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Biomedical Sciences and Translational Medicine

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Important notice

To make way for our brand new Biological and Biomedical Sciences MRes, the Advanced Biological Sciences MRes and Biomedical Sciences and Translational Medicine MRes are closing and will not be accepting applications for 2025.

Our new Biological and Biomedical Sciences programme will combine the best of both of our previous MRes programmes and is coming soon for 2025. Keep your eyes peeled on our website and register your interest on our new courses page.

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Master of Research

A Master of Research (MRes) is a research-based postgraduate degree awarded in any academic discipline that offers research training.

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Course overview

The MRes in Biomedical Sciences and Translational Medicine programme will enable you to develop an advanced knowledge of biomedical sciences and its application to translational medicine. It will allow you the opportunity to specialise in distinct basic and applied research pathways.

Introduction

A key element of the programme design is the development of relevant, appropriate research skills in addition to systematic understanding and critical awareness of the research process at the interface of translational research.

The programme is divided into nine pathways and you will be able to choose a pathway and corresponding project that matches your individual research interests.

The programme pathways are:

  • Biology of Cancer – undertake research alongside internationally recognised scientists who are performing discovery led research to understand the mechanisms of cancer and find new ways to detect and treat the disease
  • Biomedical Imaging and Biosensing – work with world renowned researchers who are using biomedical imaging and sophisticated image analysis techniques to answer basic physiological and biological questions for addressing clinical problems
  • Cancer Medicine – undertake research alongside internationally recognised basic and clinical scientists
  • Cellular and Molecular Physiology – covering a wide range of different research areas from fundamental studies of cell biology to translational work on the mechanisms of human disease
  • Medical Science – offers projects in areas of medically relevant research that can be drawn from any of the wide range of research areas covered by staff within the Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology
  • Molecular and Clinical Gastroenterology – excellent opportunities for laboratory and clinical research focusing on the pathogenesis of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract in humans and animals
  • Neuroscience – encompassing studies of the basic cellular and molecular properties of neurons and neuronal signalling, analysis of the neurobiological basis of health and disease, exploration of the structure and function of the human nervous system, and investigation of the characteristics and underlying mechanisms of neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders in clinically-orientated research projects
  • Pharmacology and Therapeutics – offers projects in 3 main areas; molecular and clinical pharmacology, drug safety and nanomedicine
  • Stem Cells, Tissues and Disease – focusses on stem cell research and the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie a variety of human diseases.

Who is this course for?

This MRes aims to attract students who will benefit from studying in a translational research-intensive environment. It aims to be equally relevant to students from a variety of specialist disciplines and career routes including biological sciences, medicine, veterinary medicine, allied health professions and sports science.

What you'll learn

  • The expertise and confidence to pursue further study or a range of science, clinical, academia and related career pathways
  • Comprehensive research skills and associated performance within biomedical sciences and translational research, through access to expert researchers, professionals and peers
  • Advanced knowledge and critical understanding of biomedical sciences and how it relates to health, disease and translational therapeutic interventions
  • The skills to enable effective communication with professional and lay audiences.

Course content

Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.

Semester one

Compulsory modules

Biomedical Sciences & Translational Medicine Research Project 1 (Full-Time) (BIOM703)

Credits: 40 / Semester: semester 1

The MRes in Biomedical Sciences and Translational Medicine provides students with high level research training within the Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Medicine (ISMIB). Our aim is to develop research knowledge, skills and attributes including confidence and expertise, to contribute to the pursuit of further study or undertake roles academia, the health sector and industry/education/service sectors in general. The programme is suitable for bioscience graduates, intercalating medical and veterinary students, and science graduates interesting in training in biological sciences. Students will become full members of a research group and take advantage of relevant first-class facilities and an active research environment.

This is a 40 credit module that gives direct authentic research experience. The module represents the first part of a two-part research project within the MRes in Biomedical Science and Translational Medicine programme. The teaching approach relies upon research-connected and enquiry-based learning with authentic assessments in the form of scientific reports, scientific presentations, continual assessment of the student’s performance (Hallmarks of the Liverpool Curriculum Framework).

Techniques and Frontiers in Biomedical Sciences (BIOM604)

Credits: 30 / Semester: whole session

This is a 30-credit taught module that develops the fundamental practical and theoretical skills required for laboratory-based research. Assessment of the module is via written reviews and critical evaluations of published literature.

Transferable Skills (BIOM603)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 3

This module will enable students to develop a range of skills relevant across a wide range of career disciplines. It comprises lectures and workshops. These will give students opportunities to communicate scientific concepts to expert, commercial and lay audiences. Students will receive training in ethics, record keeping, presentation and report writing skills. There will be specific workshops on intellectual property, product branding and commercialisation, as well as grant writing. Assessment is via written grant application, business plan, reflective portfolio, and by oral presentations.

Optional modules

Cellular Biotechnology and Biological Imaging (LIFE749)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

Modern biotechnology and bioimaging applies novel tools and approaches to address today’s global challenges.
You will learn a variety of methods in mammalian cell biotechnology as well as imaging technologies that range from the microscopic scale to cellular and organ imaging in vivo. You will develop knowledge of a diversity of cell analysis techniques. Furthermore, the use of reporter genes for various types of imaging will be explained, including imaging technologies for cell analysis on the microscopic level as well as for cell imaging and functional analysis in animal models of disease.

The lectures will convey basic knowledge and include examples of applications from actual research publications, or the lecturer’s own research work, in equal measure. The students will have learning tutorials on critical appraisal of literature. There will also be a practical workshop on contemporary microscopy.
The module will be taught through a combination of lectures, workshops and practical exercises. There are two written assessments in this module.

CODING FOR LIFE SCIENCES (LIFE733)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

This module is aimed at postgraduate students in the Biosciences, wishing to learn about methods for use in data-intensive research. The module provides a broad introduction to the use of Python coding for performing basic tasks in the biological sciences. The student will get practical experience in writing their own Python scripts for basic bioinformatics tasks, such as manipulating DNA, RNA and protein sequences, file input/output and working with other programs, such as BLAST. There is also an introduction to data visualisation using Python, and simple techniques used in data science.

Around 10 hours of lectures will be provided on core topics, with a strong emphasis on practical activity in workshops (totalling around 40 hours), allowing students to gain confidence in writing scripts for their own tasks. The module will be assessed by two short coding assignments, one team working coding assignment building a bioinformatics pipeline, and a data science mini-project.

BIOLOGICAL DATA SKILLS (LIFE707)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

Data skills are essential for a career in modern biology. Biological studies increasingly involve the generation of large or complex sets of data, and the ability to analyse data is a core component of a successful biologist’s skill set. Digital fluency is also required more widely outside biological research and a grounding in data analysis is in demand by a broad range of employers. Here you will learn the ability to visualise data, critically test hypotheses, and to interpret and present results.

The learning and teaching materials are delivered as an online set of resources (available through Canvas) coupled with computer-based practical workshops. The module will also introduce students to the powerful open access statistical software package, R.

The module will be assessed by a written data analysis report and an open-book exam

For any students studying off-campus – due to a placement in industry or studying at an overseas University – on-line drop-in sessions will be provided instead of the practical workshops.

Pharmaceutical Toxicology (LIFE765)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

This key module in the MSc Pharmacology and Toxicology programme brings together core and novel aspects of toxicology in the context of the development of new medicines. Topics include major organ toxicities, pharmacogenetics, development of in vitro test systems, nanotoxicology and computational/systems toxicology. This builds on local research strengths (e.g. Centre for Drug Safety Science) and strong links with the pharmaceutical industry and regulatory agencies. The module includes research connected lectures and seminars, from leading academic researchers based at the University of Liverpool, as well as external speakers. The two module assessments are aimed at writing reports on topics covered in the first and second half of the module, respectively.

Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.

Our curriculum

The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:

  • Digital fluency
  • Confidence
  • Global citizenship

Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:

  • Research-connected teaching
  • Active learning
  • Authentic assessment

All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.

Course options

Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.

Study as an intercalated degree

Intercalation allows you take a break from your medical degree, usually after year 3 or 4, and study an additional qualification. Most intercalating students choose to study a master's degree. This gives you the opportunity to explore a subject of interest at an advanced level and acquire new skills and knowledge that will enhance and/or complement your medical degree.

Your experience

The School of Biosciences offers world-class, inspirational research-led education across the full biosciences spectrum. The School works in close partnership with other disciplines across the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, offering students the freedom to cross discipline boundaries.

Careers and employability

Graduates from the programme will be able to enter career pathways that require good analytical, numeracy and communication skills. This programme will enhance your opportunities for PhD entry and is therefore well suited to students committed to a career as a research scientist.

Career planning

Three career coaches standing outside the Careers Studio

Our campus Career Studio is a space for students and graduates to drop into and talk to a career coach. Career coaches are highly trained to help no matter what stage you are at in your career planning. You can access support to find and apply for full-time and part-time roles, placements, internships and graduate schemes. You will also find the help you need if you have a start-up idea or want to create a business plan. You can explore the world of work, prepare for job interviews, and access careers events and workshops. The Career Studio is open Monday to Friday from 10am-5pm, simply drop in at a time that works for you.

From education to employment

Two graduates in postgraduate robes.

We develop our programmes with employers in mind. You will be supported to enhance your long-term employment prospects as you learn. We do this by exposing you to professionals, a variety of sectors and supporting you to work collaboratively with others to develop transferable skills. You are equipped with a clearer view of what to focus on in your area of interest, and to reflect on your studies. Our digital employability tools give you a tech-enhanced curriculum experience and make it easy for you to prepare for the world of work. You can use tools like the Handshake platform to connect with employers and message the Career Studio 24/7.

Networking events

Postgraduate students hold a discussion while sat round a table in in the Liverpool Guild of Students.

You can start building good professional networks by attending events and employability activities. Our events are designed to develop your skills and expose you to many different employers, as well as to help you make contacts in your field. We help you improve your confidence when speaking to employers and give you access to unique opportunities. Our networking events also boost your understanding of the competencies and skills that employers are looking for in their recruitment process, giving you a competitive edge.

Your future

With an MRes in Biomedical Sciences and Translational Medicine you will be well qualified to enter a wide range of modern scientific employment. These opportunities include careers in research, industry and leadership roles.

This course provides valuable research experience to clinicians and can support career progression or help enter a clinical academic pathway.

In the public sector, graduates at master’s level are in demand in research institutes, government departments, the Health Service, and the Environment Agency.

Fees and funding

Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.

Tuition fees

UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Full-time place, per year £4,786
International fees
Full-time place, per year £29,750
Fees stated are for the academic year 2024/25 and are subject to change for 2025/26. Some MRes courses incur additional bench fees. You will be notified of any fee which applies to you in your offer letter.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.

If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about paying for your studies..

Additional costs

An additional £3,000 fee applies to cover research support costs. Please note, this programme may have further additional costs associated with it depending on your choice of a lab or computational/fieldwork-based project.

Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.

Additional study costs

An additional £3,000 fee applies to cover research support costs. Please note, this programme may have further additional costs associated with it depending on your choice of a lab or computational/fieldwork-based project.

Find out more about additional study costs.

Scholarships and bursaries

We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.

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Graduate Loyalty Advancement Scholarship

  • Home and international students

If you’re a University of Liverpool graduate starting a master’s degree with us from September 2024, you could be eligible to receive a loyalty discount of up to £2,500 off your master’s tuition fees.

Postgraduate Global Advancement Scholarship

  • International students

If you’re an international student starting a master’s degree with us from September 2024, you could be eligible to receive a discount of up to £7,500 off your master’s tuition fees, if you haven’t studied with us before.

Chilean National Agency for Research and Development (ANID) Scholarship

  • International students
  • Chile

If you’re a Chilean student joining a master’s degree, you could be eligible to apply for a 20% discount on your tuition fees with a Chilean National Agency for Research and Development (ANID) Scholarship.

Chevening Scholarships

  • International students
  • Albania
  • Algeria
  • Anguilla
  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Argentina
  • Australia
  • Azerbaijan
  • Bangladesh
  • Barbados
  • Belize
  • Bolivia
  • Brazil
  • British Virgin Islands
  • Brunei
  • Canada
  • Cayman Islands
  • Chile
  • China
  • Columbia
  • Costa Rica
  • Cuba
  • Dominica
  • Ecuador
  • Egypt
  • El Salvador
  • Ghana
  • Guatemala
  • Guyana
  • Honduras
  • Hong Kong
  • Iceland
  • India
  • Indonesia
  • Iraq
  • Jamaica
  • Japan
  • Jordan
  • Kazakhstan
  • Kenya
  • Libya
  • Malaysia
  • Mauritius
  • Mexico
  • Moldova
  • Mongolia
  • Montserrat
  • Morocco
  • Nepal
  • New Zealand
  • Nicaragua
  • Nigeria
  • Pakistan
  • Panama
  • Paraguay
  • Peru
  • Philippines
  • Russia
  • Saint Kitts and Nevis
  • Saint Lucia
  • Saint Vincent and The Grenadines
  • Serbia
  • Singapore
  • South Africa
  • South Korea
  • South Sudan
  • Sri Lanka
  • Sudan
  • Taiwan
  • Tanzania
  • Thailand
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • Turkey
  • Turks and Caicos Islands
  • Uganda
  • Ukraine
  • Uruguay
  • Venezuela
  • Vietnam
  • Zimbabwe

If you’re an international student from an eligible country, joining a one-year master’s course, you could be eligible to apply for a Chevening Scholarship. If your application is successful, you could expect to have your master’s fees paid, up to a maximum of £18,000, and receive additional help with living costs.

Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnologia (CONACyT) Award

  • International students
  • Mexico

If you’re a Mexican student joining a master’s degree, you could be eligible to apply for a 30% discount on your tuition fees with a CONACyT Award.

Fund for the Development of Human Resources (FIDERH) Award

  • International students
  • Mexico

If you’re a Mexican student joining a master’s degree and you’re in receipt of a FIDERH graduate loan, you could be eligible to benefit from a 20% discount on your tuition fees with a FIDERH Award.

Fulbright Scholarship

  • International students
  • United States

If you’re a USA student joining a master’s degree, you can apply to be considered for a tuition fee discount of £20,000 with a Fulright Scholarship. One Fulbright Scholarship for master’s study is available in each academic year.

FUNED Award

  • International students
  • Mexico

If you’re a Mexican student joining a master’s degree and you’re in receipt of a FUNED loan, you can apply to be considered for a 20% tuition fee discount. A total of up to 50 awards will be available to master’s and PhD students per academic year.

Graduate Association Hong Kong & Tung Postgraduate Scholarships

  • International students
  • China
  • Hong Kong

If you’re a master’s student from Hong Kong or the People’s Republic of China who can demonstrate academic excellence, you may be eligible to apply for a scholarship worth up to £10,000 in partnership with the Tung Foundation.

HRH Princess Sirindhorn University of Liverpool Scholarship (Thailand)

  • International students
  • Thailand

If you’re a student from Thailand joining a one-year master’s degree, you might be eligible to apply to have your tuition fees paid in full and receive help with living costs. One award is available and only students who are new to the University will be considered.

John Lennon Memorial Scholarship

  • Home students

If you’re a UK student, either born in or with strong family connections to Merseyside, you could be eligible to apply for a fee discount of up to £4,500. You’ll need to demonstrate an active interest in global, community and environmental issues to be considered.

JuventudEsGto Scholarship

  • International students
  • Mexico

If you’re a resident of the state of Guanajuato in Mexico joining a master’s degree, you could be eligible for a 10% discount on your tuition fees with a JuventudEsGto Scholarship.

Marshall Scholarship

  • International students
  • United States

If you’re a USA student joining an eligible master’s with us, you could be eligible to apply for a Marshall Scholarship. If your application is successful, your master’s tuition fees will be paid in full. One Marshall Scholarship for master’s study is available in each academic year.

Postgraduate Opportunity Bursary

  • Home students

If you’re a UK University of Liverpool graduate joining a master’s degree with us, you could be eligible to receive £3,000 off your tuition fees. You must have graduated in the last two years and received a widening access scholarship during your undergraduate studies.

Sport Liverpool Performance Programme

  • Home and international students

Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.

Turkish Ministry of Education Scholarship

  • International students
  • Turkey

If you’re a Turkish student joining a master’s degree, you could be eligible to apply for a 20% discount on your tuition fees with a Turkish Ministry of Education Scholarship.

University of Liverpool International College Excellence Scholarship

  • International students

Completed a Pre-Master’s at University of Liverpool International College (UoLIC)? We’re offering a £5,000 fee discount off the first year of master’s study to some of the highest achieving students joining one of our non-clinical master’s courses from UoLIC.

University of Liverpool International College Impact Progression Scholarships

  • International students

If you’re a University of Liverpool International College student awarded a Kaplan Impact Scholarship, we’ll also consider you for an Impact Progression Scholarship. If selected, you’ll receive a fee discount worth £3,000 off the first year of your master’s course.

Vice-Chancellor’s International Attainment Scholarship for Mainland China

  • International students
  • China

Are you a high-achieving graduate from the People’s Republic of China with a degree from a Chinese university? You could be eligible to apply for a £5,000 fee discount if you’re joining an eligible master’s course. Up to 15 eligible students will receive this scholarship.

Entry requirements

The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.

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Your qualification Requirements

About our typical entry requirements

Postgraduate entry requirements

Applicants should have a good first degree in a relevant subject (2:1 Hons or higher). 

We are able to offer a level of flexibility for applicants. Those with a 2:2 honours degree will be considered on an individual basis.

International qualifications

If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, a Pre-Master’s can help you gain a place. This specialist preparation course for postgraduate study is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. Although there’s no direct Pre-Master’s route to this MRes, completing a Pre-Master’s pathway can guarantee you a place on many other postgraduate courses at The University of Liverpool.

English language requirements

You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.

We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.

International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.

English language qualification Requirements
IELTS 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component
TOEFL iBT 88 or above with minimum scores in components as follows: Listening and Writing 21, Reading – 22, Speaking 23.
Hong Kong use of English AS level C
INDIA Standard XII National Curriculum (CBSE/ISC) - 75% and above in English. Accepted State Boards - 80% and above in English.
WAEC C6

About our entry requirements

Our entry requirements may change from time to time both according to national application trends and the availability of places at Liverpool for particular courses. We review our requirements before the start of the new application cycle each year and publish any changes on our website so that applicants are aware of our typical entry requirements before they submit their application.

We believe in treating applicants as individuals, and in making offers that are appropriate to their personal circumstances and background. Therefore the offer any individual applicant receives may differ slightly from the typical offer quoted on the website.

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Fees and Finance

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Changes to Biomedical Sciences and Translational Medicine MRes

See what updates we've made to this course since it was published. We document changes to information such as course content, entry requirements and how you'll be taught.

23 March 2023: New postgraduate taught course pages

New course pages launched.