You will be trained in the fundamental skills that will enable you to enter a research career. There is considerable flexibility and you will be able to focus on specialist subjects consistent with your interests and career intentions. Research projects are available in the wide range of subjects and choices are made in consultation with expert staff.

Research project areas

• Biological chemistry
• Biological structure and function
• Biophysics
• Cell and molecular biology, including neurosciences
• Molecular microbiology and infection
• Structural biology
• Glycobiology
• Immunology
• Molecular biosciences
• Plant and microbial sciences

Compulsory modules

• Induction
• Two 5 month research projects, each assessed by a 7,000 word report and a viva.
• Two research presentations
• Safety course
• Technical workshops
• Research seminars and tutorials
• Transferable skills training

Workshops and Master Classes in transferable skills are organised by the Graduate School.

Graduates with a 2.1 Honours degree in a biosciences-based subject from a UK academic institution or an equivalent overseas qualification are welcome to apply.

Read the College English requirements. This programme requires students to meet the Higher English level.

Imperial College works closely with employers and industry, including Industrial Advisory Panels to design Master’s courses which provide graduates with technical knowledge, expertise and transferable skills and to encourage students to take internships and placements. All Master’s courses are designed with employer needs in mind with some Master’s courses accredited by Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Bodies.

Visit the course page on the Imperial study website for information on how to apply:

MRes Molecular and Cellular Biosciences

Tuition Fees information

Scholarships information

"Completing this course provided invaluable experience for me to continue to pursue a career in academia. Imperial College is a fantastic stepping stone to move forward." (Jack, 2017/18)

"I felt like the MRes MCB course helped prepare me for a PhD as I familiarized myself with relevant laboratory skills and techniques and also the culture of working as part of a lab environment. This really eased the transition into PhD student life." (Wen Wen 2017/18)

"The MRes in Molecular and Cellular Biosciences allowed me to sample a wide variety of subjects in the life sciences, from metabolic engineering to structural biology. It is a great course for those who are keen to pursue scientific research but are unsure of what field in which to specialize." (Ho Ching, 2017/18)

The course gives you the opportunity to build up a wide range of connections as well as gaining hands-on experience of a lot of lab skills. These are especially useful for future work closely related to research. (Lai Man, 2017/18)

"Having studied Chemistry for my undergraduate degree and therefore having a limited knowledge of lab practice in a biological setting, I found this course challenging but very useful preparation for my PhD. The focus on the development of practical skills and report writing was especially important to me. The course provided a vital stepping stone to my PhD studies and I believe it was essential to the success of my future study." (Rob, 2018/19)