MSc Biomedical Science

Where changes are made to material information contained in this course description or a decision is taken to suspend a course between the offer of admissions and enrolment, we will inform applicants at the earliest possible opportunity and will outline the various options available to the applicant.

On the completion of an MSc in Biomedical Science at the University of Greater Manchester, you will be equipped to enter the field in sectors such as medical research, the pharmaceutical and medical industries, healthcare in the NHS, or go on to further study at PhD level. For HCPC registered Biomedical Scientists working in the NHS, an MSc level qualification can assist you with progression to Senior roles. This degree offers you an exciting opportunity to undertake a bespoke combination of modules that will help you to develop a new set of skills via career-focused and knowledge-based learning.

Understanding how to use laboratory equipment can be crucial for careers in the biosciences sector and for this reason this is an important focus of our programme. As a graduate of our course, you’ll possess knowledge of a wide range of laboratory techniques and experience using high-specification instrumentation. Your practical expertise will be underpinned by your sound understanding of the theories and principles of human disease, therapeutics, cell biology and microbiology. You'll have experience planning, conducting and evaluating experiments, complying with health and safety regulations, and researching and interpreting scientific literature.

In addition to academic and scientific knowledge, this degree offers you the opportunity to develop an impressive range of employability skills. We'll support and challenge you to develop skills in analysis and problem-solving, data analysis, evaluation and interpretation, IT, numeracy and statistics, oral and written communication, project management, teamwork, organisation and time management. These abilities are highly valued in the industry and transferrable to a wide range of areas beyond the biosciences sector.

As a graduate of this MSc degree, you'll be able to define your pathway to a rewarding career in the biosciences sector and be qualified to pursue exciting opportunities in healthcare, research and academia.

What can I do with this qualification?

Alternative career options

Graduates can also use the qualification as a stepping-stone into various other careers, bearing in mind that these roles may require relevant experience and/or postgraduate study. Some possibilities include:

• Academic research
• Medical administration
• Healthcare
• Science writing
• Health promotion
• Biomedical sales
• Pharmaceutical research scientist
• Research and development
• Genetic research
• Health education
• Regulatory affairs
• Clinical trials

Please note that an MSc in Biomedical Science does not automatically qualify you for HCPC registration as a biomedical scientist.

Our MSc is designed for graduates pursuing alternative roles to this (either in healthcare or elsewhere) or for professionals who are already HCPC registered and looking to advance their careers by moving into senior NHS roles.

Home/EU Fees

International Fees

Bursaries

Click here for more information on our Master's Bursaries.

Important note regarding tuition fees: EU nationals who meet residency requirements (have settled or pre-settled status) may be eligible for 'Home' fee status. If you do not meet these residency requirements, overseas fees will apply. Irish citizens living in the UK or Ireland will be eligible for 'Home' fee status under the Common Travel Area arrangement. Please read the student finance for EU students web page on www.gov.uk for information.

Home Undergraduate Tuition Fee Adjustment

The tuition fee applicable to the first year of your programme of study is confirmed in your offer letter. The tuition fee set is based on the regulations and guidance in force at the time of offer but remains subject to adjustment in accordance with any government-approved inflationary increase. The University reserves the right to amend tuition fees for all years of study, including the first year, by no more than the maximum increase permitted under legislation and regulatory guidance issued by the UK Government and the Office for Students.

Where such increases are approved, they will not exceed the rate of inflation, as measured by an appropriate index such as the Consumer Prices Index (CPI), or any successor measure specified by government. The University will apply any adjustment consistently across affected student cohorts and will give reasonable notice to students of any confirmed change to the published fee before the start of the relevant academic year.

This approach ensures that tuition fees remain compliant with applicable legislation, proportionate to inflationary changes, and consistent with government policy linking permitted fee uplifts to the maintenance of high-quality education and outcomes. For more information, please refer to the government guidance at: gov.uk – Universities to deliver better outcomes in return for full fees.

Postgraduate and International Tuition Fee Adjustment

The tuition fee applicable to the first year of your programme of study is confirmed in your offer letter. The University reserves the right to amend tuition fees for subsequent years of study in accordance with its Course Fees Policy. Where such increases are approved, they will not exceed the rate of inflation, as measured by an appropriate index such as the Consumer Prices Index (CPI), or any successor measure specified by government. The University will apply any adjustment consistently across affected student cohorts and will give reasonable notice to students of any confirmed change to the published fee before the start of the relevant academic year.

Face-to-face contact with our expert team is highly interactive, and we pride ourselves on offering personalised support and attention. Our strong preference for small group teaching means your tutors quickly get to know you as an individual. This ensures we can respond to your questions, identify your learning style and support your learning more effectively.

We use a wide variety of teaching and learning methods to help you achieve your potential. Lectures introduce course content, while seminars are a valuable way to explore subjects in greater detail. Tutorials allow you to ask questions about the topics we cover and discuss your learning approaches and strategies for success. Practical laboratory sessions help you learn to apply academic theory to scientific problems and develop practical skills in research methods and scientific techniques. Mini-research projects embedded in practical classes encourage your curiosity and help build your critical thinking skills. Also, guided computer-based workshops help you gain the data analysis skills and knowledge you'll need for your final year research project and develop crucial skills in bioinformatics. Overall, we take a blended learning approach, combining face-to-face sessions with online work as appropriate.

Self-directed and independent study is essential if you want to reach your potential in this hugely rewarding and constantly evolving subject. We’ll expect you to devote significant time to activities such as background reading, preparing for seminars and assignments, writing essays and revising for exams.

Summative assessments contribute to your final module marks and include in-class tests, essays, seminar presentations, laboratory reports, independent project work, and exams. These assessments are your chance to confirm your knowledge and understanding and demonstrate your critical and evaluation skills.

Meanwhile, you'll benefit from ongoing formative assessments throughout your degree. These don't contribute to module marks or final grades but focus on supporting your progress, helping you build on your strengths and overcome challenges. They're also an excellent way to help you identify and pursue the independent learning strategies that best suit your needs and preferences.

Modules

The modules listed below may be a mixture of compulsory and optional. You may not have the opportunity to study all the modules shown as part of the course.

• Biomedical and Analytical Research Techniques
• Leadership and Management
• Neurobiology
• Cancer Biology
• Blood Science
• Clinical Immunology
• Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine
• Scholarship and Research Skills
• Diagnosis and Management of Disease
• Medical Biotechnology
• Laboratory Quality Management
• Project

Assessment methods

Learning Activities

The university will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver your course as described in its published material and the programme specification for the academic year in which you begin your course. The university considers changes to courses very carefully and the university will minimise any changes. Please be aware that our courses are subject to review on an ongoing basis and changes may be necessary due to legitimate staffing, financial, regulatory and academic reasons. The content of course modules and mode of associated assessments may be updated on an annual basis. This is to ensure that all modules are up-to-date and responsive to employment and sector needs. The published course material and the programme specification contain indicative ‘optional modules’ that may be subject to change due to circumstances outside of our control. For this reason, we cannot guarantee to run any specific optional module.