University College London (UCL)
Advanced Biomedical Imaging MSc
London, United Kingdom
MSc
DURATION
1 year
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
TUITION FEES
GBP 36,500 *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* international students: full time £36,500 | UK students: full time £18,400. Additional fees may apply
The MSc in Advanced Biomedical Imaging focuses on teaching students how to use cutting-edge imaging techniques to understand and explore biological systems. The program covers a range of topics including imaging modalities like MRI, ultrasound, and optical imaging. Students learn about the principles behind these methods, how to operate the equipment, and how to interpret the data they collect. The curriculum is designed to give a solid foundation in both the theoretical and practical aspects of biomedical imaging, preparing students to apply these skills in research or clinical settings.
Students also develop skills in data analysis, image processing, and research design. The course emphasizes working with real-world problems and encourages critical thinking about the limitations and potentials of different imaging technologies. Throughout the program, students gain experience through practical lab work, projects, and lectures from experienced professionals. This approach aims to equip learners with the knowledge they need to contribute to advances in biomedical imaging, whether they aim to work in research, healthcare, or industry.
UCL Scholarships
There are a number of scholarships available to postgraduate students, including our UCL Masters Bursary for UK students and our UCL Global Masters Scholarship for international students. You can click the link below to search via the scholarships finder for awards that you might be eligible for. Your academic department will also be able to provide you with more information about funding.
External Scholarships
Online aggregators like Postgraduate Studentships, Scholarship Search, Postgraduate Funding and International Financial Aid and College Scholarship Search contain information on a variety of external schemes.
If you have specific circumstances or ethnic or religious background it is worth searching for scholarships/bursaries/grants that relate to those things. Some schemes are very specific.
Funding for disabled students
Master's students who have a disability may be able to get extra funding for additional costs they incur to study.
Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a mix of:
- seminars
- lectures
- site visits
- practicals
- laboratory work (if conducting a laboratory project)
Assessment is through:
- examinations (short-answer and multiple-choice questions)
- presentations
- essays
- coursework
- your dissertation
This is a full-time course with two days of contact time (10am-6pm) and three days of self-directed study or assessment preparation a week. You will also do one week of specialist practical training.
Modules
Full-time
This one-year programme is delivered through eight taught modules in the first two terms. You will then do a research project starting in term three.
The taught modules cover the theoretical aspects of a wide range of imaging used in pre-clinical and clinical research and how they are applied in pre-clinical and clinical research. You will also study the practical and ethical aspects of preclinical research and develop your skills in science communication.
You will deepen your understanding of the topic by conducting a piece of original research, which will form your dissertation.
Compulsory modules
- Science Communication for Biomedicine
- Research Project (Advanced Biomedical Imaging)
- Precision Diagnosis for Precision Medicine
- Translational Clinical Imaging
- Advanced Biomedical Imaging Techniques I
- Advanced Biomedical Imaging Techniques II
- Practical Preclinical Research
- Translational Biomedical Imaging of Disease and Therapy I
- Translational Biomedical Imaging of Disease and Therapy II
Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability are subject to change.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded an MSc in Advanced Biomedical Imaging.
What this course will give you
This programme offers you the following benefits and opportunities.
- A world-class environment in medical imaging that hosts several medical and biomedical imaging centres of excellence.
- Access to 11 state-of-the-art imaging technologies.
- The chance to deepen your knowledge of preclinical and translational medical imaging and the development of imaging technologies to detect, monitor and prevent illnesses.
- A focus on scientific communication to develop the skills necessary for roles in this area.
- The chance to undertake an independent research project in world-class laboratories.
- Potential links to University College London Hospitals (UCLH), including Great Ormond Street Hospital, the UCH Macmillan Cancer Centre, and National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery.
- Insights and opportunities from UCL's involvement in the dynamic and successful London-based entrepreneurial activity in biomedical imaging.
- Comprehensive training for further research in biomedical imaging.
The foundation of your career
This training in practical preclinical imaging and laboratory experience will provide you with an ideal foundation for a PhD studentship or research assistant position. According to the HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey (2018-2022), around 90% of Advanced Biomedical Imaging graduates remained in or progressed into work or further study across the UK and overseas.
Employability
This programme will deepen your knowledge of a diverse range of medical and biomedical imaging modalities, and you will graduate with the skills needed for roles in imaging or the pharmaceutical industry, or for the next level of research.
Within industry, the HESA surveys show that graduates go on to key positions in companies such as Alliance Medical, Becton Dickinson and Ecolog International.
If you want to advance to further research, you will have the foundation needed for positions at other leading academic institutions with preclinical imaging facilities, including the universities of Oxford and Cambridge in the UK, and MIT and NIH in the US.
This MSc also acts as the ideal springboard if you are interested in applying to UCL's EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Medical Imaging.
Networking
There are regular networking opportunities, including events where you can hear from expert speakers. We encourage students to broaden their skills and expand their networks by attending and participating at conferences.