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Postgraduate degrees

Specialise with a degree underpinned by world-class research

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Biomedicine MSc

Gain a deeper understanding of biomedical science with our Biomedicine MSc. The course provides the skills required for progression to PhD study, a research career or hospital-based employment. Our scheme provides training within several areas in biomedicine, while retaining elements of flexibility and choice.

Biomedical Science MSc (Research)

Gain knowledge of research methods and laboratory practice with our Biomedical Science (Research) degree.

This research degree includes nine months of full-time laboratory work as part of an established research group, direct learning of research methods through the graduate training programme, and a three month writing up period in which you will produce a dissertation. Your dissertation (examined by a viva voce) is the means by which the degree is assessed.

Before making an application, we advise you to find a supervisor.

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Biomedical and Life Sciences MPhil/PhD

Engage with our academic community by conducting PhD-level research into any of our main specialisms with our Biomedical and Life Sciences: MPhil/PhD course.

Taking between three to four years to complete, most doctoral students at Lancaster work on a traditional PhD by research which includes research training and an emphasis on conducting original research. The degree is examined by submission of an 80,000 word thesis and a viva voce examination.

An MPhil takes two years of full-time study, with an emphasis on conducting original research and writing up a research project that is of similar quality but smaller in size and scope than a PhD thesis.

In addition to receiving specialised training, you will take part in the graduate training programme, which offers a range of more generic courses such as teaching skills, statistical methods, computing and languages. You will also attend and present at conferences and within the Faculty.

Applications are welcomed in all our main research areas.

Before making an application, we advise you to find a supervisor.

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Study Support

We are committed to helping you achieve the most from your studies, throughout your degree.

You'll meet with your Academic Tutor on a one-to-one basis at least once a term, alongside taking part in group tutorials. Your tutor will have an understanding of your progress through your ongoing assessment. Identifying your strengths and weaknesses, you'll tackle study areas that you may need help with and get advice on the best path to follow.

Student Learning Advisor

Beth Caldwell, the Student Learning Advisor for the Faculty of Health and Medicine, offers drop in sessions, one-to-one meetings and workshops for undergraduate and postgraduate students. Topics include:

Note-taking strategies
Preparation for exams
How to read academic papers
Help with writing reports, essays and your dissertation

International Students

A range of academic support is available to you at the University. Please visit the Advice, Support and Knowledge pages for more information.

Disabled Students

If you need support in your studies due to a disability, a range of services are available to you:

Beth Caldwell, the Faculty Learning Advisor, provides support to disabled students.
The Library team provide extra support if you're disabled, dyslexic or have medical conditions which affect your access to resources.
The Disability and Inclusive Practice Service can provide more detail about the support available.

Fees and funding

We offer a range of scholarship and funding opportunities to help you fund your postgraduate study.

Our available opportunities

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How to apply

You can find more information about the postgraduate application process on the main university website's "How to apply" page.

Current students

If you are a current Lancaster student, or you have recently graduated from Lancaster, we can reduce the amount of information that you will need to provide as part of your application. You will need to provide only one reference and will not need to supply your Lancaster degree transcript. We will also pre-fill your personal details, ready for you to check.

What should I include?

If you use the My Applications website then you will be advised which documentation you need to upload or send to us. These will usually include:

Degree certificates and transcripts of previous higher education (college/university) degrees or other courses that you have completed/for which you are currently studying. For transcripts in languages other than English, a certified English translation will be required.
Two references
A personal statement

Furthermore, you will need to submit a research proposal as a part of your application. You are advised to identify, and contact a potential supervisor so that you can collaborate and prepare a proposal for submission.

If English is not your first language, we require copies of English language test results.

Tekle Pauzaite: PhD in Biomedical and Life Sciences

"I undertook Biomedicine in Lancaster University as my undergraduate degree.

I chose Lancaster, as it was one of the strongest universities in UK, and is surrounded with the most incredible nature, mountains and lakes. I am an active person, like hiking and going on walks in the Lake District, thus Lancaster was perfect for me. It's a cosy environment with the Lake District being 30 minutes away. Everything on campus is close and maximum 10 minutes away. Plenty of places to have lunch and go on little adventures at duck pond and wooden trail.

Courses are challenging and engaging, composed in the way that people could use all their potential in theoretical and practical learning. Majority of lecturers in Biomedical and Life Sciences are research active, thus all lectures are up to date and relevant to newest advances. You will have the overall knowledge on variety of modules and disciplines, as well as plenty of practical skills acquired in laboratory practicals."

Find a supervisor

We recommend discussing your research interests with one of our world-leading academic staff before applying for your postgraduate research programme.

Search the list

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Niklas Philipp Reich - MSc in Biomedicine

"By doing my MSc here at Lancaster, I noticed a vast difference of the teaching style in comparison to my undergraduate in Germany. While having a noticeably stronger focus on coursework in the UK, it provides an opportunity to practice the skill of scientific writing, which was rather weakly pronounced in the more lecture-based education I had received [in Germany]. In addition, the network build and proximity to interesting research of our professors has majorly influenced my research interests, helping to decide what field I want to carry on in further PhD study. Here at Lancaster, I am taking the role as course Rep of Biomedicine and, simultaneously, represent all Faculty of Health and Medicine postgraduates as Faculty Rep. In a nutshell, I collect feedback from both students and other reps to bring up and discuss further on Faculty level."

Biomedical and Life Sciences research

Our research groups work with colleagues in the rest of the Faculty of Health and Medicine to address the core interdisciplinary research themes of Ageing, End of Life and Cancer, Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Cancer, Infectious Diseases, Mental Health and Public Health.

Research in Biomedical and Life Sciences

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Anthony Aggidis PhD in Biomedical and Life Sciences

"I decided to come to Lancaster University because not only is it extremely strong in the field of neurodegeneration, but also because it is a very short commute from my home town, making it the perfect place to conduct my PhD. The campus here is the best I have ever been to; having everything you need at your fingertips and regular public transport to the town centre. The main thing for me that makes the best part of being here at Lancaster is the people!

Having an MSc and especially a PhD really stands you out from competitors who may only have an undergraduate degree. When you conduct a PhD you learn interdisciplinary skills which can be applied to many career paths, such as organisational and networking skills. For my career interests having a PhD under my belt is in most cases a prerequisite, such as research, lecturing and liaison positions."

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