Advance your career and upgrade your IBMS membership
Overview
The IBMS Diploma of Higher Specialist Practice allows you to:
✔ Demonstrate high levels of knowledge, skill, and competence in your chosen field
✔ Gain formal recognition for advanced expertise
✔ Enhance your career progression and upgrade your IBMS membership to Fellow
The IBMS Diploma of Higher Specialist Practice is an M-level professional qualification for Members of the IBMS. It is designed for biomedical scientists and laboratory managers seeking to demonstrate expertise through original research.
The diploma is assessed through a written thesis that must:
✔ Be an original work or research in biomedical science or laboratory management
✔ Be 20,000 words (±10%)
✔ Meet a standard comparable to a master’s degree
Important conditions:
- Previously examined work cannot be submitted unless it includes substantial new research.
- The thesis must be submitted within three years of approval of the title and synopsis.
Assessment
IBMS Diploma of Higher Specialist Practice is assessed by examiners from the IBMS Advisory Panel in your specialism.
Assessment process
To be assessed, submit the following to [email protected]:
✔ Two copies of your completed thesis
✔ Examination fee of £411
Oral examination
After the thesis review, you will be invited to the IBMS offices for an oral examination covering:
- Research methodology
- Rationale behind your research
- Problem-solving approach
- Results of your practical work
📌 Outcome categories:
✔ Pass – No further work required
X Fail – Thesis does not meet required standards
/ Referred – Requires partial revision before resubmission
📌 If referred, you must make the necessary amendments before submitting a final bound copy to the IBMS Examinations Team.
Once the final version is submitted, the IBMS Advisory Panel will confirm your results and award the IBMS Diploma of Higher Specialist Practice.
Applying
How to apply
To apply, submit the following to [email protected]:
✔ Completed proposal form
✔ 500-word synopsis of the proposed research and its rationale
Application review
- Your application will be reviewed by IBMS Advisory Panel examiners.
- You will be notified in writing about acceptance or any required modifications.
- If changes are needed, you will receive guidance and be invited to resubmit your application.
- Once your title and synopsis are approved, you will be advised to find a supervisor for support and guidance.
Deferrals, withdrawals, and mitigating circumstances
📌 To defer, withdraw, or report mitigating circumstances, contact [email protected] as soon as possible.
Need more help?
If you have any questions or would like to discuss the Higher and Expert qualifications please contact us.