• Tap into the expertise of academic lecturers and tutors actively researching and developing new techniques in modern biomedical science. Our programme has a strong international reputation in translational research, with significant financial investment in laboratory infrastructure.
• Hone your skills and critical thinking, and grow your clinical experience.
• Work with high specification, regularly updated facilities serving post-genomics and proteomics, cell biology and imaging.
• Enrich your learning with teaching, expertise and insight from our NHS partners, plus members of Plymouth University School of Biomedical and Healthcare Sciences.
• Deepen your understanding with modules that explore modern practice, emerging techniques and the impact of new technologies on research methods.
• Benefit from a programme that’s reinforced by the research, facilities and expertise of the Centre for Biomedical Research and the Systems Biology Centre. Attend research events and work with leading scientists in a wide range of fields, including immunology, haematology and genomics.
• Focus your specific interests under the guidance of your personal project advisor and develop an individual final project within the Centre for Biomedical Research and the Systems Biology Centre.
• Gain the skills needed to study at masters level with specialist modules on research techniques and project development.
• Choose from our modules to follow a path of study resulting in one of following MSc awards:
  Biomedical Science (Cellular Pathology)
  Biomedical Science (Clinical Biochemistry)
  Biomedical Science (Haematology and Transfusion)
  Biomedical Science (Immunology)
  Biomedical Science (Medical Genetics)
  Biomedical Science (Medical Microbiology)
• Begin your career with the confidence that the MSc Biomedical Science suite of awards are accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science. 

• Take the course as a full-time intercalated degree programme for those wishing to interrupt their studies as a medical or dental student.
  
• Choose to study full-time – this is particularly suitable if you are undertaking an intercalated degree from medicine or dentistry. Taught modules will be delivered in the autumn and spring terms, and your MSc will be completed over the course of one year.
• Join the programme if you're an intercalating medical student and have successfully completed your fourth year, or have already completed an undergraduate course.
  

• Programme structure
• You’ll take five modules: three core modules, one diagnostic research applications module, plus one discipline-specific module to determine your final award. You'll design and execute a research project, supported by your project advisor. Other core modules include molecular biology (genomics, transcriptomics and proteomics) and project design and development, where you’ll also critically review scientific literature. Options for the diagnostic research applications include bioinformatics, contemporary applications of cell biology, and contemporary science of infection and immunity. Focussing in on the discipline that interests you the most for your final award, you can choose from a range of modules including: clinical immunology, clinical microbiology, haematology and transfusion, medical genomics and personalised medicine, molecular and cellular pathology and clinical biochemistry.

  Core modules

  • BIOM5001 Molecular Biology: Genomics, Transcriptomics and Proteomics

    This module will provide a comprehensive overview of basic genomics and proteomics. An understanding of the latest experimental techniques currently applied to study these 'omics' will be delivered. The emphasis will be on microarray techniques, next-generation sequencing and high-throughput mass spectrometry for the analysis of molecules at the level of genome, transcriptome and proteome.

  • BIOM5005 Project Design and Development

    The module will provide students with the knowledge to understand and critically review the current scientific literature and skills associated with the project design, development and knowledge transfer process.

  • BIOM5006 Research Project

    This module is comprised of independent self-directed study under the guidance of a project advisor. It includes the development of a research question and associated design and execution of a research study.

  Optional modules

  • BIOM5002 Contemporary Applications of Cell Biology

    This module provides knowledge of a wide range of techniques used in modern cell biology from basic to advanced cell culture, cytotoxic and genotoxic investigations, flow cytometry, confocal and electron microscopy. Contemporary applications of cell biology will be explored in an in-depth critical manner.

  • BIOM5003 Contemporary Science of Infection and Immunity

    This module provides knowledge of the cellular and molecular basis of the microbial pathogenesis and immunity for a range of bacterial, viral and fungal infections. Current methods and techniques for investigative microbiology and immunology will also be explored in an in-depth critical manner.

  • BIOM5007 Cellular Basis of Clinical Immunology

    This module will provide knowledge of, and explore current areas of cellular and molecular processes which will promote a critical understanding of immune defence in the context of clinical immunology with respect to normal immune responsiveness and immunopathology.

  • BIOM5008 Clinical Microbiology

    This module provides knowledge and skills that will enable students to operate effectively in a modern infection sciences laboratory. The module will develop an in-depth understanding of the commonly encountered infections, tests to identify the disease agents and the principles of antimicrobial therapy.

  • BIOM5009 Haematology and Transfusion

    This module provides theoretical knowledge of the cellular and molecular basis of a range of haematological disorders and their treatment. Current practice in haematology, transfusion medicine and transplantation science, including investigative testing in pregnancy and paediatric blood science will be explored in a comprehensive and critical manner.

  • BIOM5010 Medical Genomics and Personalised Medicine

    The module examines how genetics impacts on human health including responses to genetic disease and major polymorphisms that cause drug toxicity. Techniques and procedures of human genetic analyses are studied and the impact of new technologies (genomics, genetic testing, stem cell therapy, tissue engineering and gene therapy) on diagnosis, prevention, management and opportunities for personalised medicine are explored.

  • BIOM5011 Molecular and Cellular Pathology

    This module provides knowledge of the cellular and molecular basis of a range of common altered health states. Current methods and techniques for investigative pathology will also be explored in an in-depth critical manner.

  • BIOM5012 Clinical Biochemistry

    This module provides theoretical skills that will enable students to operate effectively in a modern blood sciences laboratory. Current practice in clinical biochemistry, pregnancy and paediatric blood sciences will be explored in a critical, research-based manner.

  • BIOM5014 Bioinformatics

    A predominantly computer-based and practical course that will teach the students how to approach biomedical research questions that require the analysis of large datasets, as for example in genomics and proteomics. Students will use key on-line tools and resources, as well as learn basic programming skills. The course is designed primarily for students who have had no previous experience of programming.

Every postgraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the programme aims, the programme structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.

The following programme specification represents the latest programme structure and may be subject to change:

MSc Biomedical Science Prog Spec 4797

• A minimum of a lower-second class honours degree in biomedical sciences or related subject with a genetics content. Applicants with a lower second-class honours degree will undertake an interview as part of the application process.

• Or other qualifications and experience that the programme manager deems equivalent in subject content and level of attainment to any of the above.
  

English language:

• If you did not complete your secondary or tertiary education in English you will need an overall IELTS score of 7 with a minimum of 6.5 in each element
  
• Courses to help develop your academic English language skills are provided by the English Language Centre.
  

Please note that the deadline for those wishing to apply for this programme as an intercalating Masters student, is 31 March during the year of entry.

Make sure you meet the entry requirements for this programme.

Before you apply

Make sure you have all your supporting documents. Documents required usually include:

• Evidence of qualifications (certificates or transcripts) to show that you meet, or expect to meet the entry requirements
• Evidence of English language ability, if English is not your first language
• Two references
• Two passport photographs
• Curriculum Vitae or résumé, if required
• Proof of sponsorship, if applicable

When to apply

Applications for postgraduate programmes of study can usually be made throughout the year. When applying for a taught postgraduate programme, please check for any submission deadlines with the Plymouth University Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry Admissions team (contact details below). For full-time programmes, you may be invited for interview.

Check the closing date and apply as early as possible as our programmes are popular.

Apply for this course

Apply for postgraduate study using our online postgraduate application form.

Alternatively you can download a copy of the application form to be submitted by hand, by post or via email with accompanying attachments.

Additional guidance information can also be downloaded on how to fill in the postgraduate application form.

Admissions policy

More information and advice for applicants can be referenced in our online admissions policy for taught programmes. Prospective students are advised to read the policy before making an application to the University.

What happens after I apply?

You will normally receive a decision on your application within four weeks of us receiving your application. You may be asked to provide additional information, to take part in an interview (which in the case of overseas students may be by telephone or video conference) or you will be sent a decision by letter or email.

The University aims to make the application procedure as simple and efficient as possible. Our Admissions and Course Information team is on hand to offer help and can put you in touch with the appropriate faculty if you wish to discuss any programme in detail. The Doctoral College is also available to answer any queries on our postgraduate research degrees.

If you have a disability and would like further information about the support provided by Plymouth University, please visit our Disability Services website.

Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office.

Help and enquiries

Email: admissions@plymouth.ac.uk
Telephone: +441752585858