Biomedical and Clinical Sciences

The MSc in Biomedical and Clinical Sciences at the University of Oxford offers an intensive and comprehensive training programme designed to equip students with a deep understanding of the fundamental principles underlying human health and disease. This course caters to individuals seeking to enhance their knowledge and skills in biomedical research, clinical sciences, and translational medicine, preparing graduates for careers in academia, healthcare, or the biomedical industry. Through a rigorous curriculum that integrates theoretical knowledge with practical applications, students will explore a wide range of topics, including human physiology, pathology, biomedical ethics, and advances in medical technology. The programme emphasizes critical thinking, laboratory skills, and research methodology, enabling students to develop autonomous scientific thinking and problem-solving abilities. Students will have the opportunity to participate in cutting-edge research projects, collaborate with leading experts in the field, and attend seminars and lectures featuring renowned clinicians and researchers. The MSc is delivered through a combination of taught modules, practical laboratory sessions, and a research dissertation, offering a balanced mix of classroom learning and hands-on experience. This interdisciplinary programme prepares graduates to contribute to medical research, healthcare delivery, or further academic pursuits such as a PhD. The collaborative learning environment promotes engagement and innovation, fostering a vibrant community of students passionate about advancing biomedical sciences. The programme is suitable for recent graduates in biological sciences, medicine, or related disciplines, as well as healthcare professionals seeking to deepen their scientific knowledge. Upon completion, graduates will possess a robust foundation in biomedical sciences, excellent research skills, and a critical understanding of current challenges and innovations in clinical science. This qualification aims to open doors to diverse career pathways in research institutes, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, and academic institutions worldwide.

Successful applicants will work towards a DPhil within one of three streams which are in basic sciences, mental and cognitive health, and translational/experimental medicine.

Applicants are strongly advised to visit the Medical Sciences Graduate School website to help them identify the most suitable course and supervisors.

You will be offered generic research training and required to meet standard University milestones for progress. All students are  formally monitored via supervisor feedback forms submitted three times per year.

1. Basic sciences

This stream aims to provide high-quality research training in basic and applied molecular science for clinical academics who aspire to a career in academic medicine. It is expected that you will carry out DPhil projects in one of the following broad areas:

• metabolism
• genomics
• haematology
• infection/immunity/inflammation
• neurobiology
• cardiovascular

Training provision is tailored to your needs, in relation to your research project and determined in consultation with supervisors, mentor and programme directors.

It is expected that you will have both basic-scientist and clinician-scientist supervisors, to bridge the gap between basic and applied research.

2. Mental and cognitive health

This stream aims to recruit clinical psychologists, psychiatrists and neurologists to the DPhil programme and place them into internationally-recognised research groups that have successfully developed new treatments, clinical assessments and rehabilitation procedures and/or novel experimental medicine approaches to psychopharmacology.

You should expect to receive core teaching in a range of skills important for clinical research in mental and cognitive health. These may include: experimental design, structured clinical interviews, cognitive testing, programming experiments MATLAB/using E-Prime/SuperLab etc, design and analysis of clinical trials, acquisition and analysis of fMRI and other imaging data.

In addition, Oxford has exceptional multimodal imaging facilities to which you should have access. If appropriate for your research, you will normally be able to join the FMRIB graduate training programme.

Throughout the DPhil course, students on this stream will have a weekly day-long placement in a unit that conducts clinical work closely related to your research programme, in order to:

• observe how research and clinical implementation can work together
• continue to develop your clinical skills

Each placement normally lasts for twelve months, during which you should have the opportunity to work in units that aim to help you observe translational work in a complementary area to your research. In this way, the programme aims to equip you with the skills you need to ensure that, when relevant, you can rapidly translate your future research findings into patient benefit.

You will be required to meet standard University milestones for progress and will be monitored formally via supervisor feedback forms submitted three times per year.

3. Translational/experimental medicine

This is a new theme, introduced to take advantage of other strengths in biomedical science. These include projects in:

• the Institute of Biomedical Engineering, which provides a unique environment where engineers and clinicians work together, focusing on novel technological approaches to healthcare problems;
• vaccinology through the Jenner Institute and the Oxford Vaccine Group, where novel vaccine approaches for infection and also non-infectious targets such as cancer are developed and tested through clinical trials;
• veterinary science in collaboration with the Pirbright Institute (formerly the Institute of Animal Health) and the Royal Veterinary College in conjunction with the Jenner Institute and Wellcome-funded projects (eg in orthopaedics and in neuromuscular disease) and an interdisciplinary training initiative on Innovative Food Systems Teaching and Learning;
• translational and applied neurosciences including advanced neuro-imaging available through the Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Building (fMRIB) and novel PET approaches with Imanova, interfacing with scientists with skills in physics and big data; 
• major non-communicable diseases through the Nuffield Department of Population Health, Clinical Trials Service Unit, and Epidemiologic Studies Unit, and the new Big Data Institute (BDI), focusing on the analysis of large, complex, heterogeneous data sets for research into the causes and consequences, prevention and treatment of disease. Ethox, also based in the Nuffield Department of Population Health, provides an environment where empirical research and ethical analyses can be combined around clinical ethics, research ethics, and global/population health ethics; and
• international health and tropical medicine, building on collaborations between Oxford investigators and its major overseas programmes with bases in Kenya, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Applicants are normally expected to be predicted or have achieved a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours (or equivalent international qualifications), as a minimum, in a relevant subject. 

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.5 out of 4.0.

If you hold non-UK qualifications and wish to check how your qualifications match these requirements, you can contact the National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom (UK NARIC).

No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.

• Official transcript(s)
• CV/résumé
• Research proposal and Wellcome Trust Training Fellowship application form: Up to 1,400 words
• References/letters of recommendation: Three overall, all of which must be academic

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Higher level

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Funding options for the Biomedical and Clinical Sciences program at the University of Oxford include a range of scholarships, bursaries, grants, and student loans. Prospective students are encouraged to explore various sources of financial support to assist with tuition fees and living expenses during their studies. The university offers several prestigious scholarships that are highly competitive, such as the Clarendon Fund, which provides full or partial funding for exceptional students across all disciplines, including biomedical sciences. Additionally, specific departmental awards may be available for students admitted to the program, which are usually awarded based on academic excellence or financial need. International students may also be eligible for funding through government-sponsored scholarships, such as the Commonwealth Scholarships or Chevening Scholarships, which support students from eligible countries.

In the UK, students can access government-supported student loans to cover tuition fees and support living costs, with eligibility determined by residency and nationality criteria. These loans are repayable after graduation, usually contingent on income levels. The university also provides information about external funding opportunities, including charitable foundations, professional bodies, and industry sponsorships that may support biomedical and clinical sciences students. It is recommended that students begin their funding application process early, as some scholarships and bursaries have early submission deadlines and competitive selection criteria.

Moreover, many students pursue part-time employment or research assistantships within the university or in related research projects to supplement their funds. Students are advised to regularly check the University of Oxford’s official website and the department’s own pages for updated information on available funding opportunities, application procedures, and deadlines. Financial planning is essential, given the potential costs involved, and the university’s financial aid teams are available to provide advice and support throughout the application process. Overall, funding for this program is diverse and accessible to qualified students who seek financial assistance and meet the eligibility requirements.

The MSc in Biomedical and Clinical Sciences at the University of Oxford is a comprehensive postgraduate programme designed to provide students with an advanced understanding of the fundamental principles of biomedical sciences and their application in clinical contexts. The programme aims to equip students with essential skills in critical analysis, research methodologies, and data interpretation, preparing them for careers in biomedical research, healthcare, or further academic study.

Students enrolled in this MSc benefit from interdisciplinary teaching that covers a broad spectrum of topics, including molecular biology, genetics, physiology, pharmacology, and pathophysiology. The curriculum combines lectures, seminars, practical laboratory sessions, and research projects, enabling students to engage actively with current scientific developments. The programme emphasizes the importance of translating laboratory findings into clinical applications, fostering a translational approach to biomedical sciences.

Research skills are a core component of the MSc, with students undertaking a substantial research project, often in collaboration with leading medical and research institutions. This project allows students to apply their theoretical knowledge to real-world scientific problems, develop laboratory techniques, and analyze complex data sets. Throughout the programme, students are encouraged to develop their problem-solving abilities, scientific communication skills, and ethical understanding necessary for responsible conduct in research.

The MSc in Biomedical and Clinical Sciences is suitable for students aiming to pursue careers in medical research, clinical practice, or further academic qualifications such as a PhD. The programme also provides a robust foundation for those interested in biomedical industry roles, regulatory bodies, and healthcare policy development.

Admission to the programme typically requires a relevant undergraduate degree with strong academic performance in subjects related to biomedical sciences or medicine. The University of Oxford is renowned for its rigorous selection process, which assesses applicants based on academic excellence, research interests, and motivation for advanced study in biomedical sciences.

The programme is delivered in a stimulating academic environment, featuring world-class facilities, access to leading researchers, and opportunities for networking with professionals in biomedical and clinical fields. The collaborative atmosphere encourages interdisciplinary learning and fosters innovative approaches to solving complex health-related problems.

Graduates of the MSc in Biomedical and Clinical Sciences are well-prepared for next steps in their professional careers or academic pursuits. Many pursue doctoral research, clinical training, or roles within research institutions, healthcare organizations, and biomedical industries. The programme’s emphasis on research and practical skills makes it a valuable stepping stone for those aiming to contribute significantly to advancements in biomedical science and medicine.