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:
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investigating potential treatments for Alzheimer’s disease
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finding the causes of cystic fibrosis
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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:
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develop the vital skills required for advanced biomedical research
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build advanced knowledge in specific areas of biomedical sciences
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work alongside our research staff on 2independent research projects
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spend a semester studying at a university in Europe or Australasia
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gain valuable experience from a year in employment
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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.
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the programme specification
The programme specification sets out the learning outcomes of this course and details how the course is taught and assessed.
Entry requirements
For Academic year 202021
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, as follows:
AAB including Biology or Chemistry and one further science subject.
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, 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.
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.
BTEC 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
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English Language (or GCSE English), Mathematics and Science (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
COVID-19: we've made some changes to the structure of the course for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
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:
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chemistry of life
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human genome
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cell biology
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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:
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pharmacology
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bioinformatics
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exploring proteins
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medical microbiology
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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:
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regulation of genes
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biomedical technology
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cancer and chromosome biology
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immunology
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biofilms
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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:
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cell signalling
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neuropharmacology
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cellular pathology
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origins of health and disease
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parasitology
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toxicity
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
For entry in Academic Year 2021-22
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules in year 1:
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)
Course time
How you'll spend your course time:
Year 1
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:
How we'll assess you
Your assessment breakdown
Year 1:
Academic support
You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
Course leader
Philip Williamson 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:
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laboratory science in NGOs
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research in academic, pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors
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business roles in health care and health and safety
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clinical research
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graduate entry to medical school
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graduate assistant roles to physicians or other health professionals
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science writing and journalism
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teaching
Careers services at Southampton
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2019). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. 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 £22,760.
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:
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approved calculators
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costs linked to the semester abroad
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printing and photocopying
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computer disks or usb drives
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computer hardware
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textbooks
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stationery
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printing
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parking
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. 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 that's linked to your chosen subject area.
We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Support during your course
The Student Services Centre 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
What happens after you apply?
We will assess your application on the strength of your:
- predicted grades
- academic achievements
- personal statement
- academic reference
We aim to respond to you within 2 to 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
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
