Imaging has contributed to some of the most significant advances in biomedicine and healthcare and this trend is accelerating. This MSc, taught by leading scientists and clinicians, will equip imaging students from all science backgrounds with detailed knowledge of the advanced imaging techniques which provide new insights into cellular, molecular and functional processes, preparing them for a PhD or a career in industry.
Imaging is essential for diagnosis of disease and development of novel treatments. This programme focuses on translational medical imaging, and the development and use of preclinical imaging technologies to detect, monitor and prevent illnesses such as cancer, heart diseases and neurodegeneration. Students will undertake an independent research-based project in UCL’s world-class laboratories and develop their communication skills in biomedical science.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.
The programme consists of six core modules (120 credits), and a research dissertation (60 credits). A Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits, full-time) is offered. A Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits, full-time) is offered. There are no optional modules for this programme.
Core modules
-Advanced Biomedical Imaging Techniques I & II
-Practical Preclinical Research (including Home Office Personal Licence)
-Translational Biomedical Imaging of Disease and Therapy I & II
-Science Communication for Biomedicine
-Statistical Methods in Research
-Ethics and Regulation of Research
Dissertation/report
All MSc students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation of 7,000 words or a manuscript suitable for submission to a peer-reviewed journal.
Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of seminars, lectures, laboratory work, site visits and practicals. Assessment is through examination, presentations, essays, practical reports and the dissertation.
Careers
UCL is involved in the dynamic and successful London-based entrepreneurial activity in biomedical imaging. It has a strong track record in placing postgraduates in key positions within industry (e.g. Siemens, Philips, GE Healthcare, GSK, SMEs and start-ups) and at other leading academic institutions with preclinical imaging facilities, including the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge in the UK, and MIT and NIH in the US. This MSc will provide ideal training for students who wish to apply to UCL’s EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Medical Imaging.
Employability
This programme belongs to the School of Life and Medical Sciences; one of the largest and most prestigious aggregations of academics in its field, with a global reputation for teaching informed by cutting-edge research. Our close links with major hospitals and industry allow students to perform significant research projects.
Students will foster an awareness of the commercial opportunities and diverse funding mechanisms for the development of new ideas, technologies and applications using imaging. Our learning methods will prepare students for careers in academic or industrial science, as well as providing transferable skills in presentation, writing, organisation and team work.
The first cohort of students on the Advanced Biomedical Imaging MSc are due to graduate in 2016, therefore no information on graduate destinations is currently available.
Why study this degree at UCL?
UCL offers a world-class environment in medical imaging and hosts several medical and biomedical imaging centres of excellence.
The UCL Centre for Advanced Biomedical Imaging is one of the world’s most advanced imaging centres, with 11 state-of-the-art imaging technologies, and is dedicated to developing imaging techniques of the future. Biomedical imaging is an interdisciplinary field drawing together biology, medicine, physics, engineering, and art.
The MSc is linked to
University College London Hospitals (UCLH), including Great Ormond Street Hospital, the UCH Macmillan Cancer Centre and National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery. This will provide an ideal training for further research and applications for a PhD at UCL Centre for Doctoral Training in Medical Imaging.
A minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor's degree in a scientific or medical discipline from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard.
