Division of Infection and Immunity

The objectives of the MSc Molecular Medicine programme are:

• to provide an advanced understanding of the molecular basis of the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of human diseases.
• to describe and discuss topics related to infectious diseases, chronic diseases, genetic diseases, endocrine disorders, malignancy and diseases arising from abnormal immune responses.
• to carry out molecular-biological and bioinformatics techniques for investigation of human diseases.

The programme is administered by the Division of Infection and Immunity. Teaching is provided by staff from the Research Departments of Immunology, Infection, Oncology, and the Institute of Child Health. Invited guest speakers regularly feature in the programme.

Why should I undertake this programme?

The MSc Molecular Medicine provides a thorough grounding in molecular approaches to pathogenesis, and the diagnosis and treatment of such widespread diseases as cancer, infection and allergy.
Teaching (lectures, tutorials, practicals) is by internationally-recognised leading researchers, and students also undertake a 3-month full time laboratory research project.
Upon successful graduation you will have obtained a postgraduate qualification in a cutting-edge research field from one of the world’s leading universities. This will place you in a strong, internationally-competitive, position when seeking a PhD position or for graduate entry into medical school, and be highly attractive to potential employers. Most students who have graduated from the programme have ultimately been successful in achieving their goals.

The programme is a 1 year (full time) intensive course, acquiring credits on successful completion of 8 individual modules:

4 compulsory core modules:
Introduction to Molecular Medicine
Data Interpretation
Molecular Basis of Disease
Core Laboratory Practicals

2 out of 5 specialised modules:
Microbial Pathogenesis
Immunological Basis of Disease
Molecular Oncology
Advanced Virology
Gene Therapy: Molecular and Clinical Aspects

1 Web-based data mining & analysis project module

1 Laboratory-based research project module

For further details on course content please see the following:

• Term 1 timetable for 2012-13

• Course Handbook

All scripts and marks are scrutinised by an external examiner.
The Pass mark is 50% in all modules.  Please note: one re-sit per taught module is allowed.  Distinction mark is a mark of 70% or above averaged over all Modules (no re-sits or condoned passes), and with 70% or above in the laboratory-based research module.

Credits (by Module):
Core modules (15 credits each) Specialised modules (15 credits each) Web-based Research Project (30 credits) Laboratory-based Research Project (60 credits)

Degrees:
MSc in Molecular Medicine - 180 credits from 4 core modules, 2 specialised modules, library-based research module and laboratory-based research module.
Diploma in Molecular Medicine - 120 credits from 4 core modules, 2 specialised modules and library-based research module.
Certificate in Molecular Medicine - 60 credits from 4 core modules.

An appropriate degree in a scientific, veterinary or medical discipline. We normally require applicants to hold, or be expected to gain, at least a 2.1 (upper second) class honours degree (or its equivalent for those candidates from outside the UK). Candidates with a 2.2 (lower second) class degree are also considered but in this case would be expected to have worked in a research laboratory for a continuous period of at least 6 months since graduation, or in some other way demonstrate that they have made some significant and relevant additional achievement since graduation.

Deadline for application to the 2012-13 academic year is Friday 2 August 2013.  Overseas applicants should ensure their reply to their Offer is returned no later than Friday 30 August 2013.

You can find details about UCL's application processes from the Graduate Prospectus

For Information on Applications contact Ms Lauren Collins Tel: +44 (0)20 3108 2116

Fees

UK/EU 2013/14: £11,750

Overseas 2013/14: £23,000

Scholarships

Scholarships are available for Home/EU students. Details here.

> Student Experiences

> Student Career Paths

Student Experiences:

Vaishnavi Sornarajah
M.Sc. Molecular Medicine (2011-12)
Graduate Medicine student, King's College London

"My Molecular Medicine Masters at UCL was a hugely valuable experience which taught me the basics of molecular biology in many fields, from immunology to developmental biology. Lectures were given by wold-class researchers from the Institute of Child Health at Great Ormond Street Hospital. These were interesting and gave a great introduction to the ground-breaking research conducted by UCL. I had a great time meeting my course mates and UCL in general has a friendly atmosphere where anyone from anywhere in the world is welcome. My time at UCL has helped me gain a place at King’s College London to study Graduate Medicine."

Maria Glymenaki
M.Sc. Molecular Medicine (2011-12)
MRC PhD scholarship student

"My year at UCL in the MSc program 'Molecular Medicine'’ was the best time of my studies till far. It was a tiring time with a lot of workload, but at the same time it was very enjoyable. The level of the courses and the approach of the lecturers were really high, meeting the standards of the current constantly progressing world of science. The specialized modules 'Molecular and Immunological basis of disease' as well as 'Molecular Oncology' were particularly interesting and as I am particularly keen on Immunology, I found them the best part of our taught courses. My lab project was an unforgettable experience, not only because of the research but also because of my supervisors. The environment was friendly and stimulating, making me to constantly face my data from a critical point of view. I wish we could have a longer period in the lab during our studies. Of course, coming from a totally different background it was challenging for me in the beginning to understand the structure of projects. However, in time I improved, surpassing my initial weak points and thus meeting my expectations. Now the course is over, I am continuing my studies as a PhD student in UK. Overall, my attendance in 'Molecular Medicine' provided me with expertise, high quality knowledge and contributed to my evolution as a researcher. My studies in UCL in combination with the vibrant city of London were undoubtedly a lifetime experience."

Juan Miguel Sánchez
M.Sc. Molecular Medicine (2010-11)
PhD Student, Imperial College London

"Challenging, exciting and enjoyable would describe quite well what this master meant to me.

You have to work and study quite hard in order to succeed to be honest. However, this MSc in Molecular Medicine is not only a challenge because of this particular reason. Its structure allows you to little by little go through some general lectures that will give you a general picture in the area of molecular medicine (molecular biology, immunology, cancer biology…). With this knowledge you will be able to move into 2 more specific areas of your choice while you learn how to abstract the main ideas from scientific journals and develop your writing skills with the library based research project. Lecturers are experts on their fields; take advantage of that to learn from them.

On the last part of the course you will enjoy a research project based on a lab of your choice. In my opinion this is the best bit of the MSc. You will be able to put in practice not only what you have learnt before but also to develop your own ideas as well as design and carry out your experiments, attend to seminars, expand your contacts… doing real science!

Overall, the MSc in Molecular Medicine is a very useful course to develop a scientific mind as well as the perfect combination for a science-based degree. Furthermore, it will also give you much more possibilities to get a PhD.

Besides the course itself, London is a very enjoyable city. There are plenty of activities to do. You will probably meet people from all over the world at UCL and friends with whom you will discover all the small beautiful places hidden around the city and share great moments."

Ayona Dey
M.Sc. Molecular Medicine (2009-10)
Research Assistant,The Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, UCL

"The taught masters course in Molecular Medicine at UCL provides an ideal environment for promoting intellectual development and thinking critically on various important and latest scientific studies.

The course is well designed to recapitulate and intensify previous knowledge during the core module, which helps to bring individuals with exposure to different areas of Biology on the same page. This is followed by the specialized module that gives an option to choose from specific branches like Oncology, Virology, Immunology etc. particular fields of interest.

The challenging and exciting exercises throughout the programme encourage students to read, understand and analyze various primary research papers and also learn and improve upon some vital techniques and strategies required for an effective scientific discussion/presentation.

The aspect of the Laboratory-based research project, in my opinion is the most attractive part of the programme which enabled us to get hands on experience in bench work in world class scientific research laboratories, of our choice. The opportunity to be a part of an active research lab and witness the gradual development of larger experimental setups which eventually translates into the results that we read and learn about in the books and published science papers is indeed very exciting.

I am currently working as a Research Assistant in a Cancer Research laboratory at the Wolfson Institute of Biomedical Research, to get some work experience before I move on to do my PhD. Needless to say the M.Sc. degree in Molecular Medicine from UCL has been extremely beneficial in my scientific endeavours so far.

Besides being an academic powerhouse, UCL is truly a ‘Global University’ because through the Masters programme I got the chance to meet an eclectic mix of people and become aware of different cultures and traditions. Now I can proudly claim to have some good friends in different corners of the world!

All in all, M.Sc. in Molecular Medicine has been an absolutely rewarding experience and I can confidently say that it has equipped me with the necessary knowledge and understanding required to further my career goal in scientific research."

Hemant Sahni
MSc Molecular Medicine (2008-09)
PhD Student, Institute of Child Health

“If I have to describe my experience as an MSc Molecular Medicine student in a single word, I would say it has been ‘exciting’. The teaching and research community here at the School of Life and Medical Sciences is extremely huge, diverse, open-minded, and focused. After my Bachelors in Biochemistry, I was looking for a programme that would help me develop an understanding of cellular and molecular immunological basis of diseases and equip me to pursue a research career in biomedical sciences. I found this course meeting my needs perfectly as it provides the right mix of theoretical and practical training in modern biology with due emphasis on the interface between the basic and clinical aspects of the subject.

The programme begins with a 3-month taught core module which brings the students of different life science backgrounds on a common platform to undertake the more specialized modules in immunology, molecular biology, oncology and virology later. All taught modules include student presentations, essays and written exams that ensure a thorough understanding.  I especially liked and enjoyed the data interpretation series, which helped us probe published results critically and develop one’s own understanding of the stated biological problems. In the research aspect, the programme provides for both library-based and laboratory-based exposure. As a student of life sciences, I found both my research projects quite redeeming. While my  library-research project at LSHTM gave me an experience in data-mining and self-evaluation of current  trends of a particular biomedical issue, my laboratory-research project provided hands-on practical training in a competitive research environment, where I later received a studentship to continue my work for a PhD. Additionally, as a UCL post-graduate student one gets access and flexibility to undertake skill development courses in any Bloomsbury network institute, be it in statistics, reference management, programming etc. as per individual needs .

Lastly, I must mention that as an international student I have always found UCL to be full of warmth. The academic environment here seamlessly embraces students of different nationalities and makes one feel at home. I made numerous friends from different countries during my course which has benefited me considerably in my approach and personality.”

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Student Career Paths:

2011-13 intake students:

"At the moment I have just started a graduate medicine course at Kings college London. I found that the Msc in Molecular Medicine was hugely useful for entry into this course and has made the course much easier."

"I started my PhD at the Institute of Child Health [at the Molecular Immunology Unit]. I found having a Personal Tutor helpful because I had a person that I could talk to and ask further questions. Luckily, I didn't experience any difficulties or problems so that I didn't really need any help. During the first term my personal tutor provided me with tips and experiences from her time as students and gave me some suggestions. She also offered to proof read my letter of interest for my PhD applications which was very helpful for me."

"I have been awarded a joint MRC-university studenship and curently I am starting my PhD at the University of Manchester on gut microflora.

Regarding the personal tutor, I found it particularly helpful. As a foreign student, my tutor provided significant advice about the course, the projects and most importantly supported me emotionally in difficult times. Also, through her advice on my hunt for PhDs, she helped me a lot."

"Current status: PhD student - Medical University of Vienna - CeMM (Research Centre for Molecular Medicine).

My personal tutor has been a really positive experience, in both professional and personal side. Support has been continuous from her side and even more intense since I started my lab project under her supervision."

"I am currently working for the ISD at UCL. I started this on a casual basis whilst doing the MSc but since finishing have been able to take on more work for them...I was recently asked by the Med School to put together and provide support for a Moodle site for the fourth year medics, and present it to them on the first day. I'm also helping promote and develop UCL's smartphone app. So the work varies. 

My personal tutor was very good. She always listened to any concerns I had, and said she would pass these onto the course organisers. She also gave good tips on how to read papers, structure writeups and plan projects.  I had mentioned the possibility of pursuing a PhD during the year though and she gave me some ideas of where to look." 

"I am currently in further education, studying dentistry (graduate entry programme)...I did find my Lab Project Supervisor very helpful in terms of advice on next steps and career options after the MSc, etc."

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Programme Director: Dr Richard Milne

Divisional Teaching Administrator: Ms Lauren Collins  Tel: 020 3108 2116