MSc Biomedical Sciences Research

Programme overview

This programme brings together expertise from across many subject areas in the biomedical sciences to provide you with training in several key areas of current research interest. The programme focuses on experimental science and is research-informed. It will provide you with practical laboratory-based experience with access to specialist techniques in state-of-the-art facilities.

It is a flexible programme: you will select three lecture-based units and a literature project of your choice, giving you the opportunity to investigate a range of different topics within the biomedical sciences. For your final research project, you again have the flexibility to choose your research area from a wide range of suggested projects or you can work with academic staff to design your own research project. You can also choose a project offered at an off-campus site, such as Southmead Hospital, Bristol Dental School or the Bristol Heart Institute.

You will learn in small teaching and tutorial groups. The taught and research elements of this MSc are carefully balanced; for example, your research project runs over a 12-week period free of lectures, allowing you to focus solely on your project.

The skills you can develop during this programme include presentation skills, report-writing skills and work-planning skills. Several students have contributed to published papers and many go on to study at PhD level. Others have taken a wide range of career pathways, including research in industry, teaching and medical training.

Careers

Approximately one third of our students have gone on to PhD-level studies at the University of Bristol, or another leading university. The next largest group of students are those that have gone on to study medicine. Others have gone on to research assistantships, teacher training, biomedical scientist training or non-scientific careers, such as accountancy.

Preferably a first or upper second-class honours degree in biochemistry, biophysics, life sciences, chemistry, physics or an equivalent subject, plus a minimum grade B in A-level Chemistry (or equivalent qualification). Applications from students with a lower second-class honours degree (or international equivalent) and practical experience will also be considered.