Program start date | Application deadline |
2025-01-01 | - |
2025-05-01 | - |
2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
MSc Applied Bioscience
Introduction
Develop your skills in major areas of biomedical science, including molecular cell biology, biomedical genetics and specialised topics in medical diagnostics, with our Royal Society of Biology accredited Master's degree. Focus on rapidly-evolving research into the applications of bioscience in healthcare at our impressive Science Centre in Cambridge.
Why Applied Bioscience at ARU?
- Study in Cambridge, the heart of new and emerging technologies and a world-renowned centre for life sciences research and development.
- Get hands-on in our £45m Science Centre, working in tissue culture and molecular labs and using world-class equipment in our state-of-the-art 200-seat SuperLab.
- Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology (RSB) – we're one of only five universities in the UK with RSB accreditation.
- Gain an understanding of the application of theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios, including bioinformatics and next generation sequencing (NGS) techniques.
- Study in a dynamic learning environment that's at the forefront of bioscience advancements, whilst developing essential employability skills.
Course Options
- 1 year full-time
- 2 years with professional experience
- 2 years part-time
Key Facts
- STUDY OPTIONS: 1 year full-time
- START DATES: January
- LOCATION: Cambridge
- FEES:
- £11,100 UK students starting 2025/26 (full-time, per year)
- £18,600 International students starting 2025/26 (full-time, per year)
Teaching and Assessment
1 year full-time
- Whole course
Whole course
The modules on this MSc Applied Bioscience will enable you to develop skills in molecular cell biology, biomedical genetics and specialised topics in medical diagnostics.
To underpin the techniques and laboratory work taught on the course you’ll first gain an essential understanding of genetics and bioinformatics. The emphasis will be on the human genome project and link with experts from local biotechnology businesses such as the Wellcome Sanger Institute.
A laboratory-based module will give you hands-on experience in molecular and cellular techniques used in applied bioscience, including DNA analysis, microbiology and cell culture.
We’ll support you to gain the employability and communication skills needed for a career in applied bioscience research or industry, while a module on research methods will help you to define an area of study that will form the basis for your Masters Research Project. This is your opportunity to undertake independent research into a topic in which you can develop a significant level of expertise.
Modules are subject to change and availability.
Assessment
We use a range of assessment methods to enable both you and the university to check your progress during your studies and then to ensure that you meet the required standards when you complete the course.
Although they vary, our assessment strategies are all carefully designed to challenge you so that you expand your critical and analytical thinking as well as your problem-solving skills. The assessments will enable you to demonstrate that you can synthesise existing knowledge and accumulate new knowledge, and will evidence the development of your professional practice.
Some examples of assessment include poster and oral presentations, essays and portfolios of evidence. In addition, you will undertake practicals in many of the modules, developing your technical laboratory skills.
Please note that you will need to complete all of the above core modules. This course does not have any optional modules.
Core modules
- Contemporary Medical Diagnostics
- Molecular Genetics and Bioinformatics
- Laboratory Techniques in Bioscience
- Professional and Ethical Practice
- Research Methods and Preparation
- Masters Research Project (60 credits)
Entry Requirements
Standard entry requirements
- A UK honours degree at 2.2 or above (or equivalent) in the following subjects: Biomedical Science, Biological Science, Genetics, Molecular Biology, or Cell Biology or a UK honours degree at 2.1 or above (or equivalent) in a cognate science degree (subjects closely related to Biomedical Science, Biological Science, Genetics, Molecular or Cell Biology).
- If English is not your first language you will be expected to demonstrate a certificated level of proficiency of at least IELTS 6.5 (Academic level) or equivalent English Language qualification, as recognised by Anglia Ruskin University.
Important additional notes
Our published entry requirements are a guide only and our decision will be based on your overall suitability for the course as well as whether you meet the minimum entry requirements.
Other equivalent qualifications may be accepted for entry to this course; please email for further information. Applicants to undergraduate courses can also check our information about undergraduate entry qualifications.
You'll need a computer and reliable internet access to successfully engage with your course.
Fees and Paying for University
Tuition fees for UK students (2025/26)
- £11,100 UK students starting 2025/26 (full-time, per year)
ARU graduates may be eligible for an Alumni Scholarship and get a 20% fee discount.
Fees are payable upfront, in full or in instalments, but there's no need to pay until you've accepted an offer to study with us. Find out more about paying your fees and about postgraduate loans and funding.
Tuition fees for international students (2025/26)
- £18,600 International students starting 2025/26 (full-time, per year)
You can pay your fees upfront, in full or in two instalments. We will ask for a deposit of £4,000 or a sponsorship letter.
Find out about paying your fees.
Facilities and Accreditation
Specialist facilities
Here at ARU you'll have access to our cutting-edge Science Centre, which features:
- four floors of labs and teaching space as well as facilities
- specialist tissue culture and microbiology laboratories
- a modern, 300-seat lecture theatre.
Take a guided tour and meet our students.
Outstanding student support
Join our postgraduate student community and:
- benefit from award-winning learning facilities, including extensive library and IT resources
- learn from expert staff who will guide your research interests and career development
- receive full support from our Employability Service, while you're studying with us and after you graduate
- access support, should you need it, with study skills, health and wellbeing, and more.
Royal Society of Biology
This programme has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology following an independent and rigorous assessment. Accredited degree programmes contain a solid academic foundation in biological knowledge and key skills, and prepare graduates to address the needs of employers. The accreditation criteria require evidence that graduates from accredited programmes meet defined sets of learning outcomes, including subject knowledge, technical ability and transferable skills.
Lecturers
- Grisha Pirianov, Senior Lecturer
- Clett Erridge, Senior Lecturer
- Hussein Al-Ali, Senior Lecturer
- Havovi Chichger, Professor in Biomedical Science
Careers
Healthcare is a rapidly growing and constantly evolving sector. Our MSc Applied Bioscience encourages the development of specialist cross-disciplinary laboratory skills in areas such as molecular genetics and bioinformatics, together with an emphasis on professional practice.
Graduates of this Masters course will have the training to progress into a wide range of careers within the sciences, including in academic, clinical and industrial research, clinical trials, product development, production and quality assurance.
Cambridge is the home of the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, the Biomedical Campus at Addenbrooke's Hospital and the Babraham Research Institute. Throughout the course, you will have the opportunity to attend seminars or events with Cambridge’s many local biotechnology companies.
Graduation doesn’t have to be the end of your time with us. You could choose to continue your academic career with a research programme at ARU, such as our MPhil/PhD Biomedical Science. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and save £400 on your fees.
While you’re studying here and after you graduate, you can access support through our dedicated Employability Service.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
This course will equip you with an array of practical and conceptual skills which are vital for a career in biosciences, whether in an academic, clinical or industrial setting. You’ll develop advanced knowledge and skills in diverse areas of applied bioscience, with an emphasis on medical applications. You’ll also gain a comprehensive understanding of advanced analytical techniques. On completion of this Masters degree you’ll be able to confidently design, execute and critically analyse both independent and group-based scientific research in an appropriate area of applied bioscience.
Outline:
- The modules on this MSc Applied Bioscience will enable you to develop skills in molecular cell biology, biomedical genetics and specialised topics in medical diagnostics.
- To underpin the techniques and laboratory work taught on the course you’ll first gain an essential understanding of genetics and bioinformatics. The emphasis will be on the human genome project and link with experts from local biotechnology businesses such as the Wellcome Sanger Institute.
- We’ll support you to gain the employability and communication skills needed for a career in applied bioscience research or industry, while a module on research methods will help you to define an area of study that will form the basis for your Masters Research Project. This is your opportunity to undertake independent research into a topic in which you can develop a significant level of expertise.
Assessment:
We use a range of assessment methods to enable both you and the university to check your progress during your studies and then to ensure that you meet the required standards when you complete the course. Although they vary, our assessment strategies are all carefully designed to challenge you so that you expand your critical and analytical thinking as well as your problem-solving skills. The assessments will enable you to demonstrate that you can synthesise existing knowledge and accumulate new knowledge, and will evidence the development of your professional practice. Some examples of assessment include poster and oral presentations, essays and portfolios of evidence. In addition, you will undertake practicals in many of the modules, developing your technical laboratory skills.
Teaching:
- Lectures
- Workshops
- Seminars
- Tutorials
- Laboratory sessions
- Research projects
- Presentations
- Group work
- One-to-one supervision
- Online learning
Tuition Fees and Payment Information:
Tuition fees for UK students (2023/24)
£10,000 UK students starting 2023/24 (full-time, per year) ARU graduates may be eligible for an Alumni Scholarship and get a 20% fee discount. Fees are payable upfront, in full or in instalments, but there's no need to pay until you've accepted an offer to study with us. Find out more about paying your fees.
Tuition fees for international students (2023/24)
£15,800 International students starting 2023/24 (full-time, per year) You can pay your fees upfront, in full or in two instalments. We will ask for a deposit of £4,000 or a sponsorship letter Find out about paying your fees. For postgraduate courses, international ARU graduates are automatically considered for an International Alumni Scholarship, worth £3,000 off first-year fees.
Tuition fees for UK students (2024/25)
£10,600 UK students starting 2024/25 (full-time, per year) ARU graduates may be eligible for an Alumni Scholarship and get a 20% fee discount. Fees are payable upfront, in full or in instalments, but there's no need to pay until you've accepted an offer to study with us. Find out more about paying your fees.
Tuition fees for international students (2024/25)
£17,700 International students starting 2024/25 (full-time, per year) You can pay your fees upfront, in full or in two instalments. We will ask for a deposit of £4,000 or a sponsorship letter Find out about paying your fees. For postgraduate courses, international ARU graduates are automatically considered for an International Alumni Scholarship, worth £3,000 off first-year fees.