Biological Science (MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology)

Entry requirements

Applicants for this course should have achieved a UK Good II.i Honours Degree.

If your degree is not from the UK, please check International Qualifications to find the equivalent in your country.

Months of entry

January, April, October

Course content

The Medical Research Council (MRC) Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) is one of the world's leading research institutes. Discoveries and inventions developed at the LMB such as DNA sequencing or methods to determine the structure of proteins, have revolutionised all areas of biology. Our scientists work to advance the current knowledge of biological processes at the molecular level. This information will help us to understand the workings of complex systems, such as the immune system and the brain, and solve key problems in human health.

Every year the LMB International PhD Programme welcomes 20–30 postgraduate students from universities all over the world to do cutting-edge research. At the LMB, we aim to train the scientific leaders of the future: we seek engaged and motivated students, give them rewarding research projects and provide a supportive environment with access to world-class facilities and experts.

Our building is at the heart of the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, a hub of one of the largest and most internationally competitive concentrations of healthcare-related talent and enterprise in Europe. The LMB building's stunning design is home to a globally competitive research centre with state of the art facilities for making the discoveries of the 21st century.

We have an active student association, founded and run entirely by students, who organise numerous events specifically for postgraduates. Postgraduate students register for their PhD with the University of Cambridge and belong to a Cambridge College.

Continuing

Admission to the PhD programme at the LMB does not require formal completion of an MPhil or equivalent.

Information for international students

Language Requirement

IELTS (Academic)

Element Score

Listening 7.0

Writing 7.0

Reading 6.5

Speaking 7.0

Total 7.0

TOEFL Internet Score

Element Score

Listening 25

Writing 25

Reading 25

Speaking 25

Total 100

CAE

Score: Grade A & B (overall score of 193, with no element lower than 185 plus a Language Centre assessment)

CPE

Score: Grade A, B, or C (with at least 200 with no element lower than 185).