Entry requirements

You should have or be expected to achieve, a minimum of a second class degree (2:2). For healthcare graduates, a pass is required. All degrees must be awarded before 1 August on the year of entry.

We welcome applications from individuals from a range of backgrounds, including humanities, science and healthcare.

We may invite you to interview if are unable to make a decision directly from your application. If you are invited for an interview you will be asked to write a short paper (no more than half a page) on a subject associated with biomedical research.

Alternative professional qualifications, or previous related experience, may be considered and we encourage you to apply.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Biomedical scientists work at the cutting edge of research and medicine, helping to solve some of the most threatening diseases and conditions facing mankind. St George’s has enjoyed an outstanding track record of research output and innovation in molecular and clinical sciences research including cancer.

According to the NHS, one in two people will develop some form of cancer during their lifetime, so research is vital not only to improve future treatments, but also identify genetic, environmental, and behavioural risk factors which may prevent it. Between 2015 and 2017, there were over 367,000 new cases of cancer in the UK alone and, according to Cancer Research UK, 38% of cases were preventable.

This MRes in Biomedical Science (Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer) focuses on research to examine the cellular and molecular processes underlying cancer such as DNA damage and gene mutations to help us better understand what causes cancer and how it can be manipulated.

This specialist pathway prepares you to conduct pioneering research into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer. You will study clinical and pathological aspects of cancer, and the molecular mechanisms that establish and promote cancer, as well as exploring some of the current treatments used and how research translates into novel treatments.

There are three core modules:

  • Research Methods (15 credits)
  • Statistics (15 credits)
  • Research Project Planning and Management (15 credits)

These are common to all pathways, and most of teaching will take place in the autumn term.

The specialist modules (30 credits) are specific to each of the five pathways and will run from September till February. The journal clubs (critical appraisal of papers) led by students themselves with guidance from the tutors will run from October until March. The Research Project module will start in October and runs until July/August. Students will present a poster in July and submit a final dissertation in August.

The core modules provide advanced training in the practice of biomedical research across a broad range of laboratory and computer-based biomedical science, while the specialist module prepares you to conduct high-calibre in-depth research in your chosen research field.

Unlike many other courses, our Research Project offers a chance to spend up to 9 months working as part of an active research team. This may provide an opportunity to work with clinical samples or staff on our hospital sites. For example, one past research project investigated the role of the human TTC4 protein – a gene previously linked to breast cancer and the progression of malignant melanoma – in cell death, rapid reproduction and cancer. Another project examined DNA polymerases, enzymes essential for DNA replication, mutations of which have been identified as causative for colorectal cancer.

Information for international students

For information on how to apply, advice on visas and immigration and English language requirements please visit our international student support webpages.

Fees and funding

For information about tuition fees, funding and scholarships please visit our fees and funding webpages.

Qualification, course duration and attendance options

  • MRes
    full time
    12 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification

Course contact details

Name
Course Enquiries
Email
pgenquiries@sgul.ac.uk
Phone
020 3897 2032