Postgraduate MSc

Biomedical Science

Attendance

Full-time

Part-time

Course

One year

Three year

Next enrolment

January 2025

Introduction

In a nutshell

The COVID-19 pandemic has refocused our attention on health. With increased awareness of viruses and age-related risks in heart disease, dementia, stroke, pulmonary disorders, and cancer, now is a great opportunity to understand how we can better manage these challenges by studying our highly-relevant MSc Biomedical Science postgraduate course. 

Led by internationally-renowned academics with track records in world-leading research, our courses focuses on exploring personalised medicine, targeted therapies and medicine, and the move away from a ‘one size fits all’ treatment and care of patients with a particular conditions. 

Available with full and part-time study routes, our MSc Biomedical Science courses is recommended for science graduates and industry professionals who want to build knowledge about the underlying causes of diseases. During your studies, you will develop knowledge about current and novel diagnostics and treatments of disorders, and apply your skills in our world-class Bodmer Laboratories, as you can take your biomedical knowledge to the next level. 

International applicant? Please check international intakes for the latest information and application dates.

Start your MSc Biomedical Science study journey

Register for our next Open Day where you can learn more about the course, tour our impressive Bodmer labs and meet the tutors.

You will:

  • Build advanced knowledge of key biomedical science topics, including genomics, disease pathology and immunology
  • Learn about research that uses cutting-edge experimental techniques and direct engagement with biomedical communities
  • Develop a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary expertise in specialist subject areas, integrated with applied clinical laboratory skills
International

students accepted

This is for you if...

1.

You are science graduate interested in aligning your skills with the future of medicine and biological science

2.

You are a science professional fascinated by some of the latest bioscience research outcomes and keen to enhance your knowledge in this field

3.

You are a science graduate eager to gain postgraduate level skills and ready to get hands-on with clinical lab work

Course details

All about the course

A view of the Bodmer Laboratories used by MSc Biomedical Science students

The MSc Biomedical Science postgraduate degree course at Salford meets industry needs by providing formal qualifications for science professionals looking to develop a laboratory-based skillset. By drawing on our pioneering scientific research, and by applying our collaborative learning approach, the course provides you with a platform for science career success. 

Course delivery

Our MSc Biomedical Science course is delivered through a range of highly-focused modules. The 180-credit MSc award comprises eight taught modules, plus a research dissertation.  

Flexibility is at the heart of our learning approach. You can choose to study this postgraduate course full-time or part-time on campus, with start dates each January and September:

  • As a full-time student, you will complete four 15-credit taught modules in each of the first two trimesters on campus.  In the final trimester, you will complete a dissertation worth 60 credits.
  • As a part-time student, you will complete two 15-credit modules in each of the first four trimesters on campus. In two additional trimesters, you will complete a dissertation worth 60 credits.
Learning experience

The course explores biomedical science from the emerging field of personalised medicine, targeted therapies and medicine, and the move away from a ‘one size fits all’ treatment and care.  

Current course topics include genomics, disease pathology, immunology, haematology, cardiovascular disorders and infectious disease control. The topics are complemented by modules designed to develop your postgraduate laboratory skills, prepare research and conduct professional practice. 

We regularly review module content with our industry partners to ensure acquired knowledge and skills reflect trends and needs within the science community. Learn more about the current course modules in the section below. 

Course team

The Biomedical Science postgraduate course is delivered by an academic team with exceptional research experience and extensive professional connections.

Course leader: Dr. Athar Aziz

Trimester one

Postgraduate Scholarship Skills

This module will provide you with the key skills and knowledge to pursue academic research at the postgraduate and professional level. You will gain knowledge and understanding of the current ‘big issues’ in the life sciences and will understand how ethics and bioethics can enhance critical thinking in often controversial subject areas.

Pathologies of Human Disease

You will review the cellular basis of diseases including cancer, endocrinology, clinical genetics and pharmacology as well as the current diagnostic methods and novel trends using -omics technologies towards development of personalised medicine approaches. You will develop your critical analysis skills by presenting and discussing several aspects of disease, using specific examples from clinical medicine and by describing disease causes and therapies and further develop theoretical and practical knowledge of the use of range of cutting edge laboratory based research technologies including omics, modelling, molecular biology, biochemistry, bioinformatics techniques and being able to work with pharmacokinetic parameters and to employ bioanalytical techniques.

Genomics

You will build a systematic understanding of whole genome sequencing technologies and the field of genomics and develop a general understanding of sequence assembly, annotation and analyses using different types of sequence data.The module will demonstrate a range of medical applications of genomics, and genetics counselling, and describe future directions of the field, including employment opportunities and the skills required for research in this field.

Immunology and Haematology

You will develop an up-to-date advanced theoretical knowledge base of haematological disorders relating to and underpinning the laboratory diagnosis and clinical management of disorders of the haematological system. You will understand the clinical significance of stem cell research and the possible problems that need to be overcome when working with haematopoietic stem cells in clinical laboratory and gain an understanding of transfusion science into a critical awareness of the disease process and its investigation and treatment. Ultimately you will gain a strong understanding of Immune response of human body in disease.

Trimester two

Research Design and Delivery

This module will enable you to design, plan and execute a programme of research and to apply appropriate analysis of research results, it has a strong focus on acquiring laboratory skills prior to undertaking the final research project module and as such will develop your practical skills beyond that of a standard MSc programme. It will provide opportunities for you to develop essential research skills in the discipline and allow you to undertake project work broadly aligned to the focus of your dissertation.

Inflammation and Cardiovascular Disorders

This module will enable you to assess the inflammatory disorders and critically evaluate biomarkers of inflammatory disorders, you will evaluate pharmacokinetics of anti-inflammatory drugs with focus on clinical trials and have opportunities to evaluate mechanism of cardiovascular biology and cutting-edge research that is providing breakthrough in these diseases.

Infectious Disease Control

You will gain understanding of detailed information about the major impact of infectious disease on global health and the factors that contribute towards their outcomes. This module will discuss the latest technologies used to investigate key infectious diseases and the current developments in diagnostics and treatment options. We will discuss the limitations of current diagnosis; treatment and control options in light of increasing antimicrobial resistance and genetic mutation and develop practical knowledge and skills in the application of basic and molecular microbiology techniques.

Professional Practice

This module provides the opportunity for you to use research skills acquired in the applied context of ‘real world’ project work in a variety of professional settings (companies, charities etc) and develop the skills necessary for successful delivery of project outcomes. You will design, plan and execute a programme of research through active enquiry and to apply appropriate analysis of research results.

Trimester three

Research Project

Following successful completion of semesters one and two, you will undertake a laboratory-based research project for a minimum of four months. Set projects are available but you are welcome to propose your own project, providing you choose a supervisor and discuss the project with them.

Examples of staff research interests and potential projects:

· Effect of individual and combined therapies on cancer cells

· Alterations in protein degradation in Alzheimer's disease

· Ageing and Metabolic Rejuvenation

· Translational Medicine: Evaluating FDA-approved Drugs as Inhibitors of Cancer Stem Cell Propagation

· Giving drugs a second chance; restoring promising cancer biopharmaceuticals using antibody-drug conjugates

· Designing novel therapeutic strategies to overcome drug resistance caused by tumour heterogeneity in medulloblastoma

· Exploring the link between adipose tissue inflammatory status and hypertension

· Alternative medicines for heart disease

· A clustered MiRNA profile in lung cancer samples

· 1 Screening of SRFBP1 gene as a novel candidate gene for glaucoma

· Synthetic organic and medicinal chemistry: free radical chemistry, asymmetric synthesis of anticancer agents

· Development of spectrometry-based techniques to measure biomarkers of DNA, protein and lipid damage and DNA repair

· Pharmacology: biological evaluation of novel anticancer agents

· Genomics, analysis of microbial genomes (including clinically relevant studies)

· Genome editing (CRISPR/Cas) for therapeutic treatment

· Cancer Studies: DNA repair mechanisms, , protein – protein interactions

· Cancer Studies: glycobiology, anticancer drugs

· Microbiology, antibiotics, anti-microbials

Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. Exact modules may also vary in order to keep content current. When accepting your offer of a place to study on this programme, you should be aware that not all optional modules will be running each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you are able to undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.

What will I be doing?

TEACHING

The co-creation of knowledge is an overarching learning and teaching strategy at Salford. We encourage you to see yourself as a producer of knowledge and a collaborator in your learning experience. 

Learning methods are designed to train you to assess real-life situations and provide measures that would lead to improved professional practice. 

  • Lectures will introduce core topics, with seminars and tutorials providing opportunities to discuss them further with your tutors and other students in smaller groups
  • Laboratory practicals delivered in our Bodmer Laboratories will enable you to apply your knowledge in real-world scenarios and build proficiency using equipment

Alongside formal teaching, you will also have regular timetabled meetings with your personal tutor where you can discuss elements of your course, learning progress and potential research topics.

ASSESSMENT

Assessment is designed to develop your skills for future employability and study success. Feedback is regularly provided in the form of personal written communication, online notes, and group-based feedback. 

Assessment types can vary with each module, but typical methods include:

  • Problem-based learning
  • Group work
  • Practical work
  • Individual report writing
  • Scientific communication
  • Peer review
  • Reflective writing

School of Science, Engineering and Environment

Rising to the challenge of a changing world, our postgraduate courses are designed to shape the next generation of urbanists, scientists, engineers, consultants and leaders.

Driven by industry, and delivered by supportive programme teams, you can develop the knowledge and skills to take your career potential further.

Facilities

As a MSc Biomedical Science student, you will learn in our cutting-edge Bodmer Laboratories which host industry-standard instrumentation including cell culture facilities, FACS, MALDI-TOF, LC and GC mass spectrometry, FTIR and FTNMR spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy and microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. 

Industry collaboration and research

When you start this Masters in Biomedical Science with Salford, you are also joining a community making a difference in industry, our local region and in our wider society. 

Many of our academics and technicians who support your course also deliver collaborative, interdisciplinary, high-impact work in a range of bioscience issues and challenges. 

Discover how you are part of something bigger. 

Employment and stats

After your MSc Biomedical Science degree

Scientist pipetting liquid into a test tube, wearing purple gloves and safety goggles

Employment

This course is designed to prepare you for careers in scientific research, academia and related employment fields. With growing interest in biomedical science fuelled by the COVID-19 pandemic, your newly-acquired knowledge and skills will open up career opportunities in scientific research and the healthcare sector. 

Many of our biomedical science graduates secure roles working as research assistants and technicians in clinical and research laboratories and at pharmaceutical and biotechnology organisations. Other graduates have used the knowledge and skills developed on this course to gain acceptance into medical schools. 

We also find that many MSc Biomedical Science graduates want to share their subject passion with others, which often leads to roles working as lecturers and teachers in universities and schools.  

Further Study

You might also choose to take your subject interest further with postgraduate research. Our Biomedical Research Centre  is a vibrant, collaborative community home to PhD and Research Master’s opportunities exploring a range of topics, including microbiology, parasitology, medicinal chemistry, oncology and cell biology.

Explore our Doctoral School to learn more about research training, support and opportunities.

A taste of what you could become

a biomedical engineer

A laboratory technician

A clinical application specialist

A Bioscientist

A research scientist

And more...

Career Links

  • We are well-positioned to provide you with access to career networks and research opportunities. Locally, the North West is one of the fastest-growing employment region outside of London in science and biomedical science-based vacancies.
  • We are driven by industry collaboration, and we ensure that your learning is enriched by our partners and networks. Guest speakers provide a valuable contribution to the course and bring a real-world perspective. We also work with a wide range of hospitals, charities, and companies that provide student briefs. 
  • Our bioscience team also hosts a regular postgraduate research seminar series, where we invite experts from outside the University to share their knowledge and latest research findings.
Requirements

How to get accepted onto the MSc Biomedical Science course

APPLICANT PROFILE

Our MSc Biomedical Science course is designed for enquiring minds, committed to taking their skills to an advanced level. We welcome applications from recent science graduates and experienced industry professionals who want to gain knowledge in biomedicine, and build career-enhancing skills for biomedical research, teaching, and laboratory management. 

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

All of our courses are taught and assessed in English. If English is not your first language, you must meet our minimum English language entry requirements. An IELTS score of 6.0 (no element below 5.5) is proof of this, however we do accept a range of equivalent qualifications. 

Read more about our English language requirements, including information about pathways that can help you gain entry on to our degree courses. If you do not have the English language requirements, you could take our Pre-Sessional English course

INTERNATIONAL APPLICATIONS

Please check international intakes for the latest information and application dates.

Standard entry requirements

Undergraduate degree

Applicants should possess at least a UK lower second class honours degree (2:2) or equivalent in any science-based subject.

International student entry requirements

We accept qualifications from all around the world. Find your country to see a full list of entry requirements.

Alternative entry requirements

Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)

We welcome applications from candidates who may not have formal/traditional entry criteria but who have relevant experience or the ability to pursue the course successfully.

The Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process could help you to make your work and life experience count. The APL process can be used for entry onto courses or to give you exemptions from parts of your course.

Two forms of APL may be used for entry: the Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) or the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL).

For more information or enquires about this scheme, please contact: AdmissionsSEE-PGT@salford.ac.uk 

Learn more about the Salford Alternative Entry Scheme.

The cost of studying MSc Biomedical Science

Type of study Year Fees
Full-time home 2024/25 £9,990.00per year
Full-time international 2024/25 £17,550.00per year
Full-time home 2025/26 £10,350.00per year
Full-time international 2025/26 £19,100.00per year

Additional costs

You should consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.

International student scholarships

If you are a high-achieving international student, you may be eligible for one of our scholarships. Learn more about our latest international scholarships.

Apply now

All set? Let's apply

Enrolment dates

January 2025

September 2025