The University of Edinburgh – College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine
Biomedical Sciences (Life Sciences) MScR
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
MSc
DURATION
1 year
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
24 Jul 2026
EARLIEST START DATE
14 Sep 2026
TUITION FEES
GBP 39,200 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* for international/EU | for Scotland and rest of UK: GBP 10,920
Key Summary
Embark on a transformative journey in biomedical research with our MSc by Research in Biomedical Sciences (Life Sciences).
This one-year, full-time research master's programme is uniquely designed to provide you with an intensive research experience, preparing you for a PhD or a career in academic or industrial research.
You will be immersed in our research environment from the onset, choosing two distinct research projects that align with your interests and career aspirations. This dual project approach allows you to either specialise deeply in one area or explore two different areas of biomedical sciences.
Our MScR programme not only equips you with specialised knowledge in biomedical sciences but also strengthens your transferable skills, making you a competitive candidate for future academic and professional opportunities. Whether you aim to contribute to groundbreaking scientific research or advance in the biotechnology industry, you will come out with the foundation you need.
Why choose this programme
- Gain invaluable hands-on experience by engaging in two extensive 20-week research projects, allowing you to explore diverse areas of biomedical sciences and refine your research focus.
- Tailor your educational journey by choosing your second research theme based on evolving interests, offering the flexibility to either deepen your expertise or broaden your knowledge across different fields.
- Conduct your research in cutting-edge laboratories at the University of Edinburgh, equipped with the latest technologies and supported by leading scientists in the field.
- Enhance a wide range of skills, from critical analysis of research papers and grant writing to data presentation and statistical analysis, preparing you for successful careers in both academia and industry.
- The programme is designed to provide a solid foundation for further academic pursuits, such as a PhD, by equipping you with the necessary research skills and knowledge.
- Connect with a community of like-minded peers, experienced researchers, and professionals, expanding your professional network and opening doors to collaborative and career opportunities worldwide.
- 19th in the world for Life Sciences & Medicine (QS World University Rankings by subject 2025).
- Top 10 in the UK for the employability of our graduates (Times Higher Education, Global Employability University Rankings 2025).
On completion of this course, you will be able to:
- Devise an independent research project.
- Develop detailed knowledge and understanding of a specific subject area of interest.
- Acquire a range of core experimental research, and generic and transferable skills.
- Acquire skills in Information and Communications Technology (ICT), numeracy, data presentation and statistical analysis of experimental results.
- Develop written and oral presentation skills and demonstrate the ability to communicate science to a range of audiences.
This programme is an excellent stepping-stone to a PhD, or a career in biomedical research or industry.
Every year, vacancies for PhD studentships in the College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine are available. Staff are always encouraging applications from outstanding postgraduate students who are on this programme.
You are expected to be on campus from week one.
You will begin the programme with visits to research centres and institutes where projects are hosted, and discussions with potential supervisors. We aim to embed you within a research laboratory in the first few weeks of starting the programme.
Throughout the year, you will develop your core skills relevant to biomedical sciences through a taught component of seminars, workshops, presentations and tutorials. You will also study transferable and research skills.
Teaching is delivered by academic staff who provide an outstanding research-led learning experience and encourage individual academic development.
Research projects
You will also carry out two 20-week-long research projects selected from the themes available. You must complete an assessed research proposal for the second project.
Preferences for your first research theme will be decided after you have arrived on campus, viewed the portfolio of projects available and discussed your aspirations with the Programme Director and relevant experts.
Once you have chosen a research theme, you will meet supervisors and discuss the research projects available. We offer many diverse projects to provide you with experience in a wide range of experimental techniques and research laboratories.
At the end of the first research project, you will meet supervisors again and discuss the projects available for the second research theme. You will carry out a research project based on this theme, attend seminars and continue with skills development.
Assessment
You will undertake two research projects and write up your research in the form of a research dissertation/paper, which should not exceed 10,000 words.
In addition, you will write an 8-page research project proposal on one or both of the research projects you undertake.
Each assessment will be marked by two independent academic markers.
Funding for postgraduate study is different to undergraduate study, and many students need to combine funding sources to pay for their studies.
Most students use a combination of the following funding to pay their tuition fees and living costs:
- Borrowing money
- Taking out a loan
- Family support
- Personal savings
- Income from work
- Employer sponsorship
- Scholarships
UK government postgraduate loans
If you live in the UK, you may be eligible for a postgraduate loan for study from one of the UK’s governments.
You should check that your chosen programme is eligible for the funding you want to apply for.