Project structure, expectations and goals
On this research-focused master's in Cell Biology you will undertake a half-year project in the laboratory of a leading biologist. You will develop your skills in relevant lab techniques and receive training in data analysis, management and oral/written presentation, all in the context of your own original cell biology project. This will prepare you for future job or PhD interviews, where you can substantiate your achievements and demonstrate project ownership, understanding and professional standards.
To achieve this goal, you will take part in seminars, workshops, small group tutorials and units in statistics and laboratory skills. The learning methods and units are designed to prepare you for laboratory environments and for undertaking research. They will also give you key transferable skills, such as effectively extracting and understanding information from scientific literature and seminars.
You will also learn how to adapt to both scientific and public audiences, developing your science communication skills through oral presentations, poster presentations or written reports. This will prepare you for elevator pitches in job or PhD interviews and equip you for a career in academic research, the biosciences industry, as a science writer or in similar professional areas where experience in research will be valued. The skills you gain will help you make informed career choices about the professional area you may want to work in.
Information about cell biology projects
Please be aware that this course will not offer traditional lectures introducing you to cell biology. Instead, it will focus on enhanced research-related training in this field. You should already have conceptual knowledge and understanding in the scientific area of your interest when you start the course.
You will choose your own laboratory project from a list provided by your programme director after you start the course. We have over 300 research-active labs that give access to a wide selection of projects. The Cell Biology MSc provides you with access to a broad range of model systems and topics including mechanisms of endomembrane trafficking, cytoskeletal regulation, processes of proteostasis, cell adhesion and morphogenesis, glycobiology, signalling and more. For an idea of the breadth of available projects, browse our research pages.
This course is ideal if you aspire to a research-related career in cell biology, but are open to various directions of investigation. Once you've been allocated to one of your chosen projects, you will contact your supervisor, who will guide you through writing a literature review and project outline. This will prepare you for six months of hands-on experimental work in your supervisor's laboratory, giving you the opportunity to take ownership of your own science project.
PhD with integrated master's
If you're planning to undertake a PhD after your master's, our Integrated PhD programme will enable you to combine your postgraduate taught course with a related PhD project in biology, medicine or health.
A wide range of research projects: We have over 300 research-active labs offering a wide range of research topics, providing you with the opportunity to pick a project that is tailored to your career.
Experiencing lab environments: You will receive direct one-to-one support from an experienced researcher during the entire programme, including a six-month experimental project embedded in a research-active laboratory and team.
Intense training in research-relevant skills: In addition to the experimental skills learned and applied during your project period, you will study course units dedicated to laboratory skills, statistical analysis, experimental design and research ethics.
Learning to capture research topics and fields: You will learn how to search, store and understand information, and structure this in a literature review, which will capture the scientific field and context of your research project. You will be supported by your supervisor during this process. In addition, you will attend scientific seminars and present your understanding of the content. You will be guided on how to prepare for the seminar, optimise note-taking and structure your presentation.
We require a minimum of an Upper Second class honours degree with an average of at least 65% (or overseas equivalent) in:
With sufficient evidence of the relevant units taken.
We are generally unable to consider applicants with a medical (MBChB/MBBS/MD) or pharmacy degree unless you can demonstrate significant laboratory or research experience. If your undergraduate degree is in medicine or pharmacy, please contact us before you apply, providing details of your biology related lab skills and experience.