Deepen your understanding and identify strategies to tackle global health challenges in areas including antimicrobial resistance, autoimmunity, inflammatory diseases and ageing, cancer and immunotherapy.
Join our thriving community of biomedical scientists to develop your skills and creativity for identifying and developing solutions to existing and emerging global health challenges.
This course will run over 12 months in a full-time mode. Semesters One and Two provide the taught elements of the programme, followed by the extended Semester Three where you'll complete your research project.
In the first semester you'll receive in-depth training in critical academic and research skills. Academic skills covered will include scientific communication and the use of research literature and referencing software tools. Research training will include an exploration of experimental design, data interpretation, statistical analysis, and an introduction to bioinformatics, and advanced methodologies such as advanced imaging techniques, gene expression analysis, and flow cytometry.
In Semester One you'll also be introduced to cellular mechanisms driving ageing and how this impacts development of acute and chronic inflammatory diseases. Semester One also covers core concepts in cancer immunology, whereby you'll explore evidence of the immune system’s ability to mount potent and potentially curative responses against cancer. You'll gain knowledge of current and future immunotherapy approaches, core principles of the clinical trial pathway and challenges associated with the development of immunotherapies that work across different regions and populations.
Top 100 for Life Sciences and Medicine
Help to tackle global health challenges with a Masters degree in Biomedical Sciences, learning and researching within the huge diversity of the UK’s largest healthcare region.
This programme will develop and equip you with the necessary academic and research skills to be able to make a real-life impact on some of the most pressing biomedical-related health issues through subsequent contributions to the international workforce.
A combination of taught and research components will expose you to cutting-edge research that spans cellular, molecular and whole-body systems and integrates basic, translational and applied clinical science.
Our module on translating science into health impact will equip you to translate research into deliverable impacts such as improved health outcomes, new technologies, treatments or therapies.
Learn from world experts about current and emerging global health challenges and how these are being tackled through novel approaches.
Themes within the programme will focus on Global Health and Disease, including:
Taught modules will be delivered through a combination of seminars, workshops and laboratory teaching. The College of Medicine and Health infrastructure provides high level capabilities for laboratory teaching at module level, while leading research groups offer opportunities for innovative and challenging research project opportunities.
Taught modules – a combination of seminars, workshops, tutorials, journal clubs and laboratory teaching.
Assessments – these will include data interpretation reports, presentations, essays, critical appraisals, group work, briefing papers, and exams.
Research project – world leading research groups offer opportunities for innovative and challenging research project experiences.
The course comprises of a series of taught core modules and a research project. Each of the six taught modules is worth 20 credits with the total taught component being 120 credits. The research project is worth 60 credits, bringing the total credits for the course to 180. The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.
As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.
Modules will be available to view here soon.
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
You should have, or expect to obtain a 2:1 Honours degree in life science or biomedical science degree normally classified at 2:1 or above or equivalent. Examples of typical undergraduate degrees are Biochemistry, Biology, Biomedical Science and Laboratory Science, however other life sciences degree will be considered.
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.
For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:
Improve your knowledge of spoken and written English in preparation for studying at Birmingham with our pre-sessional English courses. If you have a conditional offer, you can take one of these courses as an alternative to retaking IELTS or other similar qualifications.
Full-time
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2025 entry are above.
The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.
Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.
Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.
To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.
To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.
We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Select whether you are a UK student or an international student for relevant application deadlines.
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
Find out how to apply to our postgraduate taught programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please visit our admissions portal.
This programme could provide you with attributes that could enhance your progression to further postgraduate study including PhD pathways.
Employment opportunities include a wide range of sectors and pathways, including:
Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.
Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.
Find out why we are the most targeted UK university by top graduate employers (High Fliers report, The Graduate Market 2024) by meeting some of our successful alumni.
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. Our student accommodation will allow you to enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
As one of the original pioneering cities, Birmingham is a melting pot for shopping, food and drink, nightlife, sport, culture, and industry. It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city.
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students so that you can get the most out of your university experience.
Our green and spacious campus is the place where our community comes together to learn, relax and socialise. Like a town of its own, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.
