Biomedical and Biomolecular Technology (MSc)
- Duration: 1 year
- Mode: Full time
Open day
Find out more about studying here as a postgraduate at our next Open Day.
Why study this course
Advance your career with cutting-edge training in Biomedical and Biomolecular Technology - where innovation meets real-world health and biotech solutions.
Interdisciplinarity
You’ll be taught by world-experts at the forefront of biomedical research, within the school and through established links with research institutes/centres.
Intensive research project
Embark on an exciting 5-month research project in a biomedical sciences area.
Technology Hubs
Access cutting-edge research equipment and facilities at technology hubs hosted by the School of Biosciences.
Employability-focussed
An entire module dedicated to professional skills development to kick-start your career across a range of different sectors.
Global citizenship
Support your transition into career-ready global citizens through integration of OneHealth and UN Sustainability themes.
The world faces urgent biomedical challenges, from emerging infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance to the rising burden of chronic illnesses, an aging society and health inequities. As technology advances, so too does the need for ethical, data-driven and globally accessible healthcare solutions. Tackling these complex issues requires skilled and adaptable biomedical scientists ready to lead innovation and drive meaningful change.
This MSc in Biomedical and Biomolecular Technology is designed to develop the next generation of innovative biomedical scientists equipped to deliver in a rapidly evolving global health landscape. The programme will provide you with a strong foundation in both fundamental science and translational biomedical research, in areas such as cancer, neuroscience and infection. You will explore physiological and pathophysiological mechanisms, disease modelling approaches as well as research and development of new drugs and diagnostics. There will be a strong focus on the underpinning technologies which drive innovation in these areas. You will expand your critical skills in experimental design, data analysis, problem-solving and scientific communication, alongside hands-on experience in both basic and advanced laboratory techniques.
The programme also offers a research-focused experience through a five-month research project. During this time, you'll be guided by world-renowned experts in the School of Biosciences and/or affiliated research institutes. Our academics work at the cutting-edge of biomedical research, achieving major breakthroughs and global impact. You’ll also gain access to our eight research technology hubs, which house state-of-the art bioimaging and omics-based facilities to support your learning and research projects.
Employability is embedded into our programme design and is supported by an entire module dedicated to professional skills development in research and innovation. Upon graduation, you'll be well-equipped for a wide range of exciting careers in biomedical research, pharmaceuticals, diagnostics and healthcare. The skills and hands-on experience you'll gain will make you highly competitive in the rapidly growing biomedical sector.
Come and join a vibrant academic community in a Russell Group university, located in one of the UK’s most liveable cities. Be part of a new wave of biomedical scientists, ready to drive change and improve lives around the world.
Your future in biomedical innovation starts here.
Where you'll study
School of Biosciences
We provide a dynamic and stimulating teaching environment with impressive modern facilities, up-to-date equipment and high-calibre staff.
Admissions criteria
In order to be considered for an offer for this programme you will need to meet all of the entry requirements. Your application will not be progressed if the information and evidence listed is not provided.
With your online application you will need to provide:
- A copy of your degree certificate and transcripts which show you have achieved a 2:1 honours degree in a relevant scientific discipline such as biomedical sciences, biological sciences, biochemistry, medicine, pharmacy, or biomedical engineering, or an equivalent international degree. If your degree certificate or result is pending, please upload any interim transcripts or provisional certificates.
- A copy of your IELTS certificate with an overall score of 6.5 with 5.5 in all subskills, or evidence of an accepted equivalent. Please include the date of your expected test if this qualification is pending. If you have alternative acceptable evidence, such as an undergraduate degree studied in the UK, please supply this in place of an IELTS.
If you do not have a degree in a relevant area, your application may still be considered based on your academic/professional experience. Please provide additional evidence to support your application such as signed and dated employer references or a personal statement outlining how your academic/ professional experience, skills and/or long-term goals make you the ideal candidate for the programme. Please also provide an up-to-date CV which includes your full academic and work history.
Application Deadline
We allocate places on a first-come, first-served basis, so we recommend you apply as early as possible. Applications normally close at the end of August but may close sooner if all places are filled.
Selection process
We will review your application and if you meet all the entry requirements, we will make you an offer.
Find out more about English language requirements.
Applicants who require a Student visa to study in the UK must present an acceptable English language qualification in order to meet UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) requirements.
Criminal convictions
You are not required to complete a DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) check or provide a Certificate of Good Conduct to study this course.
If you are currently subject to any licence condition or monitoring restriction that could affect your ability to successfully complete your studies, you will be required to disclose your criminal record. Conditions include, but are not limited to:
- access to computers or devices that can store images
- use of internet and communication tools/devices
- curfews
- freedom of movement
- contact with people related to Cardiff University.
Course structure
The programme is structured into six core modules (20 credits each) for Stage 1 (Taught Stage) and a research project module (60 credits) for Stage 2 (Dissertation Stage). Three taught modules will take place in the Autumn semester and two in the Spring semester. One remaining taught module in professional skills development will span both semesters. The dissertation stage will start immediately after the stage 1 exam board and run throughout the summer.
The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum. Final modules will be published one month ahead of your programme starting.
The course runs for 12 months full-time. Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.
The programme consists of six core modules (120 credits) and a research project (60 credits). It comprises two stages:
Stage 1: Taught Stage:
Stage 1 involves the delivery of taught modules. There is an exit point at the end of Stage 1 (120 credits), leading to a Postgraduate Diploma. This timepoint is marked by the Stage 1 Exam Board, the outcome of which dictates progression to Stage 2 (Dissertation Stage)
Stage 2: Dissertation Stage:
Stage 2 involves a 5-month independent research project which all MSc students are required to undertake. Successful completion of this stage is subject to passing the associated assessment components and confirmed at the Stage 2 exam board.
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Skills for Research and Innovation | BIT150 | 20 credits |
| Applied Data Science for Biomedical Research | BIT151 | 20 credits |
| Disease Dynamics | BIT152 | 20 credits |
| Disease Modelling | BIT153 | 20 credits |
| Disease Intervention | BIT154 | 20 credits |
| Disease Diagnostics | BIT155 | 20 credits |
| Research Project | BIT156 | 60 credits |
The University is committed to providing a wide range of module options where possible, but please be aware that whilst every effort is made to offer choice this may be limited in certain circumstances. This is due to the fact that some modules have limited numbers of places available, which are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, while others have minimum student numbers required before they will run, to ensure that an appropriate quality of education can be delivered; some modules require students to have already taken particular subjects, and others are core or required on the programme you are taking. Modules may also be limited due to timetable clashes, and although the University works to minimise disruption to choice, we advise you to seek advice from the relevant School on the module choices available.
Learning and assessment
How will I be taught?
Our teaching is research-led and delivered by internationally recognised academics who are at the forefront of knowledge within their subject discipline. The teaching format will include a blend of lectures, interactive workshops, hands-on laboratory training and online resources for self-directed learning, ensuring a diverse and inclusive learning experience. Small-group teaching and close supervision during your research project provide individualised support, and guest lectures from professionals in academia and industry give insight into biomedical career pathways and real-world applications of your studies.
All taught modules are compulsory and designed to support your knowledge, understanding and skills, as well as your personal and professional development. Full attendance at lectures, practical sessions and scheduled activities is therefore expected. While independent study will be a major component of your research project, you will also benefit from close academic supervision and structured support throughout.
How will I be assessed?
Our assessment strategy is authentic and inclusive, designed to reflect the real-world demands of the biomedical sector and a diverse student body. Assessment formats are diverse, aligned with the programme learning outcomes and embedded with employability themes and graduate attributes. You’ll be evaluated not just on what you know, but on how you apply it.
How will I be supported?
All relevant programme material will be available through Learning Central, which will complement your independent study. There will opportunities for formative assessment, and feedback will be provided on all assessments to support your continuous development throughout the programme. You’ll receive close supervision during your project period and be allocated a personal tutor who will support you throughout your studies. In addition, Cardiff University offers peer-to-peer support tailored for postgraduate students and our dedicated Student Support Teams will also be on hand to support you with all aspects of your student life, from health and wellbeing to career planning, finances, and accommodation.
What skills will I practise and develop?
The Learning Outcomes for this Programme describe what you will achieve by the end of your programme at Cardiff University and identify the knowledge and skills that you will develop. They will also help you to understand what is expected of you.
On successful completion of your Programme, you will be able to:
Knowledge & Understanding:
- Define the burden and molecular basis of major human diseases, including cancer, neurodegeneration, infection and inflammatory disease
- Explain the properties and design of experimental modelling techniques and their application to appropriate disease scenarios
- Apply the core principles of biomedical and biomolecular sciences to understand key approaches and technologies involved in modelling, detecting and treating diseases
- Justify the selection of appropriate pipelines for the design, development and validation of novel disease diagnostics and interventions
- Develop a critical understanding of the process of translating basic biomedical and/or biomolecular research from the laboratory into commercial and clinical practice
Intellectual Skills:
- Critically evaluate and interpret scientific literature and experimental data at the cutting-edge of biomedical sciences
- Foster innovative thinking and creativity in the development of new approaches and/or technologies in biomedicine and/or molecular biology
- Design and plan research projects, including hypothesis formulation, experimental design and methodological approaches
- Interpret and analyse advanced experimental data using appropriate statistical and/or computational methods
- Evaluate risk and bioethical considerations surrounding the advancement of new technologies and/or approaches in biomedical sciences
Professional Practical Skills:
- Demonstrate advanced competence in a range of laboratory techniques and/or achieve technical proficiency in the use of advanced equipment relevant to biomedical and biomolecular sciences
- Collect, evaluate, synthesise and interpret qualitative and quantitative data in a variety of ways; and identify means to gather new data where required
- Apply quality control measures and good laboratory practice to ensure the reliability, reproducibility and safety of experimental results
- Manage a research project effectively, including time management, risk analysis and documentation
- Develop a strategy for clinical translation and commercialisation of biomedical and biomolecular technologies
Transferable/Key Skills:
- Apply critical thinking and data analysis skills to evaluate scientific data, arguments and evidence to make informed decisions
- Identify, analyse and solve complex problems in biomedical and/or biomolecular sciences through innovative thinking and the integration of knowledge
- Demonstrate strong communication skills, both written and oral, across various formats to effectively present research findings to a range of stakeholders
- Work effectively both independently and as part of a team, demonstrating leadership, collaboration, adaptability and interpersonal skills
- Cultivate an attitude of lifelong learning and continuous professional development in the rapidly evolving field of biomedical and biomolecular sciences
Tuition fees for 2026 entry
Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on your fee status. Your fee status could be home, island or overseas.
Learn how we decide your fee status
Fees for home status
| Year | Tuition fee | Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Year one | £11,950 | None |
Fees for overseas status
| Year | Tuition fee | Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Year one | £29,450 | £2,500 |
More information about tuition fees and deposits, including for part-time and continuing students.
Financial support
Financial support may be available to individuals who meet certain criteria. For more information visit our funding section. Please note that these sources of financial support are limited and therefore not everyone who meets the criteria are guaranteed to receive the support.
Additional costs
No additional charges are made for tuition, although some services (such as student printing on demand) may incur a charge.
Will I need any specific equipment to study this course/programme?
No specific equipment is required. The University will provide IT facilities (in a communal space), laboratories equipped with specialist equipment, and all specialist software required for the course.
Students are advised to have a personal laptop computer or equivalent.
Living costs
We’re based in one of the UK’s most affordable cities. Find out more about living costs in Cardiff.
Funding
Career prospects
This programme will equip you with a wide range of employability skills essential for future employment in the biomedical sector. You will apply a systematic approach to literature searches using advanced databases and AI tools. You'll also learn to critically evaluate scientific literature in biomedical and biomolecular technologies, allowing you to assess the quality and relevance of current findings.
You'll develop your ability to communicate complex biomedical information effectively, whether through written, oral, or visual formats, tailoring your message for both specialist and non-specialist audiences. Our programme emphasizes research integrity and ethical conduct, ensuring that you design, execute and disseminate research projects with the highest standards of professionalism.
You will be taught how to formulate clear research questions, aims, objectives and hypotheses, ensuring that your projects are well-structured and aligned with scientific methods. You'll also develop strong skills in project management, including setting goals, managing time and collaborating effectively within teams.
Additionally, you will explore the commercialization process for biomedical and/or biomolecular technologies, learning about intellectual property, translational research and enterprise. Finally, you will develop a critical awareness of career pathways in academia, industry and the biomedical sector, and position yourself for success in a dynamic and evolving field.
The above skills will be embedded within the taught modules and research project components of this MSc programme. A core module dedicated to professional skills development will support you with essential training in transferrable skills and employability. Additionally, guest speakers will provide valuable insights into the broader biomedical sector, helping you connect theory with real-world application. You will also work alongside leading experts at the cutting-edge of research and innovation in the biosciences arena as part of your research projects. This holistic approach ensures you develop the skills, knowledge and professional networks to enable you to excel in your career.
Next steps
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HESA Data: Copyright Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited 2021. The Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited cannot accept responsibility for any inferences or conclusions derived by third parties from its data. Data is from the latest Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019/20, published by HESA in June 2022.
