MSc Biomedical Sciences

Please apply via our online application form. See the application and selection section for details of the supporting documents we require.

We recommend that you apply as early as possible. We reserve the right to close applications if the course is full.

Our MSc Biomedical Sciences course enables you to gain experience in fundamental bioscience research techniques through laboratory practical classes and a group-based research project. It is for you if you have limited laboratory experience and want to develop your research skills.

You will receive extensive training in relevant laboratory techniques through research skills practical classes. In addition, you will carry out a research project as part of a group of up to 6 individuals. Under the supervision of an experienced research academic, you will design your project, build an experimental plan and then carry out the planned experiments over a period of 4-6 weeks in our bespoke master’s research laboratory. Through the project, you will become familiar with the theoretical and practical basis of research methods and techniques.

You will also take part in seminars, workshops and small group tutorials designed to help you develop experimental design, statistics and data analysis skills. All the learning methods and units on the course are designed to prepare you for working in laboratory environments and participating in research. In addition to developing your research skills, you will also have an opportunity to broaden your knowledge and gain insight into a range of biomedical science research topics through a variety of lecture-based units.

You will also develop your science communication skills through oral presentations, poster presentation and written reports. You will learn how to adapt your communication style to suit your target audience so that you can get your point across equally well for both lay and scientific audiences. These skills will help prepare you for job interviews and equip you for careers in the biosciences industry, or as a science writer or related professional roles.

Aims

This course aims to:

• Train you in the core experimental techniques used in biomedical science research, including constructing an experimental plan to address a specific research question.
• Enable you to design and carry out a research project as part of a collaborative team.
• Foster transferable skills in critical reasoning and reflection, communication, team working, problem solving and decision making.
• Develop your skills in science communication in spoken, written and poster form for both specialist and public audiences, preparing you for future PhD or job interviews.

Training in experimental skills: You will learn a range of research techniques through practical units and have an opportunity to apply some of these in a group research project. Alongside this, experimental design, statistical analysis and research ethics will be taught in a series of dedicated course units.

Group research project: You will work as a group (3-4 individuals), with the support of an experienced researcher. Together, you will design a research project and carry out the necessary experiments to address the research question.

Transferable skills in science communication: Communicating complex information for a range of audiences is an essential skill in specialist professions. You will develop your skills in presenting in oral form, at a poster session and in written assignments, including writing up your own project work.

We use a range of teaching and learning methods, including tutorials, workshops, seminars and research placements.

Find out more by visiting the postgraduate teaching and learning page.

We will assess your progress using:

• Written reports on your research projects
• Oral presentations
• Written assignments
• Posters
• Examinations
• Critical assessment of the literature
• Online statistics exercises

The University of Manchester offers extensive library and online services to help you get the most out of your studies.

This course will help prepare you for a research-related career, which can be at academic institutions or research-based companies, or in science writing or any other profession where research experience is valued, for example, in funding organisations or certain branches of patent law.

You will receive training in experimental techniques and develop experience in the planning and design of a research project. Alongside this, you will learn to operate as part of a team and communicate your science in efficient and audience-appropriate ways. These skills will enable you to perform to a high standard at PhD or job interviews, and will facilitate your career progression.

Some students would be expected to go on to undertake PhD studies, while others will continue their career in the industrial sector, which has seen a rapid expansion of biomedical science and a requirement for suitably trained research graduates.