Course summary
Introduction 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 programme provides a strong learning environment for such graduates. 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. 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 programmes objectives is to learn the research journey that spans between 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.
Modules
For more information please see http://www.qub.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate-taught/experimental-medicine-msc
How to apply
International applicants
Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required. *Taken within the last 2 years. International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes. For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.
Entry requirements
Normally a minimum of a 2.2 Honours degree or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in a biological sciences-related subject. Evidence of equivalent professional qualifications (MBBS, BDS or BVSc) or experience will be considered on an individual basis. Intercalating Medical and Dental Applicants: i) QUB: Intercalating medical and dental students within QUB will be considered if: a) QUB 3rd year students – must pass all 3rd year modules at first attempt achieving an overall profile of 2.2 equivalent *. b) QUB 4th year students – must pass all 3rd year modules at first attempt achieiving an overall profile of 2.2 equivalent * and also pass all 4th year modules at first attempt. c) have permission to intercalate from either the Director of Medical Education or Dentistry as appropriate. ii) External: An external medical or dental student wishing to intercalate will be considered if: a) they have successfully completed all assessments at first attempt for the year in which they are applying. b) they have achieved at least an overall Lower Second Class Honours degree standard as determined by their University. c) they have permission to intercalate from their Medical or Dental School, as appropriate. iii) International: a) Applicants who are currently studying an overseas Medical (e.g. MBBS or MBChB) or Dental degree at a recognised institution acceptable to the University, may apply. b) Applicants must have passed all assessments at first attempt for the year in which they are applying, normally 3rd year for those completing a 5 year programme or 4th year for those completing a 6 year programme. c) Applicants may be required to provide details of the medical or dental curriculum they are studying in order to confirm compatibility. d) Have permission to intercalate from their Medical or Dental School, as appropriate. Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally no later than 31st July 2025 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. Please note: A deposit will be required to secure a place on this course.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
For tuition fee information relating to this course please see the University's Postgraduate Tuition Fee website - https://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/postgraduate/tuition-fees/
Sponsorship information
For more information on funding and scholarships for Postgraduate study, please see http://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/PostgraduateStudy/FundingandScholarships/
Provider information
Queen's University Belfast
University Road
Belfast
BT7 1NN