MSci Biomedical Science (with Foundation Year)
This course is open for applications
Page last updated 1 March 2023
Introduction
The integrated MSci in Biomedical Science is particularly relevant to you if you're interested in a career in research. You'll do a year of advanced research skills study on top of the BSc(Hons) course content.
Accreditations and partnerships:
Why study biomedical science?
To diagnose and treat diseases effectively, we need to understand the biology of disease and the science underpinning it, as well as the latest advances in medical science.
The strong analytical, problem-solving, communication and research skills this discipline requires offers Masters-level scientists an excellent foundation for working or studying in biomedical research.
Why UWE Bristol?
MSci Biomedical Science is a practice-led course. The first three years are based around our long-running BSc(Hons) Biomedical Science.
You'll get a strong grounding in modern biomedicine, and study the basic scientific core subjects and the biology of disease, alongside specialist biomedical subjects.
Gain wide-ranging experience and develop expertise in the areas that interest you most.
Work at the cutting-edge of biomedical science, using highly specialised equipment.
Build essential practical experience through placements and internships.
If you choose the sandwich option, you'll spend your third year working with an employer or at another university, in the pharmaceutical, healthcare, research or wider sector. This could be in the UK, in Europe or further afield.
You'll then develop your advanced research skills in the final year, working on a project linked to an area of research we're renowned for, supported by our research-focused academic team.
With a strong focus on the application of science in the real world, this course is excellent preparation for wide-ranging science careers.
Where can it take me?
You could work in a variety of roles, including biomedical science, working in research and development for organisations in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors.
The broader transferable skills you'll develop means you could also go into areas like management, finance or marketing.
Watch: The learning and teaching experience
Structure
Content
The optional modules listed are those that are most likely to be available, but they may be subject to change.
Year zero (foundation year)
You will study:
- Biology in Practice
- Chemistry in Practice
- Skills for Science
- People and Science.
You normally need to pass your foundation year before going into Year one.
Year one
You will study:
- Infection and Disease
- Biomedical Skills
- Cells, Biochemistry and Genetics
- Anatomy and Physiology.
Year two
You will study:
- Molecular Cell Biology
- Applied Scientific Practice
- Studies in the Biology of Disease.
Plus, optional modules from (the number dependent on credit requirements):
- Blood Science
- Pharmacology
- Immunology
- Cell Signalling
- Medicinal Chemistry
- Microbiology
- Tissue and Tumour Science
- Human Physiology
- Molecular Genetics.
You'll need to achieve an average grade of 2:1 or above by the end of Year two. If you don't achieve this you will transfer to Year three of BSc(Hons) Biomedical Science.
Placement year (if applicable)
If you study on the five year (sandwich) course, you'll spend a year away from the University on a work placement after Year two.
You'll also complete the Professional Practice in Applied Science module.
See the Placements and Fees sections for more information.
Year three
You will study:
- Research Dissertation Project or Research Experimental Project.
Plus one or more (the number dependent on credit requirements) from:
- Clinical Biochemistry
- Applied Immunology
- Medical Genetics
- Medical Microbiology
- Cellular Pathology and Oncology
- Haematology and Transfusion Science.
Plus optional modules from (the number dependent on credit requirement):
- Pathophysiology
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Antimicrobial Agents
- Physical Activity, Nutrition and Health
- Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology
- Science Communication
- Epidemiology and Public Health
- Developmental and Stem Cell Science
- Medical Technology and Enterprise
- Genomic Technologies
- *Professional Practice in Applied Science.
Final year
You will study:
- Research in Practice
- Research with Impact
- Current Issues in Biomedical Research.
*Compulsory if you do a placement.
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 will inform you.
Learning and Teaching
We take a student-centred approach to learning. You'll get one-to-one guidance and individual feedback and we'll guide and encourage you to learn independently, using a mix of lectures, seminars and tutorials.
Deepen your learning in practical classes, laboratory and computer-based sessions, and through our web-based virtual learning environment.
Build your academic and professional skills with access to advanced learning and support services, and the latest technology.
Your practical learning will culminate in an independent research project to seek new biomedical knowledge. You'll work on this in your final year with a project supervisor and potentially their research team.
Your tutors are all engaged in research, working across the range of disciplines encompassed by biomedical sciences. They'll support your learning and encourage you to develop as a biomedical scientist.
You'll work closely with students in your group and be supported by student advisers and a tutor as well.
See our full glossary of learning and teaching terms.
Approximate percentage of time you'll spend in different learning activities*:
| Year | Scheduled learning and teaching study | Independent study | Placement study |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 24% | 76% | 0% |
| 1 | 26% | 74% | 0% |
| 2 | 24% | 76% | 0% |
| 3 | 20% | 80% | 0% |
| 4 | 12% | 88% | 0% |
*Calculated from compulsory and optional modules (where applicable) each year
Assessment
We'll use a range of assessment tools to measure your understanding and skills, including essays, reports, group tasks and presentations. Overall, we'll use a mix of coursework and examinations.
See our full glossary of assessment terms.
Approximate percentage of marks awarded by each assessment method*:
| Year | Written exam assessment | Coursework assessment | Practical exam assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 40% | 60% | 0% |
| 1 | 40% | 50% | 10% |
| 2 | 50% | 44% | 6% |
| 3 | 45% | 37% | 18% |
| 4 | 0% | 82% | 18% |
*Calculated from compulsory and optional modules (where applicable) each year
Features
Professional accreditation
The course is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science.
Placements
Students who go on work experience tend to graduate with better degrees. Experience also hones your skills, industry knowledge and professional network, making you a sought after graduate.
You'll have a chance to work with major employers in the pharmaceutical or healthcare industry, with opportunities for placements, internships and volunteering.
We have links with lots of employers, such as GlaxoSmithKline, Novartis, ICI, government laboratories including CAMR and Porton Down, and university research centres.
If you choose the six year (sandwich) course, you'll spend a year away from the University on a work or study placement after Year two.
You could spend a year working overseas in destinations such as the USA, Malaysia, Germany or Switzerland.
You'll get help to find a placement and support throughout from department staff and our award-winning careers service.
Study facilities
Benefit from our well-equipped, modern science laboratories, with specialist apparatus for histology, haematology and biochemistry, molecular biology and cell culture.
Use the latest instrumentation to measure human performance physiology.
Carry out research projects using our extensive facilities for light-based microscopy (including confocal and fluorescent) and an electron microscopy suite.
Learn more about UWE Bristol's facilities and resources.
Get a feel for the Biosciences facilities we have on offer here from wherever you are.
Life
Careers
Careers / Further study
You'll graduate with the insight, tools and practical experience to make a valuable contribution to the health of the community.
Most graduates follow careers in biological sciences, particularly research and development work in the healthcare, pharmaceutical and education sectors.
As well as preparing you for research and laboratory-based jobs, the course will give you the transferable skills employers value in a wide variety of roles, from medical sales and scientific writing, to quality control and health and safety.
Some graduates use their qualification to successfully apply for mature entry to medicine degrees, while others continue with MPhil/PhD research degrees.
Get inspired
Our award-winning careers service will develop your employment potential through career coaching and find you graduate jobs, placements and global opportunities.
We can also help find local volunteering and community opportunities, provide support for entrepreneurial activity and get you access to employer events.
Visit our employability pages to learn more about careers, employers and what our students are doing six months after graduating.
See also:
Fees
Indicative Additional Costs
Full-time; sandwich course
Supplementary fee information
Your overall entitlement to funding is based on how long the course is that you're registered on. Standard funding is allocated based on the standard number of years that your course lasts, plus one additional year.
You'll apply for funding each year that you study and Student Finance will take into account how long the course is in each year that you apply. So if you register for the six year course and then transfer to the five year course, the number of years you can apply for funding will change. Student Finance will reassess your funding based on how many years you have been in study, not just those years for which you received student finance.
Always seek advice before taking any action that may have implications for your funding.
Additional costs
Additional costs are for items you could need during your studies that aren't covered by the standard tuition fee. These could be materials, textbooks, travel, clothing, software or printing.
Entry
Typical offers
- Tariff points: 48
- Contextual tariff: See our contextual offers page.
- GCSE: Grade C/4 or above in English Language or Literature, Mathematics and Double Science, or equivalent. We do not accept Level 2 Key Skills, Functional Skills or Certificate in Adult Literacy and Numeracy as alternatives to GCSEs.
- English Language Requirement: International and EU applicants are required to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with 5.5 in each component (or approved equivalent*). *The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS. You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades you will need in our English Language section. Please visit our English language requirements page.
- A-level subjects: A minimum of an AS in a Science subject
- EDEXCEL (BTEC) Diploma: You'll need a minimum of three units in Biology or Chemistry. You may be asked to do more based on the size of your units. Please list the units you are studying in your application. For further advice on acceptable units, please email us. For information on required Guided Learning Hours please see our minimum entry requirements page: https://www.uwe.ac.uk/courses/applying/undergraduate-applications/entry-requirements
- Access: Level 3 credits in Science.
- Baccalaureate IB: To include Science at Higher Level.
- Irish Highers: A minimum of O4 in a Science subject.
- T Levels: You must be studying Science. For further advice on acceptable subjects please email us.
Entry requirements
If you exceed the entry requirements you may be eligible for MSci Biomedical Science.
International applicants
If you are an international student your recommended route of study for this degree is through our International College, which upon successful completion to the required level and with good attendance, guarantees entry to Year one of the degree.
Read more about entry requirements.
How to apply
Read more about undergraduate applications.
For further information
- Email:
UK applicants
Admissions@uwe.ac.uk
International/EU applicants
International@uwe.ac.uk - Telephone:
UK applicants
+44 (0)117 32 83333
International/EU applicants
+44 (0)117 32 86644