Nottingham Trent University

What you'll study

This MSc combines advanced taught modules with hands-on laboratory work and an independent research project. Core themes include molecular and cellular biology, immunology, clinical biochemistry and microbiology, together with practical training in modern laboratory techniques and data analysis.

• Advanced Molecular Biology: study of gene expression, genomic technologies, PCR, sequencing principles and applications in diagnostics and research.
• Immunology and Infection: innate and adaptive immune responses, host–pathogen interactions and laboratory approaches to infection biology.
• Clinical Biochemistry and Pathology: biochemical markers of disease, clinical assay principles, quality management and interpretation of laboratory data.
• Laboratory Techniques and Professional Practice: hands-on training in aseptic technique, cell culture, microscopy, proteomics, chromatography and good laboratory practice (GLP).
• Research Methods and Statistics: experimental design, statistical analysis, bioinformatics basics and critical appraisal of scientific literature.
• Independent Research Project: a sustained laboratory or data-driven project under academic supervision, culminating in a dissertation and oral or poster presentation.

Optional modules may allow you to tailor the programme towards translational medicine, drug discovery, bioscience entrepreneurship or advanced diagnostic approaches. Emphasis is placed on laboratory competence, scientific communication and ethics in biomedical research.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a good honours degree (typically a 2:2 or above) in biomedical science, biology, biochemistry, biotechnology or a closely related subject. Relevant professional experience in a laboratory setting can be considered in lieu of formal academic qualifications in some cases. International applicants should demonstrate equivalent academic standing.

English language proficiency is required if your first language is not English; typical requirements are a recognised qualification at a level equivalent to IELTS with an overall score around postgraduate minima and no component below a set threshold. Applicants may be invited to interview or asked to submit a portfolio or references demonstrating practical experience and suitability for the programme.

Career prospects

Graduates use this MSc as preparation for a wide range of careers across healthcare, research and industry. Typical destinations include:

• Clinical laboratory roles and biomedical scientist training schemes (subject to local registration requirements and any professional body criteria).
• Research assistant or technician posts in academic or industrial laboratories.
• Roles in pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies such as assay development, quality control and regulatory affairs.
• Clinical trials support, data management and medical science liaison positions.
• Further study including PhD research or conversion into specialist healthcare scientist pathways.
• Science communication, laboratory management and roles in public health or diagnostic service development.

The combination of practical skills, research experience and project work is designed to make graduates attractive to employers and to provide a solid foundation for continued professional development.

Why study at Nottingham Trent University

Nottingham Trent University offers modern laboratory facilities and access to specialist equipment used across molecular biology, cell culture and analytical biochemistry, enabling practical training that reflects current workplace standards. The programme emphasises hands-on experience through taught laboratory classes and a substantive independent research project under the supervision of academic staff actively engaged in biomedical research.

Students benefit from the university's links with local NHS trusts, research institutes and industry partners, which support project collaborations, placements and guest lectures. NTU's careers and employability services provide tailored support for CVs, interview preparation and connecting students with employers, while interdisciplinary links within the university allow exposure to translational research, bioinformatics and entrepreneurship opportunities in the life sciences.