Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
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Postgraduate MSc
Biomedical Science
Enhance your knowledge of the major fields in biomedical sciences. You’ll focus on self-driven independent laboratory work in our specialist lab facilities.
Course overview
-
L27 -
City Campus -
Full-Time -
1 Year -
21 Sep 2026
This course will prepare you to take the next step in your career if:
- Your first degree is in biomedical sciences or a related subject, or
- You don’t have a degree in this field, but you have significant experience of working in a biomedical sciences laboratory setting
As part of this course you’ll:
- Develop expertise to inform and underpin your research activities, so you’ll be well placed to undertake specialist laboratory-based roles or PhD study
- Study wide-ranging topics, from immunology and haematology to medical genetics and physiology
- Be supported in your development through taught sessions and the guidance of your research supervisor
- Learn through a range of activities, including tutor-led lab sessions, independent research and group assignments
Specialist facilities
Our Biomedical Sciences Laboratory is purpose-built. The space contains the latest scientific testing equipment, walk-in cold and warm rooms and state-of-the-art IT and AV facilities.
Guest lectures
Our seminar series will give you access to visiting professionals. They’ll share their experience of working in industry and research. Additionally, the guest lecturer events will enable you to nurture your professional networks.
Learn from experts
Our academic staff are experts in a broad range of subjects, including:
- Nanoparticles
- Bacterial genetics
- Membrane science
You’ll have plenty of options when you need to select your research project.
Develop your skillset
You’ll be encouraged to cultivate your wider skill set beyond the laboratory. The Personal & Professional Development module will be dedicated to helping you achieve your career goals.
Why study Biomedical Sciences at Leeds Beckett University...
- Professionally accredited course
- Specialist facilities
- Research-led teaching
- Access to guest speakers and visiting professionals
Explore videos and blogs
Biomedical Science Laboratories at Leeds Beckett University Take a look inside our outstanding Biomedical Science laboratories and find out more about what they're used for.
Why Leeds for Health? Find out why studying a course at the School of Health is the right choice for you.
Everything you need to know
Discover all there is to know about the course, from entry requirements and fees to exploring the school you’ll be joining - we’ve got it covered.
Entry requirements
Applicants should either have at least a second class honours (2.2) degree in a cognate subject, at least a second class honours (2.2) degree in a non-cognate subject supported by evidence of an aptitude for the subject applied for, or have equivalent experience or training, normally from within the work environment.
All applicants should ensure the following requirements are addressed in their personal statement, using no more than 500 words: Commitment to the subject: you should include your reasons for applying for, and interest in, this specific MSc course. You should demonstrate that you have carefully considered your reasons for studying this course and how completion of the course will benefit you in your longer-term career planning. Prior lab experience: you should include an outline of your lab experience to date, in particular whether you have completed a lab-based research project as part of your undergraduate degree and what the title of your project was. Please also briefly detail what lab techniques you have experience of.
All applications should be supported by a reference, either academic or professional; you can download our reference template for completion.
All applicants should satisfy our University English language requirements.
All applicants should satisfy our English Language requirements. Please note the IELTS requirement for this course are IELTS 6.5 with no skill below 6.0. Further details about acceptable equivalent qualifications can be found on our International Student information pages.
Entry requirements
Applicants should either have at least a second class honours (2.2) degree in a cognate subject, at least a second class honours (2.2) degree in a non-cognate subject supported by evidence of an aptitude for the subject applied for, or have equivalent experience or training, normally from within the work environment.
All applicants should ensure the following requirements are addressed in their personal statement, using no more than 500 words: Commitment to the subject: you should include your reasons for applying for, and interest in, this specific MSc course. You should demonstrate that you have carefully considered your reasons for studying this course and how completion of the course will benefit you in your longer-term career planning. Prior lab experience: you should include an outline of your lab experience to date, in particular whether you have completed a lab-based research project as part of your undergraduate degree and what the title of your project was. Please also briefly detail what lab techniques you have experience of.
All applications should be supported by a reference, either academic or professional; you can download our reference template for completion.
All applicants should satisfy our University English language requirements.
All applicants should satisfy our English Language requirements. Please note the IELTS requirement for this course are IELTS 6.5 with no skill below 6.0. Further details about acceptable equivalent qualifications can be found on our International Student information pages.
IELTS
All applicants should satisfy our English Language requirements. Please note the IELTS requirement for this course are IELTS 6.5 with no skill below 6.0. Further details about acceptable equivalent qualifications can be found on our International Student information pages.
Selection Criteria
We may use selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements.
Independent study is a crucial part of learning at university and you will be required to undertake many hours of self-directed research and reading, and preparation and writing of assessments. Your course is delivered through a number of modules, which will help you to plan your time and establish a study routine. Outside of your lectures, workshops and tutorials, a range of support is available to assist with your independent study. Our subject-specific librarians will be on hand to direct you to the specialist learning and study-skill resources. You’ll also be assigned an academic advisor to give you tailored feedback and support.
Modules, teaching and learning
What you'll learn
Study the communication and dissemination of scientific research. You will cover the traditional route, including journal articles and conferences. In addition you will look at the presentation of science in the mass media and at newer routes of dissemination such as social media. You will also discuss the target audiences for each route of dissemination and thus consider the different techniques utilised and skills required.
As next-generation sequencing methods and genome-wide association studies advance, clearer links between genetic variations and diseases are being discovered. In this module, you'll focus on the existing approaches used to investigate these links and identify their limitations. With advances in technology, previously undiagnosable or untreatable conditions are now being revealed. You'll learn about a wide range of diagnostic methods used to detect illnesses, evaluating their strengths and weaknesses. Additionally, you'll explore the connection between genomics, proteomics and metabolomics, and how they can affect larger biochemical networks, including the endocrine system.
Using a case study approach, you'll explore the diagnosis of key microbial pathogens. Covering microbial drug resistance, new disease epidemics, pathogen mutation and evolution, you'll address issues that impact diagnosis using a global perspective. You'll develop a grounding in the key diagnostic methods, such as advanced molecular diagnostics and the interaction of microbial pathogens with the human host. In practical sessions, you'll apply relevant diagnostics to solve case study problems as you learn to diagnose bacterial infections using a range of lab results.
Develop your applied laboratory and research skills to master's level and beyond. You'll discover methods widely used in biomedical sciences, preparing you for your future career. Combining theory and practice, you'll delve into modern experimental techniques used in biological, medical and chemical analysis. We'll introduce you to COSHH and risk assessments to help you conduct lab research in a safe and productive manner. You'll also explore approaches to research, including quantitative data, data collection methods and research ethics. These skills will enable you to effectively plan your own research, evaluate research literature and analyse data.
Explore the different approaches to safely and ethically carry out a lab-based research project. The skills you will develop will allow you to work effectively in the lab and analyse research data using appropriate statistical tests.
Gain a thorough grounding in pathology, the study and diagnosis of disease through the analysis of patient samples, including tissues and cells. You'll explore and evaluate a variety of current laboratory techniques used in research and diagnostics to detect illnesses, monitor treatments, and manipulate disease mechanisms. You'll focus your knowledge on immune and blood systems, covering methodologies and expected diagnostic results, and learn about the defects in these systems associated with clinical conditions.
Develop your awareness of project management and leadership and enhance your skills as a reflective practitioner/researcher. This module will also aid you in the identification of needs for the development of a career plan.
Explore the different approaches to safely and ethically carry out a lab-based research project. The skills you'll develop will enable you to work effectively in the lab and analyse research data using appropriate statistical tests.
Fees and funding
£10,400
UK
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2026/27 is £10400. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
£18,440
International 2026
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2026/27 is £18440. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.
Fees and funding
£10,400
For students entering in 2026
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2026/27 is £10400. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
Access to course resources, equipment and facilities, including:
- Biomedical sciences laboratories housing modern IT and AV facilities. Our Biomedical Sciences laboratory provides important, contemporary facilities for our students. This includes a range of biochemical, microbiological, molecular and physiological analysis equipment.
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Essential Costs
- You'll need to get a lab book for your project; a hardback notebook from the Pound Shop is recommended.
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
£18,440
For students entering in 2026
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2026/27 is £18440. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Access to course resources, equipment and facilities, including:
- Biomedical sciences laboratories housing modern IT and AV facilities. Our Biomedical Sciences laboratory provides important, contemporary facilities for our students. This includes a range of biochemical, microbiological, molecular and physiological analysis equipment.
Essential Costs
- You'll need to get a lab book for your project; a hardback notebook from the Pound Shop is recommended.
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
Funding support for your studies
Discover more about our range of postgraduate funding options including a Master's Loan of up to £13,206, and our 20% alumni discount*
*Terms apply
Career prospects
There’s a lot to consider when choosing a course. Take a look at the team you’ll be working with, employability statistics and career prospects to help make up your mind.
I acquired a wide range of lab skills through the practical sessions on my course, and I was able to further develop on my communication and presentation capabilities which really helped with my confidence. I’m now training to become a project manager, and it's so rewarding being involved in medical treatments that are helping to improve patients’ quality of life.
Esther Tagarira
Clinical Trials Administrator ACM Global Central Laboratory
Dr Donna Johnson
Course Director / School of Health
Dr Donna Johnson is Course Director for Postgraduate Biomedical Sciences. Her teaching and research centre on the integration of pedagogy, data literacy, and research design in biomedical education. A Senior Fellow of the HEA and Chartered Science Teacher, she leads innovations in digital learning and research-informed teaching, with recent work exploring the use of artificial intelligence in higher education. Donna also has interests in the impact of platelet microparticles on biofilm formation.
Career Prospects
This course will open up skilled laboratory-based roles, such as research scientist or biomedical scientist, and you will be in a strong position should you want to apply to the NHS Scientist Training Programme. Alternatively, you could use your expertise as a science writer and researcher to write and edit scientific news, articles and features. You will also be thoroughly prepared for doctoral-level study.
- Researcher
- PhD student
- Clinical microbiologist
- Research technician
Beckett Careers Team
Our careers service is not just there for undergraduates, we support our postgraduate taught and research students too.
Your postgraduate degree will boost your CV and help you stand out from the crowd. Whether you're just starting out on your chosen career path, changing careers or moving to the next level, we can provide you with expert advice and resources to help you take the next steps to achieving your goals.
Student life
At Leeds Beckett your experience is important to us, find out more about what to expect from your time on this course and life at uni.
School of Health tour | Student vlog Global Ambassador and MSc Biomedical Science student, Moira, takes you on a tour around the School of Health, showcasing the facilities on offer for students.
Experience Leeds Beckett
Our state-of-the-art facilities and learning environments give you everything you need to succeed – whether that’s completing your current studies or joining our cutting-edge research teams.
Why Leeds?
With great music venues, culture, shopping and parks – we’ve got it all. Voted no.1 student city in the UK* and the Best Place to Live in the North and Northeast**.
*StudentCrowd, Best Student Cities UK, 2024
**The Sunday Times Best Place to Live guide, 2024.
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