MSc Molecular Medicine
Receive theoretical and practical training using state-of-the-art techniques in molecular and cellular biology as applied to medicine
Overview
This course is designed to appeal to both clinical and basic scientists, and provides a comprehensive, theoretical and practical training using state-of-the-art techniques in molecular and cellular biology as applied to medicine.
The practice of clinical medicine is currently being revolutionised by rapid and extraordinary technological advances in molecular biology in areas such as gene discovery, cancer, inherited diseases and gene therapy.
Designed to appeal to both clinical and basic scientists, this degree provides a comprehensive, theoretical and practical training using state-of-the-art techniques in molecular and cellular biology as applied to medicine.
Study programme
The MSc Molecular Medicine is a one-year full-time course, starting in October. The course is organised as follows:
Taught modules (5 months)
You complete the two core taught modules and the mini research project between October and February. These are based at the Hammersmith Campus. All lectures are given by scientists actively engaged in their respective research field.
Taught modules
Part one
This part of the course will concentrate on basic, leading to advanced, concepts of molecular and cellular biology, beginning with Molecular and Cellular Systems. Topics covered include:
- Chromatin Structure and Gene Regulation
- DNA Replication and Genomic Stability
- Cell Surface Receptor Signalling
- Recombinant DNA Technologies
- Genomic Imprinting
- Regulation of Coagulation
- Cell Proliferation
- Vaccines and Immunisation
- Complement System in Health and in Disease
- Molecular Embryology
- Regulation of Endothelial Cell Function
Part two
The second part of the taught component focuses on disease systems, specifically the application of molecular biology to the discovery, diagnosis and management of diseases. Topics covered include:
- Genetics of Obesity and Appetite Regulation
- Genetic causes of diabetes
- Genetics of Cleft Lip or Palate
- Coeliac Disease
- Hereditary Haemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT)
- Sepsis
- Tuberculosis
- Influenza
- Oncogenic Herpes Viruses
- Coagulation Disorders
- Breast Cancer, Prostate Cancer and Lung Cancer Biology
- Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy
- Gene Therapy for Muscular Dystrophy
- Alopecia Areata
Research project (6 months)
You complete a laboratory-based research project between March and September. The project can be completed at any Imperial campus, depending on the topic and nature of the project.
Careers
Our MSc in Molecular Medicine provides excellent training for clinical and science graduates looking to pursue further research (including PhD study) and also those interested in a career in industry, clinical service or a related discipline.
The course is designed to appeal to both basic and clinical scientists, and will provide basic training for those wishing to pursue a career in scientific medical research.
The skills acquired by graduates of this course are well-suited to careers in industry, clinical service or related disciplines.
Structure
This page reflects the latest version of the curriculum for this year of entry. However, this information is subject to change.
Find out more about the limited circumstances in which we may need to make changes to or in relation to our courses, the type of changes we may make and how we will tell you about changes we have made.
Page last reviewed on 25 October 2021.
Structure
Taught modules
You take both of the core taught modules below.
- Molecular andCellular Systems
- Disease Systems
- Mini Research Project
Research project
You take both research projects below.
Mini Research Project
You complete a mini research project to equip you with the skills and understanding required to complete the six-month research project. The mini research project is taken over two and a half weeks, either in pairs or groups of three, providing experience of a hands-on approach to experimental work.
In a set frame of scientific theme and of available samples, equipment and reagents, you first define your working hypothesis. You subsequently answer your framed scientific questions by researching and developing the most adapted protocols, performing all the experimental work, computing and critically analysing your own data.
The mini research project will be undertaken in dedicated teaching laboratories at the Hammersmith Campus.
Six-month Laboratory Research Project
You complete your six-month research project in the Faculty of Medicine at Hammersmith, St Mary's, Charing Cross or South Kensington campuses (subject to approval).
Each student will be assigned a research project and will be selectedon the basis that you can reasonably be expected to make an original contribution to the chosen area of research within the time period allotted.
You are provided with training in academic research and acquisition of practical skills, including the design of a research project, planning of experiments, dealing with practical problems, recording, presenting and analysing data. Time will be allocated towards the end of the project period to write a report of 10,000 words.
Teaching and assessment
Teaching methods
- 4 week Mini-Research Project
- 6 month Laboratory Based Research Project
- Class tutorials
- Computer Data Analysis Sessions
- Group Revision Sessions
- Group Work Sessions
- Formative assessment on Blackboard
- Laboratory Teaching
- Lectures and keynote Lectures
- Online tutorials on Blackboard
- Small Group Tutorials
Assessment methods
- Data interpretation exercises
- Research paper critique
- Viva voce
- Written examinations
- Written Research Thesis Report
Entry requirements
We welcome students from all over the world and consider all applicants on an individual basis.
Admissions
Minimum academic requirement
Our minimum requirement is a 2.2 degree in biological science, medicine or veterinary science.
International qualifications
We also accept a wide variety of international qualifications.
The academic requirement above is for applicants who hold or who are working towards a UK qualification.
For guidance see our Country Index though please note that the standards listed are the minimum for entry to the College, and not specifically this Department.
If you have any questions about admissions and the standard required for the qualification you hold or are currently studying then please contact the relevant admissions team.
English language requirement (all applicants)
All candidates must demonstrate a minimum level of English language proficiency for admission to the College.
For admission to this course, you must achieve the standard College requirement in the appropriate English language qualification. For details of the minimum grades required to achieve this requirement, please see the English language requirements for postgraduate applicants.
How to apply
Making an application
Apply online
All applicants must apply online.
Visit our Admissions website for details on the application process.
You can submit one application form per year of entry. You can usually choose up to two courses.
Application fee
If you are applying for a taught Master’s course, you will need to pay an application fee before submitting your application.
The fee applies per application and not per course:
- £80 for taught Master's applications (excluding MBAs)
- £135 for MBA applications
There is no application fee for MRes courses, Postgraduate Certificates, Postgraduate Diplomas or research courses, such as PhDs and EngDs.
If you are facing financial hardship and are unable to pay the application fee, we encourage you to apply for our application fee waiver.
ATAS certificate
An ATAS certificate is not required for overseas students applying for this course.
Further questions?
Find answers to your questions about admissions. Answers cover COVID-19, English language requirements, visas and more.
Tuition fees and funding
The level of tuition fees you pay is based on your fee status, which we assess based on UK government legislation.
Find out more about fees and funding opportunities.
Tuition fees
Home rate of tuition
2022 entry
£13,000
Fees are charged by year of entry to the College and not year of study.
Except where otherwise indicated, the fees for students on courses lasting more than one year will increase annually by an amount linked to inflation, including for part-time students on modular programmes. The measure of inflation used will be the Retail Price Index (RPI) value in the April of the calendar year in which the academic session starts e.g. the RPI value in April 2022 will apply to fees for the academic year 2022–2023.
Fee status
Whether you pay the Home fee depends on your fee status.
Your fee status is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status.
Find out more about how we assess your fee status.
EU/EEA/Swiss students
The Government has confirmed that EU/EEA/Swiss students who begin a course before the 31 July 2021 will be eligible to pay the same fee as Home students and have access to student finance for the duration of their course, as long as they meet certain requirements which are unchanged from previous years. This includes students who begin the course remotely.
EU/EEA/Swiss students starting a course on or after 1 August 2021 will no longer be eligible for the Home fee rate and so will be charged the Overseas fee. Please note, we do not expect this to apply to Irish students or students benefitting from Citizens' Rights under the EU Withdrawal Agreement, EEA EFTA Separation Agreement or Swiss Citizens' Rights Agreement respectively. However, we are currently awaiting the formal publication of the amended Fees and Awards regulations.
The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) website has useful information on the conditions you currently need to meet to be entitled to pay tuition fees at the Home rate for study on a higher education course in England and reflect the regulations as they currently stand (not the amended regulations which are subject to publication).
Overseas rate of tuition
2022 entry
£37,800
Fees are charged by year of entry to the College and not year of study.
Except where otherwise indicated, the fees for students on courses lasting more than one year will increase annually by an amount linked to inflation, including for part-time students on modular programmes. The measure of inflation used will be the Retail Price Index (RPI) value in the April of the calendar year in which the academic session starts e.g. the RPI value in April 2022 will apply to fees for the academic year 2022–2023.
Fee status
Whether you pay the Overseas fee depends on your fee status.
Your fee status is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status.
Find out more about how we assess your fee status.
EU/EEA/Swiss students
The Government has confirmed that EU/EEA/Swiss students who begin a course before the 31 July 2021 will be eligible to pay the same fee as Home students and have access to student finance for the duration of their course, as long as they meet certain requirements which are unchanged from previous years. This includes students who begin the course remotely.
EU/EEA/Swiss students starting a course on or after 1 August 2021 will no longer be eligible for the Home fee rate and so will be charged the Overseas fee. Please note, we do not expect this to apply to Irish students or students benefitting from Citizens' Rights under the EU Withdrawal Agreement, EEA EFTA Separation Agreement or Swiss Citizens' Rights Agreement respectively. However, we are currently awaiting the formal publication of the amended Fees and Awards regulations.
The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) website has useful information on the conditions you currently need to meet to be entitled to pay tuition fees at the Home rate for study on a higher education course in England and reflect the regulations as they currently stand (not the amended regulations which are subject to publication).
Postgraduate Master's loan
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.
For 2022-23 entry, the maximum amount is £11,836. The loan is not means-tested and you can choose whether to put it towards your tuition fees or living costs.
Scholarships
We offer a range of scholarships for postgraduate students to support you through your studies.
See what opportunities you may be eligible for:
Accommodation and living costs
Living costs, including accommodation, are not included in your tuition fees.
You can compare costs across our different accommodation options on our Accommodation website.
A rough guide to what you might expect to spend to live in reasonable comfort in London is available on our Fees and Funding website.
Further information
Got a question?
April Haesler (Administrator – Immunology and Molecular Medicine)
E: molecularmedicine@imperial.ac.uk
Read more about the Department and our research in the Department of Infectious Disease.
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