MSc Biomedical Science

• Dedicated programme pathways: Cancer Biology or Infection and Immunity.
  
• An international reputation in translational research, with significant financial investment in laboratory infrastructure.
  
• Benefit from academics actively researching and developing new techniques in biomedical science.
  
• Enrich your learning with expertise from our NHS links and research-active staff.
  
• Focus your specific research interests under the guidance of your personal project adviser.
• Gain skills needed to study at masters level with specialist modules on research techniques and project development.

• Programme structure

• This programme offers the opportunity to specialise in either Cancer Biology or Infection and Immunity, through our dedicated, research-led, biomedical pathways. Both pathways incorporate three core modules covering molecular genetics and proteomics, project design and development, and a research dissertation project. Your chosen pathway will also include two dedicated discipline-specific modules focusing on their specialist theme: Cancer Biology and Therapeutics or Infection and Immunity. You will also contribute to designing and executing a research project with the support of your project supervisor from one of our Biomedical Research groups. Core modules run across both semesters one and two, while one of the two dedicated pathway modules runs in each semester. All modules are assessed through coursework, utilising a variety of written, presentational and practical elements, including a written project dissertation. This enables you to gain broad, transferable skills and experience.

  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

  • BHCS5008 Infection and Immunity

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

  • BHCS5009 Cancer Biology and Therapeutics

    This module will provide an overview of current developments in cancer biology focusing on current research and understanding of the molecular, cellular and physiological basis of cancer, diagnostic and screening developments. Treatment and areas for future therapies will also be critically examined.

  • BHCS5010 Contemporary Applications in Cancer Biology and Therapeutics

    This module provides knowledge of a wide range of techniques used in modern cell biology from basic to advanced cell culture, diagnostic histopathology, cytotoxic and genotoxic investigations, flow cytometry, bioinformatics. 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.

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 programme specification 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.

When to apply

Most of our taught programmes begin in September, with some January starts also available. Applications can usually be made throughout the year, and are considered until programmes are full. 

Before you apply

• evidence of qualifications (degree certificates or transcripts), with translations if not in English, to show that you meet, or expect to meet the entry requirements
  
• evidence of English language proficiency, if English is not your first language
  
• a personal statement of approximately 250-400 words about the reasons for your interest in the course and outlining the nature of previous and current related experience. You can write this into the online application form, or include it as a separate document
  
• your curriculum vitae or résumé, including details of relevant professional/voluntary experience, professional registration/s and visa status for overseas workers
  
• proof of sponsorship, if applicable.
  

Disability services

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

International students

Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office via our how to apply webpage or email international-admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

Submitting an application

Once you are happy that you have all of the information required you can apply using our online postgraduate application form (the blue 'Apply now' icon on this page).

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; two academic/professional references, confirming your suitability for the course; or to take part in an interview (which in the case of overseas students may be by telephone or video conference) and you will be sent a decision by letter or email.

We aim to make the application procedure as simple and efficient as possible. Our Admissions and Course Enquiries 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.

If you would like any further information please contact the Admissions and Course Enquiries team:

Telephone: +44 (0)1752 585858
Email: admissions@plymouth.ac.uk 

Admissions policy

More information and advice for applicants can be referenced by downloading our Student Admissions Policy Prospective students are advised to read the policy before making an application to the University.