Course details
Study options
Full-time: 1 year, Part-time: 2 years
UK fee
£8,500 for the full course or £945 per 20 credits* (2023/24)
International fee
£14,900 for the full course (2023/24)
Location
Kedleston Road, Derby Campus
This masters will enable you to develop an in-depth understanding of the biomedical regulation of the human body and how this is impacted by disease.
- Increase your understanding of what current diseases are impacting global human health, the damage they are having on our body and how we can look to prevent this disease burden
- Develop advanced research skills that will prove invaluable for careers in medical research, the NHS and other health organisations, health charities, and biomedical industries
- You will cover areas such as oncology, diabetes, Alzheimer's/dementia, obesity and infectious diseases such as antibiotic resistance, bacteria and viruses
- Our teaching team are active human health researchers as well as experienced teachers. The diversity of research projects underway, which you can contribute to is vast – covering issues such as potential new treatments for ovarian cancer and the role of the Human Papilloma Virus in the development of head and neck cancers
As with other Biomedical Master degrees your academic knowledge will be supported by the practical applications of biomedical science, particularly in relation to modern molecular biology and infectious disease methods.
However what is unique about this masters is that you can also look to develop a more in-depth understanding of public health and how we look to protect people from the national and international threats to their health, helping you to stand out in a competitive job market. This is becoming increasingly important due to the current challenges modern societies face. This course will ensure you graduate with the vital skills and knowledge to help tackle national and local crises.
You’ll explore how the biomedical regulation of the human body can be affected by a person’s physical wellbeing, their lifestyle choices, the environment they inhabit, and also the infectious diseases to which they can be exposed. You'll get the opportunity to further develop your laboratory skills in our newly-upgraded facilities and be introduced to scientific instrumentation being used in biomedical research and NHS facilities. We also deepen your awareness of the social and governmental driving forces which are transforming Global public health to strengthen the Global health focus.
Student feedback - Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey 2023
100%of students agreed that staff are enthusiastic about what they teach
93%of students agreed that the course is intellectually stimulating
93%of students agreed that the course has enhanced their academic ability
Specialist facilities
Throughout your studies, you will be able to use a range of analytical and biomedical equipment including:
- Facility for Omics Research in Metabolism (FORM): We have recently secured £850k of capital funding to establish this new facility. This ultra-modern, innovative research facility will provide training in the new and emerging fields of genomics, transcriptomics and proteomics
- Scanning Electron Microscope: We mainly use this for medical research, exploring everything from human/animal tissue infrastructure to bacteria and viruses. It's also useful in vaccination testing
- High-Performance Liquid Chromatography: This has a variety of uses including quantifying plasma levels of drugs and their metabolites. It is also used in the measurement of biogenic substances that help in diagnosis
- Gas Chromatography: We use this for various medical activities, including bioanalysis of body fluids, detecting pollutants and metabolites in serum, and for fatty acid profiling in microbes
- Fluorescent Microscope: You may use this to understand the cellular ultra-structure or subcellular organelles
- Atomic Absorption Spectrometry: Used to detect minute concentrations of toxic substances in blood
- Ion Chromatography: Used to determine many ions and substances in clinical and pharmaceutical samples
- Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR): Used to identify molecules and for diagnostic purposes
We also have new molecular and cellular biology laboratories. These will help us conduct in vitro cell/tissue culture-based investigations, so we can understand the pathophysiology and establish effective treatment strategies against cancer, age-related disorders (such as dementia), diabetes, pre-eclampsia and more.
You'll study modules such as:
Modules
- Society and Human Health - Looks at how life style choices, global location and social-economic influences human health and will investigate key diseases
- Research Project - This module aims to expand the knowledge and skills to develop and execute independent research from literature review, through study design and execution, to scientific communication
- Research Methods and Data Interpretation - This module aims to develop and enhance all areas and skills for carrying out independent scientific research including literature review, research planning, ethical aspects, risk assessments, data analysis and presentation, publication, and its commercial exploitation
You’ll choose up to five of the following modules:
- Bioinnovation - Covers Biotechnology and research knowledge such as research law and intellectual property
- Health Protection - Develop an appreciation of natural and man-made hazards present in the environment and their impact on public health
- Global, Environmental and Public Health Issues (online) - Covers the key environmental and public health issues that are influencing global health e.g. water purity, air pollution, noise pollution, but also global disease such as malaria and ebola
- Cell signalling in Health and Disease - Introduces how cells communicate with each other in health and how issues with this communication can causes disease to occur such as cancer and dementia
- Oncology and Immunology - Explores the causes of cancer, how it is treated and what directions are currently being undertaken by cancer research scientists, and explains how immunology plays a key role in cancer development
- Biomedical Biotechnology - Takes the Bioinnovation module to masters levels. Continues with the importance of intellectual property (IP) and research development. This will cover key biomedical lab techniques, such as qPCR, western blotting and molecular cloning, but also how microbial laboratory techniques are undertaken to push forward the fast moving area of bioinnovation
- Practical Training Based Placement Module - Provides links between theory and problem-solving through practical applications at host organisations
- Public Health and Health Improvement - Explore public health and health improvement theory and apply these principles to your role. Key concepts of epidemiology, demography and community profiling will be examined and be related to a chosen population. By examining their population’s needs you'll identify health determinants and inequalities and relate these to ethical, legal and professional frameworks. Consequently, health promotion activities for health improvement can be recommended or developed in your area of practice
- Negotiated Module in Science - Offers an opportunity to identify, plan and negotiate a programme of learning
Please note that modules are subject to change
Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.
You'll be taught through a mixture of lectures, guest lecturers, workshops, practical sessions in the field and laboratory and tutorials. This course also uses a blended learning approach incorporated through online modules.
We also have strong links with employers including hospital trusts, research institutions and biomedical companies, leading to the option to complete a work placement based in an NHS hospital department or pharmaceutical setting, enabling you to put theory into practice in a real-world setting. Examples of organisations you might work with include: SureScreen Diagnostics, Queens Medical Centre, BioCity, University Hospitals of Derby and Burton, Derby City Council, and South Derbyshire District Council.
An expert, research-active teaching team
All of our Biomedical Health teaching team are active human health researchers as well as experienced teachers. They will bring the latest findings and innovative thinking from the field to shape your learning experiences.
Our tutors are currently carrying out collaborative research in areas such as:
An undergraduate degree (2:2 or above) in a Biosciences related subject.
International students should have the above or an international equivalent. If English is not your first language, you will need to hold IELTS 6.0 or above.
2023/24 (August 2023 - July 2024)
| Type | Full-time | Part-time |
|---|
| UK | £8,500 for the full course or £945 per 20 credits* | £945 per 20 credits |
| International | £14,900 for the full course | N/A |
Please note fees normally increase in line with inflation and the University's strategic approach to fees, which is reviewed on an annual basis. The total fee you pay may therefore increase after one year of study.
* UK full-time fees paid within one academic year are rounded down to the nearest £50 if applicable
Additional costs and optional extras
About postgraduate awards
Please note at postgraduate level, you’ll need to gain the following number of credits in total to obtain the respective awards. If you have any questions please contact us.
| Award | Credits |
|---|
| Postgraduate Certificate | 60 Credits |
| Postgraduate Diploma | 120 Credits |
| MA or MSc | 180 Credits |
This means you will gain 180 credits in total to complete the full MA or MSc. If you are studying part time you will normally complete your studies over two or three years, depending on the course structure.
Funding your studies
Find out more about fees, postgraduate loans and support you may be entitled to.
Find out about funding your studiesFind out about funding your studies
Alumni discount for Derby graduates
We offer a discount on postgraduate course fees for all Derby alumni.
Find out about the Alumni discountFind out about the Alumni discount
How to apply
Please look at our application deadlines before you apply.
As a biomedical health graduate, you’ll be equipped with skills which put you at the forefront of advances in medical health – the MSc qualification adds real substance to your CV, giving you an edge in the job market.
You’ll be well prepared for careers in medical research, health charities, medical and biotechnology industries, and the government health sector. Your knowledge will also be invaluable in areas such as analytical consultancy, biological sales and scientific writing.
In addition, you’ll have a full complement of transferable skills – such as critical thinking, data analysis, report writing and communication – which are valued by employers and will stand you in good stead in any profession.
If you need any more information from us, eg on courses, accommodation, applying, car parking, fees or funding, please contact us and we will do everything we can to help you.
Contact us Contact us Download programme specification
Teaching hours
Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.
Additional costs and optional extras
We’re committed to providing you with an outstanding learning experience. Our expert teaching, excellent facilities and great employability prepare you for your future career. As part of our commitment to you we aim to keep any additional study costs to a minimum. However, there are occasions where students may incur some additional costs.
The information provided on this page is correct at the time of publication but course content, costs and other individual course details do change from time to time and are updated as often as possible, so please do check these pages again when making your final decision to apply for a course. Any updated course details will also be confirmed to you at application, enrolment and in your offer letter.
Included in your fees
- Consumables for independent research project (amount of consumables provided depends on the project type)
Mandatory costs not included in your fees
- There are no mandatory costs not included in your fees
Optional costs not included in your fees
- There are no optional costs not included in your fees
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