Medical science is a broad field that encompasses several subjects, all focused on the study of the health and function of the human body.
As a postgraduate student of the medical sciences, you might specialise in pathology, anatomy, physiology or genetics. Areas like microbiology, molecular biology and biochemistry frequently play a role in the research and application of medical sciences.
Medical science graduates go on to find work in a range of sectors, including biotechnology and medical technology, private and public healthcare provision, genetic research, and epidemiology.
There are over 1,400 postgraduate medical science courses at more than 100 UK universities. You can choose from many specialist areas and course types, from postgraduate certificates, MSc, MPhil and MRes degrees and doctoral research pathways.
What to expect
With such a rich choice of postgraduate courses available the entry requirements for the various specialisms and level of study will vary enormously. In very general terms you will usually need a good undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant subject. You will also often need some professional experience in your field.
It would be impossible to list all the topics a postgraduate course in medical science might cover but common modules include biology of disease, ethics and law in clinical practice, clinical procedural skills, evidence-based medicine and research methods and pathological processes.
A postgraduate qualification will help advance your medical science career by increasing your knowledge and skills in a particular field as well as improving your communication and research skills. It will also give you potential new networks to tap into.