MSc Biomedical Science

*Clinical Neuroscience pathway has been approved by the University for a September 2021 start and is undergoing IBMS accreditation.

• Year 1

• 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

  • Molecular Biology: Genomics, Transcriptomics and Proteomics (BIOM5001)

    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.

  Optional modules

  • Infection and Immunity (BHCS5008)

    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.

  • Cancer Biology and Therapeutics (BHCS5009)

    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.

  • Contemporary Applications in Cancer Biology and Therapeutics (BHCS5010)

    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.

  • Basic and Clinical Neuroscience (BHCS5011)

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

  • Contemporary Applications in Neurobiology (BHCS5012)

    This module provides knowledge of a wide range of techniques used in modern neurobiology from basic to advanced cell culture, diagnostic histopathology, expression studies, imaging, disease model development, behavioural analysis, biostatistics. Contemporary applications of neurobiology will be explored in an in-depth critical manner.

  • Contemporary Science of Infection and Immunity (BIOM5003)

    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.

• Final year

• In your final year, you'll focus on a research project in the discipline that interests you the most for your final award. 

  Core modules

  • Project Design and Development (BIOM5005)

    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.

  • Research Project (BIOM5006)

    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.

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 5768

The modules shown for this course or programme are those being studied by current students, or expected new modules. Modules are subject to change depending on year of entry.

You should have either:

Or:

If your first language is not English, you will be required to provide evidence of competence in English language:

We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary.

Applications for September 2025 onwards

Please contact admissions@plymouth.ac.uk or telephone +44 (0)1752 585858 to register your interest in applying for this programme. 

Please include your name, contact details, email and telephone number, the course that you are interested in and the year you wish to start your studies. 

You will be sent further details on how to apply as soon as possible. 

 

Most of our taught programmes begin in September. Applications can usually be made throughout the year, and are considered until programmes are full.

Familiarise yourself with the information required to complete your application form. You will usually be required to supply:

If you require further information take a look at our application guidance. 

If you have an impairment, health condition or disability, learn about the additional support the University provides.

Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office. Take a look at our how to apply information or email admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

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). 

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:

More information and advice for applicants can be referenced in our admissions policy which can be found on the student regulations, policies and procedures page. Prospective students are advised to read the policy before making an application to the University.