NUI Galway - Biomedical Science

Course Overview/Contact:

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.

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.

Career Opportunities:

Located in the heart of Ireland’s biomedical device industry cluster, NUI 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 NUI 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, Regeneron, Abbott, Allergan, and Pfizer.

Student Testimonials:

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 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.’

Entry Requirements: