Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences
About This Programme
MBRU's Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences is a two-year, full-time programme at the College of Medicine that gives students current knowledge and practical skills in biomedical sciences, with particular focus on advanced genomics, OMICs, genome editing and cell biology. It emphasises applying innovative technologies, such as applied bioinformatics, deep learning for genomics and CRISPR, to develop new methods for diagnosing and treating disease. The programme builds extensive research skills and laboratory experience. In the first semester students rotate through four or five laboratories of their choice and are then matched with a thesis supervisor, though not always their first preference. Thesis research in the supervisor's laboratory runs from the second semester to the end of the programme and is presented as a dissertation of publishable standard, presented publicly and judged by an examining committee that includes an external examiner. Most courses include practical sessions and assessments of independent learning such as literature reviews, term papers and class presentations. MBRU says the programme supports graduates in pursuing further postgraduate study, such as a PhD, and a career in academia. Research projects underway at MBRU cover cardiometabolic diseases including diabetes, cancer, mental health and wellbeing, neurodevelopmental disorders, and respiratory and infectious diseases.
Course Highlights
- Two-year, full-time MSc focused on genomics, OMICs, genome editing and cell biology
- 32 credit hours: 8 in general graduate courses, 15 in biomedical science core courses and 9 in thesis research
- Laboratory rotations in four or five labs before choosing a thesis supervisor
- Practical training in techniques including cloning, transfection, qPCR, CRISPR, flow cytometry, next-generation sequencing and multi-omics
- MBRU offers a 50% scholarship to all students on the programme
What You'll Study
The MSc takes a minimum of two years and requires 32 credit hours: 8 credit hours of general courses, 15 of core courses in biomedical sciences and a 9-credit research thesis. Research Methodology and Ethics, Biostatistics, Leadership in the Biomedical Sciences, and Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Health Sciences are general MBRU graduate courses. Students must pass every course with at least a C and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above.
Year 1, Semester 1
Laboratory Rotations carry no credit and are a prerequisite for Research in Biomedical Sciences; students select a supervisor after the rotations.
- MSBS7146 Research Methodology and Ethics4 credits
- MSBS7123 Biostatistics2 credits
- MSBS7234 Genomics2 credits
- MSBS7135 Advanced Molecular and Cellular Biology3 credits
- MSBS7001 Laboratory Rotations
Year 1, Semester 2
Research in Biomedical Sciences continues through Semesters 2 and 3; its 9 credits are listed in Semester 4.
- MSBS7211 Leadership in the Biomedical Sciences1 credit
- MSBS7111 Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Health Sciences1 credit
- MSBS7221 Bioinformatics2 credits
- MSBS7134 Techniques in Biomedical Sciences3 credits
- MSBS7233 Special Topics in Biomedical Sciences3 credits
- MSBS7312 Research in Biomedical Sciences
Year 2, Semester 3
- MSBS7312 Research in Biomedical Sciences
- MSBS7122 Biomedical Sciences Seminars and Journal Club2 credits
Year 2, Semester 4
- MSBS7312 Research in Biomedical Sciences9 credits
What You'll Learn
Programme learning outcomes
- Identify gaps in current knowledge and outline directions for producing advanced knowledge of research principles and methods at the frontiers of biomedical sciences
- Develop the communication skills to present, explain and critique advances in biomedical sciences to peers and colleagues
- Demonstrate advanced proficiency in biomedical science research by working independently and taking responsibility for developing and completing research projects
- Produce and defend original research that advances the biomedical sciences
- Show leadership qualities and innovative thinking to initiate and manage professional activities
Entry Requirements
Shortlisted applicants are invited to a personal interview. Applicants submit a CV and transcripts, and those with degrees from outside the UAE need an ECE General with Grade Average evaluation. The programme does not accept transfer of admission, transfer credit or recognition of prior learning.
Careers
MBRU says the programme builds research skills and laboratory experience that support graduates in pursuing further postgraduate study, such as a PhD, and a career in academia, and describes these research skills as attractive to employers in universities and industry. Its catalog lists preparing graduates for professions in academia and/or the field among the programme's goals.
Accreditation & Professional Recognition
Accredited by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research through the Commission for Academic Accreditation, whose register lists the degree as Active; MBRU's catalog dates the accreditation to July 2019, with the first cohort admitted in August 2020.
Programme Details
Award
Master of Science (MSc) in Biomedical Sciences
Start Date
August (2026-27 classes started on 24 August 2026)
Typical Offer
Bachelor's degree in a biological science with a cGPA of 3.00
Duration
2 years, full time
Qualification
MSc
Subject Area
Health Sciences
Campus
Dubai Healthcare City
Study Pattern
Full-time
Delivery Format
On campus
Tuition Fee
AED 117,300/yr
MBRU's page shows the 2026-27 timeline, when applications closed on 27 July 2026. Tuition is AED 117,300 a year, payable by the beginning of the academic year (AED 107,300 tuition plus the AED 10,000 seat reservation fee), and MBRU offers a 50% scholarship to all students on the programme. The application fee is AED 1,000 plus AED 50 VAT, and the non-refundable seat reservation fee, due on accepting a conditional offer, is deducted from the first-semester instalment for students who enrol.