Course summary
Our MSc Biological Sciences course offers a unique opportunity to experience research projects across a broad range of disciplines and laboratory environments before you start your career in research. Rather than attending traditional lectures on your chosen subject, you will learn through an interactive approach involving seminars, workshops and small group tutorials preparing you for relevant aspects of a science-based career. As this is a research-focused master's course, you will also undertake your own research project in the laboratory of a leading researchers. You will gain research experience and professional skills - perhaps in a different area to your first degree - before deciding on a future career in industry or academic research. This will allow you to make an informed choice about the research area you want to go into. You choose the laboratory placement from a list provided by your programme director. Projects on this list come from any of our areas of research within the biological and biomedical sciences. As we have over 200 research-active labs, we can offer a wide range of projects to choose from. For an idea of the breadth of available projects, browse our research pages. Our course will also help you to develop transferable skills in essential areas such as experimental design, statistics, bioethics and science communication. PhD with integrated master's If you're planning to undertake a PhD after your master's, our Integrated PhD programme will enable you to combine your postgraduate taught course with a related PhD project in biology, medicine or health.
Entry requirements
We require a minimum of an Upper Second honours degree with an average of at least 65% (or overseas equivalent ) in: -biological sciences -biomedical sciences with sufficient evidence of the relevant units taken. Please note we are generally unable to consider applicants with a medical (MBChB/MBBS/MD) or pharmacy degree for this programme unless they are able to demonstrate that they have significant laboratory or research experience. If your undergraduate degree is in medicine or pharmacy, please contact us prior to making an application, providing details of your biology related lab skills and experience.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | IELTS: minimum 6.5 overall with 6.5 in each component |
| TOEFL (iBT) | 90 | TOEFL: 90 internet-based with 22 in each component |
International students must demonstrate English proficiency at the point of application through a secure and approved testing system. We ask for English language proof if you are from non-majority English speaking countries (a list of majority English speaking countries, as defined by the UK Home Office, can be found here ). Specifically, we require a minimum of: IELTS: minimum 6.5 overall with 6.5 in each component TOEFL: 90 internet-based with 22 in each component See further information about requirements for your country . We may also accept evidence of a confirmed place on a University Pre-sessional English language course , if your current IELTS scores are: Minimum 6.0 overall (with 6.0 in each component) plus enrolment and attendance on the 6-week pre-sessional course (PS6) Minimum 6.0 overall (with 5.5 in each component) plus enrolment and attendance on the 10-week pre-sessional course (PS10). Please note, we must approve this before you apply for the English 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 fees for entry in 2025, please view the course listing on our website.
Sponsorship information
For the latest scholarship and bursary information please visit the fees and funding page.
Provider information
University of Manchester
Oxford Road
Manchester
M13 9PL