MSc Biomedical Sciences

Biomedical science focuses on the understanding of human health and disease, developing diagnostics and treatments that inevitably save and improve lives. Our research-informed MSc Biomedical Science programme aligns to the research disciplines within our newly formed Plymouth Institute of Health and Care Research (replacing the Institute of Translational and Stratified Medicine – ITSMed), allowing you to focus your MSc in either cancer, neuroscience, or infection & Immunity.

Our programme provides you the opportunity to broaden your knowledge and practical skills and supports those interested in pursuing research at postgraduate level.

Key features

• Select a specialist pathway focusing on Cancer Biology, Clinical Neuroscience* or Infection and Immunity.
• Dedicated content covering genomics, proteomics and transcriptomics.
• 50+ hours of practical-based learning per pathway.
• 15-week, independent practical- or dry-laboratory research projects available, supported by a dedicated supervisor.
• An international reputation in translational research; ranked 1st in the UK for Research Output in Clinical Medicine.
• Significant financial investment in laboratory infrastructure including the newly constructed Derriford Research Facility.
• Programme professionally accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS).

The MSc Biomedical Science programme enables you to specialise in one of three areas through our research-aligned, biomedical pathways:

• Cancer Biology
• Clinical Neuroscience
• Infection and Immunity

Each pathway comprises two discipline-specific modules covering specialist and application teaching, along with three core modules in molecular genetics and proteomics, project design and development, and a research dissertation project aligned to your pathway choice. All modules are assessed through a variety of coursework types, including written elements, presentations and timed/practical elements, and a written project dissertation. This enables you to gain broad, transferable skills and experience.

Applicants should have a good honours degree, or equivalent, awarded by a UK institute of higher education in a biomedical or biological-related subject. Those with a lower second-class honours degree, an alternative subject qualification, or relevant work-based experience are encouraged to apply and will be considered on an individual basis. This programme accepts applications from medical, dental and veterinary students who wish to intercalate their studies.