MSc by Research in Biomedical Science

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to have a first or second class honours degree in biomedical science or related taught programme. Significant previous experience in a research laboratory would also be highly considered.

Mature students: age is no barrier to learning and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified students.

International students: We are happy to consider all international applications and if you are an international student, you may find it useful to visit our international pages for details of entry requirements from your home country.

The University is a UKVI Student Sponsor.

English levels

If English is not your first language, please check our postgraduate English language requirements. If your English levels don’t meet our minimum requirements, you may be interested in applying for our Pre-sessional English Language Foundation Programmes.

Selection process

Wherever possible, you will be invited to the University to meet the Admissions Tutor for an informal interview and to have a tour of our campus. If you are an international applicant, it may not be possible for you to visit in person, so the Admissions Tutor will conduct the interview by Microsoft Teams or phone.

Our Admissions Team will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Contact them on Call: +44 (0) 1280 820227 (Select option 1) or via our online form.

For more information about the research topics please get in touch with Dr Mohamed Zaibi, by phone on +44(0)1280 820370, or by email: Mohamed.zaibi@buckingham.ac.uk

Months of entry

January, April, July, September

Course content

Postgraduate research degree at the Institute of Biomedical and Bioscience Research (IBBR).

The Institute for Biomedical and Biosciences Research at The Faculty of Medicine and Health Science (the University of Buckingham) has developed a sufficient critical mass of researchers able to study diabetes and obesity from the gene through to whole-body physiology. They are internationally recognised experts in:

• molecular genetics
• biochemistry
• pharmacology
• nutrition and the physiology of metabolic diseases, particularly diabetes and obesity and neurodegenerative diseases.

Our goal is to define new molecular targets that could be sites for novel pharmacology and to examine a potential therapeutic agent acting from the cell to the whole body.

Undertaking a Masters by Research degree at the Institute for Biomedical and Biosciences Research can be for a range of reasons.

• To gain additional laboratory skills in:
• Human and animal cell physiology,
• Molecular genetics,
• Biochemistry,
• Pharmacology,
• Nutrition,
• And the physiology of metabolic diseases, particularly diabetes and obesity and neurodegenerative diseases.

• To gain important skills you’ll need to go on to study for a PhD:
• Research papers interpretation and literature review
• Data analysis, interpretation and discussion
• Thesis writing training to defend your findings at your viva.
• Also, opportunities to present your research data at national or international conferences, or to be published in peer scientific journal

• Experience to work in a research environment with senior and junior researchers, post-docs, PhD and MSc students, and laboratory technicians,
• Enhance your employment opportunities in academic and private research institutions, as well as in pharmaceutical industry

Our Master’s by research Programmes overview

You will be placed in one of our research labs to do a 12-month tailored research project. During this period, you will receive formal training in research-related skills. At the end of your research project, you are expected to write a thesis on your studies and to defend this in a viva examination.

Our research programme brings together expertise from across many subject areas in the biomedical sciences to provide you with training in several key areas of current research interest.

The programme focuses on experimental science and a research-informed dissertation. It will provide you with practical laboratory-based experience with access to specialist techniques in state-of-the-art facilities.

Our MSc by research projects:

• Obesity is a risk factor for increased COVID‑19 severity and morbidity: hypoxic adipose tissue and increased lung inflammatory responses.
• Investigation of the effect of obesity on the skin function and integrity
• Beneficial effects of plant bio-active molecules on diabetic retinopathy
• Anti-obesity and anti-diabetic properties of sage and chamomile extracts: effects on insulin resistance and lipogenesis, in both human subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissues

Fees and funding