Applied Bioscience
Apply bioscience to the future of healthcare: develop specialist expertise in molecular cell biology, biomedical genetics and medical diagnostics.
You can choose to study this course part-time, and start in September or January. The course durations vary slightly: 2 years (September starts) or 28 months (January starts). Course content and modules remain the same.
in the region for postgraduates progressing into senior roles.
Source: Graduate Outcomes Survey 2026
Thrive at the forefront of our rapidly-evolving scientific world. Gain an advanced understanding of the medical applications of bioscience, including bioinformatics, while developing the practical skills and analytical techniques needed for careers in research, healthcare or industrial settings.
You'll learn in laboratories that mirror real-world laboratory environments, ensuring you’re immersed in an authentic, industry-relevant experience from day one.
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Course Director Dr Grisha Pirianov introduces our Master's courses in Advanced Biomedical Science, Applied Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Molecular Microbiology.
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![Dr Grisha Pirianov and two students using electronic equipment in the biomedical sciences lab]()
Course Director Dr Grisha Pirianov introduces our Master's courses in Advanced Biomedical Science, Applied Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Molecular Microbiology.
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Study in Cambridge, one of the world's leading life sciences and biomedical innovation hubs
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Gain hands-on experience in specialist tissue culture and molecular laboratories, including a Category 2 lab
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Develop expertise in next-generation sequencing, bioinformatics and advanced molecular techniques
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Study on one of the UK's few Royal Society of Biology Master's-accredited bioscience programmes
Study at an award-winning university
We were named Times Higher Education University of the Year 2023. We've also been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework – a reflection of the outstanding education we offer our students.
Careers
Develop the critical skills required for careers across the life sciences sector.
Areas you could work in include research, environmental science, biotechnology, food and pharmaceutical industries.
Opportunities include roles in laboratory research, quality assurance, scientific consultancy and technical services, with the ability to apply biological knowledge to address real-world challenges in health, industry and sustainability.
Teaching and modules
Develop advanced skills in molecular cell biology, biomedical genetics, bioinformatics and specialised topics in medical diagnostics.
On this course, you'll gain hands-on experience of molecular and cellular techniques used in applied bioscience, including DNA analysis, microbiology and cell culture, before conducting an independent research project that enables you to develop significant expertise in your chosen area.
Throughout the course you’ll have opportunities to attend seminars or events with Cambridge’s many biotechnology companies, such as the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, the Biomedical Campus at Addenbrooke's Hospital and the Babraham Research Institute.
Modules are subject to change and availability, and may vary by location. If you have the choice of optional modules, these are indicated with a *.
- Contemporary Medical Diagnostics (30 credits)
- Molecular Genetics and Bioinformatics (30 credits)
- Laboratory Techniques in Applied Bioscience (30 credits)
- Professional and Ethical Practice (15 credits)
- Research Methods and Preparation (15 credits)
- Masters Research Project (60 credits)
You can choose to study with us over two years (full-time), and take Professional Experience modules (2x project modules or 2x placement modules) in Year 2, with a Preparation for Professional Experience module in Year 1. You'll complete your Postgraduate Major Project in Year 2.
- Professional Experience Biosciences Project 1 (60 credits) *
- Professional Experience Biosciences Project 2 (60 credits) *
- Professional Placement 1 (Life Sciences) (60 credits) *
- Professional Placement 2 (Life Sciences) (60 credits) *
It's possible to study this course part-time. You'll take the same modules as MSc/MA students, but sometimes in a different order or in different years.
As a part-time student you'll typically study for twice as long as full-time students. For example if the MSc/MA course takes one year, you can expect to study over two years, though for some courses this may vary.
Read profiles of teaching and research staff on this course.
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Dr Grisha PirianovSenior Lecturer
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Dr Clett ErridgeSenior Lecturer
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Dr Hussein Al-AliSenior Lecturer
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Professor Havovi ChichgerProfessor in Biomedical Science
Facilities
Enjoy a range of facilities designed to support your studies and career development.
Our Science Centre features four floors of labs and teaching space, with facilities for specialist tissue culture and microbiology laboratories and a modern, 300-seat lecture theatre.
You'll have extensive library and IT resources, and careers support through our Employability Service. After you graduate, you’ll have lifelong access to our Alumni Career Centre.
You can also access support, should you need it, with study skills, health and wellbeing, and more.