Biomedical Research MRes

  • Postgraduate taught
  • MRes

Biomedical Research (General Biomedical Research)

Prepare for a career in biomedical research and discover advanced practical techniques used in experimental and human biomedical sciences.

Receive broad training in preparation for a career in biomedical research

Become familiar with advanced practical techniques used in experimental and human biomedical sciences

Complete two research projects that incorporate cutting-edge developments in the field

Course key facts

Minimum entry standard

  • 2:1 in an appropriate subject

View full entry requirements

Course overview

Receive the training required to embark on a career in biomedical research on this Master's course.

This general stream of the MRes Biomedical Research provides a thorough grounding in biomedical research, covering all chemical, biological and physiological aspects.

Appropriate if you are uncertain of the field of biomedical research you wish to go into, this stream provides training covering a broad range of techniques, rather than being discipline-specific.

You'll gain the theoretical and practical knowledge required to work in a variety of biomedical environments. These include infectious disease epidemiology, mathematical modelling and statistics, genetics and evolution, and computational methods.

You'll apply investigative and empirical approaches to some of the practical problems encountered in experimental and human biomedical sciences.

Your work will be guided by experienced staff in one of the world's leading biomedical research institutions.

Two five-month research projects will build your transferable skills through grant writing, technical workshops, and journal clubs.

Choose your stream

You have the option of choosing our general biomedical research stream, or one of seven specialisms. All of our biomedical research streams have the same course structure and each stream has its own tailored set of projects alongside a core programme of lectures, seminars and practical classes.

You should consider which stream is right for you according to your career aims and background. If an offer of admission is made, it will correspond to a specific stream. Switching streams is not possible once you have commenced your studies.

Is this stream for you?

This stream is designed for students from a wide variety of biological, biomedical and chemical science backgrounds who are unsure which area of biomedical science they wish to pursue in the future.

The wide variety of projects available across all departments in the Faculty of Medicine gives you a broad choice of research areas across all the streams.

This stream is delivered by the Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction.

Structure

This page is updated regularly to reflect the latest version of the curriculum. However, this information is subject to change.

Find out more about potential course changes.

Please note: it may not always be possible to take specific combinations of modules due to timetabling conflicts. For confirmation, please check with the relevant department.

You’ll take all of these core modules. 

Core modules

Teaching and assessment

Teaching and learning methods

  • Demonstrations and seminars
  • Workshops
  • Computing labs
  • Journal clubs
  • Blackboard virtual learning environment
    Virtual learning environment
  • Four students sitting in a tutorial
    Tutorials
  • Lab-based learning
  • ID badge for site visit or facility tour
    Facility Tours
  • Person at lectern giving speech
    Lectures
  • Debates

Balance of assessment

Key

  • Grant writing exercise
  • Research projects

  • 10% Grant writing exercise
  • 90% Research projects

Assessment methods

  • Microscope for lab work
    Laboratory-based research
  • Computer-based research
  • Oral presentation
  • Poster presentation
  • Papers from a written report
    Research reports
  • Oral assessment

Entry requirements

We consider all applicants on an individual basis, welcoming students from all over the world.

How to apply

Apply online

You can submit one application form per year of entry. You can choose up to two courses.

Tuition fees

Home fee

2025 entry

£20,600

Overseas fee

2025 entry

£45,000

Scholarships

The Dean’s Master’s Scholarships

Value per award

  • £10,000

Who it's for

  • All students applying to study a Faculty of Medicine Master’s programme
Find out more

The Dr Jean Alero Thomas Scholarships

Value per award

  • Partial or full tuition fee at the Home rate

Who it's for

  • All students applying to study a Faculty of Medicine lab-based Master’s programme
Find out more

How will studying at Imperial help my career?

Strengthen your career prospects as aspiring Anaesthetists and Intensive Care physicians.

Cultivate a robust network within an inclusive Division, fostering valuable connections with academics and clinicians.

Participate in Departmental Research symposia, offering exposure, critical appraisal skills, expert engagement, and staying updated in the field.

Develop key academic skills to support your progress to PhD or medical school.

Develop essential soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, and adaptability, crucial for success in professional healthcare environments.

Get support with grant applications and publication of research findings, enriching academic and professional portfolios.

Participate in Departmental Research symposia, offering exposure, critical appraisal skills, expert engagement, and staying updated in the field.

Terms and conditions

There are some important pieces of information you should be aware of when applying to Imperial. These include key information about your tuition fees, funding, visas, accommodation and more.

Read our terms and conditions

You can find further information about your course, including degree classifications, regulations, progression and awards in the programme specification for your course.

Programme specifications