Overview
Fast-track Your Career in Medical Research
The MSc in Molecular Medicine at Leeds is a Masters-level programme that will enhance your understanding of how to apply molecular approaches to the study, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of a range of cancers, chronic, autoimmune and genetic diseases.
Individuals will critically research and analyze different strands of Molecular Medicine and develop specialised knowledge in key areas of interest. Stimulating class-based learning by world renowned researchers from the Leeds Institute of Molecular Medicine over five months will be matched by opportunities to network and learn from leading health professionals in a seven month laboratory-based research project.
The MSc Molecular Medicine offers a large number of projects in diverse areas of applied and basic medical research; from over 100 world-leading academic staff, including a large number of cancer, biological, medicine and genetics projects through the Leeds Institute of Molecular Medicine (LIMM).
Special Features
Why study for an MSc in Molecular Medicine?
- Gain in-depth knowledge and understanding of the principles, extent, application and potential of Molecular Medicine
- Carry out molecular, biological and bioinformatics research for investigation of human diseases
- Develop a talent for critical and creative evaluation of current issues in Molecular Medicine
- Gain a comprehensive understanding of research techniques applicable to Molecular Medicine
- Identify gaps in research and formulate, develop and test a hypothesis
- Systematically understand human health issues, indicating how these may be studied in vitro
- Learn how to communicate science to a range of audiences
- Apply techniques in the fields of molecular biology, immunology, cell biology and chemistry
- Recognise commercial opportunities in Molecular Medicine
- Outline the processes required to translate research findings into clinical applications
- Be involved in the development of research in UK and international health systems
- Engage in research projects using the latest technologies that generate results with scientific impact and potential for improving patient health
Why study for a Master of Science (MSc) degree?
- Learn to make effective decisions in complex and unpredictable situations
- Gain transferable skills to pursue careers in either academia or industry
- Profit from structured individual learning and training in a research environment of international excellence
- Learn from academics at the forefront of knowledge generation ranging from molecular discovery to translational application
- Design and undertake a substantial piece of research in Molecular Medicine
- Gain breadth and depth of knowledge in a complex specialist area with industry peers
- Develop independent learning which facilitates continuing professional development
- Gain excellent preparation for progression to research at doctoral level
Career Prospects
This exciting new programme provides excellent training for science graduates looking for an opportunity to go on to do doctoral research, enter academic medicine or to pursue a career in industry, clinical service or a related discipline.
Programme structure
Starting in September, the MSc in Molecular Medicine is a full time, twelve months programme which combines a research project with some taught modules.
The MSc programme comprises of a 180 credits, consisting of:
- A research project: 75 credits
- Scientific core skills: 45 credits
- A choice of student-selected modules: 60 credits.
| Title | Module Credits |
| Health Research Methods | 15 |
| Bioinformatics and Transferable Research Methods | 15 |
| Preparing for the Research Project | 15 |
| Research Project | 75 |
| Semester 1 - A choice of two student-selected modules from the following: | |
| Human Molecular Genetics | 15 |
| Immunity: Cancer, Infection and Inflammation | 15 |
| Animal Models of Disease | 15 |
| Semester 2 - A choice of two student-selected modules from the following: | |
| Stem Cell Biology: A Genomics and Systems Biology Approach to Haematopoiesis | 15 |
| Cancer Biology | 15 |
| Introduction to Genetic Epidemiology | 15 |
NOTE: You may choose to exit the programme at an earlier stage, with either a PG Certificate (60 credits) or a PG Diploma (120 credits).
Learning
Modules are generally eleven weeks in length. Each module is taught by several scientists with active research and expertise in the relevant areas. Teaching methods include lectures, workshops, laboratory practicals, seminars and tutorials. Students are encouraged to participate in the activities of the Leeds Institute of Molecular Medicine, such as the invited speaker seminar series, and benefit from the wider facilities of the University of Leeds. Resarch projects enable students to work as part of a research team in a cutting edge discipline.
Assessment
A major objective of the course is to train you to formulate your own ideas and express them logically, and this will be tested in every module assessment. A typical 15 credit module will be assessed by two assignments. Assessments include written assignments in addition to delivering presentations and posters and leading discussions.
The Student Experience
The course includes:- taught eleven-week specialist modules that are continuously assessed,
- taught bioinformatics, statistical, experimental design, laboratory and other research skills
- seven months of a practical project within a research laboratory, which is assessed through a thesis,
- continuous assessment and constructive criticism and feedback on all work throughout the year
Research
For examples of current research projects at Leeds School of Medicine please visit:www.leeds. ac.uk/medicine/postgrad/mres-proposals.html.Entry requirements
A UK Bachelor's of Science degree in a relevant scientific discipline, awarded with first or upper second class honours, or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. We would normally require a biological sciences graduate but a natural sciences graduate will be considered. Subject to University regulations MB ChB or BDS students who have completed three years of study would also be eligible to intercalate.
All students whose first language is not English must have an overall IELTS grade of 6.5.
Applications & Fees
The MSc in Molecular Medicine is a twelve months full-time course, which starts in September each year and up to 20 places are available. Students will be assessed during the course by a research proposal, critical appraisal of literature, presentations, project reports, empirical dissertation.
All applicants must complete an application form. Forms are available for download in pdf format from http://www.leeds.ac.uk/downloads/pgtapply.pdf
You should ensure that your Application form is accompanied by:
- At least two references. If you are a recent graduate, at least one should be an academic reference.
- A transcript of the qualifications upon which you are relying for entry, which if not in English must be accompanied by a certified English translation.
- A Curriculum Vitae
Deadline: There is no formal application deadline for the course. However we cannot accept more than 20 students onto the course, and entry is competitive, so we advise you to apply as early as possible.
Funding and Fees
Funding: Self-funding or employer sponsorship
Fees: UK/EU - £9000; International - £16000
Why Choose Us?
As a student on the MSc in Molecular Medicine, you will be joining a faculty with a long and proud history, but looking firmly to the future. Our faculty has a reputation for innovation in teaching and excellent, internationally-renowned researchers and tutors as evidenced in our recent NSS scores putting us third in the country.
The MSc in Molecular Medicine programme is delivered by the Leeds Institute of Molecular Medicine at the School of Medicine; an international centre of research whose research activity spans the entire translational pathway from basic discovery science defining the molecules involved in human disease through experimental medicine to applied health research, including clinical trials and implementation research.
The basic and clinical scientists in the thirteen sections within LIMM study the spectrum of human disease. Our bench-to-bedside and bedside-to-bench strategies are based upon our own multi-disciplinary research work and strong clinical interactions with the NHS. Research initiatives include the YCR Centre for Pre-Cancer Genomics, the NIHR Leeds Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Unit and the LIMM Chemical Cancer Biology Programme in the Section of Experimental Therapeutics. Developing research in a world-class institute helps us to facilitate groundbreaking improvements to human healthcare on a national and international scale.
The following medical institutes are also a part of the School of Medicine:
- The Leeds Institute of Genetics, Health & Therapeutics (LIGHT) focuses on basic and applied research that will help elucidate the aetiology and pathogenesis of common chronic diseases and contribute to alleviating morbidity and mortality.
- The Leeds Institute of Health Sciences (LIHS) carries out applied health research based upon collaborations that allow interdisciplinary work that encompasses health technology assessment, pragmatic clinical trials, healthcare policy evaluation, meta-analyses, systematic reviews and other methodological work.
- The Leeds Institute of Medical Education (LIME) provides expertise on learning and teaching to the Leeds Medical School and undertakes educational development and research.
Key facts
- Duration:
- 12 months (full-time)
- Assessment:
- Research proposal, critical appraisal of literature, presentations, project reports, empirical dissertation
- Start date:
- September
- Intake:
- 20
- Entry requirements:
- BSc 1/2:1; IELTS: 6.5
- How to apply:
- See our fees section
- Deadline:
- No formal deadline but it is advised to apply as early as possible.
- Funding:
- Self-funding or employer sponsorship
- Fees:
UK/EU - £9000; International - £16000
