The MRes in Biological and Biomedical Sciences will enable you to develop an advanced knowledge of biological and biomedical sciences and their application to biological research and translational medicine. The programme will allow you the opportunity to specialise in distinct basic and applied research pathways. Such a course often serves as a major step towards PhD studies or a career in research-related roles in academia or industry.
If you’re looking to move into a career in science, whether in academia, industry or biomedicine research, this MRes will enable you to develop advanced knowledge, skills and understanding in biological and biomedical sciences.
The programme is divided into 7 pathways (Bio-Imaging; Cancer Biology and Therapy; Cell and Tissue Signalling; Bioinformatics and AI; Pharmacology and Toxicology; Plant Biology; Structural Biology) and you will be able to choose a pathway and corresponding project that matches your individual research interests.
A year-long research project based in Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology forms the central part of the course. Selecting the right project is a key decision and we’ll help you choose a topic relevant to your interests and career plans. For ideas about the focus of your research project, please see our MRes Biological and Biomedical Sciences research projects page.
Complementing the research project are taught modules. These provide key underpinning knowledge of the research methods and technologies that drive contemporary research in biological and biomedical sciences.
A range of optional modules provide the opportunity to undertake further tailored research training, receive a grounding in essential statistical techniques and study specialist areas of biological and biomedical science in-depth. Whichever pathway you choose, you’ll discover contemporary debates, controversies, concepts, challenges and innovations that are relevant to your research project. The title of your degree award will reflect your chosen route.
This course is also open to intercalators.
This MRes aims to attract students who will benefit from studying in a biological/biomedical/ translational research-intensive environment. It aims to be equally relevant to students from a variety of specialist disciplines and career routes including biological sciences, medicine, veterinary medicine, allied health professions and sports science.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| MRES ADVANCED BIOLOGICAL AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES PROJECT 1 (BIOS777) | 30 |
| TECHNIQUES IN BIOLOGICAL AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES RESEARCH (BIOS775) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Students can choose 2 optional modules in semester 2
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES (BIOS776) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| MRES ADVANCED BIOLOGICAL AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES PROJECT 2 (BIOS778) | 90 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Students will be taught via a variety of methods employing elements of active learning, including lectures, practical’s, coursework, workshops and small-group tutorials all supported by web-based materials, selected textbooks and specified source literature. Students will undertake a substantive single research project related to their pathway of study.
A variety of innovative authentic assessment methods include: preparing research reviews; oral, poster and digital media presentations including a digital abstract; writing a final research report in the style of a journal article. The aim is to meet the diversity of student learning and assessment needs, while providing opportunities for students to develop their digital fluency and confidence in areas relevant to their future careers. Students will present their research in oral and digital media formats. During the project, students will develop critical understanding of experimental design and research protocols.
Authentic assessment is used throughout the programme, meaning students are likely to be required to perform similar tasks in the next stage of their career, such as report writing, data analysis, writing articles for publication, grant writing and presentations (oral, poster, digital media), tasks which also allow students to further develop their digital fluency.
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
Intercalation allows you take a break from your medical degree, usually after year 3 or 4, and study an additional qualification. Most intercalating students choose to study a master's degree. This gives you the opportunity to explore a subject of interest at an advanced level and acquire new skills and knowledge that will enhance and/or complement your medical degree.
As a MRes student, you will benefit from ISMIB world-class research environment and the School of Biosciences experience in delivering dynamic, inspirational research-led teaching.
Want to find out more about student life?
Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.
Our campus Career Studio is a space for students and graduates to drop into and talk to a career coach. Career coaches are highly trained to help no matter what stage you are at in your career planning. You can access support to find and apply for full-time and part-time roles, placements, internships and graduate schemes. You will also find the help you need if you have a start-up idea or want to create a business plan. You can explore the world of work, prepare for job interviews, and access careers events and workshops. The Career Studio is open Monday to Friday from 10am-5pm, simply drop in at a time that works for you.
We develop our programmes with employers in mind. You will be supported to enhance your long-term employment prospects as you learn. We do this by exposing you to professionals, a variety of sectors and supporting you to work collaboratively with others to develop transferable skills. You are equipped with a clearer view of what to focus on in your area of interest, and to reflect on your studies. Our digital employability tools give you a tech-enhanced curriculum experience and make it easy for you to prepare for the world of work. You can use tools like the Handshake platform to connect with employers and message the Career Studio 24/7.
You can start building good professional networks by attending events and employability activities. Our events are designed to develop your skills and expose you to many different employers, as well as to help you make contacts in your field. We help you improve your confidence when speaking to employers and give you access to unique opportunities. Our networking events also boost your understanding of the competencies and skills that employers are looking for in their recruitment process, giving you a competitive edge.
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Full-time place, per year - £5,006
Full-time place, per year - £31,250
Fees stated are for the academic year 2025/26. Some MRes courses incur additional bench fees. You will be notified of any fee which applies to you in your offer letter.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
You can pay your tuition fees in instalments.
All or part of your tuition fees can be funded by external sponsorship.
International applicants who accept an offer of a place will need to pay a tuition fee deposit.
If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about paying for your studies..
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
If you’re a UK student, either born in or with strong family connections to Merseyside, you could be eligible to apply for a fee discount of up to £4,500. You’ll need to demonstrate an active interest in global, community and environmental issues to be considered.
If you’re a UK University of Liverpool graduate joining a master’s degree with us, you could be eligible to receive £3,000 off your tuition fees. You must have graduated in the last two years and received a widening access scholarship during your undergraduate studies.
Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| Postgraduate entry requirements | We accept a 2:2 honours degree from a UK university, or an equivalent academic qualification from a similar non-UK institution. This degree should be in a subject related to Biological Sciences. |
| International qualifications |
Many countries have a different education system to that of the UK, meaning your qualifications may not meet our entry requirements. Completing your Foundation Certificate, such as that offered by the University of Liverpool International College, means you're guaranteed a place on your chosen course. |
You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.
We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5 |
Do you need to complete a Pre-sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to determine the length of Pre-sessional English course you require.
Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.
| Your most recent IELTS score | Pre-sessional English course length | On campus or online |
|---|---|---|
| 5.5 overall, with no component below 5.5 | 6 weeks | On campus |
| 5.5 overall, with no component below 5.0 | 10 weeks | On campus and online options available |
| 5.0 overall, with no component below 5.0 | 12 weeks | On campus and online options available |
| 5.0 overall, with no component below 4.5 | 20 weeks | On campus |
| 4.5 overall, with no component below 4.5 | 30 weeks | On campus |
| 4.0 overall, with no component below 4.0 | 40 weeks | On campus |
If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-sessional English course length you require.
Please see our guide to Pre-sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5, for further details.
Discover more about the city and University.
Liverpool bursts with diversity and creativity which makes it ideal for you to undertake your postgraduate studies and access various opportunities for you and your family.
To fully immerse yourself in the university experience living in halls will keep you close to campus where you can always meet new people. Find your home away from home.
Discover what expenses are covered by the cost of your tuition fees and other finance-related information you may need regarding your studies at Liverpool.
Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.
Last updated 10 February 2025 / / Programme terms and conditions