Program Overview

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Introduction to Biomedicine with Advanced Pathways MSci

The Biomedicine with Advanced Pathways MSci is a four-year full-time course that integrates the three-year BSc Biomedicine with one year of Master's-level study in a chosen area of specialism. This course is designed to provide students with advanced knowledge, skills, and hands-on research experience to launch their career in research science.

Course Overview

This integrated MSci Biomedicine with Advanced Pathways course explores the vital link between basic science and advances in the treatment of human health and disease. It provides students with a wide range of advanced practical and theoretical skills. In the third year, students will have the chance to develop their skills of working independently in a lab environment undertaking a week-long daytime, practical project. In the final year, students will gain experience carrying out an independent research project supervised by an academic member of staff actively working in the field.

What You Will Learn

This course offers training in practical skills and lab work, including microscopy, DNA manipulation, and protein handling. Students will also gain a solid grounding in key biomedical topics, including:

• Biochemistry
• Cell biology
• Chemistry
• Drugs and drug discovery
• Genetics
• Immunology
• Microbiology
• Molecular biology and physiology

In Years 3 and 4, students will specialize in an area of their choice by selecting from different option modules and working on an independent research project, preparing them for a career in research-intensive environments.

How You Will Learn

This MSci is taught via lectures and classroom activities combined with practicals, tutorials, and problem-solving classes. By the end of the course, students will have completed two different research projects. This course is available to study full-time with classes in the daytime and evening.

Key Information and Modules

• Biomedicine with Advanced Pathways MSci: 4 years full-time, on campus, starting October 2026
• Year of entry: October 2026
• Duration: Four years
• Full-time or part-time: Full-time
• Style of study: On campus
• Location: Central London
• UCAS code: C702
• Status: Fully Approved
• Awarding body: University of London
• Attendance: Two to three times a week (choose afternoons or evenings in Years 1-3) October to July, plus daytime laboratory week prior to starting Year 3

Highlights

• Birkbeck offers state-of-the-art, specialist laboratories and facilities for studying biological sciences in the heart of academic London.
• In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF), in a joint submission with UCL, Biological Sciences at Birkbeck were ranked 11th in the UK.
• Students will be taught by internationally distinguished experts who work with governments and institutions around the globe to extend the boundaries of knowledge.
• Working in close collaboration with the Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, a joint institute between Birkbeck and UCL, recognized for the excellence and international impact of their research.

Entry Requirements

We welcome applicants without traditional entry qualifications as we base decisions on our own assessment of qualifications, knowledge, and previous work experience. We may waive formal entry requirements based on judgment of academic potential.

UCAS Tariff Points

112 points (e.g., A-levels BBC - including biology, chemistry, and/or mathematics or physics. A-levels in general studies and critical thinking not accepted. Applicants with only two full A-levels considered on an individual basis.)

GCSEs

GCSEs (or equivalent) required at grade C or above in English, mathematics, and double science (or two single sciences).

Alternative Entry Routes

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma: DMM

English Language Requirements

If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests. We also accept other English language tests.

Fees

Biomedicine with Advanced Pathways MSci: 4 years full-time, on campus, starting in academic year 202627

• Full-time home students, Year 1,2&3: Ł9,790 per year
• Full-time international students, Year 1,2&3: Ł18,500 per year
• Full-time home students, Year 4: Ł8,500 per year
• Full-time international students, Year 4: Ł13,900 per year

Teaching and Assessment

At Birkbeck, most of our courses are taught in the evening, and all of our teaching is designed to support students who are juggling evening study with work and other commitments. We actively encourage innovative and engaging ways of teaching, to ensure our students have the best learning experience.

Methods of Teaching on This Course

Teaching is through combinations of lectures, laboratory sessions, and computer exercises. Much of the module content is available online.

Assessment

Assessment is an integral part of your university studies and usually consists of a combination of coursework and examinations, although this will vary from course to course. The methods of assessment on this course are specified below.

Methods of Assessment on This Course

Types of assessment include short-answer tests in class, computer-based tests (accessed remotely or in class), practical reports, essays, problem-solving and data analysis assignments, oral communication and poster presentations, internet surveys, and unseen, or open-book, written examinations.

Careers and Employability

On successfully graduating from this MSci Biomedicine with Advanced Pathways, you will have an array of important transferable skills, including:

• A wide range of laboratory skills
• Analysis and critical evaluation of data and complex ideas
• The ability to work independently in a laboratory environment
• Team-building and creativity that drive scientific innovation
• Communication
• Development and testing of hypotheses

Graduates can pursue career paths in scientific research, public health, or the health sector more generally. Possible professions include:

• Laboratory scientist
• Healthcare scientist
• Medical research scientist
• Microbiologist

Course Structure

Course Structure Listing

You must complete modules worth a total of 480 credits.

• Years 1 and 2: eight compulsory modules in each year
• Year 3: one compulsory module and a core laboratory research project, plus two or three option modules worth a total of 45 credits
• Year 4: a core research project and two compulsory modules leading to one of the following three advanced pathways:
  • Advanced pathway 1 leading to MSci Biomedicine with Biochemical Analysis
  • Advanced pathway 2 leading to MSci Biomedicine with Microbiology
  • Advanced pathway 3 leading to MSci Biomedicine with Structural Molecular Biology

Year 1

• Cell Membranes and Bio-Energetics
• General Chemistry
• Introduction to Molecular Cell Biology
• Introduction to Nutrition and Metabolism
• Laboratory Skills in Biochemistry
• Organic and Biological Chemistry
• Practical Skills for the Biosciences
• Quantitative Skills and Experimental Design

Year 2

• Aspects of Human Physiology
• Drugs and Drug Discovery
• Evolution and Genetics
• Medical Microbiology and Immunology
• Metabolic Challenges in Health and Disease
• Molecular Biology
• Protein Structure and Function
• Research Methods in the Biosciences

Year 3 Compulsory and Core Modules

• Advanced Topics in Human Disease
• Specialist Laboratory Research Project

Year 3 Option Modules

• Advanced Cell Biology
• Epidemiology
• Infectious Bacteria and Antibiotics
• Public Health

Year 4 Advanced Pathway 1 (Biochemical Analysis)

• Biochemical Analysis
• Research Skills and Statistics

Year 4 Advanced Pathway 2 (Microbiology)

• Cellular Microbiology
• Research Skills and Statistics

Year 4 Advanced Pathway 3 (Structural Molecular Biology)

• Molecular and Cellular Structure Determination
• Research Skills and Statistics

MSci Biomedicine Research Project

• Research Project MSci Biomedicine