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Molecular Cell Biology MSc

  • Level(s) of Study: Postgraduate taught
  • Start Date(s): January 2024, September 2024, January 2025
  • Duration: One year full-time / Two years full-time with one year placement / Two years part-time
  • Study Mode(s): Full-time / Part-time / Sandwich / January start (Postgraduate)
  • Campus: Clifton Campus
  • Entry Requirements:
    More information

Introduction:

Covering a wide range of up-to-date and industry relevant technologies, you will become familiar with the latest advances and commercial techniques in molecular cell biology.

This exciting Masters course is designed to give you the theoretical and practical skills needed for a career in molecular bioscience within companies and research organisations.

This course is ideal if you:

  • are a recently qualified undergraduate and are looking for the professional skills needed to obtain a job in a bioscience company
  • are working in an organisation and want a masters-level qualification to give you a competitive edge
  • require the skills and experience needed to study for a research degree
  • are an international student who would like to study abroad
  • would like a course delivered by experienced research academics, with the possibility of completing a research project in industry
  • want to use cutting-edge facilities to develop your own learning and research.
  • If you choose the Sandwich-route, you will be given the opportunity to do a work placement to develop your professional experience.
  • In the last Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021) - the UK's system for assessing the quality and impact of research in universities - we’re proud that 99% of NTU’s Allied Health Professions, Dentistry, Nursing and Pharmacy submission was assessed to be world-leading or internationally excellent.
  • 100% of our molecular biology, biophysics and biochemistry postgraduate students were in work or further study 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020/21).

What you’ll study

This course is made up of six core modules and a research project. If you are studying part-time or on the sandwich course you will choose from the modules listed in the first year.

Qualification types

  • Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) - choose to study 60 credit points (cp) of taught modules
  • Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) - choose 120 cp of taught modules for the award, does not include a research project
  • Masters of Science (MSc) - full 180 cp of taught modules and research project

If you are unsuccessful in completing the 180 cp required for MSc, you will be awarded PGCert if you have passed at least 60 cp, or PGDip if you have passed 120 cp. All PG Cert, PG Dip and Masters students are taught together.

Molecular Biology (20 cp)

During this module, you'll consolidate your knowledge of the molecular biology of prokaryotes and eukaryotes, and how to prove hoe genomes are mutated, analysed and manipulated in the detection, study and therapy of disease. You'll study the control of gene expression in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, and the control at transcriptional, post-transcriptional (RNAi, microRNA) and translational levels.

Cell Culture and Antibody Technology (20 cp)

You'll explore the scientific basis of cell culture and antibody technologies, and assess how they're used to solve problems in biotechnology, molecular biosciences, and biomedical sciences. You'll look at the relationship between cell and antibody technologies, as well as other technologies, particularly recombinant DNA technology and how these may develop in the future.

Biology of Disease (20 cp)

You’ll gain an understanding of the pathogenesis of cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and kidney fibrosis. The lectures and seminars examine cancer aetiology, the genotypic and phenotypic properties associated with tumour progression, metastasis, and the current approaches to cancer gene therapy and immunotherapy.

Business and Enterprise (20 cp)

You'll approach ideas generation in a creative manner to understand the role of new business concepts, and their development in the biosciences industry. You'll explore all aspects of starting up a new biosciences company, including new product development, marketing and research, pricing, distribution, and promotion.

Techniques in Macromolecular Analysis (20 cp)

During this module you will study and apply modern techniques used to test biological principles.

Research Methods and Bioethics (20 cp)

This module encourages you to think beyond your own subject, and interact accordingly. You'll gain a solid foundation in literature review, research design and planning, data analysis and a poster presentation by focusing your studies on a related ethical issue. Ethical issues in research will also be explored, as you discover when and how to obtain ethical clearance in accordance with ethical governance at NTU.

Research Project (60 cp)

In consultation with a supervisor at NTU, you'll select a research topic comprising an original, defined research question (or series of such questions), and develop a written research proposal for the Project. You'll then present this proposal as part of the Research Methods and Bioethics module.

How you’re taught

This Molecular Cell Biology postgraduate degree will be delivered through lectures, laboratory classes, demonstrations, computer packages, and project work. We have state-of-the-art lecture, computing, library and laboratory facilities.

There will be various support mechanisms to help and advise you, including email contact with all tutors, a virtual learning environment for course information and messages, and pastoral support from our International Coordinator and Postgraduate Courses Administrator. The University offers an induction programme for international students, and English language classes.

Contact hours

Contact hours for a 20cp modules are typically around 50 hours, with a further 150 hours expected from you for directed and independent study.

Lectures / seminars / workshops (20%) and independent study (80%)

Learn a new language

Alongside your study you also have the opportunity to learn a new language. The University Language Programme (ULP) is available to all students and gives you the option of learning a totally new language or improving the skills you already have. Find out more about the ULP.

Research informed teaching

By daring to think differently our research is tackling real-world issues. The subjects you will study with us are informed by our research so you can be sure your knowledge will be cutting-edge in your field. In the last Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021) - the UK's system for assessing the quality and impact of research in universities - we’re proud that 99% of NTU’s Allied Health Professions, Dentistry, Nursing and Pharmacy submission was assessed to be world-leading or internationally excellent.

Staff Profiles

Luigi De Girolamo - Principal Lecturer

School of Science & Technology

Find out more about Luigi De Girolamo, Principal Lecturer in the Department of Biosciences at Nottingham Trent University..

Philip L R Bonner - Senior Lecturer

School of Science & Technology

Philip L R Bonner

Fiona Freeman - Principal Lecturer

School of Science & Technology

Find out more about Fiona Freeman, Principal Lecturer, in the Department of Biosciences at Nottingham Trent University.

Mark D. Turner - Associate Professor

School of Science & Technology

Find out more about Mark D Turner, Associate Professor, in the Department of Biosciences at Nottingham Trent University.

How you’re assessed

Modules are assessed by a variety of different types of course work including written assignments, oral presentations and poster presentations, and examinations. The Research Project will involve the design, implementation and reporting of a major research task.

Coursework (79%) and written (21%)

Careers and employability

This course cultivates the professional skills, experience and knowledge necessary to pursue a wide range of careers within the field of biosciences. Graduates are well versed in current relevant ethical issues, with an understanding of how these impact on business, making them a valuable addition to any company.

Placements

NTU is one of the most employment-focused universities. Increasingly, employers want to recruit graduates who have real-world work experience. That’s why all of our courses, across every subject area, offer you a work experience opportunity. Our experts help build and support your future with a range of career programmes and events.

The school of Science and Technology will work closely with you to help find a placement and strengthen your CV and interview techniques. You'll be supported and assessed throughout your placement year and will write a reflective report and diary at the end of your placement. When you successfully complete your placement and submit your placement report, you will be eligible to receive an additional award of a Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Practice.

Please note that placements are not guaranteed and the process is competitive through an application and interview process.

If you take the sandwich route, and start this course in September / October you will complete your placement following your taught modules and research project. If you start in January you will complete one term of taught modules and your project, then go on placement before returning to NTU for your final term of modules.

Our recent students have taken placements across a wide range of companies including the NHS, The Frozen Ark Project and Public Health England. They secured varied roles such as Biobank Intern, Lab Technician and Volunteer Mentor.

Re:search Re:imagined

To us, research is about more than writing papers and proposing new ideas. By daring to think differently, we’re disrupting the research landscape and finding the answers to the questions that really matter. From conservation management to sustainable farming, we’re inspiring the brightest minds to rise up and find solutions to some of the most significant global challenges facing society.

Find out more

NTU Enterprise

You'll also have the opportunity to turn your ideas into a viable business with help from NTU Enterprise, NTU's purpose-built Centre for Entrepreneurship and Enterprise, a support centre to help students create, develop and grow their own businesses.

Campus and facilities

Entry requirements

What are we looking for?

  • UK honours degree (minimum 2.2) or equivalent in a relevant discipline such as Biochemistry, Biology, Molecular Biology or Cell Biology
  • Applicants with relevant employment experience or other relevant qualifications will also be considered
  • NTU may admit a student with advanced standing beyond the beginning of a course, through an assessment of that student's prior learning, whether it is certificated or uncertificated. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available to these prospective students, such as recognising experiential learning or transferring to a similar course at another institution, otherwise known as credit transfer.

    All prospective students who wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning should initially contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.

Getting in touch

If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form

You will need one of the following:

  • UK honours degree (minimum 2.2) or equivalent in a relevant discipline such as Biochemistry, Biology, Molecular Biology or Cell Biology
  • Applicants with relevant employment experience or other relevant qualifications will also be considered

International qualifications

We accept qualifications from all over the world – check yours here:

Postgraduate preparation courses (Pre-Masters)

If you don’t yet meet our entry requirements, we offer Pre-Masters courses through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC), based on our City Campus:

English language entry requirements

You can meet our language requirements by successfully completing our pre-sessional English course for an agreed length of time, or by submitting the required grade in one of our accepted English language tests, such as IELTS:

Would you like some advice on your study plans?

Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.

Fees and funding

For course fees for January 2024 are:

Study routeUK International / EU
Full-time £9,300 £19,100
Full-time with placement year £9,300 + £1,850 £19,100 + £1,850
Part-time £4,650 £9,550*

For course fees for September 2024 and January 2025 are:

Study routeUK International / EU
Full-time £9,700 £19,850
Full-time with placement year £9,700 + £1,850 £19,850 + £1,850
Part-time £4,850 £9,925*

*For part-time study please check your student visa regulations.

Please note that if you are considering a course that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for the first year of study. The course fee for the second year may be subject to annual review.

Funding your studies

Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there’s no need to feel anxious and confused about it. We hope that our fees and living costs page and our funding page will answer all your questions.

Scholarships

You might be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies. We award scholarships to those students who can demonstrate excellent achievement, passion and dedication to their studies.

Alumni discount

We’re happy to be able to offer a 20% alumni discount to most current NTU students and recent NTU alumni. This discount is currently available for those starting an eligible postgraduate taught, postgraduate research or professional course.

Getting in touch

For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service on: +44 (0)115 848 2494. For scholarship help please contact us on: +44 (0)115 848 4460.

For course fees for January 2024 are:

Study routeUK International / EU
Full-time £9,300 £19,100
Full-time with placement year £9,300 + £1,850 £19,100 + £1,850
Part-time £4,650 £9,550*

For course fees for September 2024 and January 2025 are:

Study routeUK International / EU
Full-time £9,700 £19,850
Full-time with placement year £9,700 + £1,850 £19,850 + £1,850
Part-time £4,850 £9,925*

*For part-time study please check your student visa regulations.

Please note that if you are considering a course that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for the first year of study. The course fee for the second year may be subject to annual review.

Scholarships

We offer scholarships of up to 50% of your tuition fee. You can apply for your scholarship when you have an offer to study at NTU.

Living costs

Get advice on the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham and how to budget:

Paying fees

Find out about advanced payments, instalment plan options and how to make payments securely to the University:

Would you like some advice on your study plans?

Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.

How to apply

Ready to join us? Then apply as soon as you can. Just click the Apply button at the top of the page and follow the instructions for applying. Make sure you check the entry requirements above carefully before you do.

If you are interested in joining us in September 2025, this course will be open for applications through the applicant portal from September 2024. Courses starting in January 2026 will be open for applications from July 2025.

You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU in our postgraduates' guide. Here you'll find advice about how to write a good personal statement and much more.

Writing your application

Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. Make sure you include as much information as possible, including uploading evidence of results already achieved, as well as a personal statement.

Keeping up to date

After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process - so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.

Getting in touch

If you need any more help or information, please contact us at Ask NTU or call on +44 (0)115 848 4200.

Apply online through our NTU applicant portal.

If you are interested in joining us in September 2025, this course will be open for applications through the applicant portal from September 2024. Courses starting in January 2026 will be open for applications from July 2025.

Application advice

Apply early so that you have enough time to prepare – processing times for Student visas can vary, for example.  After you've applied, we'll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.

Writing your personal statement

Be honest, thorough, and persuasive – we can only make a decision about your application based on what you tell us:

Would you like some advice on your study plans?

Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.

The University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised

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