University of Leicester

What you'll study

This integrated master's programme blends foundational and advanced biochemistry with a medical biosciences perspective. Early stages consolidate core topics such as molecular and cellular biology, macromolecular structure and function, metabolism and enzymology, and essential laboratory techniques. As you progress you study specialist subjects including clinical biochemistry, signal transduction, molecular mechanisms of disease, biomarkers and diagnostics, and drug discovery and development.

Practical training is a major component: you will gain hands‑on experience in molecular biology, protein chemistry, chromatography, mass spectrometry, cell culture, microscopy and modern genomics and proteomics workflows. Bioinformatics and statistical analysis are integrated to support interpretation of large datasets.

The programme culminates in an extensive independent research project or laboratory dissertation, supervised by an academic member of staff. This project gives you the opportunity to apply advanced biochemical techniques to a medically relevant question, develop project-management skills, and produce a substantial piece of original research suitable for progressing to doctoral study or employment in research settings.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to have a strong background in chemistry and biology. For applicants entering from secondary education, typical offers reflect high achievement in science subjects and strong grades overall. Applicants with an undergraduate degree should normally hold a good honours degree in a relevant subject (for example biomedical science, biochemistry, molecular biology or a related discipline); a higher second-class degree (2:1) or equivalent is commonly expected for direct entry to masters-level components.

International applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English. The admissions team will also consider applicants with relevant professional experience or alternative qualifications on an individual basis. Entry is competitive and offers may reflect consideration of applicants' academic record, practical experience, references and personal statement.

Career prospects

Graduates from this programme are well placed for a range of careers that require advanced biochemical knowledge and laboratory skills. Common destinations include:

• Biomedical and academic research roles, including progression to PhD study and research technician positions.
• Biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry roles in drug discovery, assay development, quality control, and regulatory affairs.
• Clinical and diagnostic laboratories (with additional professional registration or training where required).
• Public health, forensic science, scientific publishing, and science communication.
• Commercial roles such as sales or technical support for life-science companies, or roles in medical devices and diagnostics companies.

The emphasis on an extended research project, advanced laboratory techniques and data analysis prepares graduates for technical leadership roles and for further study leading to research careers.

Why study at University of Leicester

The University of Leicester has established strengths in biomedical research and offers access to modern laboratory facilities, specialist instrumentation and bioinformatics support. The programme is taught by academics active in medically relevant biochemical research, providing opportunities to join ongoing projects and benefit from current scientific perspectives.

Students benefit from close links across the university's biomedical community, including collaborations with clinical researchers and local healthcare partners, which help contextualise biochemical research within patient-focused applications. Small-group practical classes, dedicated project supervision and support for developing research skills ensure you build the technical competence and scientific judgement expected by employers and doctoral programmes.

Finally, the MBiolSci structure, with its substantial research component, is designed to produce graduates who are empirically minded and workplace-ready, with a clear pathway into research-intensive roles or further study in medical biosciences and biochemistry.