Tailor your Master's degree to your career requirements. Expertise in biochemistry, microbiology, molecular biology, cancer biology, protein biochemistry, biotechnology, computational biology and aging, allows you choice and flexibility in your studies.
Studying Biomedicine at Kent offers maximum choice and flexibility in selecting topics, allowing you to gain in-depth knowledge alongside extensive laboratory experience in the areas you care about.
You’ll be taught by academic staff engaged in internationally renowned research, ensuring you are exposed to the latest advancements in the field by the very people who are making them. We take a 360 approach, you’ll be prepared for PhD study, while developing transferable skills that open doors to careers in pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, medical research, teaching, marketing, IT, and more. This means you can forge your own path in Biomedicine, tailored to your own interests and ambitions.
You can also join the student-led BioSoc, which is affiliated with the Institute of Biomedical Science, and participates in seminars, academic talks, trips, and social events.
Minimum 2:2 Honours degree or equivalent in a Biosciences related discipline.
All applicants are considered on an individual basis and additional qualifications, professional qualifications and relevant experience may also be taken into account when considering applications.
Please see our International Student website for entry requirements by country and other relevant information. Due to visa restrictions, students who require a student visa to study cannot study part-time unless undertaking a distance or blended-learning programme with no on-campus provision.
This course requires a Good level of English language, equivalent to B2 on CEFR.
Details on how to meet this requirement can be found on our English Language requirements webpage.
Examples:
IELTS 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component
PTE Academic 63 with a minimum of 59 in each sub-test
A degree from a UK university
A degree from a Majority English Speaking Country
Please note that if you are required to meet an English language condition, we offer a number of pre-sessional courses in English for Academic Purposes through Kent International Pathways.
We’ve created the most progressive approach to higher education, developing and modernising our curriculum. For 2025 our courses will be designed with you at their heart to deliver a top-class student experience and career outcomes.
The following modules are what students will typically study, but this may change year to year in response to new developments and innovations.
You take all compulsory modules and then chose three from the optional modules listed.
How do we effectively develop both understanding and practical skills in the evolving field of molecular biology? How do we assess the impact of CRISPR-Cas9-based genome editing on current biological research and its broader applications?
In this module, you will embark on a journey to deepen your understanding and enhance your practical skills in molecular biology. Through interactive workshops, hands-on practical sessions, and collaborative group work, you'll be actively engaged in learning key practical and transferable skills vital for any field of biology. You will take part in an extended mini-project that places you at the forefront of biological innovation, utilising CRISPR-Cas9-based genome editing. This cutting-edge technology, complemented by modern genome sequencing technologies, opens a wide array of applications in the biological sciences. By mastering these skills, you'll be equipped to contribute to ground-breaking research and advancements in fields ranging from agriculture to medicine. This module not only prepares you for a career in molecular biological research by giving you a competitive edge in technology but also empowers you to contribute to future scientific breakthroughs.
What are the limits of scientific research? Are scientists allowed to do whatever they like? Which risks (for individuals and/ or society) are acceptable for research? Which responsibility have researchers for how their research findings will be used (for the benefit of humankind or for malevolent causes)? What responsibility do scientists have for the subjects of their research (humans or animals)? Do scientists have to ensure the validity of their research findings (and, if yes, to which extent)? How should scientists communicate their research findings? Are scientists responsible for the (mis)interpretation of their findings? Can scientists also be activists in their field of research (without affecting their scientific credibility)? Do research ethics differ between different settings (e.g. between academia and industry or between basic and applied research)? These are just some questions that you will consider to think about implications of research beyond the immediate scientific content. By doing this, you will acquire core skills on the ethics conduct in the biosciences and beyond. This module will help you to develop into a mature, responsible scientist who does not only know how to tackle a research question but who is also able to consider and judge the ethical and societal implications of their research.
Biomedicine is integral to advancing human health, driving economic growth, and addressing ethical and social challenges in healthcare, making its understanding essential for informed decision-making and societal well-being. In this module you will develop your skills to become a well-rounded professional scientist who is capable of conducting high-quality and original research. You will discuss how to identify and articulate research questions and hypotheses that are relevant to the current challenges and opportunities within the field of biomedicine. You will focus on how to critically evaluate the scientific literature, discerning the quality and relevance of research articles, reviews, and reports in the field of biomedicine, so that you remain up-to-date with the latest research developments to ground your own original research on a solid theoretical framework. With the help of advanced statistical software you will further develop your skills in critical analysis of scientific data, including training in data management, statistical analysis, and interpretation of results, ensuring that you can draw valid conclusions from your research findings. Finally, you will be shown how to effectively design and communicate an original research proposal to the wider scientific and non-scientific community. Upon completion of this module you will be a confident research professional, able to lead your own research project independently.
Studying Analytical and Emerging Technologies for Biotechnology and Bioengineering is highly valued in industries such as (bio)pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and healthcare, enhancing employability prospects. Understanding and practice of emerging techniques will equip you with the knowledge to innovate in a rapidly evolving field and to tackle current and future challenges. Through an exploration of analytical technologies essential for the analysis of proteins, small molecules, and cells, you will delve into an array of techniques to gain a deeper understanding of the underlying principles of biology and biotechnology. With practical applications to design and implement protocols for the recovery and characterisation of protein molecules from mammalian cell culture, this allows the application of theoretical knowledge to practical settings. Through a combination of lectures, practical exercises and expert-led sessions, you will acquire an understanding of analytical technologies and their relevance in industrial biotechnology.
Why are some microbes pathogenic and others not? How do pathogens cause infection, and how evolutionary conserved are these mechanisms of pathogenesis among different microbes? In this module you will delve into the molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis for a broad range of clinically relevant microbes including examples from virus, bacteria, fungi, and parasites. You will combine immunology and microbiology to discover how pathogens evade the actions of the human immune system and draw on links between pathogens to understand how different pathogens have evolved similar infection processes.
Biotechnology and its application has had a massive impact on the everyday lives of humans and the environment for thousands of years. This module provides critical perspectives on the most recent developments in biotechnology and their application, providing solutions to health challenges, an ability to feed the world more sustainably, ways of generating energy in a ‘greener’ way, new materials and many more. Specific examples will demonstrate development of findings into commercial application and the process and regulatory structure within which this takes place. Students have the opportunity to explore their own interests in the field and develop ideas that can be applied into application. The role of biotechnology in addressing local and global health, social, economic, and environmental challenges as aligned with the UN sustainable development goals will be considered. The module contains perspective from external speakers in the biotechnology sector, providing professional insights, networking and employment opportunities.
Cancer is something that will affect many individuals during their lifetime. But how is cancer detected, diagnosed and treated and how is this impacting cancer survival rates? What exciting new treatments are moving from the laboratory into the clinic and providing patient benefit? We will explore how patients enter the treatment pathway and what types of treatments are currently available to them. As part of this interactive module we will focus on how the latest cutting edge science is being used to bring forward new cancer treatments from the laboratory into the clinic. We will take this journey with both researchers who work on the discovery and development of cancer drugs, along with NHS clinicians specialising in different aspects of cancer detection, diagnosis and treatment and the clinical evaluation of new anticancer agents.
Explore the cutting-edge realms of biotechnology and bioengineering in this dynamic module! From unravelling the mysteries of drug discovery and engineering biology to mastering the art of cell engineering, this course will lead you to the forefront of scientific innovation. Delve into the mechanics of cells and the importance of cellular processes in biotechnology applications, venture into industrial biotechnology's biofuels frontier, and unlock the potential of protein-based drugs and bionanomaterials. Taught by leading academics in their fields, workshops and seminars will immerse you in our latest research, methodologies, advancements, and trends shaping the future of the field, while hands-on practicals will bring theory to life. Join us on this journey of discovery, where your curiosity meets innovation, and together, we will push the boundaries of what's possible in biotechnology and bioengineering!
The threat posed by new pandemics and the possibility of entering a post-antimicrobial era highlights the urgent need to improve our understanding of disease outbreaks and how microorganisms cause human disease. In this module you will cover epidemiology, clinical microbiology, antimicrobial resistance, and the host:pathogen interactions that influence pathogenesis. Through application of this knowledge and understanding you will gain critical insights into how globally-important pathogens can infect populations, cause disease, and evade toxicity imposed by antimicrobial drugs.
Which pathogens pose a threat to us? What can we do to protect ourselves and to treat infectious diseases?
These questions have been brought into the centre of public attention by the recent COVID-19 pandemic, including an additional one: Are we well-prepared for future pandemics? You will understand how we can diagnose and treat diseases caused by different pathogens and also why we do not have appropriate therapies for others. You will also establish a profound understanding of how we can protect ourselves from infectious diseases by vaccination. Hence, you will develop a profound understanding of why we can or cannot successfully treat certain infectious diseases and of the challenges and threats that new pathogens pose to us.
Assisted reproduction is a key aspect of modern medical treatment, and one for which demend is rapidly expanding. Improving clinical practice in assisted reproduction requires continual innovation and development, which is in turn underpinned by a large body of practical and theoretical knowledge stretching back hundreds of years. This module is delivered in partnership with clinical and industry leaders in the field, providing students with a deep understanding of the underlying science , an overview of the latest cutting edge practices, and networking and career development opportunities with a wide range of working professionals in the field. The course content is divided into four main blocks: Andrology, Gynaecology, Embryology and Maternal health, and Genetics - respectively addressing the father, the mother, the child and their shared molecular inheritance.
Around 1-2% of all babies in the UK are born by IVF, with varying figures in many other countries. Internationally, reproductive medicine generally, and IVF in particular, is an area in which the UK is world leading. This module will explore the challenges of IVF from a theoretical and practical standpoint. We will start by considering the importance of both gamete and embryo quality in achieving live birth outcomes, learning how these are tested both at the physiological and genetic level. We will end the course with an intensive practical course demonstrating the principles learned earlier in the term. The practical aspect of this module will explore the basics of lab technique and good practice, pipette making, sperm and oocyte assessment, embryo handling, imaging and grading, and preimplantation diagnosis. For ethical and biosafety reasons practical laboratory classes will use materials from non-human model species (e.g. mouse, cattle, pig).
Careers in science and technology involve critical thinking, problem solving, communication and creativity. In this module, you will undertake an independent research project to develop these skills. You will work together with an academic supervisor to address specific scientific questions and design a research project.
You will be trained in key techniques relating to the project, and work independently under the supervisor's guidance to design and execute experiments to address your research questions. You will learn how to effectively communicate your project and findings in style with scientific conferences and journals.
Assessment involves a mixture of practical classes, innovative continuous assessment to gain maximum transferable and professional skills, and examinations, depending on the optional modules selected.
For course aims and learning outcomes please see the course specification.
Kent is well equipped, with excellent general research laboratories, together with a range of specialised research resources including facilities for growing micro-organisms of all kinds, extensive laboratories for animal cell culture and monoclonal antibody production, and an imaging suite providing high-resolution laser confocal and electron microscopy. Additionally, the macromolecular analysis facility provides resources for protein and mass spectrometry, CD and fluorescence spectroscopy, surface plasmon resonance, and HPLC and FPLC systems for all aspects of biochemical and microbiological research. Notably, the School has a new state-of-the-art Bruker Avance III four-channel 600 MHz NMR spectrometer equipped with a QCI cryoprobe, obtained via an equipment research award from the Wellcome Trust.
Students on taught programmes are assigned a personal academic tutor to provide additional support. Throughout the course, you experience research culturel by attending research seminars and careers guidance sessions, and also have opportunities to participate in our vibrant outreach programme within the local community. In addition to taught modules, an in-depth research project takes place during the summer under the guidance of members of academic staff. These projects benefit from our outstanding research environment and first-class facilities.
We not only collaborate extensively with other universities in the UK (Cambridge, Cardiff, King’s College London, University College London, Newcastle, Oxford, Sussex, York, Manchester, Durham and Sheffield), but also have a wide-ranging network across the world with institutes including: the Boston Biomedical Research Institute; University of Hanover; Monash University Melbourne; Harvard; University of California, Davis; Université Claude Bernard – Lyon 1; Goethe-Universität Frankfurt; University of Queensland, Australia; University of Utah; Texas A&M University; and Braunschweig University of Technology. We also collaborate with organisations such as the Marie Curie Research Institute, Cancer Research UK, National Institute for Medical Research, MRC London, GlaxoSmithKline and the European Union Framework 5 CYTONET.
We currently receive funding from: BBSRC; Biochemical Society; British Heart Foundation; E B Charitable Hutchinson Trust; the EC; EPSRC; Kent Cancer Trust; The Leverhulme Trust; National Institutes of Health (USA); Nuffield Foundation; Royal Society; Wellcome Trust. It also receives funding on specific projects from a number of industrial organisations and collaborators.
Staff publish regularly and widely in journals, conference proceedings and books. Among others, they have recently contributed to: Nature Chemical Biology; Journal of Biological Chemistry; Cell; Molecular Cell; Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA; PLOS One; and Journal of Cell Science.
All students registered for a taught Master's programme are eligible to apply for a place on our Global Skills Award Programme. The programme is designed to broaden your understanding of global issues and current affairs as well as to develop personal skills which will enhance your employability.
Designed to equip you with transferable skills that are highly valued in the workplace. Our research-led ethos ensures that students explore the frontiers of scientific knowledge, and the intensive practical components provide rigorous training in cutting-edge technical skills.
Destinations for our graduates include the leading pharmaceutical and biotechnological companies within the UK and leading research institutes both at home and abroad.
Our graduates to go into roles such as Research Assistants and Technicians, Journal Editors, Patent Attorneys and Clinical Trials coordinators. Graduates are also ideally placed to pursue further postgraduate qualifications.
We have a dedicated Placements and Employability Team and your academic supervisor will be able to advise you and give you access to professionals in their network.
The University has a friendly Careers and Employability Service, which can give you advice on how to:
These services are available to you for 3 years after completing your course.
The 2025/26 annual tuition fees for this course are:
For details of when and how to pay fees and charges, please see our Student Finance Guide.
Tuition fees may be increased in the second and subsequent years of your course. Detailed information on possible future increases in tuition fees is contained in the Tuition Fees Increase Policy. If you are uncertain about your fee status please contact information@kent.ac.uk.
The University will assess your fee status as part of the application process. If you are uncertain about your fee status you may wish to seek advice from UKCISA before applying.
For details of when and how to pay fees and charges, please see our Student Finance Guide.
Tuition fees may be increased in the second and subsequent years of your course. Detailed information on possible future increases in tuition fees is contained in the Tuition Fees Increase Policy. If you are uncertain about your fee status please contact information@kent.ac.uk.
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Next steps
Learn more about the application process or begin your application by clicking on a link below.
You will be able to choose your preferred year of entry once you have started your application. You can also save and return to your application at any time.
Supporting your success
Kent ranked top 40 in The Times Good University Guide 2025.
Fees and funding
Kent has risen 11 places in THE’s REF 2021 ranking, confirming us as a leading research university.
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