MSc by Research in Biomedical Science
Find out more about our MScR Postgraduate research degree at Clore laboratory (BITM) at The Univeristy of Buckingham.
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Course overview
About the Course
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
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 +44 01280 820229 or by email FMHS-admissions@buckingham.ac.uk
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
Student Contract for prospective students
When you are offered a place at the University you will be notified of the student contract between the University and students on our courses of study. When you accept an offer of a place on the course at the University a legal contract is formed between you and the University on the basis of the student contract in your offer letter. Your offer letter and the student contract contain important information which you should read carefully before accepting an offer. Read the Student Contract.
Fees & Scholarships
The fees for this course are:
| Start | Type | First Year | Total cost |
|---|---|---|---|
Flexible 2024 Full-time (1 Year) Start anytime January to December 2024 | UK | £8,267 | £8,267 |
| INT | £14,500 | £14,500 | |
Flexible 2024 Part-time (2 Years) Start anytime January to December 2024 | UK | £4,134 | £8,267 |
| INT | £7,250 | £14,500 | |
Flexible 2025 Full-time (1 Year) Start anytime January to December 2025 | UK | £8,267 | £8,267 |
| INT | £14,500 | £14,500 | |
Flexible 2025 Part-time (2 Years) Start anytime January to December 2025 | UK | £4,134 | £8,267 |
| INT | £7,250 | £14,500 |
The University reserves the right to increase course fees annually in line with inflation linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI). If the University intends to increase your course fees it will notify you via email of this as soon as reasonably practicable.
Course fees do not include additional costs such as books, equipment, writing up fees and other ancillary charges. Where applicable, these additional costs will be made clear.
Bench fees
- From July 2023, Students will be required to pay £4,800 in bench fees in addition to the course fees
- From September 2023, Students will be required to pay £5,000 in bench fees in addition to the course fees
Postgraduate loan scheme
A system of postgraduate loans for Masters degrees in the UK is available with support from the UK Government. The loan is available for taught and research Masters courses in all subject areas. The loans can be used for tuition fees, living expenses or both.
Scholarships
Details of scholarships can be found on our Bursaries and Scholarships page. You should make an application to study at the University and receive an offer letter confirming our acceptance of your application before applying for a scholarship.
You may also find it useful to visit our External Funding page.