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MSc Biomedical Science (by research)

  Length Start dates (semester dates)
MSc by research

1 year full-time
2 years part-time

Apply for MSc by research

January or
September

This one-year research programme provides an opportunity for graduates with an interest in biomedical science to complete a masters level course during which they carry out a research project in their specific area of interest working under the supervision of an academic member of staff.

Biomedical Science covers the area of basic science which focuses on the study of fundamental biological processes involved in health and disease. Spanning a wide variety of disciplines in the life and physical sciences, biomedical research employs cross-disciplinary approaches with the overall aim to understand and treat disease.

This is not a taught course and does not require completion of specific taught modules. The MSc by research is often a popular choice for those wanting a full-time research experience and can provide a valuable stepping stone to those wishing to embark on a PhD programme.

Therefore, depending on the specific nature of your project, you will have the opportunity to obtain the following academic designations upon completion:

Studying across a range of disciplines you will have access to tailored York Biomedical Research Institute (YBRI) training activities focused on the biomedical sciences and the core YBRI themes: 

  • Immunology, haematology and infection
  • Molecular and cellular medicine
  • Neuroscience

Your research

Our MSc by research is the shortest of our research degrees. Consequently, your thesis will be narrower in scope than an MPhil or PhD thesis, although it should still contain some original work. Your thesis can be up to 30,000 words long and will be judged by two examiners, but you are not normally required to attend an oral examination.

Areas of research fall within, but are not limited to, the diverse biomedical portfolio of our academic staff, including neuroscience, molecular and cellular medicine, immunology, haematology, infection, chemical and structural biology, biophysics, and bioengineering.

Working under the supervision of world-leading, research-active supervisors, you will be encouraged to contribute to the development of new techniques, ideas or approaches as you pursue research in biomedical science at an advanced level.

Contact us

York Biomedical Research Institute

biomed-sciences-pgr@york.ac.uk
Department of Biology, Wentworth Way, University of York, York, YO10 5NG
@YBRI_UoY

Funding

Explore funding for postgraduate researchers.

Supervision

YBRI hosts over 90 principal investigators covering a range of disciplines. Search our academics according to their research interests.

Training and support

A dedicated Biomedical Science training and cohort-building programme will draw on the training offered by the collaborating departments, while offering the students on the programme additional training and opportunities to promote collaboration and networking across the programme.

Cohort activities will include: a monthly journal club, an annual research symposium, and other cross-departmental YBRI seminars and events.

Mentoring

All new research students are offered mentorship from within the existing research student community. For those new to York, mentors work in the same research area. Those who have previously studied at York will be offered a mentor working in a different research area. The mentor partnership is a means to explore options and understand more about working as a research student at the University of York.

The York Graduate Research School connects more than 2,000 postgraduate researchers (PGRs) across all disciplines and brings together the support you need to make the most of your research project.

On top of the technical research skills I learnt, a YBRI BMS programme teaches you project management, communication and analysis skills that are vital for any career path. The course gives you the chance to be more independent and continue developing your research skills, almost acting as a stepping-stone before the commitment of a PhD.

Ben,  recent graduate, MSc Biomedical Science (by research) 

Course location

This course is run by the York Biomedical Research Institute, based in the Department of Biology on Campus West and also includes contributions from the departments of Chemistry, Health Sciences, and Psychology, Hull York Medical School, and the School of Physics, Engineering, and Technology.

 

Entry requirements

To apply for this course you should hold, or expect to hold, a Bachelors degree in a related subject area for entry into this Masters programme with a 2:2 (or overseas equivalent).

English language requirements

If English is not your first language you must provide evidence of your ability.

Check your English language requirements

Applying

You can apply to start a full or part-time MSc (by research) in either January or September.

Please review the list of supervisors and their research interests, and choose up to three supervisors to consider your application. You can either make contact with these supervisors before applying, to discuss potential research projects, or you can describe your interest in the supervisor’s research area on your application form. Please include the names of the supervisors you would like to consider your application in the ‘Research Proposal’ section of the application form.

You do not need to prepare your own research proposal.

Apply for this course

Take a look at the supporting documents you may need for your application.

Find information about fees for research degrees.

Find out more about how to apply.

Supervisors and project areas

Discover York

Accommodation

We offer a range of campus accommodation to suit you and your budget, from economy to deluxe.

Our research

Our research spans the biological sciences and influences areas including environmental policy, tackling disease and biofuels.

Graduate Research School

Connect with researchers across all disciplines to get the most out of your research project.

Next steps

Contact us

York Biomedical Research Institute

biomed-sciences-pgr@york.ac.uk
Department of Biology, Wentworth Way, University of York, York, YO10 5NG
@YBRI_UoY