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MSc
Course can be designed to be highly relevant to your professional needs
Course includes two week-long residential sessions at our laboratories
Distance learning and study routes you can fit around your work schedule
Molecular biology is increasingly important for professionals in health and related areas such as pharmaceutical sciences and biotechnology. Our MSc focuses on the way advanced molecular technologies inform clinical practice.
The study of biology at a molecular level is leading to advances in the treatment of many diseases. This course is designed for health professionals who want to understand its impact on biomedicine and related subjects. It will also be of interest to those working in other areas of biology where molecular biology has applications.
The course will enable you to study areas of molecular biology of particular interest or relevance to your employment. It includes a workplace project which you can tailor to be highly relevant to your current work and interests.
On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: MSc Molecular Biology
The course will introduce you to recent advances made in the study of disease, with an emphasis on how advanced molecular technologies inform, and impact upon, clinical practice. You’ll develop hands-on practical skills during two one-week residential short courses.
You can tailor many elements of the course to focus on your personal or employment interests. For example, you’ll undertake a research project which can be completed at your place of work or at the University.
Video
Associate Professor of Molecular Biology Dr Gavin McStay discusses the ins and outs of our MSc Molecular Biology degree.
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The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.
Huge amounts of important data are being generated from large-scale genomic and other omic projects, emerging from the human genome project, personalised genomic medicine and microbiological communities. This data can only be processed using software and bioinformatics to identify patterns that can associate genotypes with phenotypes, such as disease predisposition, efficacy of treatment, conservation of gene sequence and identification of species. The module will provide you with the tools for analysis of this data, including software for: gene identification, homology searching, genomic databases, gene prediction, functional genomics, transcriptomics and proteomics.
Module code: BIOL70666
During this module you will study the fundamental principles and techniques of molecular biology. This includes: the structure and function of DNA, RNA, genes, genomes and proteins: DNA replication, transcription, translation and the mechanisms of regulation and control. You will also get hands-on experience in our state of the art facilities where you will undertake practical methods used to extract, manipulate and analyse nucleic acids and proteins.
Module code: BIOL70662
Throughout this module you will consider the molecular basis of both non-infectious and infectious disease in humans. You will investigate chronic multifactorial diseases as well as infectious diseases caused by pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and non-conventional agents such as protozoa and parasitic worms. In the context of both infectious and non-infectious disease you will consider the current and future roles and importance of molecular genetics and genomics in the clinical diagnosis and treatment of disease.
Module code: BIOL70664
This module will provide you with the necessary skills to design a research project to answer a research question, potentially reflecting your area of interest or relevant to your workplace. Projects will be designed in consultation with a university-based supervisor and can be conducted either at your place of work or at Staffordshire University.
Module code: BIOL70674
This practical course will cover the key techniques in molecular biology. The module will provide you with instruction, skills development and hands-on experience of molecular techniques currently used in molecular research and clinical diagnostics.
Module code: BIOL70671
A research project reflecting your area of interest wherever possible. Projects will be designed in consultation with a university-based supervisor and can be conducted either at your place of work or here at Staffordshire University.
Module code: BIOL70676
Genetic and molecular biology are currently very fast moving fields. This module aims to provide a look at or near the forefront of genetic research and applications. This will build upon material covered, of a more established nature, earlier in the course.
Module code: BIOL70672
This module will focus on genetics in organisms used in molecular biology research that benefit understanding of biology for biotechnology or biomedical purposes. Genomic organisation, gene inheritance and gene expression in viruses, prokaryotes, plants, unicellular eukaryotes and animals will be covered using examples of current applications. The manipulation of the genomes of these organisms will also be covered to explore how genetically modified organisms can be generated and used and their application to improving human health, the environment and society.
Module code: BIOL70668
Module code: BIOL70663
Module code: BIOL70675
Module code: BIOL70669
This residential practical course will cover the key techniques in molecular biology. The module will provide you with instruction, skills development and hands-on experience of molecular techniques currently used in molecular research and clinical diagnostics. You will spend one week on-campus undertaking the practical work in our state-of-the art facilities.
Module code: BIOL70670
During this module you will study the fundamental principles and techniques of molecular biology. This includes: the structure and function of DNA, RNA, genes, genomes and proteins: DNA replication, transcription, translation and the mechanisms of regulation and control. You will also get hands-on experience in our state of the art facilities during a week-long residential where you will undertake practical methods used to extract manipulate and analyse nucleic acids and proteins.
Module code: BIOL70661
Huge amounts of important data are being generated from large-scale genomic and other omic projects, emerging from the human genome project, personalised genomic medicine and microbiological communities. This data can only be processed using software and bioinformatics to identify patterns that can associate genotypes with phenotypes, such as disease predisposition, efficacy of treatment, conservation of gene sequence and identification of species. The module will provide you with the tools for analysis of this data, including software for: gene identification, homology searching, genomic databases, gene prediction, functional genomics, transcriptomics and proteomics.¿
Module code: BIOL70665
Module code: BIOL70667
Module code: BIOL70673
You’ll normally need a minimum 2:2 honours degree or international equivalent in a relevant subject. However, accredited professional qualifications or vocational experience can be considered, and we strongly encourage anyone interested in the course to get in touch.
For equivalent entry requirements in your home country, please see the information on our country pages.
Check our entry and English language requirements for your country.
Our specifically designed Science Centre includes specialist laboratories, interview suites, and dedicated specialist equipment.
Our £30 million Science Centre in Stoke-on-Trent contains specialist laboratories with the latest state-of-the-art equipment.
Facilities for genetic and gene expression analysis, cellular imaging, and growth of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells.
Find out more about our:
Find out more about our Science Centre Facilities.
Find out more about our Sequencing Hub and Sequencing Room.
The course is designed to aid your career advancement in any field where molecular biology is relevant. Or you may be looking to change or re-focus your career in this direction.
Eager for more knowledge? Upon completion, you’ll be ideally placed for further academic study at PhD level.
All students have access to Career Connect, our dedicated careers team.
Support is available when you need it. You can contact your tutor by phone, email or in person.
Our teaching is supported through our Virtual Learning Environment called Blackboard. This means you can access a range of materials to support your studies wherever you are. This includes discussion forums where you can debate subjects with your tutors and fellow students.
Module assessment is mainly through course work, plus two online exams.
Your course tutors will provide lots of support. But you can also take advantage of our Academic Skills team, who can help you with:
If you have additional needs like dyslexia or a sensory impairment, then our Student Inclusion Services are here to help make sure nothing stands in your way.
We know that it’s important for you to be able to gauge your progress. So, your tutor will give you feedback on any practice assessments you do.
We usually give you feedback on formal assessments within 20 working days, but the format will vary for each module.
You'll typically need to complete 12 – 15 hours of independent work each week. However, the actual study time will vary from student to student.
The focus of this course is independent learning and individual study time. This could involve:
You'll be taught by staff who have a range of academic and industry experience.
Course Director
I joined the team here at Staffordshire University in May 2013 as a Lecturer in Biomedical Science. I'm a member of the British Society for Immunology and the Association for Clinical Biochemistry.
Arthur is an experienced molecular microbiologist with a track record of inspirational teaching, international quality research and academic leadership. He regularly provides media contributions, discussing current infectious disease topics.
Lecturer
Trust is biomedical scientist whose core discipline is histology and cytology. His main area of interest is lipidomics and nutrition with a focus on the effects of flavonoids on adipogenesis.
Senior Lecturer
My expertise is within clinical pathology laboratories and the use of biomedical investigations in the diagnosis and investigation of disease. I'm Module Coordinator for Professional Practice for Biomedical Scientists and Cellular Pathology.
For the course starting on 25 September 2023 the tuition fees are:
If you would like to know more about the fees listed and what this means to you then please get in touch with our Enquiries Team.
If you've previously completed a Staffordshire University undergraduate degree (excluding HND and foundation degrees) you may be entitled to a discount of up to 25% off your course fees for any subsequent postgraduate taught course (terms apply, see the alumni discount page for details). If you have any questions about how this relates to you, please contact feesandbursaries@staffs.ac.uk.
If you have previously completed an undergraduate degree with us, you may be entitled to an alumni discount off your course fee for any subsequent postgraduate taught course. For further information please contact feesandbursaries@staffs.ac.uk.
Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees.
For more information on accommodation and living costs, please see: Accommodation
Providing you are studying towards a full Masters qualification you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan of up to £11,570 to help with tuition fees, maintenance and other associated costs. Student loans are available for many of our postgraduate degrees and are provided by the Student Loans Company (SLC). The loan can cover a wide range of postgraduate study options; part-time, full-time and distance learning.
For more information and how to apply visit masters loan.
You get the same quality as on-campus but in your own time. I’m working full time as a Molecular Biologist so this course is definitely very related to my career. The module offer in the course is all related to what I do in work and some of the modules help me to understand the other developments in my company. The lecturers were very helpful, especially the tutor for each module – they guide you through and if there was something I didn’t understand, they were willing to Skype with me and to enlighten me for the areas that I wasn't clear in. I would say that distance learning at Staffordshire is very structured and is similar to the on-campus course. You get all the modules online, you get contact with your lecturers and you get access to the library. You get the same quality as on-campus but in your own time.
You get the same quality as on-campus but in your own time.
I’m working full time as a Molecular Biologist so this course is definitely very related to my career. The module offer in the course is all related to what I do in work and some of the modules help me to understand the other developments in my company.
The lecturers were very helpful, especially the tutor for each module – they guide you through and if there was something I didn’t understand, they were willing to Skype with me and to enlighten me for the areas that I wasn't clear in.
I would say that distance learning at Staffordshire is very structured and is similar to the on-campus course. You get all the modules online, you get contact with your lecturers and you get access to the library. You get the same quality as on-campus but in your own time.
I got lots of support from the professors at the University. I got lots of support from the professors at the University. They granted me extensions because they took my situation into account because they knew the circumstances were out of my control at home. The advantage of a distance learning degree was that I could study at my convenience but it also required lots of self-discipline. My dream job would now be to work in a hospital or research agency trying to find cures for cancer.
I got lots of support from the professors at the University.
I got lots of support from the professors at the University. They granted me extensions because they took my situation into account because they knew the circumstances were out of my control at home.
The advantage of a distance learning degree was that I could study at my convenience but it also required lots of self-discipline.
My dream job would now be to work in a hospital or research agency trying to find cures for cancer.
If you are offered a place at Staffordshire University, your offer will be subject to our rules, regulations and enrolment conditions, which may vary from time to time.
Students of Staffordshire University enter into a contract with us and are bound by these rules and regulations, which are subject to change. For more information, please see: University Policies and Regulations.
StudentCrowd University Awards 2022
Complete University Guide 2022
The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023
Research Excellence Framework 2021
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