Molecular Medicine MSc

Course overview

Develop as a scientist or scientifically-literate clinician and study molecular approaches to the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of a range of cancer, chronic, autoimmune and genetic diseases.

Be part of our world-renowned School of Medicine and learn from internationally recognised scholars. Our flexible course allows you to develop core scientific skills and follow your professional interests with a choice of optional modules. You’ll also carry out a research project as part of an innovative research group with supervision from academics and clinicians working on cutting-edge research.

• Engage in research projects using the latest technologies to generate scientifically impactful results to improve human health.
• Access research opportunities in Applied Health Research, Cancer and Pathology, Cardiovascular, Genes and Development and Musculoskeletal Research.
• Work as part of a research team in a cutting-edge discipline.
• Choose optional modules to reflect your personal and professional interests.
• You’ll develop a research proposal and then deliver a four-month research project as part of an active research group in a research area related to human disease, from fundamental research to translational research.
• Projects are different every year as they are integrated into ongoing programmes of research.
• You'll access research-active, state-of-the-art laboratories during your research project.

Course details

Build core scientific skills through four compulsory modules studied over two terms. Alongside these, your optional modules (two each term) allow you to tailor your study to your interests. These include:

• immunity and disease
• human molecular genetics
• cancer biology and molecular oncology.

Our modules typically last 11 weeks and allow you to:

• gain an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the principles, application and potential of molecular medicine
• learn techniques in the field of molecular biology, immunology, cell biology and chemistry
• develop the ability to carry out molecular, biological and bioinformatics research for investigation of human diseases
• critically evaluate current issues in molecular medicine, translate research findings into clinical applications, and recognise commercial opportunities.

The course structure is built around a condensed timetable between September and April, where most of the teaching is delivered between 10am and 3pm. Advanced notice is provided in the timetable for sessions outside of these core hours. The research project runs from early April to the end of July, with full time working hours.

Research project

Based in the research laboratories within the Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James’s or on the main University campus, you’ll spend approximately four months on your individual research project. This usually runs from April to August. The research project allows you to work as part of a research team across a cutting-edge discipline. You’ll also spend two months developing your research proposal and learning laboratory skills in the ‘Preparing for the Research Project’ module in January and February.

At Leeds, you’ll have the choice of a range of research opportunities in Applied Health Research, Cancer and Pathology, Cardiovascular, Genes and Development and Musculoskeletal Research.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Molecular Medicine MSc in the course catalogue

The course structure is built around a condensed timetable between September and April, where most of the teaching is delivered between 10am and 3pm. Advanced notice is provided in the timetable for sessions outside of these core hours. The research project runs from early April to the end of July, with full time working hours.

Compulsory Modules

Research Informatics and Dissemination (15 credits) – This module equips students with some of the more generic skills needed for a successful career in the biomedical sciences. The module teaches two key aspects: informatics training is given in computational biology resources and tools; and coaching in dissemination pertains to how to both effectively assimilate, and subsequent present, scientific knowledge.

Methods in Biomedical Research (15 credits) – The module covers essential aspects of biomedical research, starting with the fundamentals of project planning and experimental design, including the considerations necessary for effective and ethical research involving animals and patients. You’ll explore various methodological approaches and the corresponding data types they generate, with an emphasis on rigorous data analysis using appropriate statistical methods.

Preparing for the Research Project (15 credits) – You’ll learn about Health and Safety in research laboratories, standard laboratory techniques, record keeping and data interpretation. You’ll also develop a research proposal alongside your project supervisor.

Research Project (75 credits) – The Research Project module allows you to develop and undertake a four-month, full-time biomedical research project. You’ll conduct an individual laboratory or analytical project as part of a larger research group and develop cutting-edge technical and/or analytical skills.

Optional modules

Human Molecular Genetics (15 credits) – Students will gain knowledge and understanding of key topics in human molecular genetics. These include genome structure and maintenance, inheritance patterns of single gene and complex disease, methods used in genetic research and clinically. The ethical and social implications of genetic investigations will also be covered.

Immunity and Disease (15 credits) – This module provides an in-depth view of immune function at the cellular and molecular level. We detail the key features of the immune system, their mechanisms of action and how these are relevant to health and the progression of disease, with a particular focus on infection, autoimmunity and cancer.

Animal Models of Disease (15 credits) – This module will provide insights into the use of vertebrate animal models in disease research. Areas of focus will be the ways models are generated and their use in particular key fields.

You will choose 30 credits from the following optional modules in term 2:

Introduction to Genetic Epidemiology (15 credits) – This module will introduce genetic epidemiology covering all the main topics of current interest in the field. An introduction to human genetics will be included, but the main emphasis is on understanding statistical and epidemiological aspects of the study of the genetic basis of human diseases.

Stem Cell Biology: A Genomics and Systems Biology Approach to Haematopoiesis (15 credits) – This module will provide you with a current knowledge of the fundamental principles of stem cell biology using the haematopoietic system as a model for exploring the mechanisms by which stem cells can generate multiple cell lineages.

The latest experimental approaches (ChIP-seq, genome engineering) and emerging areas (cancer stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, regenerative medicine) in stem cell research will be discussed.

Cancer Biology and Molecular Oncology (15 credits) – This module will provide insights into the molecular and cell biology of cancers and into how this knowledge can be harnessed to allow therapeutic opportunities. Areas of focus will be the function of the key cancer-related pathways and cellular processes, the molecular mechanisms of pathway deregulation, and targeting of these pathways in therapy. Teaching will be delivered by current experts in each area, informed by the state-of-the-art research of the individual tutors.

Learning and teaching

Rated as 'intellectually stimulating' by our graduates, you’ll be taught by active scientists and clinicians who are world-leading in their research fields via lectures, workshops, laboratory practicals, seminars and tutorials.

Teaching is mainly at St James's University Hospital, a busy research facility with research laboratories and a teaching laboratory, computer cluster, library and meeting rooms.

We encourage you to participate in the School of Medicine Institutes’ activities, such as the invited speaker seminar series. You also have access to all the wider University of Leeds facilities.

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

Fees

UK: £14,250 (Total)

International: £31,500 (Total)

Read more about paying fees and charges .

For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees .

Additional cost information

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page .