About this course

This flexible integrated master's in biomedical sciences (MSci) focuses on the exploration and understanding of human disease at all levels. It combines biochemistry, physiology, neuroscience, cell biology, genetics and pharmacology. As you progress you can tailor your studies to focus on the areas that most interest you.

Biomedical science provides advances in vital areas, including:

investigating potential treatments for Alzheimer’s disease
finding the causes of cystic fibrosis
improving our understanding and treatment of cancer

On our biomedical sciences master's degree, you'll benefit from our research-rich environment. We're home to the UK's first Cancer Immunology Research Centre and we're a lead university of the Biofilms Institute.

As part of this course you can:

develop the vital skills required for advanced biomedical research
build advanced knowledge in specific areas of biomedical sciences
work alongside our research staff on 2 independent research projects
spend a semester studying at a university in Europe or Australasia
gain valuable experience from a year in employment
develop sought-after transferable skills

This course is part of our Innovation Curriculum, so you'll have the option to take some modules from other subject areas.

Practicals which use animals or their tissues are an important part of the course. These practicals follow ethical policies and we'll make adjustments for you if you have valid concerns about taking part.

We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.

Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).

Accreditations

Royal Society of Biology (RSB) Advanced

Course location

This course is based at Highfield.

Awarding body

This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.

Download the Course Description Document

The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.

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ODT

Download 2024-25 Course Description Document

Entry requirements

A-levels

AAA including Biology or Chemistry and one further science subject.

A-levels additional information

Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. A level science subjects considered include Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Psychology, Environmental Studies, Geography and Geology. Where this offer is satisfied by including grades achieved in either Biology, Chemistry or Physics, a Pass in the practical science assessment is additionally required.

A-levels with Extended Project Qualification

If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer: AAB including Biology or Chemistry and one further science subject, and grade A in the EPQ

A-levels contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

or

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Pass with overall score of 36 points, with 18 points at Higher Level, including 6 points at Higher Level in Chemistry or Biology and one further science subject

International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information

Science subjects considered include Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths (Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation at HL6) , Psychology, Environmental Studies, Geography and Geology.

International Baccalaureate contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement

Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.

or

BTEC

D in the BTEC Extended Certificate plus AA in A Level Chemistry or Biology and one further science subject We do not accept the BTEC National Diploma/ BTEC National Extended Diploma without two AA grades in A Level Chemistry or Biology and one further science subject,

RQF BTEC

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Additional information

Acceptable science subjects are Chemistry, Human Biology, Biology, Maths, Physics, Psychology, Environmental Studies, Geography and Geology. Where this offer is satisfied by including grades achieved in either Biology, Chemistry or Physics, a Pass in the practical science assessment is additionally required. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking

QCF BTEC

D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AA in A Level Chemistry or Biology and one further science subject. We do not accept the BTEC Diploma/BTEC Extended Diploma without two AA grades in A Level Chemistry or Biology and one further science subject.

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

or

Entry requirements filter options

Other requirements

GCSE requirements

Applicants must hold GCSE English Language (or GCSE English), Mathematics and Science at minimum grade C/4.

Got a question?

Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

Course structure

You'll study a number of compulsory and optional modules each year. As your degree progresses, you'll focus more on your particular areas of interest. You'll complete independent research projects in years 3 and 4.

You do not need to select your modules when you apply. Your academic tutor will help you to customise your course.

Year 1 overview

You’ll take a range of topics, giving you a solid grounding in the major concepts and principles of biomedical sciences.

This will include modules on:

chemistry of life
human genome
cell biology
the scientific method

Further modules will develop your skills in biological chemistry, evolution and biomolecular techniques.

Year 2 overview

You'll take modules in cell biology, genetics and immunology. You'll also start to develop your interests in specific areas through a choice of optional modules. These include:

pharmacology
bioinformatics
exploring proteins
medical microbiology
vertebrate development

Year 3 overview

This year you'll undertake independent research, either in the laboratory or as a computer-based project.

You'll also be able to tailor your degree to your interests. Optional modules include:

regulation of genes
biomedical technology
cancer and chromosome biology
immunology
biofilms
neurodegenerative diseases

Year 4 overview

In your final year, you'll complete an extended, laboratory-based, original research project. This will introduce you to the latest biomedical research and debate, supported by a series of scientific seminars.

You'll further develop your interests and research skills by choosing from a range of optional modules such as:

cell signalling
neuropharmacology
cellular pathology
origins of health and disease
parasitology
toxicity

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Modules

The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.

For entry in academic year 2025 to 2026

You must study the following modules in year 1:

Chemistry of Life

This module seeks to provide students with the fundamentals of the chemistry that underpins the biological sciences. Educational Aims: This module provides the student with the fundamental chemical principles necessary to understand the chemistry of bi...

Fundamentals of Biochemistry

The aim of this module is initially to explain the characteristics and roles of molecules that constitute living cells, including DNA, proteins, lipids and carbohydrates. Subsequently, the fundamental metabolic pathways will be explored, along with the co...

Fundamentals of Cell Biology and Physiology

This module develops understanding of the components important for cell function and looks at how cells function in organs and whole organisms. Lectures will be accompanied by practicals, some of which involve the use of animal tissue, with alternative...

How to Think Like a Scientist

The module teaches how to formulate hypotheses and structure an experimental proposal, ultimately leading to data dissemination in form of a presentation / report / scientific paper. The module connects to real problems, where success in own experiment...

The Human Genome and Disease

The module covers several major topics in genetics including the molecular principles of genetic variation, different patterns of Mendelian inheritance, epigenetics and genetic evolution within a disease setting. The module will introduce how model organi...

Learning and assessment

The learning activities for this course include the following:

lectures
classes and tutorials
coursework
individual and group projects
independent learning (studying on your own)

How you'll spend your course time:

Study time

Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:

21%

Scheduled learning & teaching

79%

Independent learning

How we'll assess you

coursework, laboratory reports and essays
design and problem-solving exercises
essays
individual and group projects
oral presentations
written exams

Your assessment breakdown

Year 1:

71%

Written exam

23%

Coursework

6%

Practical exam

Academic support

You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.

Course leader

James Dillon is the course leader.

Careers

This is a broad biomedical science master's degree that will prepare you for a wide variety of careers in the biomedical sector. You can also choose to progress to a PhD.

Transferable skills in analysis, research, problem solving and teamwork mean you'll also be ideally suited to work in many other areas.

Our graduates have gone on to work in areas including:

laboratory science in NGOs
research in academic, pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors
business roles in health care and health and safety
clinical research
graduate entry to medical school
graduate assistant roles to physicians or other health professionals
science writing and journalism
teaching

Careers services at Southampton

We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes:

work experience schemes
CV and interview skills and workshops
networking events
careers fairs attended by top employers
a wealth of volunteering opportunities
study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.

Work in industry

You'll have the chance to complete a paid year in employment between the second and third years of your course. This means you can try out a potential future career and apply the skills and knowledge you have learned during your course to a real-world setting.

Your experience will improve your employability after graduation.

Fees, costs and funding

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

UK students pay £9,250.
EU and international students pay £30,500.

The Government has recently announced changes to UK tuition fees from September 2025 onwards. We will update our website to reflect this shortly.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and all examinations.

Find out how to:

You'll need to consider extra costs for the following:

approved calculators
costs linked to the semester abroad
printing and photocopying
computer disks or usb drives
computer hardware
textbooks
stationery
printing
parking

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

Explore:

Bursaries, scholarships and other funding

If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £25,000 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.

If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.

Get in touch for advice about student money matters.

Scholarships and grants

You may be able to get a scholarship or grant to help fund your studies.

We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from under-represented backgrounds.

Support during your course

The Student Hub offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

How to apply

When you apply use:

UCAS course code: B991
UCAS institution code: S27

Apply for this course

What happens after you apply?

We will assess your application on the strength of your:

predicted grades
academic achievements
personal statement
academic reference

We'll aim to process your application within 2 to 6 weeks, but this will depend on when it is submitted. Applications submitted in January, particularly near to the UCAS equal consideration deadline, might take substantially longer to be processed due to the high volume received at that time.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

Related courses

Biomedical Sciences (MSci) is a course in the Biological sciences subject area. Here are some other courses within this subject area:

b

MSci