MSc Biomedical and Clinical Research
Belfast, United Kingdom
MSc
DURATION
1 year
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
31 Jul 2026
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
TUITION FEES
GBP 27,600 *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* international fee
Healthcare research is rapidly growing with an increasing demand to identify the mechanisms of pathophysiology of disease and demonstrate proof-of-concept evidence of the efficacy and importance of new discoveries and treatments. Furthermore, there’s a need to test new technologies and therapies in clinical trials for better clinical care outcomes for patients. Subsequently, we offer a great opportunity for graduates who can undertake basic and clinical research and translate it into improved medical treatments for patients. This Master of Science programme in Biomedical and Clinical Research provides a strong learning environment for such graduates.
Who we are
The MSc in Biomedical and Clinical Research is provided by the Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine (WWIEM). The Institute’s mission is the pursuit of scientific breakthroughs in understanding mechanisms of disease to improve health outcomes, and its vision is to be an international hub of excellence in innovation and discovery to cure disease and improve health. WWIEM is strategically placed to provide expertise for the Institute for Research Excellence in Advanced Clinical Healthcare (iREACH) centre, based at QUB. iREACH brings together the expertise of clinicians, life scientists and data scientists with experienced industry partners in a collaborative approach to clinical trial delivery.
About the MSc programme
In this programme, students will undergo theoretical (didactic) and practical (project-based) training in biomedical and clinical research with an emphasis on clinical translation. One of the programme's objectives is to learn the research journey that spans between the pathophysiology of the disease and translating that knowledge to develop novel diagnostic or therapeutic strategies to improve health. The modules focus on research related to the broad spectrum of expertise available in the WWIEM. The acquired skills range from a strong fundamental understanding of high-quality biomedical research, advanced experimental techniques to conduct research involving animal and in vitro disease models. The training also allows students to develop expertise in conducting clinical research to include observational studies as well as design and implementation of clinical trials, and the use of health informatics such as Electronic Health Records and how this information can be leveraged for translational bioinformatics research.
The programme is research-intensive and focuses on developing proficiency in experimental design and execution, regulatory and ethical aspects, data analysis and interpretation. Dedicated sessions will also emphasise training on scientific communication, presentation, grant writing, publishing, and use of social media in the dissemination of findings.
The programme offers comprehensive research training with access to over 60 research groups and the state-of-the-art research facilities at the WWIEM. Research facilities include Central Technology Units for Imaging and Genomics which are leading the way in research excellence, in addition to the Clinical Trials Facility and the Northern Ireland Clinical Trials Unit.
Intercalated Medical and Dental Students
Completing an intercalated degree will boost your CV when applying for postgraduate training. Depending on the discipline, selection panels look for completion of an additional degree, or for publications or posters. An intercalated degree gives you the opportunity to improve your chances of future success.
Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally no later than 31st July 2026 for courses which commence in late September. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal. Notifications to this effect will appear on the Applicant Management System [AMS] against the programme application page.
Please note a deposit will be required to guarantee a place on the course. Due to high demand, applications may not be considered if the course has reached its maximum class size and will be placed on a waiting list.
Who is the programme for
The MSc in Biomedical and Clinical Research is a research-intensive programme designed for students seeking to excel in academic research, clinical translation, clinical trials and the life sciences industry. This programme provides rigorous training in advanced research methodologies, critical analysis and innovative thinking – equipping graduates to tackle the most pressing biomedical and clinical challenges of the 21st century. With a string emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration, the programme welcomes students from diverse backgrounds including biomedical sciences, medicine, dentistry, nursing, pharmacy and allied health specialities. Participants will engage in cutting-edge research projects, working alongside leading academics and clinicians to translate scientific discoveries into meaningful healthcare advancements. For medical and dental students, this MSc can be pursued as an intercalated degree, enhancing both research and clinical expertise. Additionally, the programme serves as a springboard for PhD , positioning graduates for leadership roles in biomedical innovation, clinical trials, and translational medicine.
How do I fund my study?
The Department for the Economy will provide a tuition fee loan of up to £6,500 per NI / EU student for postgraduate study.
A postgraduate loans system in the UK offers government-backed student loans of up to £11,836 for taught and research Masters courses in all subject areas (excluding Initial Teacher Education/PGCE, where undergraduate student finance is available). Criteria, eligibility, repayment and application information are available on the UK government website.
Course Structure
The MSc in Biomedical and Clinical Research is a full-time postgraduate programme delivered over one year. The programme will primarily be of interest to students with undergraduate degrees in Biomedical Science or Healthcare Science related fields. Students will undertake 2 core taught modules, Core Research Skills and Clinical Translation (20 CATS each; total 40 CATS). Then, depending on their field of interest, students have a choice of optional modules on offer that include Advanced Research Skills (20 CATS), Delivering Clinical Trials from Protocol to Patient (20 CATS), Statistics in Public Health and Medical Research (10 CATS) and Health and Biomedical informatics and the Exposome (10 CATS). Students will also undertake an intensive research project (60 CATS) from a list of laboratory or non-laboratory projects that are offered and supervised by the academic faculty. Depending on the research project selected, students will be guided to select relevant optional modules that will suit laboratory, clinical or bioinformatic projects.
The MSc is awarded to students who successfully complete 120 CATS points (60 CATS taught modules, 60 CATS Research Project, and 60 CATS Dissertation).
A Postgraduate Diploma Exit qualification is available to those students who have successfully completed 120 CATS points (60 CATS, taught modules and 60 CATS research project).
A Postgraduate Certificate Exit qualification is available to those students who have successfully completed 60 CATS points of taught modules.
Core Modules
- Clinical Translation (20 credits)
- Core Research Skills (20 credits)
- Dissertation (60 credits)
- Research Project (60 credits)
Optional Modules
- Advanced Research Skills (20 credits)
- Health and Biomedical Informatics and the Exposome (10 credits)
- Statistics in Public Health and Medical Research (10 credits)
- Delivering Clinical Trials - from Protocol to Patient (20 credits)
The programme is designed for students wishing to pursue a career in biomedical and clinical research, whether it is in academia, clinical practice, industry or government. The programme will also provide an excellent platform for progression to PhD programmes either in Queen’s or worldwide.
Employment after the Course
Upon completing the course, students with a biomedical background often secure positions in industry or within the health service, leveraging their skills in healthcare informatics or clinical research. Others may pursue a PhD and embark on an academic career.
Alumni Success
In five years, I envision myself thriving in a dynamic role within the healthcare sector, leveraging my expertise in industry, healthcare informatics or clinical research. Whether driving innovation in a leadership position, contributing to groundbreaking health solutions, or advancing research and mentoring future professionals in an academic setting, my goal is to be at the forefront of transformative advancements in healthcare.
Prizes and Awards
The top ranked candidate in the year will receive a Book Prize and Certificate of Merit.
Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills
In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.