About this course
- infection and immunity
- nutrition and metabolism
- respiratory medicine
- stem cells and regenerative medicine
As part of the course, you'll also:
- undertake two, 18-week research projects
- gain a large range of practical research skills
- experience working in different research environments
- use our state-of-the-art research facilities
- develop transferable skills that enhance employability
We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.
Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).
Course lead
Dr Franchesca Houghton is an Associate Professor in Stem Cells and Developmental Biology. You can contact our team by emailing biomedsc@soton.ac.uk.
Learn more about these subject areas
Course locations
This course is based at University Hospital Southampton and Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Entry requirements
You'll need at least a 2:1 degree in Biological or Biomedical Sciences or a closely related subject.
You can also take this course as an undergraduate medical student if you've successfully completed at least three years of your medical degree and achieved 60% or above in all assessments in the academic year before starting.
We do not accept Pre-sessional Language programmes as evidence of meeting the English Language requirement for this course.
Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 7.0
- reading
- 6.5
- writing
- 6.5
- speaking
- 6.5
- listening
- 6.5
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
Pre-masters
If you don’t meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
If you don’t meet the academic requirements, you can complete a pre-master's programme through our partnership with ONCAMPUS. Learn more about the programmes available.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
Our MSc Biomedical Sciences by Research degree is offered as a full time course over 12 months.
You'll study a series of bespoke taught modules as well as two, 18-week research projects where you will gain a broad range of practical skills and valuable experience working in different research environments.
All students will take the following core modules:
- Research skills for Biomedical Science 1
- Research Project 1
- Advanced Scientific Skills
- Research Project 2
In addition, you will select an optional module in one of the research theme topics.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules :
Advanced Scientific Skills
The module consists of four workshops on: 1) Analysis and critical appraisal of large datasets 2) Bringing your science to the public 3) Scientific writing 4) Preparation of a research grant proposal In addition there will be two sessions on: 1) T...
Research Project 1
As part of the one year MSc Biomedical Sciences by Research programme, all students will undertake two, 18-week research projects in different laboratories. This offers students the opportunity to develop a broad range of research skills and to develop a ...
Research Project 2
As part of the one year MSc Biomedical Sciences by Research programme, all students will undertake two, 18-week research projects in different laboratories. This offers students the opportunity to develop a broad range of research skills and to develop a ...
Research Skills for Biomedical Science 1 (RSBS 1)
This module will introduce you to key concepts underlying a broad range of biomedical research methodology. The module will focus on developing your understanding of what a research hypothesis is and what hypothesis testing is, how it is structured with a...
You must also choose from the following modules :
Infection and Immunity
The module will start with an introductory session on common research techniques used in Biomedical Science. This will be followed by sessions covering the following topics: 1. Immune responses to infection at the epithelial surface (2 sessions) 2...
Nutrition and metabolism
The module will start with an introductory session on common research techniques used in Biomedical Science. This will be followed by sessions covering the following topics: 1. Nutrition, muscle function and health (2 sessions) 2. Gut microbiota a...
Respiratory Medicine
The module will start with an introductory session on common research techniques used in Biomedical Science. This will be followed by sessions covering the following topics: 1. Asthma (2 sessions) 2. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 3. Inter...
Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine
The module will start with an introductory session on common research techniques used in Biomedical Science. This will be followed by sessions covering the following topics: 1. Pluripotent stem cells (2 sessions) 2. Neural stem cells 3. Musculosk...
Learning and assessment
Learning
You'll learn through:
- facilitator led workshops
- taught sessions
- appraising primary research papers
- presentations
- group discussions
- data analysis
- practical research projects
Assessment
You'll be assessed through:
- written assignments
- oral presentations
- poster presentation
- viva voce
You won't take any traditional exams on this course. Each module will be assessed as outlined in the individual module descriptions. We'll test your understanding, critical appraisal and application of knowledge through a range different assessment types.
Your final award will be either a Pass, Merit or Distinction.
Academic Support
You'll be supported by the programme team throughout the course as well as the supervisors of your research projects. In addition, you'll be assigned a personal academic tutor and also have access to a senior tutor.
Careers
- scientific writing
- industry policy
- managing clinical trials
- science journalism
- research management
- working with research funders
Careers services at Southampton
We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
- work experience schemes
- CV/resume and interview skills workshops
- networking events
- careers fairs attended by top employers
- a wealth of volunteering opportunities
- study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a thriving entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:
- our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
- a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
- our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £12,000.
- EU and international students pay £27,000.
Deposit
If you're an international student on a full-time course, we'll ask you to pay £2,000 of your tuition fees in advance, as a deposit.
Your offer letter will tell you when this should be paid and provide full terms and conditions.
Find out about exemptions, refunds and how to pay your deposit on our tuition fees for overseas students page.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams.
Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
10% alumni discount
If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton, you could be eligible for a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.
Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)
This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.
Funding your postgraduate studies
A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
- Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
- Search for the course you want to apply for.
- Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
- Submit your application.
For further details, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications.
Application deadlines
UK students
The deadline to apply for this course is Wednesday 3 July 2024 - midday UK time.
We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.
International students
The deadline to apply for this course is Wednesday 3 July 2024 - midday UK time.
We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.
Application assessment fee
We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for a postgraduate taught course.
This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees and is payable per application. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.
If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, or if you’re applying for certain scholarships, you will not need to pay the fee. PGCE applications through GOV.UK and Master of Research (MRes) degree applications are also exempt. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.
Supporting information
In your personal statement, you'll need to indicate the research area that you wish to specialise in from the following choices:
- nutrition and metabolism
- infection and immunity
- respiratory medicine
- stem cells and regenerative medicine.
All applicants who are invited for an interview will be required to give a short research presentation. In the interview, you must be able to show you can:
- relay and discuss research in your chosen field
- demonstrate the application of research knowledge
- communicate effectively, are self-motivated and resilient
You'll also need to submit two academic references.
Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.
You may also be asked to provide:
- a degree transcript
- evidence of professional qualifications
What happens after you apply
You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.
We will aim to send you a decision 6 weeks after you have submitted your application.
If we offer you a place, you will need to accept the offer within 30 working days. If you do not meet this deadline, we will offer your place to another applicant.
Unfortunately, due to number of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
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