Biomedicine

MSc

  • Entry year 2026 or 2025
  • Duration Full time 1 year, Part time 2 years

Overview

Lancaster’s MSc in Biomedicine offers an intensive 12-month full-time or two-year part-time programme in a world-class environment.

You will be taught and supervised by research-active academics who are experts in the biological mechanisms underpinning human diseases and turning research discoveries into practical applications such as diagnostic tools and novel drug treatments.

Throughout the course, you will develop strong intellectual, practical and transferable skills, gaining a highly sought-after postgraduate qualification that opens doors across academia, industry and healthcare.

Why Lancaster?

  • Study in a world-leading research environment – 100 per cent of our research environment in the Faculty of Health and Medicine was rated "excellent" in the most recent UK Research Excellence Framework (2021)
  • Explore a broad spectrum of biomedical research, including immunotherapy, neglected tropical diseases, neurological disorders, genome stability and cancer
  • Evaluate the key stages of drug development, from initial discovery through clinical trials to regulatory approval and market release
  • Build expert knowledge by undertaking your own independent research project
  • Gain hands-on experience while applying biomedical techniques and problem-solving
  • Become part of a community of people who are passionate advocates for academic curiosity and lifelong learning

Why should I choose an MSc in biomedicine?

You will gain a deep understanding of the molecular and cellular processes involved in human diseases and how innovative methods can be developed to diagnose, prevent and treat acute, chronic, and infectious diseases.

Through dedicated training in experimental design, data analysis and critical evaluation of scientific literature, you will be equipped for a fulfilling career in academic research, healthcare, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals or related sectors such as science communication and education.

Based in Lancaster’s Department of Biomedical and Life Sciences, our MSc in Biomedicine is aligned with our research themes in:

  • Ageing and Neuroscience
  • Cancer Biology and Genome Stability
  • Microbes, Pathogens and Immunity

We specialise in both basic and translational research, advancing fundamental scientific discoveries and turning them into real-world health improvements such as diagnostic tools and new therapies.

Is this course suitable for me?

We welcome applications from graduates from a range of disciplines and backgrounds including:

  • Those with an undergraduate degree in subjects such as Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Biochemistry, Pharmacology or Neuroscience.
  • Those with an undergraduate degree in related subjects such as Chemistry, Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science with additional research or work experience in bioscience.
  • Those with a strong interest in understanding how basic scientific research can lead to development of innovative new drugs for the treatment of acute, chronic and infectious diseases.
  • Those who want to develop their research skills to progress to PhD study or research careers in industry, academia or in clinical settings.

What will I study?

You can choose from four taught modules that showcase the wide variety of biomedical research. You will also conduct a rigorous research project involving experimental design, data collection, and analysis. This combined approach will strengthen your practical skills, while fostering critical thinking and research independence.

You will have the option to study from a diverse array of cutting-edge topics in biomedicine that include neurological disorders, immunotherapy, neglected tropical diseases and cancer research. Each module focuses on how understanding fundamental molecular and cellular processes can be harnessed to advance human health.

You will also study a specialised module that equips you with the tools to critically evaluate the pathways from drug discovery to the clinic.

You may also choose modules delivered by Lancaster Medical School to develop your knowledge of how research is conducted in a healthcare and/or clinical setting and how healthcare research is communicated to bring about changes to policy and practice.

On which topics can I base my research?

Your taught modules serve as a foundation for your independent research project, which typically aligns with one of our core research themes and will be supervised by an experienced research-active member of our academic staff.

Diverse project options are available, such as:

  • Developing a new treatment for snakebites
  • Investigating the genetic risk factors for neurodegenerative diseases
  • Examining how the immune system reacts to infections
  • Studying aberrant gene expression in cardiovascular diseases
  • Testing novel combination therapies for cancer

Whatever the topic, your dissertation offers a valuable opportunity to produce robust scientific arguments, formulate and test hypotheses and critically evaluate competing scientific theories.

Build skills for your future

In addition to developing your practical laboratory skills, your research project will further your autonomous problem-solving and decision-making skills and apply ethical principles within the context of biomedical research.

Throughout the programme, our academic staff will support, guide and challenge you to ensure that you graduate with the confidence, critical insight and expertise needed to thrive in your chosen career path.

Careers

Take your career to the next level with an MSc in Biomedicine

You will graduate as a confident communicator and analytical thinker, equipped with strong research project management and leadership skills, as well as the ability to critically evaluate and interpret complex data within a biomedical context.

These capabilities open doors to a wide range of careers across the NHS, biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, government agencies, and the charitable sector.

Our MSc programme also provides an excellent foundation for those aspiring to pursue academic research at the PhD level. Many of our graduates have successfully progressed to doctoral study or secured research and development roles in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries.

Potential careers include:

Research and development and laboratory roles
  • Pharmaceutical Research and Development
  • Laboratory Scientist
  • Analytical Scientist
  • Biomedical Sciences Research Assistant
  • Senior Cell Therapy Specialist
  • Clinical Research Associate
  • Clinical Trial Coordinator
  • Medical Laboratory Technologist
  • Forensic Toxicologist
Data and quality roles
  • Data Analyst
  • Quality Assurance Associate
Science communication and policy roles
  • Senior Medical Writer
  • Project Leader (Medical Communications)
  • Account Associate (Healthcare Media)
  • Senior Journal Specialist
  • Policy Officer
Healthcare and clinical science roles
  • NHS Scientist Training Programme
  • Key Account Manager
Education roles
  • Science Teacher

Entry requirements

Academic requirements

2:1 Hons degree (UK or international equivalent) in an appropriate Biosciences subject such as Biology, Biomedical Sciences or Biochemistry. Eligible related subjects are also considered. If you have any queries regarding the suitability of your undergraduate degree please contact the admissions team.

Applicants with a 2:2 Hons degree (UK or equivalent) may also be considered, provided they can demonstrate a strong research background from previous education and/or relevant professional experience.

English language requirements

We require an IELTS (Academic) Test with an overall score of at least 6.5, and a minimum of 5.5 in each element of the test.

We also consider other English language qualifications and if your score is below our requirements, you may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English language programmes.

Help from our Admissions team

If you are thinking of applying to Lancaster and you would like to ask us a question, complete our enquiry form and one of the team will get back to you.

We also have more details on our website about:

Pre-master's programmes

Delivered in partnership with INTO Lancaster University, our one-year tailored pre-master's pathways are designed to improve your subject knowledge and English language skills to the level required by a range of Lancaster University master's degrees. Visit INTO Lancaster University for more details and a list of eligible degrees you can progress onto.

Course structure

We continually review and enhance our curriculum to ensure we are delivering the best possible learning experience, and to make sure that the subject knowledge and transferable skills you develop will prepare you for your future. The University will make every reasonable effort to offer programmes and modules as advertised. In some cases, changes may be necessary and may result in new modules or some modules and combinations being unavailable, for example as a result of student feedback, timetabling, Professional Statutory and Regulatory Bodies' (PSRB) requirements, staff changes and new research. Not all optional modules are available every year.

Core

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Optional

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Fees and funding

We set our fees on an annual basis and the 2026/27 entry fees have not yet been set.

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Scholarships and bursaries

Details of our scholarships and bursaries for 2026-entry study are not yet available, but you can use our opportunities for 2025-entry applicants as guidance.

Check our current list of scholarships and bursaries.

Important information

The information on this site relates primarily to the stated entry year and every effort has been taken to ensure the information is correct at the time of publication.

The University will use all reasonable effort to deliver the courses as described, but the University reserves the right to make changes to advertised courses. In exceptional circumstances that are beyond the University’s reasonable control (Force Majeure Events), we may need to amend the programmes and provision advertised. In this event, the University will take reasonable steps to minimise the disruption to your studies. If a course is withdrawn or if there are any fundamental changes to your course, we will give you reasonable notice and you will be entitled to request that you are considered for an alternative course or withdraw your application. You are advised to revisit our website for up-to-date course information before you submit your application.

More information on limits to the University’s liability can be found in our legal information.

Our Students’ Charter

We believe in the importance of a strong and productive partnership between our students and staff. In order to ensure your time at Lancaster is a positive experience we have worked with the Students’ Union to articulate this relationship and the standards to which the University and its students aspire. Find out more about our  Charter and student policies.