Study location	United Kingdom, london
Type	Master, full-time
Study language	English
Awards	Mres

Tuition fee	£26,000 per year

Language requirements	English

Other requirements	At least 2 reference(s) should be provided.

More information	apply.baltic-center.eu

Overview

Biomedical scientists work at the cutting edge of research and medicine, helping to solve some of the most threatening diseases and conditions facing mankind. 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 DNA damage and gene mutations to help us better understand what causes cancer and how it develops. 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.

Programme structure

There are three core modules (15 credits each). 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 four pathways and will continue from September till January.

The journal clubs/paper critiques organised by students will start in October and continue until March. The Research Project module will start in October and runs until July/August. Students will present a poster 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.

Career opportunities

The course provides excellent preparation for PhD study, which around a fifth of our students complete here at St George’s or elsewhere, and this can lead to a research career within academia or pharmaceutical industry.

Alternatively, on completion, you could pursue a career in the biomedical and medical sector in roles where some research background is required but not necessarily at PhD level. This may include job opportunities as research support staff, technicians, medical laboratory assistants, specialist services provision, equipment operators and laboratory management.

This course is also effective in accelerating the development of your career in healthcare and NHS.