MSc/Postgraduate Diploma Biomedical Science

Entry year
2027/28
Course code
C9001
Application
University
Level
Postgraduate
School
School of Applied Sciences
Location
Frenchay
Duration
One year full-time; two years part-time route; three years part-time route
Study mode
Full-time; part-time; starts September
Programme leader
Dr Lynne Lawrance

Specialist Routes in Medical Microbiology, Immunology, Cellular Pathology, Clinical Biochemistry, Haematology and Medical Genetics.

This course is open for applications

Accreditations and partnerships:

100% of MSc Biomedical Science students are satisfied with the quality of their course overall.Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey, 2026.

An intensive modular programme offering specialist routes in Medical Microbiology, Immunology, Cellular Pathology, Clinical Biochemistry, Haematology, and Medical Genetics.

About

The MSc Biomedical Science course is aimed at students who want to take their biomedical science skills and knowledge to a higher level. It's ideally suited to those with an undergraduate degree in Biomedical Science or other degrees that have a significant amount of human biology or biomedical content, as well as medical, dental or veterinary degrees and some biotechnology degrees depending on what modules you studied at undergraduate level.

Watch: Welcome to the School of Applied Sciences at UWE Bristol

Entry

Entry requirements

Applicants normally have one of the following:

  • An honours degree awarded by a UK institute of higher education (at least 2:2), in a relevant subject, with significant biological, biochemical or biomedical content related to the vocational specialist subject to be studied;
  • Qualifications deemed equivalent by the course leader.

Please note, in order to become a biomedical scientist you should have an Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) accredited degree. Please check the list of accredited undergraduate degrees (paying attention to the date accredited). If your degree is not accredited by the IBMS and you wish to work as a Biomedical Scientist in the UK you should apply for a degree assessment. International applicants are advised to check the HCPC website for guidance about working as a Biomedical Scientist in the UK.

We don't accept deferred entry applications for this course.

UWE Bristol's International College

International students who do not meet the academic or English language requirements to study this course can qualify by completing preparatory study at our International College.

English language requirement

International and EU applicants are required to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 with 5.5 in each component (or approved equivalent*).

*The University accepts a large number of UK and international qualifications in place of IELTS. To find details of acceptable tests and the required grades please visit English Language requirements.

If you meet the academic requirements but require additional support to take your language skills to the required level, you may be able to attend one of our pre-sessional English courses. Students who successfully complete the pre-sessional course can progress onto their chosen degree course without retaking an IELTS or equivalent.

English language support

If you meet the academic requirements but require additional support to take your language skills to the required level, you may be able to attend one of our pre-sessional English courses. Students who successfully complete the pre-sessional course can progress onto their chosen degree course without retaking an IELTS or equivalent.

Read more about our Pre-Sessional English Programme.

How to apply

Read more about international applications and key international deadline dates.

For further information

Structure

Content

You'll study:

Research Project

This module provides the opportunity to undertake an extended research project within your chosen discipline. You'll develop skills in project design, research governance, project management and critical enquiry while taking greater ownership of your research than in earlier studies. You'll learn how to collect, analyse and interpret data and place your findings within the context of existing knowledge. Through conducting an individual project aligned to your area of specialism, you'll strengthen your scientific, analytical and academic writing skills while developing valuable transferable skills such as organisation and time management.

Practical Skills for Biomedical Science

This practical module develops the laboratory skills needed for postgraduate biomedical science study and research. You'll gain experience in techniques such as pipetting, solution preparation, aseptic practice, tissue culture, histology, staining methods and polymerase chain reaction techniques. The module also explores safe laboratory working, data handling, statistics and professional laboratory practice. You'll learn how to assess your own strengths and areas for development while applying a range of practical methods. By the end of the module, you'll have built confidence and competence in techniques essential for future laboratory-based research.

Research and Diagnostic Methodologies

This module explores the scientific methods used in both biomedical research and diagnostic practice. You'll examine laboratory techniques such as molecular biology, microscopy and electrophoresis alongside specialist methods relevant to different biomedical disciplines. The module also covers experimental design, data analysis, statistics, evidence-based practice and quality assurance. You'll develop skills in literature searching, scientific writing and critical evaluation of evidence, while considering project management and bioethical issues. Through applying these approaches, you'll strengthen your ability to undertake research and support diagnostic decision-making in biomedical science.

Advanced Specialist-Subject Studies

This module will help you develop advanced knowledge within your chosen biomedical specialism while understanding its place within the wider biomedical sciences. Depending on your pathway, you'll explore topics in areas such as immunology, haematology, medical microbiology, cellular pathology, medical genetics or clinical biochemistry. You'll develop your ability to evaluate scientific evidence, engage with complex subject-specific concepts and apply evidence-based approaches. Alongside specialist knowledge, you'll strengthen skills in critical analysis, scientific communication, professional practice and reflective development.

Current Issues in Biomedical Science

This module explores contemporary issues shaping biomedical science and the wider healthcare sector. You'll examine current scientific developments alongside topics such as legislation, professional standards, laboratory practice and leadership. Through engagement with emerging areas of interest and debate, you'll learn how to evaluate the quality of evidence and critically analyse scientific literature. The module will help you place specialist knowledge within a broader biomedical context while developing skills in scientific communication, critical thinking and informed discussion of rapidly evolving scientific and professional challenges.

You'll choose from one of the specialist routes:

  • Clinical Biochemistry
  • Medical Microbiology
  • Immunology
  • Medical Genetics
  • Cellular Pathology
  • Haematology.

This structure is for full-time students only. Part-time students study the same modules but the delivery pattern will be different.

The University continually enhances our offer by responding to feedback from our students and other stakeholders, ensuring the curriculum is kept up to date and our graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need for the real world. This may result in changes to the course. If changes to your course are approved we'll inform you.

Learning and Teaching

You learn and develop experience through a mixture of lectures, tutorials, workshops, laboratory practicals, computer-based activities and a conference week.

For more details see our glossary of teaching and learning terms.

Study time

Full-time one year.

Part-time two year and three year routes available.

Full-time students should allow 40 hours per week study time. This will be pro rata for part-time.

Assessment

We assess modules using a range of methods, including practical report writing, statistical analysis, oral presentations, poster presentations, researched essays and exams.

For more details see our full glossary of assessment terms.

Fees

Supplementary fee information

Funding for students studying this course part-time:

The two year part-time route is eligible for the Postgraduate loan from Student Finance England. The three year part-time route is not eligible for the Postgraduate loan from Student Finance England. 

Students in receipt of the Postgraduate loan from Student Finance England for the two year course need to remain on track to complete the course within two years otherwise payments will be interrupted or stopped.

Further information about fees and funding.

See details of scholarship opportunities for international students.

Features

Professional accreditation

Our MSc Biomedical Science course is accredited by The Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS).

It's important to note that to become a biomedical scientist in the UK you must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). This is a legal requirement for anyone using the title 'Biomedical Scientist'.

To become registered with the HCPC you'll need to ensure your undergraduate degree meets the HCPC standards. This is done by completing an Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) accredited undergraduate degree or a HCPC approved honours degree in biomedical science. Please note, that accreditation of the MSc Biomedical Science by the IBMS would not fulfil the requirements to gaining registration with the HCPC.

If your undergraduate degree was not IBMS accredited you can apply for a degree assessment.

Study facilities

Find out more about the facilities and resources UWE Bristol has to offer.

Take a personalised virtual tour of the Biosciences facilities and experience what a typical day could look like here for you.

Careers

Careers / Further study

Graduates from this course have gone on to employment in the healthcare sector, teaching and academia, with many going on to take PhDs in the biomedical sciences.

It's important to note that to become a biomedical scientist in the UK you must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). This is a legal requirement for anyone using the title 'Biomedical Scientist'.

To become registered with the HCPC you'll need to ensure your degree meets the HCPC standards. This is done by completing an Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) accredited degree or a HCPC approved honours degree in biomedical science. Please note, that accreditation of the MSc Biomedical Science by the IBMS would not fulfil the requirements to gaining registration with the HCPC.

If your degree was not IBMS accredited you can apply for a degree assessment.

Our award-winning careers service helps you develop your employment potential through career coaching, a vacancy service for internships, placements, jobs, global opportunities, volunteering and community activity plus support for entrepreneurial activity, and access to employer events.

Watch: The learning and teaching experience

Life

Postgraduate support

Postgraduate support

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Page last updated 30 October 2026
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