Biomedical Science

• This programme will allow you to gain an advanced understanding of clinical concepts of diseases and their pathophysiology, via laboratory-based investigation using cutting edge methodologies. You will learn critical reflection on biomedical theories and practice and develop a flexible approach to problem solving in biomedical science
• You can choose one of three specialist options in the field of clinical immunology, advanced cellular pathology or clinical haematology and transfusion science. This offers you a chance to further pursue your interests in healthcare science
• You will gain advanced research skills such as Multi-OMICS approach in disease diagnosis, drug development and understanding mechanistic intracellular pathways. You will be conducting independent research in University of Derby’s laboratories, NHS hospital pathology (subject to availability) and/or your workplace (subject to approval), under the supervision of highly qualified research active academics/pracademics
• You will bridge the gap between an undergraduate degree and PhD or receive a stand-alone research qualification

Specialised facilities

We have specialised laboratory facilities available for your research projects. Our facilities will help develop lab skills required for laboratory projects and experiments. These include a molecular laboratory housing qPCR equipment, an imaging suite, human cell culture facility, a dedicated microbiology laboratory, and an analytical suite housing GC/MS, HPLC, AAS, UV-Vis, IC, as well as a scanning electron microscope.

We also have a new £1.75 million Facility for Omics Research in Metabolism (FORM) at the University. This ultra-modern, research and innovation centre, provides training in the new and emerging fields of genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics.

Strong industry connections

We have strong connections with the University Hospitals of Royal Derby and Burton NHS Trust, Nottingham University Hospital Trust and other health care providers. This gives you the opportunity to collaborate with a range of organisations on your research project. This will allow you to network with professionals, enhance your career prospects and develop research that makes a real impact.

Experienced teaching team

Our staff expertise covers a diverse range of subjects and we have previously offered research projects in the following areas: 

• Infectivity and pathophysiology of Covid-19 and other viral pandemics
• Air pollution and its effects on a growing placenta
• The link between Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and head and neck cancer
• Nanotechnology
• Dementia
• Obesity
• Diabetology
• Virology
• Microbiology
• Cancer research

Research systems at the larger spatial scale include investigating human lifestyle and socio-economic drivers of disease risk. These latest findings and innovative thinking from the field will shape your learning experiences.

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.

Assessment will be used to track your success and to gauge the understanding and application of skills, and will combine different modes including essays, experimental (laboratory) reports, case studies, reflective portfolios, poster, and oral presentation. The research project will not only assess research skills and application but also advance writing skills by producing a journal style research article at the end of the programme. 

• A 2.2 UK Honours degree or above in biomedical science or related discipline with high proportion of Biomedical content, or an international equivalent
• Evidence of competence in written and spoken English (GCSE grade C or equivalent)
• Interview = Optional, subject to the status of the applicant. Alternative entry qualifications - Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL). Assessed on case-to-case basis
• Additional Requirements - Working experience in NHS laboratories is desirable

English Language requirements

 If English is not your first language, you will need Academic IELTS score of minimum 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0)

2024/25 (August 2024 - July 2025)

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.

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

As a biomedical science graduate, you’ll be equipped with skills which put you at the forefront of advances in the medical industry – the MSc qualification adds real substance to your CV, giving you an edge in the job market.

As a graduate, the careers you could work in include:

• Biotechnologist 
• Clinical scientist
• Research scientist 
• Genetic counsellor 
• Medical sales representative 
• Scientific writer/publisher 
• Further (L8)- PhD education
• Drug development industry
• Pharmaceutical Scientist

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 for any profession.

Contact us

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.

Additional information about your studies

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

• You will receive goggles and a laboratory coat. All equipment and consumables needed for your experimental/ fieldwork are provided by the University. This is subject to the type of project and consumables being approved by your Programme Leader
• If a DBS check is needed for the purposes of a module or programme related work placement, this is included in your fee if done via the University

Mandatory costs not included in your fees

• Most assignments are submitted through an online platform but due to the nature of the course, you will need to submit several hard-copy submissions such as crime reports, portfolios and case files
• Additionally you are expected to produce a poster which would cost around £15

Optional costs not included in your fees

• Recommended textbooks - approximate cost is £100
• If a DBS check is needed for the purposes of a module or programme related work placement. Summer research internships offered on a competitive basis to second year students. You can also take a work placement credit-bearing module, though you will need to find your own placement
• Travel to work experience/placements - cost is dependent on your placement venue of choice