Integrated Master in Science - Biomedical Science (with Placement Year) University of Essex - Colchester Campus, UK

From cancer-screening to blood transfusions, from infections to genetic diseases; Biomedical Scientists research the causes and diagnosis of diseases and the effectiveness of the medicines that cure them. Our multidisciplinary approach means you learn skills that are at the forefront of advances in medical research.

Our MSci Biomedical Science is an Integrated Masters course that will open the door to a broad range of international career opportunities in this rapidly growing field. We’ll equip you with an understanding of the molecular principles that underlie biochemical reactions and biomedical processes. You’ll explore methods and research techniques that will enable you to understand and analyse current real-world biomedical problems and suggest solutions as well as hands-on practical experience in modern research.

Topics include:

• Structural biology
• Drug discovery
• Genomics
• Data analytics

At Essex, you’ll have the opportunity to handle and interpret quantitative data and carry out desk or laboratory-based research. You’ll be equipped with the key skills required for careers in biomedical science with an integrated understanding of biological, biochemical and molecular processes. We aim to provide you with an understanding of the multidisciplinary approaches to studying human disease and give advanced research skills that will enable a future career in the biomedical sciences sector. Your study areas include:

• The human immune system
• Pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria
• Haematology and blood transfusion
• Cell pathology
• Mechanisms of neurological diseases

With our Integrated Masters you’ll be able to fast track your degree and complete your final year in nine months compared to a regular MSc which usually takes twelve months. The course will cover key skills in biomedical science and provide you with the knowledge, understanding and hands-on experience required in this rapidly growing area of technology.

When you combine your undergraduate and postgraduate study in one degree you’ll be equipped with a strong theoretical background, specialist expertise through independent research and practical insights into current commercial applications. These include structural biology, drug discovery, genomics and data analytics. This combination makes graduates from our course attractive candidates for many employers.

Placement year

You can spend your third year on a placement year with another external organisation. This is usually focused around your course, and enables you to learn about a particular sector, company or job role, apply your academic knowledge in a practical working environment, and receive inspiration for future career pathways. Organisations our students have recently been placed with include GlaxoSmithKline, Proctor & Gamble, Aquaterra, Astrazeneca, Genzyme, Reckitt Benckiser, Thermofisher, and Isogenica.

If you complete a placement year you'll only pay 20% of your usual tuition fee to Essex for that year.