Master of Science in Applied Biomedicine (MSc ABM)

The Master of Science in Applied Biomedicine (MSc ABM) at the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine is a postgraduate programme with full-time (1 year) and part-time (2 years) study options. This coursework-based programme features specialisations in Vaccinology and Immunotherapy, Infectious Disease Management, and Drug Discovery and Development.

Overview

The programme aims to develop critical and analytical thinking skills, preparing students to be resourceful and adaptable leaders in biomedicine. Graduates are equipped to meet the demands of the healthcare and biopharmaceutical industries, ensuring a steady supply of skilled professionals to research institutes, ministries, and hospitals, particularly in areas such as infectious diseases, vaccine development, and drug discovery.

Programme Details

Intake: August 2026
Duration:
- 1 Year (Full-Time)
- 2 Years (Part-Time)
Application Start Date: 1 September 2025
Application Deadline: 30 April 2026
Outcome of Applications: Within 3 months of application

Ideal Candidates

Local and international students with a life science, bioengineering, or medical Bachelor’s degree, and working professionals in local healthcare, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and health-related industries.

Career Opportunities

Graduates from this programme can pursue careers in roles such as:

Medical Technologists
Biochemists
Research Scientists
Toxicologists
Microbiologists
Regulatory Specialists

Programme Faculty

A/Prof Kevin Tan Shyong Wei, Programme Director, MSc in Applied Biomedicine (ABM)
A/Prof Zhang Yongliang, Co-Programme Director, MSc in Applied Biomedicine (ABM)
Dr Jaishree Tripathi, Infectious Diseases Management Specialisation Coordinator
Dr Png Chin Wen, Vaccinology and Immunotherapy Specialisation Coordinator
Dr Sham Lok-To (Chris), Capstone Project Coordinator
A/Prof Gautam Sethi, Drug Discovery and Development Specialisation Coordinator
Dr Volker Patzel, Biomedical Innovation & Enterprise Course Coordinator

Curriculum

The MSc ABM is available as a 1-year (full-time) or a 2-year (part-time) degree programme. Students can choose to specialise in Vaccinology and Immunotherapy, Infectious Diseases Management, or Drug Discovery and Development, or pursue the programme without a specialisation.

Graduation Requirements

Total Units Required: 40 Units
To graduate, students have to:
- Specialisation (Vaccinology and Immunotherapy, Infectious Diseases Management or Drug Discovery and Development)
  - Complete 4 core courses (12 units in total)
  - Complete 5 compulsory courses within the chosen specialisation (20 units in total)
  - Complete either:
    - Capstone Project (8 units)
    - 2 elective courses from the general elective course list (8 units in total)
- Non-Specialisation
  - Complete 4 core courses (12 units in total)
  - Complete a combination of elective courses from the general elective course list to fulfil the remaining 28 units

Proposed Study Plan

Please refer to the programme website for the proposed study plan for full-time and part-time students.

Academic Timetable

Please refer to the programme website for the timetable for Academic Year 2025/2026.

Study Period

Full-time students are expected to complete the programme within 12 – 24 months. The maximum candidature is 24 months; excluding Leave of Absence (LOA).
Part-time students are expected to complete the programme within 24 – 36 months. The maximum candidature is 36 months; excluding Leave of Absence (LOA).

Admission Requirements

Bachelor (Hons) degrees in M.B.B.S., Life Sciences (e.g., Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology), Bioengineering, Biotechnology, or a related health sciences discipline. Other qualifications and relevant industrial experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis, subject to approval by the selection committee.
International applicants from non-English speaking universities must demonstrate English proficiency with a minimum TOEFL score of 85 (Internet-based) or a minimum IELTS Academic score of 6.0. Scores must be valid for two years from the test date and should not have expired at the time of application. Expired scores will not be considered.

Tuition Fees

Total Tuition Fees (for students enrolled in the Academic Year 2026/2027 only): S$59,500 (inclusive of Goods & Services Tax (GST))
The payment schedule is as follows:
- Year 1 Semester 1:
  - Full Time Students: S$29,750.00
  - Part-Time Students: S$14,875.00
- Year 1 Semester 2:
  - Full Time Students: S$29,750.00
  - Part-Time Students: S$14,875.00
- Year 2 Semester 1:
  - Part-Time Students: S$14,875.00
- Year 2 Semester 2:
  - Part-Time Students: S$14,875.00
Acceptance Fee (Including GST): S$5,000.00
Additional Fee: In addition to tuition fees, students will be charged miscellaneous student fees each semester.

Notes

All Singaporeans and Singapore PRs will receive a 40% tuition fee rebate.
All NUS alumni will receive a 20% tuition fee rebate.
Upon acceptance of offer, an acceptance fee of S$5000.00 (including GST) will be charged on the Graduate Admission System (GDA). Acceptance fees is non-refundable, non-transferable and will be credited towards the tuition fee once the programme starts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the documentary proof of financial support refer to?
- You may submit a bank statement (original, certified true copy or electronically generated statements will be accepted) OR a certificate of deposit in English issued by the bank as a proof that you (or your parent) have the stated amount in the bank account.
What is the maximum candidature?
- Full-time students are expected to complete the programme within 12 – 24 months. The maximum candidature is 24 months; excluding Leave of Absence (LOA).
- Part-time students are expected to complete the programme within 24- 36 months. The maximum candidature is 36 months; excluding Leave of Absence (LOA).
What are the continuation and graduation requirements?
- Continuation Requirement: For continuation of candidature a student must obtain satisfactory progress during his/her candidature (Coursework), i.e., Student will be issued a warning for any semester in which his/her GPA falls below 3.00. If in the following semester, the student’s GPA again falls below 3.00 but is above 2.50, he/she will be placed on probation.
- Graduation Requirement: Read and pass five core courses and five elective courses that are in the course list. Obtained a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 out of 5.0 or equivalently, an average grade of at least B-.

Voices That Inspire

The MSc ABM programme emphasises application and transformation. It not only teaches the latest immunological techniques, but also helps us understand the limitations of various vaccines and therapies, and explore ways to overcome them.
The MSc in Applied Biomedicine equipped me with in-depth and up-to-date specialist knowledge and gave me a better understanding of the technologies employed in the field of biomedicine.
The professors not only explained the mechanisms behind immune responses and the latest research developments in depth, but also tailored the content to our backgrounds and learning needs.

Master of Science in Applied Biomedicine

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