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Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research (MSc) (2023 Entry)

Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research student in the lab

Explore our Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research taught Master's degree.

Take the next step in your research career with the University of Warwick. If you are a biologist, a mathematician, a physicist or a chemist interested in biomedical problems, our MSc in Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research (IBR) could be for you.


Course overview

The MSc in IBR is a vibrant and inclusive scientific community centred on students’ experience and our goal is to prepare you for your next career stage, whether in academia or industry. Designed to be a gateway to a PhD, our IBR MSc programme will equip you with knowledge and skills in both life and physical sciences.

Warwick’s multidisciplinary ethos is not only demonstrated by a large choice of modules from physical biology, statistics, imaging, programming and modelling but also by masterclasses on cellular dynamics, microbiology and infection or applied medical technologies. During the year you will have the opportunity to conduct two 12-week research projects in two different disciplines preparing you for your future career.

Skills from this degree

  • Analytical skills
  • Research skills
  • Presentation skills
  • Computational skills
  • Mathematical skills

General entry requirements

Minimum requirements

First degree (2:i) or equivalent qualification, in Physical Sciences (Chemistry, Maths, Physics, Stats or Engineering), or Life Sciences (Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences)

Maths A level or equivalent is strongly recommended.


English language requirements

You can find out more about our English language requirementsLink opens in a new window. This course requires the following:

  • Band A
  • IELTS overall score of 6.5, minimum component scores not below 6.0.

International qualifications

We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications.

For more information, please visit the international entry requirements pageLink opens in a new window.


Additional requirements

There are no additional entry requirements for this course.

Core modules

  • Frontier Techniques in Biomedical Research
  • Essential and Transferable Research Skills
  • Physical Biology of the Cell
  • Laboratory Project One
  • Laboratory Project Two

Optional Core Modules

  • Statistics for Data Analysis
  • Programming for Biomedical Data Analysis
  • Mathematical Modelling for Biosystems
  • Microscopy and Imaging
  • Mass Spectrometry
  • Molecular Biology: Principles and Techniques

Read more about the core and optional modules on the Medical School's website.

Teaching

This course is all about being interactive. A balanced mix of lectures, seminars, workshops, hands-on and problem-solving sessions, as well as lab work, will train you to tackle biomedical issues with creativity.


Class sizes

Class sizes will vary, however on average they comprise of 20-25 students.


Assessment

Our ethos is that assessments should reflect real-life situations and be a method to learn and progress.

As such, you will be assessed in many different ways, including short reports, dissertation, oral presentations, oral exams, posters and podcasts and more traditional written exams.


Additional course costs

£2,500 (self-funding students) to cover laptop for duration of study and consumables for 2 x 11-week research projects.


Reading lists

Most departments have reading lists available through Warwick Library. If you would like to view reading lists for the current cohort of students you can visit our Warwick Library web pageLink opens in a new window.


Your timetable

Your personalised timetable will be complete when you are registered for all modules, listing your allocated lectures, seminars, and other small group classes. Your compulsory modules will be registered for you when you join us.

Your career

Our department has a dedicated careers consultant to help boost your employability and prepare for a career. There are workshops and events throughout the year. Previous examples include:

  • Career Society at Medical School Event
  • AFP Interview Preparation
  • Warwick careers fairs throughout the year
  • Foundation Programme (UKFPO) Information evening

Warwick Medical School

Established in 2000, Warwick Medical School (WMS) forms part of the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Medicine at the University of Warwick. Alongside a range of educational opportunities, WMS has a reputation for research excellence, investigating solutions to significant global health challenges.

Find out more about us on our websiteLink opens in a new window


Our Graduate Entry Undergraduate course


Our Postgraduate Taught courses


Our Postgraduate Research courses

Tuition fees

Tuition fees are payable for each year of your course at the start of the academic year, or at the start of your course, if later. Academic fees cover the cost of tuition, examinations and registration and some student amenities.

Taught course fees  Research course fees


Fee Status Guidance

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Students will be classified as Home or Overseas fee status. Your fee status determines tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available. If you receive an offer, your fee status will be clearly stated alongside the tuition fee information.

Do you need your fee classification to be reviewed?

If you believe that your fee status has been classified incorrectly, you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire. Please follow the instructions in your offer information and provide the documents needed to reassess your status.

Find out more about how universities assess fee status

Additional course costs

As well as tuition fees and living expenses, some courses may require you to cover the cost of field trips or costs associated with travel abroad.

For departmental specific costs, please see the Modules tab on the course web page for the list of core and optional core modules with hyperlinks to our Module Catalogue (please visit the Department’s website if the Module Catalogue hyperlinks are not provided).

Associated costs can be found on the Study tab for each module listed in the Module Catalogue (please note most of the module content applies to 2022/23 year of study). Information about module department specific costs should be considered in conjunction with the more general costs below:

  • Core text books
  • Printer credits
  • Dissertation binding
  • Robe hire for your degree ceremony

Scholarships and bursaries

Scholarships and financial support

Find out about the different funding routes available, including; postgraduate loans, scholarships, fee awards and academic department bursaries.

Living costs

Find out more about the cost of living as a postgraduate student at the University of Warwick.

Find out how to apply to us, ask your questions, and find out more.

Taught course applications

Here is our checklist on how to apply for taught postgraduate courses at Warwick.

Research course applications

Here is our checklist on how to apply for research postgraduate degrees at the University of Warwick.

After you’ve applied

Find out how we process your application.

Applicant Portal

Track your application and update your details.

Admissions statement

See Warwick’s postgraduate admissions policy.

Join a live chat

Ask questions and engage with Warwick.

Postgraduate Open Day

Our Postgraduate Virtual Open Day will help you find out more about your course of interest, as well as general topics like applying to Warwick, accommodation, careers and funding.
Please register your interest to be the first to hear when booking opens.

Postgraduate fairs

Throughout the year we attend exhibitions and fairs online and in the UK. These events give you the chance to learn about our Master's and PhD study routes, and the wider context of postgraduate study.

Find out more

Live chats

Every week, you can connect directly with representatives from Warwick, who will be answering your questions on applying to and studying postgraduate studies at Warwick.

Sign up for Live Chats

Departmental events

Some academic departments hold events for specific postgraduate programmes, these are fantastic opportunities to learn more about Warwick and your chosen department and course.

See our online departmental events

Connect with us

Want to hear more about postgraduate study at Warwick? Register your interest and find out more.