Biomedical Sciences MSc

London, Bloomsbury

The Biomedical Sciences MSc provides opportunities for a broad learning experience in biomedical sciences and research training that will enhance students' ability to be competitive in the biomedical employment field, continue their learning if already in employment and/or develop a research career in this field.

UK students International students
Study mode
UK tuition fees (2024/25)
£19,300
£9,650
Overseas tuition fees (2024/25)
£37,500
£18,750
Duration
1 calendar year
2 calendar years
Programme starts
September 2024
Applications accepted
Applicants who require a visa: 16 Oct 2023 – 05 Apr 2024
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Applicants who do not require a visa: 16 Oct 2023 – 30 Aug 2024
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Entry requirements

Normally a minimum of an upper second-class UK Bachelor's degree in biomedical sciences, life sciences or related subject area, or a medical degree (MBBS), or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. Please note that the programme is not accredited for hospital biomedical sciences training.

The English language level for this programme is: Level 2

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

Equivalent qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

About this degree

The overall aim of the programme is for students to develop an advanced understanding of the structure and function of biomedical systems, together with an understanding of the mechanisms underlying normal function and dysfunction at molecular, cellular and systems levels. Students will acquire and put into practice the research methods skills necessary to investigate mechanisms and develop knowledge in this field.

Who this course is for

The programme is particularly suitable for students with an undergraduate degree in biomedical sciences, life sciences or a related subject area who wish to develop an advanced understanding in the broad subject area of biomedical sciences.

What this course will give you

UCL is recognised as one of the world's best research environments within the field of Life Sciences and Medicine (QS World University Rankings By Subject 2023).

The Division of Biosciences is in a unique position to offer tuition, research opportunities in internationally recognised laboratories and an appreciation of the multidisciplinary nature of biosciences research.

You will have the advantage of studying in a multi-faculty university with a long tradition of excellence, situated at the heart of one of the world's greatest cities.

The foundation of your career

Employability

The Biomedical Sciences MSc provides opportunities for students to develop and broaden their knowledge and research skills and better prepare for future employment or specialist postgraduate research.

Teaching and learning

Knowledge in the biomedical sciences will be facilitated through lectures, tutorial-style classes and self-directed learning using published articles, web-based information sources and databases and completion of taught module assessments. The research project and preparation of the dissertation develops writing skills, self-directed learning and critical analysis of research literature.

Taught modules are delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials, practical exercises, computer simulation, data analysis exercises and self-directed learning. Assessment is through coursework (including projects, reports and presentations), unseen written examination, dissertation and oral presentation.

The programme consists of one year (180 credits) full-time or two years (90 credits in each year) of flexible study that include a 90 credits research project. Typical contact hours encompass 24 hours of tutorials and 120 hours of lectures, in addition to 120 hours of interactive research project work and a further 1250 hours of independent study while reviewing course materials, conducting independent research, and preparing formative and summative assignments. This balance of work facilitates a deepening understanding of the subject of Biomedical Sciences while developing self-discipline and critical thinking.

Modules

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. The programme consists of a 90-credit research project, and optional subject modules, selected with advice from the programme tutor according to the background and interests of individual students. Optional modules involve topics in neuroscience, in the physiology of health and disease, in subjects related to human genetics, cancer and personalised medicine, cell signalling, statistics, and management for biosciences.

Part-time students complete 90 credits of study in each year of the 2-year part-time programme, with 90 credits of optional modules in year 1 and their 90 credit research project in year 2.

Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability are subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded an MSc in Biomedical Sciences.

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble accessable.co.uk. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing team.

Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students
Fee description Full-time Part-time
Tuition fees (2024/25) £19,300 £9,650
Tuition fees (2024/25) £37,500 £18,750

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Where the programme is offered on a flexible/modular basis, fees are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees.

Additional costs

Students will not face any additional costs.

For more information on additional costs for prospective students please go to our estimated cost of essential expenditure at Accommodation and living costs.

Funding your studies

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.

Brown Family Bursary

Deadline: 20 June 2024
Value: £15,000 (1 year)
Criteria Based on both academic merit and financial need
Eligibility: UK

UCL East London Scholarship

Deadline: 20 June 2024
Value: Tuition fees plus £15,700 stipend ()
Criteria Based on financial need
Eligibility: UK

Next steps

Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for places. Those applying for scholarship funding (particularly overseas applicants) should take note of application deadlines.

There is an application processing fee for this programme of £90 for online applications and £115 for paper applications. Further information can be found at Application fees.

When we assess your application we would like to learn:

  • Why you want to study Biomedical Sciences at graduate level
  • Why you want to study Biomedical Sciences at UCL
  • What particularly attracts you to this programme
  • How your personal, academic and professional background meets the demands of a this rigorous programme
  • What your career plans are following your Master's

Together with essential academic requirements, the personal statement is your opportunity to illustrate whether your reasons for applying to this programme match what the programme will deliver.

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate programmes (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

Choose your programme

Please read the Application Guidance before proceeding with your application.

Year of entry: 2024-2025

UCL is regulated by the Office for Students.