We are in the process of finalising our postgraduate taught courses for 2026/27 entry. In the meantime, you can view our 2025/26 courses.
Learn about the inner workings of the human body and take part in world-class research on this multidisciplinary, research-led MSci Biomedical Science course.
Biomedical science is one of the fastest-growing fields of study and is at the forefront of modern science. Learn about the systems that underpin all living organisms from a cellular, tissue, organ and whole-body perspective. From this basis, you will study the diseases that affect each area and the mechanisms that the body uses to combat them.
This highly practical MSci is specifically geared towards becoming a biomedical scientist, working in hospital and private clinical labs to help doctors diagnose and treat diseases.
To work as a biomedical scientist in the UK, you must register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
This course is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS). Upon successfully completing your studies, you’ll have the academic requirements needed to register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
If you wish to achieve the IBMS Certificate of Competence and the Registration Training Portfolio, you will need at least one year’s experience in an NHS approved lab. This can be done during a placement year or undertaken after you graduate Once you have achieved the IBMS Certificate of Competence and graduated, you can register with the HCPC.
Accredited degree programmes contain a solid academic foundation in biological knowledge and establish a profile of key skills, including technical and transferable skills, that bioscience employers can recognise in accredited graduates.
The MSci follows the standard undergraduate curriculum but with an additional year of study and a master's level qualification.
The course has a strong practical basis. You will learn key cellular, molecular and biochemical techniques, including live cell microscopy, and DNA and protein technology. We work closely with the Royal Berkshire Hospital and will benefit from teaching delivered by practising NHS laboratory scientists.
In your first year, you will learn about the biochemical, molecular and cell biology basis of life, and study the fundamentals of microbiology. Your practical lessons start here and you'll learn the basic laboratory techniques. Your teaching in the second year, will focus on core biomedical subjects, including medical genetics, haematology, immunology, clinical biochemistry and infectious diseases.
The third year of the programme places a strong emphasis on the application of knowledge and skills, preparing you for your final year of study. You will undertake an Advanced Research Project during your fourth year, working in biomedical research laboratories alongside academics on cutting-edge research.
Our new £60m Health and Life Sciences building is the home of the School of Biological Sciences. It offers state-of-the-art research and teaching laboratories, seminar rooms, and plenty of study and social space, including a café.
You will have the opportunity to get hands-on experience using our state-of-the-art equipment and facilities including:
Some students choose to complete our MSci Biomedical Science with Professional Experience course, and take a year-long placement between the second and third year.
Undertaking a placement in an accredited NHS training lab could allow you to work towards the IBMS Certificate of Competence and the Registration Training Portfolio during your degree. Alternatively, you could prepare for a wider range of careers by undertaking a broader placement.
In previous years, students have worked at NHS training labs, Public Health England, GSK, and Covance. You can also choose to spend a year abroad, typically conducting research in an academic laboratory.
You will also be able to undertake paid vacation studentships funded by organisations such as the Wellcome Trust. These can take place over six weeks during the summer break or be carried out part-time over a longer period. During studentships, you will typically work on a set project and benefit from valuable training in techniques, experimental design, and data interpretation.
Our department has a dedicated academic in charge of placements, who can provide you with advice and support.
For more information, please visit the School of Biomedical Sciences website.
