Biomedical Sciences by Research (MSc)

You'll need at least a 2:1 degree in Biological or Biomedical Sciences or a closely related subject.

You can also take this course as an undergraduate medical student if you've successfully completed at least three years of your medical degree and achieved 60% or above in all assessments in the academic year before starting.

Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country. 

English language requirements

If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:

We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.

If you don’t meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

Pre-masters

If you don’t meet the academic requirements, you can complete a pre-master's programme through our partnership with OnCampus. Learn more about the programmes available.

Got a question?

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

Email: [email protected]
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

Our MSc Biomedical Sciences by Research degree is offered as a full time course over 12 months. 

You'll study a series of bespoke taught modules as well as two, 18-week research projects where you will gain a broad range of practical skills and valuable experience working in different research environments.

All students will take the following core modules: 

• Research skills for Biomedical Science 1
• Research Project 1
• Advanced Scientific Skills
• Research Project 2

In addition, you will select an optional module in one of the research theme topics.

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

Learning

You'll learn through:

• facilitator led workshops 
• taught sessions
• appraising primary research papers
• presentations
• group discussions
• data analysis
• practical research projects

Assessment

You'll be assessed through:

• written assignments
• oral presentations
• poster presentation 
• viva voce

You won't take any traditional exams on this course. Each module will be assessed as outlined in the individual module descriptions. We'll test your understanding, critical appraisal and application of knowledge through a range different assessment types.

Your final award will be either a Pass, Merit or Distinction.

Academic Support

You'll be supported by the programme team throughout the course as well as the supervisors of your research projects. In addition, you'll be assigned a personal academic tutor and also have access to a senior tutor.

• scientific writing
• industry policy
• managing clinical trials
• science journalism
• research management
• working with research funders

We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:

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

We have a thriving entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:

• our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
• a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
• our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £13,000.
• EU and international students pay £27,800.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

Deposit

If you're an international student on a full-time course, we'll ask you to pay £2,000 of your tuition fees in advance, as a deposit.

Your offer letter will tell you when this should be paid and provide full terms and conditions.

Find out about exemptions, refunds and how to pay your deposit on our tuition fees for overseas students page.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams. The fee you pay will remain the same each year from when you start studying this course. This includes if you suspend and return.

Find out how to pay your tuition fees.

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:

• accommodation costs
• living costs
• budgeting advice
• fees, charges and expenses regulations

10% alumni discount

If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton, you could be eligible for a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.

Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)

This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.

Funding your postgraduate studies

A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.

Funding for EU and international students

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

1. Use the blue 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our postgraduate admissions system.
2. Create an account which gives you access to your own application portal. . 
3. Search for the course you want to apply for.
4. Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
5. Pay the £50 application assessment fee, (there are some exemptions, check terms and conditions).
6. Submit your application.

For further details of our admission process, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications.

Application deadlines

• International students: Tuesday 29 July 2025, midday UK time
• UK students: Tuesday 9 September 2025, midday UK time

We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.

Application assessment fee

We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for a postgraduate taught course.

This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees and is payable per application. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.

If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, or if you’re applying for certain scholarships, you will not need to pay the fee. PGCE applications through GOV.UK and Master of Research (MRes) degree applications are also exempt. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.

Supporting information

In your personal statement, you'll need to indicate the research area that you wish to specialise in from the following choices: 

• nutrition and metabolism
• infection and immunity
• respiratory medicine
• stem cells and regenerative medicine.

All applicants who are invited for an interview will be required to give a short research presentation. In the interview, you must be able to show you can:

• relay and discuss research in your chosen field
• demonstrate the application of research knowledge
• communicate effectively, are self-motivated and resilient

You'll also need to submit two academic references. 

Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed. 

You may also be asked to provide: 

• a degree transcript 
• evidence of professional qualifications
   

What happens after you apply

You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.

Unfortunately, due to number of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.

Equality and diversity

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

Got a question?

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

Email: [email protected]
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000