School of Biomedical Sciences

PgDip Biomedical Science

With constant developments across all disciplines, biomedical science is a fast-paced, ever-evolving field. Looking for a programme that will help you deepen your theoretical knowledge, hone your clinical skills and broaden your professional experience? We give you a suite of award pathways that allow you to explore different research areas and develop your specialisms.

Key features
  • 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 the University of Plymouth.
  • 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.
  • Gain the skills needed to study at masters level with specialist modules on research techniques and project development.
  • Part of the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) accredited suite of MSc Biomedical Science awards.
  • 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.

Course details

  • Year 1

  • You’ll take five modules: the core module (molecular biology: genomics, transcriptomics and proteomics), at least one diagnostic research applications module and one discipline-specific module to determine your final award. 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.

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:

PgDip Biomedical Science Programme Specification 5236

Entry requirements
You should have either:

  • A good honours degree (at least 2:2), or equivalent UK university or institute of higher education qualification in a relevant subject with a significant biomedical, biological or biochemical content related to the specialist subject(s) to be studied.
  • If you have overseas qualifications you can check how they compare with the UK equivalent through ECCTIS, who provide an advisory service.

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 the equivalent of an IELTS score of at least 6.5.

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

Fees, costs and funding
Student 2023-2024 2024-2025
Home £7,000 £7,330
International £11,670 £12,660
Part time (Home) £580 £610
Full time fees shown are per annum. Part time fees shown are per 10 credits. Please note that fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them shown in the prospectus are correct at the time of going to print. Fees shown on the web are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and funding.

How to apply
When to apply
Most of our taught programmes begin in September. Applications can usually be made throughout the year, and are considered until programmes are full.
Before you apply
Familiarise yourself with the information required to complete your application form. You will usually be required to supply:
  • 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.
If you require further information take a look at our application guidance. 
Disability Inclusion Services
If you have an impairment, health condition or disability, learn about the additional support the University provides.
International students
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.
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 weeksof 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 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.
Soraya Williams

Soraya Williams – MSc Biomedical Science graduate

Biomedical science can be a broad subject to narrow down, so it is essential to find what you enjoy by putting yourself out there.
James Butler

James Butler – MSc Biomedical Science graduate

There is an active research community in the School of Biomedical Sciences which I knew would provide me with the mentoring, guidance and resources I needed to develop my research skills and run my own project.

Student insight

The programme has given me a vast amount of knowledge in many medical and scientific approaches. It has made me into a more critical-thinking person in regards to what is written and in the presented arguments.
Fatemah Alqallaf is a current student of the MSc Biomedical Science programme
Current masters Biomedical Healthcare student, Fatemah Alqallaf.
Plymouth University Peninsula School of Medicine

Biomedical Research at the University of Plymouth

Our research is aimed at understanding the molecular and cellular processes underlying human health and disease with a key aim to translate this research into diagnostic and therapeutic applications.
Investment in state-of-the-art genomic, proteomic and imaging technologies have allowed a systems-led approach to explore the interacting networks of genes, molecules and cells underpinning disease processes.
Our research in Diagnostics utilises interdisciplinary approaches to identify novel molecular disease markers and therapies.
 
Scientist In laboratory
Biomedical science 

Meet our staff

Specialising in a range of research areas, from stem cell transplantation to skeletal pathology, our team reflects the multi-disciplinary nature of biomedical science. You’ll benefit from their knowledge, expertise and insights during your course.
Focused research is the foundation of biomedical science.
Biomedical science research

MSc Biomedical Science staff

Careers

Students from around the world study biomedical science at the University of Plymouth. We offer the latest facilities, research, support and teaching expertise. So you’ll leave ready for your career, or to further your academic study.
Career possibilities for our graduates include healthcare science, research support, government science and areas relating to scientific media.
Systems biology facility