MSci Honours Biomedical Genetics

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Newcastle University

Program Overview

The integrated MSci Honours in Biomedical Genetics is a four-year, research-intensive degree designed for students passionate about the science behind genetics and disease. You’ll build upon the BSc foundation and immerse yourself in advanced research, gaining hands-on experience with cutting-edge genomic technologies and specialized genetic knowledge.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Broad Biomedical Foundation
You begin with the same modules as the BSc in Biomedical Genetics—building strong foundations in Biochemistry, Genetics, Cell Biology, Microbiology and Immunology, Pharmacology, Physiology, and the all-important Professional and Practical Skills for Bioscientists. This shared year allows you to discover your strengths and interests in the biomedical sciences.

Year 2: Specialist Genetic and Cellular Topics
The curriculum deepens with focused modules like Cell Biology and Disease, Essential Biomedical Research Skills, Human Anatomy, Control of Eukaryotic Gene Expression, and Cell and Molecular Biology of the Immune System. You can also choose from optional subjects such as Neuroscience, Cancer Biology, Genetics and Human Disease, and Epidemiology to start tailoring your degree.

Year 3: Advanced Research Preparation
This year includes an independent research project where you design, plan, and execute a study—usually within one of Newcastle’s benchmark biomedical research institutes. You’ll continue enriching your knowledge with advanced modules like Medical Biotechnology, Genetics and Human Disease, Cancer Biology and Therapy, Bioinformatics, Science Communication, Immunology of Health and Disease, Bioethics, and Chronic Disease.

Year 4: Master’s-Level Research and Depth
Your final year elevates your academic profile with a full-year, extended laboratory-based research project. Alongside that, you take a master-level genetic medicine module and select an advanced module from areas like Biology of Ageing, Cancer Studies, or Developmental Genetics. Working hands-on with leading experts and specialized facilities gives you real professional-level experience.

Focus Areas
Genetics, molecular and cell biology, biomedical research skills, human anatomy, gene expression regulation, disease mechanisms (including cancer and chronic conditions), biotechnology, bioinformatics, and ethics in genetics.

Learning Outcomes
Graduates will emerge with in-depth theoretical knowledge, advanced laboratory and analytical skills, mastery of research methodology, and experience with real-world genetic science applications—well equipped for research careers or further academic study like PhDs and medicine.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)
This degree is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology (RSB), affirming its academic rigor in the biosciences and its relevance in developing future leaders in research and biomedical innovation.

Reputation (Employability & Graduate Outcomes)
Newcastle University is a National Centre of Excellence in biomedical research. The school consistently achieves top marks in student satisfaction and research reputation. Many graduates pursue advanced degrees (medical school, PhDs, master’s programs) or step directly into roles like clinical research, laboratory analysis, molecular diagnostics, or scientific communication.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

This four-year MSci programme builds on the BSc foundation by adding an advanced research-intensive final year. It’s designed to develop your scientific expertise and give you authentic, hands-on research experience in top-tier facilities.

Experiential Learning Includes:

Extended Research Immersion
In Year 4, you lead an extended laboratory-based research project, going deeper into experimental design, advanced techniques, and critical data interpretation under the guidance of research-active faculty. This experience takes place in Newcastle’s world-class research institutes.
Advanced Study Modules
You’ll study master’s-level modules tailored to cutting-edge biomedical and genetic research, taught alongside postgraduate students in specialist settings.
Foundational Years Aligned with BSc
You begin with the same core modules as BSc peers—covering genetics, immunology, physiology, neuroscience, microbiology, and biochemistry—before branching into research in the fourth year.
Research-Led Academic Environment
Your learning is anchored in a National Centre of Excellence in Biomedical Research, meaning teaching is led by researchers at the forefront of human molecular genetics, diagnostics, and disease biology.
Career-Boosting Accreditation and Placement Options
The programme includes Royal Society of Biology accreditation, elevating its academic prestige. Plus, you have the option to pursue study abroad or international summer lab placements, and—though limited—work placement opportunities between Years 2 and 3 to strengthen professional readiness.
Full Range of Career Support
Engagement opportunities span guest lectures, site visits, employability fairs, internships, and outreach activities like peer-led science tutoring and enterprise challenges—all backed by a robust careers team.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates gain advanced skills in genetic research and experimental biomedical techniques, suited for careers in clinical genetics, laboratory research, data analysis, and scientific support services. Typical roles include Clinical Specialist, Research Technician, Laboratory Analyst, and Trainee Clinical Scientist.
Many also pursue further study such as medical degrees, advanced MSc or PhD programs.

University Services That Support Your Career
- Dedicated career support with workshops, alumni networking, summer research internships, and placement year options to build professional experience.
- Close partnerships with biomedical research bodies like the Institute of Genetic Medicine and local NHS research centers enhance exposure to translational projects.
Employment Stats & Salary Figures
- Around 80% of graduates are in employment or further study within 15 months of graduating.
- Typical entry-level salaries are in the £24,000 range, with earnings rising to around £32,000 by the fifth year.
University–Industry Partnerships
- Strong collaboration with regional healthcare institutions and research centers, offering opportunities in clinical trials, genomics, and applied genetics research.
Accreditation & Long-Term Value
- Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology, which attests to the academic quality and professional credibility of the degree.
Graduation Outcomes
- Alumni regularly move into roles within clinical genetics labs, research teams, data-focused roles, or proceed to further training such as PhD, medical school, or teaching.

Further Academic Progression

MSc Programs in Genetics, Genomic Medicine, Molecular Biology, or Biomedicine
PhD Research in areas like Human Genetics, Regenerative Medicine, or Genomic Therapy via Newcastle’s research institutes
Graduate-Entry Medicine or Clinical Scientist Training to move into clinical practice or biomedical careers

This MSci in Biomedical Genetics at Newcastle University equips you with advanced research experience, strong professional connections, and a solid academic foundation—perfectly positioning you for impactful careers in genetics or further academic study.

Additional Information & Requirements

This course comes with an optional placement year or study abroad year.
A-Levels: AAB including Biology or Chemistry, plus at least one from: Mathematics or Further Mathematics; Physics; Psychology; Biology; or Chemistry. General Studies, Use of Mathematics, World Development, Communication and Culture and Critical Thinking not accepted. GCSE Chemistry, Biology (minimum grade A or 7) or Combined Science (minimum grade A A or 7 7) required if Biology or Chemistry are not offered at A or AS Level.
IB: 34 points with Biology or Chemistry and another science at Higher Level grade 5 or above. We regard Mathematics, Physics, Psychology, Biology and Chemistry as acceptable science subjects. Standard Level Chemistry or Biology required at grade 5 if not offered at Higher Level.
Applicants whose first language is not English require a minimum score of IELTS 6.5 or equivalent including 6.0 in each of the four elements of the test.
TOEFL: 90 overall (with a minimum of 19 in listening, 20 in reading, 22 in speaking, and 20 in writing).
American HSD: AP- UK A Level requirement A A B to be considered equivalent to AP test scores 5 5 4 or AP class scores of A A B. SAT: It is not mandatory to take either the SAT or ACT for admission to Newcastle University. However, if you have taken either test we may accept this in place of one AP test. In order to do so you must have scored at least: · 650 in both parts of the SAT to be considered equivalent to AP test/class with a score of 4/B · 700 in both parts of the SAT to be considered equivalent to AP test/class with a score of 5/A ACT: · ACT with a composite score of 26 to be considered equivalent to AP test/class with a score of 4/B · ACT with a composite score of 28 to be considered equivalent to AP test/class with a score of 5/A Please note you cannot superscore your test scores and you can only submit either the SAT or ACT not both.