL Webpage or reach out to the RPL Unit rpl@atu.ie

L8 BSc in Biochemistry or Clinical/Medical Microbiology or Immunology or equivalent including a laboratory-based research project. Applicants must be in employment in a laboratory working to ISO 15189 standard and have a letter from the laboratory management that commits to 1000 hours of multi-disciplinary practice placement.

Applicants must provide:

• Detailed transcripts of qualifications obtained.
• Soft copy of final year project thesis
• Detailed CV
• Letter of support from hospital. Please used approved ATU  template (Click Here).
• Detailed cover letter which set outs the applicant’s theory and practical experience/knowledge in each of the following criteria:
  • Medical Microbiology (200 words max)
  • Clinical Chemistry (200 words max)
  • Transfusion Science (200 words max)
  • Haematology (200 words max)
  • Cellular Pathology (200 words max)
  • Clinical Immunology (200 words max)

The deadline for applications is the 31st of May.

Start date is September 2024.

Graduates of this programme will have a qualification in Medical Science. The programme has been designed so that it will meet the requirements for approval by the state registration body, CORU. Therefore, graduates of the programme will be eligible to work as medical scientists. 

There is a requirement in Year 2 that the student completes 1000 hours of Practice Placement. This will necessitate full-time training and a period of leave for the duration of this training. Applicants will carry out multi-disciplinary placement in their place of work with agreement and support from their line manager / employer (see Entry Requirements).

Applicants are required to demonstrate that they have completed garda vetting in advance of practice placement.

In the event that the applicant’s placement site cannot provide training in a particular proficiency or discipline, the applicant will be required to complete placement at another site.

The average weekly contact hours are approximately 8 hours per week for each semester and learners enrolled on to the programme are expected to participate with these weekly activities. There is also a significant level of self-directed learning outside these weekly contact hours.

This programme is approved by CORU.

How to Apply

If you have any queries on this please email Learn.galwaymayo@atu.ie

Contact Us

Dr Eugene McCarthy eugene.mccarthy@atu.ie

Dr Eleanor Rainsford eleanor.rainsford@atu.ie

Dr Mary McGrath mary.mcgrath@atu.ie