Program Overview

MSc Biomedical Sciences | Part-time

About this course

Qualify for a career in the biomedical sector with this new masters programme designed in conjunction with local industry.

• Embark on a course that will give you a competitive advantage
• Learn technical and practical skills with a focus on employability
• Familiarise yourself with current technologies relevant to the biomedical sciences sector
• In-depth genome studies designed to offer deeper understanding of genetic-based disease
• Focus on current advances in research
• Hands-on training of specialist equipment encompassing molecular biology, cell culture, protein biochemistry, flow cytometry and microscopy

This new masters programme aims to produce graduates who can address the skills shortage in the UK life sciences industry. The North West of England is a growth region for life sciences and this programme will create graduates who are up-to-date with advances in new technologies relevant to the sector.

The programme was developed in consultation with representatives from the Biopharma and Biomedical sector. These representatives will be involved in programme delivery, offering industry-focused lectures, discussing career progression and opportunities with students.

The curriculum is research-led and the latest sector advances will be explored in student-focussed seminars. Personalised medicine is a key focus of the course; you will gain an in-depth understanding of genomics, the genetic basis of disease and explore new approaches to diagnosis and novel therapeutics in the treatment and management of diseases.

Biomedical Sciences is a multi-disciplinary subject and the staff who teach on the programme reflect this with a broad range of expertise. An open-door policy means that tutor support is available when you need it, whether you require assistance with ongoing studies or information on future career options.

Course modules

Core modules

• Medical Genetics (20 credits)
  • This module aims to develop a reflective understanding of the genetic basis of disease and its investigation.
• Advanced Biotechniques (20 credits)
  • This module provides you with an understanding of some of the cutting-edge techniques and their applications currently used in biotechnology and the biomedical sciences.
• Cell Technology (20 credits)
  • This module provides an insight into the principles and practical techniques involved in the commercial exploitation of animal cell processes. It aims to provide an understanding of cell culture as a technological component of biological research and commercial exploitation.
• Diagnostics and Therapeutics (20 credits)
  • This module aims to provide an overview of the application of techniques to disease diagnosis and therapeutic modulation. To appreciate that a personalised medicine approach can improve patient outcomes via targeted and personalised interventions.
• Current Issues in Biomedical Sciences (20 credits)
  • This module aims to provide you with an appreciation of current developments, controversies and newsworthy items in the biomedical sciences. Industry guest speakers will deliver case studies of products from inception, through Research and Development to final commercial product.
• Biomolecular Research Skills and Data Analysis (20 credits)
  • The aim of this module is to equip you with the necessary skills to effectively search for information, critically appraise and analyse data, report scientific data and communicate research findings.

Optional modules

• Research Project (60 credits)
  • This module enables you to conduct independent in-depth research in a topic of interest in the biomedical sciences sector.
• Placement Project (60 credits)
  • This module will provide you with the opportunity to conduct an independent, in-depth study of an agreed topic of research, carried out in an appropriate manner at an external placement provider.

Your Learning Experience

• Study hours: The 20 credit modules have around 37 teaching hours. Your contact days will depend on the number of modules you take per semester. For one or two modules, you could expect 1-2 contact days per week per semester. The 60 credit research project will be conducted from Monday to Friday between May and August.
• Teaching methods: Teaching methods used on the programme include lectures, practical sessions (both PC and laboratory based), workshops (support for practical work, discussion forums and a journal club), seminars, group and individual projects, tutorials, and problem solving.
• Applied learning: Applied learning will be enhanced by:
  • Contributions from local employers who will act as guest lecturers
  • The provision of work-related research projects

Career paths

• LJMU has an excellent employability record with 94% (HESA 2022) of our postgraduates in work or further study fifteen months after graduation. Our applied learning techniques and strong industry connections ensure our students are fully prepared for the workplace on graduation and understand how to apply their knowledge in a real world context.
• The School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences has an excellent employability record, which is fundamental to our close relationship with industry. The Bioscience and Biopharma sector is a global industry and Biomedical Sciences graduates will be well equipped to contribute to this sector anywhere in the world.
• We expect graduates to progress into roles in diagnostics, research & development, quality assurance, production. Some, on the other hand, will further their academic career by progressing to a PhD.

Tuition fees and funding

• Home: Part-time per credit: £70
• Fees: The fees quoted above cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as library membership and student IT support with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources including programme-appropriate software and on campus wifi.
• Financial Support: There are many ways to fund postgraduate study for home and international students. From loans to International Scholarships and subject-specific funding, you’ll find all of the information you need on our specialist postgraduate funding pages. The University offers a range of financial support for students. You'll find all the information you need on our specialist financial support pages including details of the Student Support Fund and other activities to support with the cost of living.
• Additional Costs: In addition to fees, students should also keep in mind the cost of:
  • Accommodation
  • Travel costs and field trips unless paid for by LJMU
  • Stationery, IT equipment, professional body membership and graduation gown hire

Entry requirements

• Qualification requirements:
  • A minimum 2.1 BSc Honours degree in Biomedical Science or another related biological sciences degree
  • Alternative nationally recognised higher qualifications with significant, relevant work experience
  • An international qualification that equates to UK requirements
• International requirements:
  • IELTS 6.5 (minimum of 6.0 in each component)
• How to apply: To apply for this programme, you are required to complete an LJMU online application form. You will need to provide details of previous qualifications and a personal statement outlining why you wish to study this programme. Your application will be assessed by the Programme Leader and the Postgraduate Admissions Team. You will need to:
  • Demonstrate sufficient knowledge to embark on the programme
  • Demonstrate the ability and commitment to work at postgraduate level
  • Display the potential to develop high level research skills
  • Demonstrate the ability and commitment to work at postgraduate level

Your university life

• Accommodation: LJMU offers a range of accommodation options for postgraduate students.
• Postgrad life at LJMU: As a postgraduate student at LJMU, you will have access to a range of facilities and services to support your studies and personal development.
• Living in Liverpool: Liverpool is a vibrant and exciting city with a rich cultural heritage and a thriving student community.
• Your campus: The School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences is located in the University's City Campus, which is situated in the heart of Liverpool.
• Go Abroad: LJMU offers a range of opportunities for postgraduate students to study abroad as part of their programme.
• Sports, societies and lifestyle: LJMU has a range of sports teams, societies and lifestyle activities available to postgraduate students.