MSc Computational Biomedicine (Computational Brain Sciences) (Online)
Learn to extract meaning from complex biomedical datasets, and apply computational biology and biomedical AI to understand human disease.
Postgraduate Diploma Computational Biomedicine (Computational Brain Sciences) (Online)
Learn to extract meaning from complex biomedical datasets, and apply computational biology and biomedical AI to understand human disease.
Postgraduate Certificate Computational Biomedicine (Online)
Learn to extract meaning from complex biomedical datasets, and apply computational biology and biomedical AI to understand human disease.
Course key facts
Qualification
MSc
Duration
28 months
Start date
October 2027
Study mode
Part-time, Online
Fees
Course fees and funding
Delivered by
Location
-
Online
-
Minimum entry standard
2:1 in a relevant Biological or Biomedical Science discipline or in Clinical Medicine.
Qualification
PG Dip
Duration
20 months
Start date
October 2027
Study mode
Part-time, Online
Fees
Course fees and funding
Delivered by
Location
-
Online
-
Minimum entry standard
2:1 in a relevant Biological or Biomedical Science discipline or in Clinical Medicine.
Qualification
PG Cert
Duration
1 year
Start date
October 2027
Study mode
Part-time, Online
Fees
Course fees and funding
Delivered by
Location
-
Online
-
Minimum entry standard
2:1 in a relevant Biological or Biomedical Science discipline or in Clinical Medicine.
Course overview
Study remotely at one of the top STEM universities in the world, using innovative virtual learning environments and VR technologies.
You will take core modules in computational biology related data science and biostatistics and then complete two modules in the computational brain science stream, together with a six-month computational research project that provides research experience in computational biomedicine. This course also has strong components in applied artificial intelligence (machine and deep learning) and biomedical data science.
This newly developed curriculum brings together training in the latest advances in computational brain sciences and is delivered flexibly to suit all learners.
Alongside accessible and engaging lecture and training material, this course also uses novel synchronous sessions delivered via online streaming and virtual reality (VR) technologies. This will promote interactions in virtual spaces between lecturers and students and provides unique learning opportunities.
This course will develop your expertise in programming, biostatistics, AI and data science, and provide specialist skills in computational brain science to enhance your research portfolio and employability prospects.
Choose your stream
- Computational Genomics
- Computational Brain Sciences (this stream)
Study remotely at one of the top STEM universities in the world, using innovative virtual learning environments and VR technologies.
You will take core modules in computational biology related data science and biostatistics and then complete two modules in the computational brain science stream, on this newly developed curriculum bringing together training in the latest advances in computational brain sciences and is delivered flexibly to suit all learners.
Alongside accessible and engaging lecture and training material, this course also uses novel synchronous sessions delivered via online streaming and virtual reality (VR) technologies. This will promote interactions in virtual spaces between lecturers and students and provides unique learning opportunities.
This course will develop your expertise in programming, biostatistics, AI and data science, and provide specialist skills in computational brain science to enhance your research portfolio and employability prospects.
Choose your stream
- Computational Genomics
- Computational Brain Sciences (this stream)
Study remotely at one of the top STEM universities in the world, using innovative virtual learning environments and VR technologies.
You will take core modules in computational biology related data science and biostatistics and gain experience in handling data from a wide range of cutting-edge technologies.
Alongside accessible and engaging lecture and training material, this course also uses novel synchronous sessions delivered via online streaming and virtual reality (VR) technologies. This will promote interactions in virtual spaces between lecturers and students and provides unique learning opportunities.
This course will develop your expertise in programming, applied machine learning, biostatistics, and data science, in a biomedical context, to enhance your research portfolio and employability prospects.
Choose your stream
- Computational Genomics
- Computational Brain Sciences (this stream)
Structure
This page is updated regularly to reflect the latest version of the curriculum. However, this information is subject to change.
Find out more about potential course changes.
Please note: it may not always be possible to take specific combinations of modules due to timetabling conflicts. For confirmation, please check with the relevant department.
You will complete the two modules which provide you with foundational training in data handling, programming, biostatistics, and machine learning in the first year. These are the only modules in the PG Cert option.
If you’re enrolled in the PG Dip or MSc, you will then undertake modules in either the Computational Genomics stream or the Computational Brain Sciences (this stream) .
Core modules
Learn the foundations of biomedical data handling and develop your skills in using Linux systems and bash scripting.
You will gain expertise in both Python and R programming languages, and learn about using high performance computing, bioinformatic workflows, and applying reproducible research techniques.
Gain the skills in biostatistics and machine learning needed for biomedical data analysis, including experience in experimental design and writing a research grant proposal.
You will learn statistical theory and application using examples from biomedical data relevant to the genomics and brain sciences streams, and develop practical expertise in building machine and deep learning skills using R or Python languages.
Gain a broad skill set in using machine and deep learning to analyse neuroscience datasets.
Explore theoretical and practical understandings of how neuroimaging (structural and functional MRI, PET) and high temporal resolution methods (EEG/MEG) are used in clinical practice and research of neurological, psychiatric and other diseases.
This includes online practical sessions on processing and analysis of grey/white matter structure and fMRI scans, as well as EEG and brain stimulation data.
Apply a range of techniques to a specific research area on a well-defined six-month computational biology project of your choosing.
You will experience a stimulating, real-life research environment that will encourage learning through active participation.
You will complete the two modules which provide you with foundational training in data handling, programming, biostatistics, and machine learning in the first year. These are the only modules in the PG Cert option.
If you’re enrolled in the PG Dip or MSc, you will then undertake modules in either the Computational Genomics stream or Computational Brain Sciences (this stream).
Core modules
Learn the foundations of biomedical data handling and develop your skills in using Linux systems and bash scripting.
You will gain expertise in both Python and R programming languages, and learn about using high performance computing, bioinformatic workflows, and applying reproducible research techniques.
Gain the skills in biostatistics and machine learning needed for biomedical data analysis, including experience in experimental design and writing a research grant proposal.
You will learn statistical theory and application using examples from biomedical data relevant to the genomics and brain sciences streams, and develop practical expertise in building machine and deep learning skills using R or Python languages.
Gain a broad skill set in using machine and deep learning to analyse neuroscience datasets.
Explore theoretical and practical understandings of how neuroimaging (structural and functional MRI, PET) and high temporal resolution methods (EEG/MEG) are used in clinical practice and research of neurological, psychiatric and other diseases.
This includes online practical sessions on processing and analysis of grey/white matter structure and fMRI scans, as well as EEG and brain stimulation data.
You will complete the two modules which provide you with foundational training in data handling, programming, biostatistics, and machine learning in the first year. These are the only modules in the PG Cert option.
Core modules
Learn the foundations of biomedical data handling and develop your skills in using Linux systems and bash scripting.
You will gain expertise in both Python and R programming languages, and learn about using high performance computing, bioinformatic workflows, and applying reproducible research techniques.
Gain the skills in biostatistics and machine learning needed for biomedical data analysis, including experience in experimental design and writing a research grant proposal.
You will learn statistical theory and application using examples from biomedical data relevant to the genomics and brain sciences streams, and develop practical expertise in building machine and deep learning skills using R or Python languages.
Teaching and assessment
Balance of teaching and learning
Key
- Lectures, seminars and group work
- Research project and independent study
- 22% Title 1 goes here
- 78% Title 2 goes here
Teaching and learning methods
-
Virtual learning environment
-
Online lectures and learning materials
-
Presentations
-
Guest lectures
-
Group work
-
Independent study
-
Flipped classroom (Team-based learning)
-
Online practical sessions
-
Online workshops
Balance of assessment
Key
- Coursework
- Exams
- Research Project
- 50% Title 1 goes here
- 10% Title 2 goes here
- 40% Title 3 goes here
Assessment methods
-
Presentations
-
Grant writing exercise
-
Online exams
-cropped.svg)
-
Lab reports
-
Research dissertation
-
Literature review
Balance of teaching and learning
Key
- Lectures, seminars and group work
- Practical Sessions, Workshops, Demonstrations
- Independent Study
- 17% Title 1 goes here
- 13% Title 2 goes here
- 70% Title 3 goes here
Teaching and learning methods
-
Virtual learning environment
-
Online lectures and learning materials
-
Presentations
-
Guest lectures
-
Group work
-
Independent study
-
Flipped classroom (Team-based learning)
-
Online practical sessions
-
Online workshops
Balance of assessment
Key
- Programming and data assignments and exams
- Team-based learning
- Literature review, grant-writing assignments and workshop reports
- 57% Title 1 goes here
- 8% Title 2 goes here
- 35% Title 3 goes here
Assessment methods
-
Presentations
-
Grant writing exercise
-
Online exams
-
Lab reports
-
Literature review
Balance of teaching and learning
Key
- Lectures and group teaching
- Practical Sessions, Workshops, Demonstrations
- Independent Study
- 17% Title 1 goes here
- 13% Title 2 goes here
- 70% Title 3 goes here
Teaching and learning methods
-
Virtual learning environment
-
Online lectures and learning materials
-
Presentations
-
Guest lectures
-
Group work
-
Independent study
-
Flipped classroom (Team-based learning)
-
Online practical sessions
-
Online workshops
Balance of assessment
Key
- Programming and data assignments and exams
- Team-based learning
- Literature review, grant-writing assignments and workshop reports
- 75% Title 1 goes here
- 10% Title 2 goes here
- 15% Title 3 goes here
Assessment methods
-
Presentations
-
Grant writing exercise
-
Online exams
-
Lab reports
-
Literature review
Entry requirements
We consider all applicants on an individual basis, welcoming students from all over the world.
Technology and equipment requirements for Live Synchronous sessions and Virtual Reality use
- Wi-Fi requirements: At least 50 Mbps, 100+ Mbps recommended for a smooth experience.
- Headsets and controllers: Where possible, the college will provide a single VR headset (Meta Quest 3 or another suitable device) for students enrolled in all Computational Biomedicine course levels (PGCert, PGDip, MSc).
- There may be countries where shipping or ordering of Meta headsets may not be possible. While the headsets are expected to work in most countries (and we will do our best to ship them to non-supported countries), Meta Quest 3 support will only be available in the 25 countries specified by them.
- If you are studying in a country where there may be limitations to the uses of the VR hardware and software, those sessions will be streamed simultaneously via Microsoft Teams and will also be recorded so they can be accessed via traditional digital delivery.
- Meta account: A Meta account will be required to use VR headsets.
How to apply
Apply online
You can submit one application form per year of entry. You can choose up to two courses.
Application deadlines – Round 2 closes on Wednesday 6 January 2027.
Application deadlines – Round 2 closes on Wednesday 6 January 2027.
Application deadlines – Round 2 closes on Wednesday 6 January 2027.
We operate a staged admissions process with several application rounds throughout the year.
Apply by 23.59 (UK time) on the closing date of an application round, to ensure you receive a response on your application by the relevant decision date.
Round 1
Business School courses only.
Round 2
- Applications open on Wednesday 30 September 2026
- Applications close on Wednesday 6 January 2027
- Decision by Wednesday 3 March 2027
Round 3
- Applications open on Thursday 7 January 2027
- Applications close on Wednesday 10 March 2027
- Decision by Wednesday 5 May 2027
Round 4
- Applications open on Thursday 11 March 2027
- Applications close on Wednesday 28 April 2027
- Decision by Thursday 1 July 2027
We recommend applying as early as you can – we cannot guarantee that places will be available, or that courses will remain open, in later rounds.
This course can be taken in progressional levels of study:
- PG Certificate (PG Cert)
- PG Diploma (PG Dip)
- MSc
Each level of study has its own entry point; you can apply to any level in the first instance but we recommend you apply for the award with which you wish to exit.
Read more about Postgraduate Certificate, Diploma and MSc degrees
Consider which stream is right for you, according to your career aims and research interests.
When applying via our application portal My Imperial, choose the appropriate stream at the start of the application process:
- Computational Biomedicine (Computational Genomics) (Online)
- Computational Biomedicine (Computational Brain Sciences) (Online)
If an offer of admission is made, it will correspond to a specific pathway. Switching streams is only possible under certain conditions.
If you are applying for a Master’s course, you will need to pay an application fee before submitting your application.
The fee applies per application and not per course.
The application fees for postgraduate courses are:
- £90 for all Master's applications, excluding those to Imperial Business School
- £125 for MSc applications to Imperial Business School
- £150 for MBA applications to Imperial Business School
There is no application fee for Postgraduate Certificates, Postgraduate Diplomas, or courses such as PhDs and EngDs. This includes MRes and PhD combined (1+3) courses with the Centre for Doctoral Training.
If you are facing financial hardship and are unable to pay the application fee, we encourage you to apply for our application fee waiver.
Find out more about how to apply for a Master's course, including references and personal statements.
An ATAS certificate is not required for students applying for this course.
Fees and funding
Online - Home
MSc
£17,100 total fee
Top-up fee from the PG Dip: £3,420
PG Dip
£13,680total fee
Top-up fee from the PG Cert: £5,130
PG Cert
£8,550total fee
You should expect and budget for your fees to increase each year.
Your fee is based on the year you enter the university, not your year of study. This means that if you repeat a year or resume your studies after an interruption, your fees will only increase by the amount linked to inflation.
Find out more about our tuition fees payment terms, including how inflationary increases are applied to your tuition fees in subsequent years of study.
Whether you pay the Home or Overseas fee depends on your fee status. This is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status. Find out how we assess your fee status.
If you're a UK national, or EU national with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you may be able to apply for a Postgraduate Master’s Loan from the UK government, if you meet certain criteria.
The maximum value of the loan is £13,206 if your course starts on or after 1 August 2026.
The loan is not means-tested and you can choose whether to put it towards your tuition fees or living costs.
Please note that the loan is only available if you’re studying a full Master’s course from the start. If you start on a Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) or Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) and later move on to the Master’s, you won’t be eligible for this loan.
Important: Local taxes apply to the tuition fee for students studying this course from India or Singapore. Refer to the 'Goods and Services Tax (GST) – India and Singapore' tab for details or visit the Goods and Services Tax page for more information.
Online - Overseas
MSc
£28,250 total fee
Top-up fee from the PG Dip: £5,650
PG Dip (online)
£22,600total fee
Top-up fee from the PG Cert: £8,475
PG Cert
£14,125total fee
You should expect and budget for your fees to increase each year.
Your fee is based on the year you enter the university, not your year of study. This means that if you repeat a year or resume your studies after an interruption, your fees will only increase by the amount linked to inflation.
Find out more about our tuition fees payment terms, including how inflationary increases are applied to your tuition fees in subsequent years of study.
Whether you pay the Home or Overseas fee depends on your fee status. This is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status. Find out how we assess your fee status.
If you're a UK national, or EU national with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you may be able to apply for a Postgraduate Master’s Loan from the UK government, if you meet certain criteria.
The maximum value of the loan is £13,206 if your course starts on or after 1 August 2026.
The loan is not means-tested and you can choose whether to put it towards your tuition fees or living costs.
Please note that the loan is only available if you’re studying a full Master’s course from the start. If you start on a Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) or Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) and later move on to the Master’s, you won’t be eligible for this loan.
Important: Local taxes apply to the tuition fee for students studying this course from India or Singapore. Refer to the 'Goods and Services Tax (GST) – India and Singapore' tab for details or visit the Goods and Services Tax page for more information.
GST applies on top of your tuition fee if you study this online course from India or Singapore.
For courses starting in 2027-28
GST rates
- India: 18% of the tuition fee
- Singapore: 9% of the tuition fee
GST is added to your tuition fee invoice, where applicable.
Total fee (including GST)
India
Overseas fee status
- MSc: £33,335 total fee
- Top-up fee from PG Dip: £6,667
- Postgraduate Diploma: £26,668 total fee
- Top-up fee from PG Cert: £10,000
- Postgraduate Certificate: £16,668 total fee
Home fee status
- MSc: £20,178 total fee
- Top-up fee from PG Dip: £4,036
- Postgraduate Diploma: £16,142 total fee
- Includes top-up fee from PG Cert: £6,053
- Postgraduate Certificate: £10,089 total fee
Singapore
Overseas fee status
- MSc: £30,793 total fee
- Top-up fee from PG Dip: £6,159
- Postgraduate Diploma: £24,634 total fee
- Top-up fee from PG Cert: £9,238
- Postgraduate Certificate: £15,396 total fee
Home fee status
- MSc: £18,639 total fee
- Top-up fee from PG Dip: £3,728
- Postgraduate Diploma: £14,911 total fee
- Top-up fee from PG Cert: £5,592
- Postgraduate Certificate: £9,320 total fee
GST is added to your tuition fee invoice, where applicable.
Fee status and tax liability are assessed separately.
For information on GST rates, see Goods and Services Tax (GST)
How will studying at Imperial help my career?
Graduates of our faculty of medicine courses go on to succeed in a wide range of sectors. These include healthcare, pharmaceuticals, government, charities and NGOs, consultancy, technology, research and development, education.
Who do our graduates work for?
Our faculty of medicine graduates have worked for companies including Cancer Research, NHS, Department of Health and Social Care, Costello Medical, Medpace, Sanofi, AstraZenica, Oxford Genetics, Wellcome Stranger Institute.
What jobs do our graduates do?
Data analyst, Policy advisor, Trainee Patent Attorney, Project Manager, Medical Affairs Writer, Associate Scientist, Regulatory advisor, Healthcare Consultant.
What about further study?
PhD at leading institutions worldwide.
What careers support does Imperial offer?
Our Careers Service can support you as you consider your next steps. You can access one-to-one guidance, workshops, employer events and online resources to help you explore your options and plan your career.
Further links
Contact the department
Email: s.samarajiwa@imperial.ac.uk
Email: m.dunning@imperial.ac.uk
Course Director: Dr. Shamith Samarajiwa, Associate Professor in Genomics
Senior Teaching Fellow: Dr Mark Dunning FHEA
Visit the Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction website.
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Meet us and find out more about studying at Imperial.
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Terms and conditions
There are some important pieces of information you should be aware of when applying to Imperial. These include key information about your tuition fees, funding, visas, accommodation and more.
You can find further information about your course, including degree classifications, regulations, progression and awards in the programme specification for your course.
Programme specifications