Biomedical Science – Reproduction and Development MRes

• Research Methods (15 credits)
• Research Project Planning and Management (15 credits)
• Practical Research Skills (30 credits)
• Research Project (105 credits).

• Clinical Trials (15 credits)
• Data Analysis Skills (15 credits).

These are common to all pathways, and most of teaching will take place in the autumn term. The core modules provide advanced training in the practice of biomedical research across a broad range of laboratory and computer-based biomedical science.

Students will also undertake the specialist module (30 credits) which is specific to each of the five pathways. The specialist module prepares you to conduct high-calibre in-depth research in your chosen research field.

The journal clubs (critical appraisal of papers) led by students themselves with guidance from tutors will run from October until March.

Unlike many other courses, our Research Project (105 credits) offers a chance to spend up to nine months working as part of an active research team. This may provide an opportunity to work with clinical samples or staff on our hospital sites. For example, one past research project studied first trimester placenta cells to identify future indicators of pre-eclampsia, while another analysed the mutation of gonadal genes which to provide new insight into what causes a failure to initiate or complete puberty naturally. Other projects offered opportunities to work with animal models (mouse, zebrafish) to enhance our understanding of congenital disorders and identification of mutated genes through sequencing of patient DNA samples. The Research Project module will start in October and runs until July/August. Students will present a poster in July and submit a final dissertation in August.

Students also choose one optional module worth 15 credits from a range of options. In addition to the core and specialist modules, the optional modules will equip students with a comprehensive set of essential research skills for interpreting and applying clinical and biomedical data. They will also provide a broad understanding of research governance and ethics. The optional modules may be subject to availability.

Watch the Biomedical Science MRes webinar from our virtual postgraduate event.

Teaching is conducted via a mixture of:

• lectures
• class discussions and seminars
• self-directed reading
• student presentations
• practical classes

You will choose your research project and start with laboratory work in mid-October, completing your research by the following August.

We have designed assessments that prepare you for your research project. You will learn to critically review published work, create appropriate experimental designs and analyse data. At the same time, you will develop your scientific writing and presentation skills.

All our modules are assessed through written assignments or an oral presentation – except our statistics module which is assessed via examination. Once you have finished your research project, you will also present a poster on your research.

Expertise

We have a global reputation as experts in population health, infection and immunity, and molecular and clinical sciences.

Clinical Academic Groups – we have four Clinical Academic Groups in cardiovascular diseases, genomics, infectious diseases and neuroscience. These groups bring together researchers from the University and clinicians from St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Our Applied Diagnostic Research and Evaluation Unit is helping develop rapid diagnostics for sexually transmitted infections which are a worldwide public health concern.

The Centre for Neonatal and Paediatric Infection is an internationally recognised centre carrying out paediatric infection disease research. Experts are working on global projects to tackle the threat of AMR and develop new vaccines.

Fees for academic year 2026/27

We have a range of funding opportunities available for students. You may be eligible for the following.

• A Postgraduate Master’s Loan from the UK Government
• Other financial support for Postgraduate Study

We do not expect students to incur any extra costs over and above those that we have advertised on the course page.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Credit transfer from the Healthcare Research Skills and Methods PgCert qualifies for a proportional discount in course fees. Recognition of prior learning, including credit from research skills modules at other recognised providers, may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

20% off your study

We are offering a Graduate Loyalty Discount of 20% on tuition fees to all our alumni when applying to any of our degree courses.

To be eligible for the discount you must have successfully completed an undergraduate or postgraduate degree at legacy City, University of London or legacy St George's, University of London, as well as being self-funded.

To apply you will need to be accepted onto your intended course of study and to meet all the normal academic admissions criteria for the relevant course at City St George's, University of London.

Please note that MBBS 4 & 5 students are not entitled to alumni discount.

Biomedical scientists work at the cutting edge of research and medicine, helping to solve some of the most threatening diseases and conditions facing mankind. Your work will have the potential to improve diagnosis, genetic screening and counselling for families affected.

By the end of the course, you’ll be confident planning and managing a research project. This includes knowing how to write a research proposal, evaluate published research and identify good quality research. You’ll also have advanced skills in data handling, scientific communication and using technology to support research projects.

Some of our graduates work in research-active healthcare roles, while others engage with clinical research as trial managers or laboratory scientists. You might find opportunities in:

• Academic biomedical research institutes and universities
• Clinical medicine and hospitals
• Pharmaceutical industry
• Science communications and journalism
• Teaching

With your extensive research experience, you’ll also stand out as a candidate when applying to continue to PhD study.