UCAS code C133
This programme provides a broad-based education in biosciences related to medicine and medical research, and offers great flexibility of module choice so that you can tailor elements of your degree to your own particular interests.
The Master of Biomedical Sciences (MBiol) is a four-year programme, in which students first follow the three-year BSc in Biomedical Sciences and then continue into a fourth year, subject to performance.
In the first three years, you’ll study a broad range of modules including from across the spectrum of the Biomedical Sciences disciplines, which include Biochemistry, Genetics, Immunology, Microbiology, Physiology, and Pharmacology. You will also have the opportunity to specialise and carry out your own research project.
The fourth (Master’s) year aims at developing enhanced research and personal skills for students seeking a high-level career in research (e. g. studying for a PhD or working in industry) or those seeking to enhance their qualification. Students will join a research team to undertake a significant research project. Students can also apply for a six-week summer research internship in the UK or overseas or apply to spend time working in industry or in other enterprises in the final year.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
In this first year, you will commence your transition from learner to student. You’ll start by gaining an understanding of core concepts of biology as well as the fundamental principles of immunity, infection, and therapy. You will also study how organisms develop and function, and learn about ecology and the global environment. You will develop practical skills, and you will discover how to utilise quantitative skills and study techniques. This year allows you to start to see how the Biosciences fit together, and importantly where the Biomedical Sciences fits in this awesome jigsaw.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change. The course content currently shown on this page reflects the programme as it is running in September 2026. The University is currently reviewing all of its programmes for 2027 entry. View the 2027 version of this course for more information.
In your second year you’ll expand your range of knowledge building those essential research skills, experimental design and analysis together with professional skills preparing you for a career within or outside the area of biomedical sciences. You will study in the disciplines of Physiology, Biochemistry, Immunology, and Genetics. In addition, you will start to tailor your degree with optional modules enabling you to follow your interest in Biochemistry, Cancer Biology, Microbiology and Infection, or Pharmacology.
You will choose one practical module from:
and one theory module* from:
*Your choice of theory module for Year 2 Semester 2, impacts your range of choice of theory modules in Year 3 Semester 1. No more than one module can be chosen from a single discipline across Year 2 and 3. For example, you cannot choose a Biochemistry module in year 2 and year 3. We must maintain a spread of discipline content for Biomedical Sciences.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change. The course content currently shown on this page reflects the programme as it is running in September 2026. The University is currently reviewing all of its programmes for 2027 entry. View the 2027 version of this course for more information.
Year three will provide an unparalleled opportunity for you to learn at the cutting edge of biomedical sciences research and be taught by world-leading academics in the subjects of biochemistry, immunology, microbiology, physiology, and pharmacology. You will also have the opportunity to take a physical or virtual placement. Central to this year is the capstone research project where you will plan and execute your own research, analyse, and critically evaluate data and communicate your research findings in your chosen specialisation.
You will choose two optional modules* from:
*Your choice of theory module for Year 2 Semester 2, impacts your range of choice of theory modules in Year 3 Semester 1. No more than one module can be chosen from a single discipline across Year 2 and 3. For example, you cannot choose a Biochemistry module in year 2 and year 3. We must maintain a spread of discipline content for Biomedical Sciences.
| Optional modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| GENOMICS AND EVOLUTION OF MICROBES (BIOS317) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change. The course content currently shown on this page reflects the programme as it is running in September 2026. The University is currently reviewing all of its programmes for 2027 entry. View the 2027 version of this course for more information.
The fourth year of study offers great flexibility – students may spend it entirely on campus at Liverpool, but more commonly they take up opportunities to broaden their experiences, for example a six-week research internship in the UK (in hospitals, industry or research institutes) or abroad (in our partner universities in Thailand or China). Others may elect to spend the entire fourth year on placement, in similar host institutions. Students will take core modules in research methods and statistics or informatics, together with a 60-credit research project. Students may replace the optional internship with other optional modules that cover advanced topics of global importance.
Optional module selection in Year 4 must include one of the following combinations:
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES (BIOS776) | 15 |
| RESEARCH PROJECT (LIFE700) | 60 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change. The course content currently shown on this page reflects the programme as it is running in September 2026. The University is currently reviewing all of its programmes for 2027 entry. View the 2027 version of this course for more information.
You will experience a range of learning environments during your studies at Liverpool. These will include student-centred activities as well as lectures, tutorials, laboratory practicals, dissection classes, fieldwork, data handling sessions and computer workshops. Some of these activities will be performed individually, such as personal research projects, and others in small tutorial or project groups, in addition to formal lectures and workshops. You will have research staff as well as your own academic adviser for individual tuition on our acclaimed tutorial programme.
As well as factual knowledge and understanding, biologists need practical and organisational skills, and an ability to work both alone and with other people. We record development of these abilities through continuous assessment during each semester and by final examination
At Liverpool, we take a distinctive approach to education through the Liverpool Learning Framework. This means teaching that is engaging, inclusive and designed to help you succeed during your studies and beyond.
You’ll develop specialist subject knowledge alongside the skills employers value most, including:
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
We also embed key priorities across our curriculum, including AI literacy, employability, and sustainability, helping you prepare for the future and make a positive impact in the world.
We’re committed to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive.
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
University of Liverpool students can choose from an exciting range of study placements at partner universities worldwide. Choose to spend a year at XJTLU in China or a year or semester at an institution of your choice.
Immerse yourself in Chinese culture on an optional additional year at Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University in stunning Suzhou.
Broaden your world by spending an additional year of study at a partner university abroad following your second year of study.
Take a semester of your second year of study at one of our worldwide partner institutions.
Spend a summer abroad on a study placement or research project at one of our worldwide partner institutions.
Every student at The University of Liverpool can study a language as part of, or alongside their degree. You can choose:
This course is also available as a three year BSc (Hons) programme.
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
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As a Biosciences graduate from the University of Liverpool, you will have an excellent set of career options ahead of you.
Typical types of roles/routes our graduates have gone on include:
Recent employers and sectors: