The MSc in Biomedical Science course is not accredited by the Academy for Clinical Science and laboratory Medical Scientists (ACSML) or CORU.  As a result, graduates of the MSc are not eligible to be employed as Laboratory Medical Scientists in Hospital clinical diagnostics laboratories.  Graduates have however, secured Research Assistant positions in laboratories within Hospital clinical units.

Course Overview

Why choose this programme?

This MSc programme aims to provide students with the underpinning knowledge and practical skills to pursue a successful career in biomedical science. The course is designed for those who wish to follow careers as Biomedical Scientists in research, the Health Service or in the wider context of biomedical science (including Medical Technologies, Bio-pharmaceutical and other Healthcare industries). Using state of the art technologies and a range of skills from scientific, engineering and clinical disciplines to understand and investigate questions originating in biology and medicine. You will be introduced to science and engineering disciplines you will not have covered in your undergraduate studies. You will have access to some of Ireland’s leading researchers in this area. A major objective of the course is to introduce students to an interdisciplinary approach to Biomedical Science, which utilises technologies and skills from a wide spectrum of scientific, engineering and clinical disciplines.

Industry placement

Students have the opportunity to apply for 9–12 month industry placements, which if a placement is secured, replaces the research dissertation. An industry placement-associated module (30 ECTS), is completed by students undertaking industry placements, replacing the research dissertation module.  Students undertaking an industry placement will be registered on the MSc into a seconnd year for the duration of the placement.

Programme objectives

The MSc in Biomedical Science programme’s primary objective is to provide students with the underpinning knowledge and practical skills to pursue a successful career in biomedical science. 

  • The course is designed for those who wish to follow careers as Biomedical Scientists in research, the Health Service or in the wider context of biomedical science including Medical Technologies, Bio-pharmaceutical and other Healthcare industries.
  • Using state-of-the-art technologies and a range of skills from scientific, engineering and clinical disciplines to understand and investigate questions originating in biology and medicine.
  • You will be introduced to science and engineering disciplines you will not have covered in your undergraduate studies. You will have access to some of Ireland’s leading researchers in this area.
  • A major objective of the course is to introduce students to an interdisciplinary approach to Biomedical Science, which utilises technologies and skills from a wide spectrum of scientific, engineering and clinical disciplines. 

Regeneron visit: resized
Above: Regeneron industry site visit

Medtronic 2020
2019–2020 MSc class visit to Medtronic Innovation Centre, Galway

Scholarships available
Find out about our Postgraduate Scholarships here.

You may also be interested in one of our other Life and Biomedical Sciences postgraduate programmes.

Applications and Selections

Selection is based on the candidate's academic record at an undergraduate level and their aptitude for the course.

Applications are made online via the University of  Galway Postgraduate Applications System

To apply for this programme please complete all of the steps below:

1. Ensure you are eligible—entry criteria

  • Graduates who have a first class or second class honours level 8 BSc degree in a relevant biological or biomedical sciences, physical sciences or engineering field 
  • Graduates with a Level 7 degree and who can demonstrate that they have at least 2-3 years relevant experience in research or the Medical Technology, Healthcare or Biotechnology industry 
  • English language proficiency of IELTS score of 6.5 is required (with no less than 6.5 in Writing and no less than 6.0 in any other band) or equivalent. Duolingo score of 110 is required (with no less than 110 in Production and 110 in Literacy with minimum of 100 in any other band)

2. Have all of the supporting documentation in place

Visit our Supporting Documents website for document requirements for this course.

Any application queries should be emailed to postgradadmissions@nuigalway.ie 

Who Teaches this Course

For information on the Biomedical Science programme team, click here.

Requirements and Assessment

Assessments

Students are formally assessed through a range of continuous assessment and end-of-semester examinations in Semester 1. Continuous assessment involves written assignments, projects, presentations, video pitches and case studies. Written examinations include short answer examinations, multiple-choice-question examinations during the semester, and end of Semester 1 examinations in December.

Assessment of students in Semester 2 is through continuous assessment of each module, through a combination of written assignments, evaluations of laboratory practical skills, laboratory reports, workshop-based problem solving, oral presentations.  

The Research Project dissertation is also assessed. Assessment includes examination of the written research thesis, as well as oral and poster presentations, and assessment of student performance in conducting their research project.

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

Candidates must hold at least a Second Class Honours Level 8 primary degree in a related subject area or hold a primary degree in a related area (which is acceptable to the college) without honours and have three years’ relevant practical experience in the subject area. IELTS score of 6.5 is required, with no less than 6.5 in Writing and no less than 6.0 in any other band).

Additional Requirements

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Duration

1 year, full-time (MSC-MBC)
2 years, full-time with industry placement (MSC-MV4)

Next start date

September 2024

A Level Grades ()

Average intake

25

QQI/FET FETAC Entry Routes

Closing Date

Please view the offer rounds website.

NFQ level

Mode of study

ECTS weighting

90

Award

CAO

Course code

MSC-MBC, MSC-MV4

Course Outline

 

TS 2021


The MSc in Biomedical science (90 ECTS) is a full-time Level 9 programme course, normally extending over a 12-month period from September to August. The MSc is intended to introduce students to science and engineering disciplines they would not have covered in their undergraduate studies.

Accreditation information
The MSc in Biomedical Science course is not accredited by the Academy for Clinical Science and laboratory Medical Scientists (ACSML) or CORU.  As a result, graduates of the MSc are not eligible to be employed as Laboratory Medical Scientists in Hospital clinical diagnostics laboratories.  Graduates have however, secured Research Assistant positions in laboratories within Hospital clinical units.

The first two semesters consist of taught modules (60 ECTS; see module details for more information) that will acquaint you with the basics of Biology, Chemistry and Physics, depending on your background. The modules are devoted to coursework through a series of lectures and tutorials and assessed by means of a written exam and/or continuous assessment. Students complete both scientific and business modules. Students are expected to carry out a business project by preparing a written report and presentation on a biomedical science-related topic. Also during the first two semesters, there will be a series of practical sessions that will familiarise you with different forms of instrumentation and techniques.

A optional laboratory-based research project (30 ECTS) is undertaken by students in the 3rd semester (April–August). Toward the end of the research project, students are asked to present their findings at an MSc Research Symposium day.  There is a prize for the most outstanding MSc Research presentation on the day.

An alternative optional 30 ECTS module can be chosen instead by students.  This module Regulatory Affairs & Operational Excellence aims to equip students with foundational practical knowledge of the regulatory pathways for placing medical devices and pharmaceuticals on the market within the EU, US and globally. It explains the legislation applicable and guidelines available to medical device and pharmaceutical manufacturers. Students also gain theoretical and practical knowledge and experience in Lean Six Sigma Operational Excellence, and Quality Management.

In a new development from 2018–19, students undertaking the MSc. also have the opportunity to apply for a 9–12 month industry placement, which if successfully secured, is carried out instead of the research dissertation. An industry placement-associated module (30 ECTS), is completed by students undertaking industry placements, replacing the research dissertation module.  Students undertaking an industry placement will be registered on the MSc into a 2nd year for the duration of the placement.

1MV1
Semester 3Research Project
A 3-month laboratory project with an academic research team on a subject related to biomedical science. The aim of this module is to provide students with hands-on experience of the rigours of scientific research, from experimental design, to execution of research. Students are educated as to best practice for reporting their results. 

Semester 3: Regulatory Affairs & Operational Excellence
The module provides MSc in Biomedical Science students with a detailed foundation in Regulatory Affairs (both EU & US), Lean Six Sigma Operational Excellence, and Quality Management. Students are introduced to world-leading device technologies for global disease treatment being manufactured, and new and emerging breakthrough technologies. It also provides an introduction to state-of-the-art theories and concepts in relation to a research topic in the Quality Management area. 

1MV4
Semesters 3–5: Industry Placement 

The Industry Placement module provides a period of professional work experience of up to 12 months in a Medical Technologies or Pharmacuetical / BioPharmaceutical company for MSc in Biomedical Science students.  Students gain important on-the-job experience and skills through work placements with participating companies.  Placements take place from June in the first year and run to end of May in Year 2.    A placement introduces the student to structured employment and will develop an understanding of the organisation, its procedures, good manufacturing practice, technologies and its products.  The Industry placement provides students with a range of professional development opportunities, including:
  • Valuable work experience in a relevant technical and business area.
  • Develop a range of work-related technical, business, organisational, team and management skills demanded by graduate employers.
  • Apply skills developed during the MSc. degree programme.
  • Develop technical skills.
  • Gain insights into future career opportunities and enable more informed career choices.
  • Improve employability.
  • Develop both personally and professionally: gaining confidence, working individually and in a team, taking on positions of responsibility, making decisions, enhancing communications, reporting skills, and supporting others.
  • Gain experience in CV preparation and job application interview skills.

Student of the Year Award
Biomed Sc pic 1

ABOVE: Eilisha Dodd, winner of the MSc Student of the Year Award, MSc. Class of 2017—18, pictured with Professor Terry Smith and programme Coordinators, Dr Elaoine Lahue and Dr Mary Ní Fhlathartaigh. Eilisha received the award for her outstanding work on behalf of her fellow MSc students during the completion of their MSc. degree. 


Student Poster Awards

 Emmett Gilmartin

ABOVE: Emmett Gilmartin, winner of the Best Student Poster Award, MSc. Class of 2018–19, pictured with Professor Terry Smith and programme Coordinator, Dr Mary Ní Fhlathartaigh and Lecturer, Dr Jill McMahon.

 

ABOVE: Eugene Begley, winner of the Best Student Poster Award, MSc. Class of 2016–17, pictured with Professor Terry Smith and programme Coordinator, Dr Mary Ní Fhlathartaigh.

Biomed Sc pic 3
ABOVE: Leanne Reilly, winner of the Best Student Poster Award, MSc. Class of 2017–18, pictured with Professor Terry Smith and programme Coordinator, Dr Elaine Lahue. 

Biomed Sc pic 2

ABOVE: Eugene Begley, winner of the Best Student Poster Award, MSc. Class of 2016–17, pictured with Professor Terry Smith and programme Coordinator, Dr Mary Ní Fhlathartaigh.

Why Choose This Course?

Career Opportunities

Located in the heart of Ireland’s biomedical device industry cluster, University of  Galway offers excellent career opportunities for biomedical science graduates. A wide variety of career opportunities exists for graduates of this programme. These include research and development in medical devices or phar‌maceuticals in an industrial or academic setting, medical device sales, work in hospital laboratories and further postgraduate studies.

Furthermore, this programme is a springboard to PhD research opportunities. Graduates of the MSc in Biomedical Science have gone on to work within the medical technology and pharmaceutical industries, hospitals and academia. Galway is a global hub for the medical device industry so University of  Galway graduates are well-placed to avail of employment opportunities with a wide range of multi-national and indigenous medical technologies organisations. Recent graduates have found employment with a range of companies, including Boston Scientific, Medtronic, Regeneron, Abbott, Allergan, and Pfizer, and many Medtech, and Pharma/Biopharma Heathcare industries.

Biomedical Science

Accreditation information
The MSc in Biomedical Science course is not accredited by the Academy for Clinical Science and laboratory Medical Scientists (ACSML) or CORU.  As a result, graduates of the MSc are not eligible to be employed as Laboratory Medical Scientists in Hospital clinical diagnostics laboratories.  Graduates have however, secured Research Assistant positions in laboratories within Hospital clinical units.‌

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Who’s Suited to This Course

Learning Outcomes

Transferable Skills Employers Value

Work Placement

Study Abroad

Related Student Organisations

Course Fees

Fees: EU

€8,640 p.a. (including levy) 2024/25

Fees: Tuition

€8,500 p.a. 2024/25

Fees: Student levy

€140 p.a. 2024/25

Fees: Non EU

€27,000 p.a. (€27,140 including levy) 2024/25

Information on postgraduate funding opportunities & scholarships see here. Policy re eligibility for EU fees is at www.universityofgalway.ie/student-fees/international under How is my fee status assessed for EU or International fee rates? To be eligible for EU (as opposed to the higher Non EU) fee rates, applicants must qualify through Nationality or Residency. N.B. Eligibility for EU fee rates does NOT confer entitlement to ’free fees’. Note in particular the provisions regarding eligibility under: (1) Nationality and (2) Residence.

Find out More

Programme Director
Dr Mary Ní Fhlathartaigh
E: mary.nifhlathartaigh@universityofgalway.ie  

 

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What Our Students Say

Katie

Katie Gillian |   BSc in Sport Science, University of Limerick

I wanted to pursue a career in research, having come from a background in Sport Science I decided to do a MSc in Biomedical Science. I originally thought the transition would be difficult and although the course was challenging at times, I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. The broad range of modules that were taught on the course meant the masters could be applied to many aspects of the biomedical science field from industry to research. The course exceeded my expectations, in that everything was taught clearly and there was a good balance between lectures and labs. I did not have much lab experience prior to the masters however when completed I had learn a variety of techniques from cell culture to PCR. I completed my thesis for the masters in the Department of Surgery in the Translational Research Facility researching Breast Cancer Lymphangiogenesis. After completing my thesis I was offered the opportunity to stay on with the group to do a PhD and I will be starting it in January 2016. Overall I would strongly recommend this course to anyone interested in pursuing a career in biomedical science industry or research.
Richard

Richard Bennett |   BSc in Chemistry, NUI Galway

The MSc. in Biomedical Science at NUI, Galway is a truly interdisciplinary course. Courses such as tissue engineering and molecular medicine gave me an insight into research that I had previously not seen. After finishing a BSc. in chemistry this course was perfect for me to gain further skills and act as a stepping stone in my career. The flexibility offered through the optional modules allows each student to cover the essential core modules while allowing for tailoring to each individual. Modules such as validation and scientific writing offered transferable skills that will be beneficial regardless of career path. The experience gained during these modules are very helpful whether continuing in industry or academia. In addition to the fantastic course structure, the contacts and friends made over the course of the year were invaluable. I consider myself privileged to have been part of the MSc. Biomedical Science group and I would recommend the course highly to prospective students.
Ivor

Ivor Geoghegan |   BSc in Anatomy, NUI Galway

The MSc Biomedical Science course exceeded my expectations. It gave me a diverse grounding in many different subjects and allowed me to specialise in the area of Tissue Engineering with the modules “Tissue Engineering”, “Advanced Tissue Engineering”, and “Biomaterials”. The course was very well organised and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to anyone with an interest in biology, physics, or engineering.
Shane

Shane Spellman |   Current Student (BSc in Sport Science)

The reason I chose the Biomedical Science course in the first place was due to my interest in the biological systems, disease and ultimately how cutting edge technology could significantly improve the outcome for countless patients globally. Initially my interest was sparked by the module titles and when I began the course I wasn’t disappointed as each module has given me a deep understanding of the basics, the more complex underpinnings of the subject and ultimately the research that is currently being carried out in the field to date

What Employers Say

John

John Kilmartin |   Senior Director of Regulatory Affairs in Medtronic, Galway

Mr John Kilmartin Senior Director of Regulatory Affairs in Medtronic (based in Galway) “We have had a number of visits from the MSc Biomedical Science programme here in Medtronic, all of the participants have been really engaged and we are delighted to give the students this opportunity. We are really pleased with the course content and calibre of the students.”

Postgraduate Scholarships

International Scholarships