Program Overview

Introduction to the Biomedical Sciences MSc

The Biomedical Sciences MSc is a postgraduate program designed to provide students with a comprehensive knowledge base and multidisciplinary skill set for either a PhD or a career in the biomedical industries. This exciting and commercially relevant program takes students deep into the science of human health, focusing on the structure and function of biomedical systems, as well as the mechanisms underlying normal function and dysfunction at molecular, cellular, and systems levels.

About the Program

The overall aim of the course is for students to develop an advanced understanding of biomedical sciences, acquiring and putting into practice the research skills necessary to investigate mechanisms and develop knowledge in this field. The program is aimed at students with an undergraduate degree in a biosciences-related field who wish to explore a range of topics in biomedical sciences while pursuing a particular specialism for the purposes of a PhD or a career in the biomedical industries.

What the Program Will Give You

• Study within the UCL Biosciences division, one of the world's foremost centers for research and teaching about human health.
• Gain first-hand insight into globally significant research across a diverse range of biosciences disciplines.
• Spend half the course on a diverse range of taught modules delivered by leading experts, learning about advanced genetics, cell biology, drug design, cell signaling, aging, and more.
• Spend the other half of the course gaining hands-on practical research experience as part of a leading research group in your chosen specialism.
• Learn directly from research staff in a close-knit community, with regular opportunities for networking and professional development.
• Get involved with collaborative projects and absorb the perspectives of guest speakers from a range of UCL partners.
• Take your place in the UCL biomedical research community on the Bloomsbury campus, in the heart of a London district famous for its cultural and educational institutions.
• Leave with the skills and knowledge needed for a PhD or to take up research-related roles in commercial labs across a broad range of industries.

Entry Requirements

Normally, a minimum of an upper second-class UK Bachelor's degree in biomedical sciences, life sciences, or a related subject area, or a medical degree (MBBS), or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard is required. The English language level for this course is Level 2. UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are available for international students aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL.

Equivalent Qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website. International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from a list of countries. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page.

Careers and Employability

By securing an advanced understanding of a broad range of biomedical sciences, this master's prepares students for the widest possible range of high-level opportunities within this rapidly evolving field. Graduates will be well-positioned for a variety of roles in both the public and private sectors, including advisory and consultancy roles for governmental agencies and NGOs, or research and development work across a broad range of industries including biotech, healthcare, and pharmaceuticals. Their skills will also be highly valued in the medical writing and publishing industries.

Networking Opportunities

Students will have regular opportunities to connect, collaborate, and build professional contacts as part of their master's. This includes attending biosciences-specific careers and networking events, participating in careers events through UCL Careers, and enhancing CV writing and interview skills. Strong working relationships can be built through the supervision and mentorship of leading bioscientists who collaborate nationally and internationally across clinical, industrial, and academic sectors.

Teaching and Learning

Knowledge in biomedical sciences will be facilitated through lectures, tutorial-style classes, and self-directed learning using published articles, web-based information sources, and databases, as well as the completion of taught module assessments. The research project and preparation of the dissertation develop writing skills, self-directed learning, and critical analysis of research literature. Taught modules are delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials, practical exercises, computer simulation, data analysis exercises, and self-directed learning. Assessment is through coursework, unseen written examinations, dissertation, and oral presentation.

Modules

The program consists of one year (180 credits) full-time or two years (90 credits in each year) of flexible study that includes a 90-credit research project.

• Full-time students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits, including a 90-credit research project and optional subject modules.
• Part-time students complete 90 credits of study in each year of the two-year part-time program, with 90 credits of optional modules in Year 1 and their 90-credit research project in Year 2.

Fees and Funding

Fees for this course are as follows:

• UK students: ｣21,500 (full-time), ｣10,750 (part-time) for the 2026/27 academic year.
• International students: ｣42,700 (full-time), ｣21,350 (part-time) for the 2026/27 academic year. The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. For a comprehensive list of funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.

Additional Costs

For full-time and part-time offer holders, a fee deposit will be charged. Further information can be found in the Tuition fee deposits section. Students will not face any additional course-specific costs. UCL's main teaching locations are in zones 1 (Bloomsbury) and zones 2/3 (UCL East), and the cost of a monthly 18+ Oyster travel card for zones 1-2 is provided for reference.

Accessibility

The department will endeavor to make reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities. Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information about support available can be obtained from UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services. For more information about the department and accessibility arrangements for the course, please contact the department.