Molecular Medicine MSc

Course overview

Develop as a scientist or scientifically-literate clinician and study molecular approaches to the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of a range of cancer, chronic, autoimmune and genetic diseases.

Be part of our world-renowned School of Medicine and learn from internationally recognised scholars. Our flexible course allows you to develop core scientific skills and follow your professional interests with a choice of optional modules. You’ll also carry out a research project as part of an innovative research group with supervision from academics and clinicians working on cutting-edge research.

• Engage in research projects using the latest technologies to generate scientifically impactful results to improve human health.
• Access research opportunities in Applied Health Research, Cancer and Pathology, Cardiovascular, Genes and Development and Musculoskeletal Research.
• Work as part of a research team in a cutting-edge discipline.
• Choose optional modules to reflect your personal and professional interests.
• You’ll develop a research proposal and then deliver a four-month research project as part of an active research group in a research area related to human disease, from fundamental research to translational research.
• Projects are different every year as they are integrated into ongoing programmes of research.
• You'll access research-active, state-of-the-art laboratories during your research project.

Course details

Build core scientific skills through four compulsory modules studied over two terms. Alongside these, your optional modules (two each term) allow you to tailor your study to your interests. These include:

• immunity and disease
• human molecular genetics
• cancer biology and molecular oncology.

Our modules typically last 11 weeks and allow you to:

• gain an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the principles, application and potential of molecular medicine
• learn techniques in the field of molecular biology, immunology, cell biology and chemistry
• develop the ability to carry out molecular, biological and bioinformatics research for investigation of human diseases
• critically evaluate current issues in molecular medicine, translate research findings into clinical applications, and recognise commercial opportunities.

The course structure is built around a condensed timetable between September and April, where most of the teaching is delivered between 10am and 3pm. Advanced notice is provided in the timetable for sessions outside of these core hours. The research project runs from early April to the end of July, with full time working hours.

Research project

Based in the research laboratories within the Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James’s or on the main University campus, you’ll spend approximately four months on your individual research project. This usually runs from April to August. The research project allows you to work as part of a research team across a cutting-edge discipline. You’ll also spend two months developing your research proposal and learning laboratory skills in the ‘Preparing for the Research Project’ module in January and February.

At Leeds, you’ll have the choice of a range of research opportunities in Applied Health Research, Cancer and Pathology, Cardiovascular, Genes and Development and Musculoskeletal Research.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Molecular Medicine MSc in the course catalogue

The course structure is built around a condensed timetable between September and April, where most of the teaching is delivered between 10am and 3pm. Advanced notice is provided in the timetable for sessions outside of these core hours. The research project runs from early April to the end of July, with full time working hours.

Compulsory Modules

Research Informatics and Dissemination (15 credits) – This module equips students with some of the more generic skills needed for a successful career in the biomedical sciences. The module teaches two key aspects: informatics training is given in computational biology resources and tools; and coaching in dissemination pertains to how to both effectively assimilate, and subsequent present, scientific knowledge.

Methods in Biomedical Research (15 credits) – The module covers essential aspects of biomedical research, starting with the fundamentals of project planning and experimental design, including the considerations necessary for effective and ethical research involving animals and patients. You’ll explore various methodological approaches and the corresponding data types they generate, with an emphasis on rigorous data analysis using appropriate statistical methods.

Preparing for the Research Project (15 credits) – You’ll learn about Health and Safety in research laboratories, standard laboratory techniques, record keeping and data interpretation. You’ll also develop a research proposal alongside your project supervisor.

Research Project (75 credits) – The Research Project module allows you to develop and undertake a four-month, full-time biomedical research project. You’ll conduct an individual laboratory or analytical project as part of a larger research group and develop cutting-edge technical and/or analytical skills.

Optional modules

Human Molecular Genetics (15 credits) – Students will gain knowledge and understanding of key topics in human molecular genetics. These include genome structure and maintenance, inheritance patterns of single gene and complex disease, methods used in genetic research and clinically. The ethical and social implications of genetic investigations will also be covered.

Immunity and Disease (15 credits) – This module provides an in-depth view of immune function at the cellular and molecular level. We detail the key features of the immune system, their mechanisms of action and how these are relevant to health and the progression of disease, with a particular focus on infection, autoimmunity and cancer.

Animal Models of Disease (15 credits) – This module will provide insights into the use of vertebrate animal models in disease research. Areas of focus will be the ways models are generated and their use in particular key fields.

You will choose 30 credits from the following optional modules in term 2:

Introduction to Genetic Epidemiology (15 credits) – This module will introduce genetic epidemiology covering all the main topics of current interest in the field. An introduction to human genetics will be included, but the main emphasis is on understanding statistical and epidemiological aspects of the study of the genetic basis of human diseases.

Stem Cell Biology: A Genomics and Systems Biology Approach to Haematopoiesis (15 credits) – This module will provide you with a current knowledge of the fundamental principles of stem cell biology using the haematopoietic system as a model for exploring the mechanisms by which stem cells can generate multiple cell lineages.

The latest experimental approaches (ChIP-seq, genome engineering) and emerging areas (cancer stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, regenerative medicine) in stem cell research will be discussed.

Cancer Biology and Molecular Oncology (15 credits) – This module will provide insights into the molecular and cell biology of cancers and into how this knowledge can be harnessed to allow therapeutic opportunities. Areas of focus will be the function of the key cancer-related pathways and cellular processes, the molecular mechanisms of pathway deregulation, and targeting of these pathways in therapy. Teaching will be delivered by current experts in each area, informed by the state-of-the-art research of the individual tutors.

Learning and teaching

Rated as 'intellectually stimulating' by our graduates, you’ll be taught by active scientists and clinicians who are world-leading in their research fields via lectures, workshops, laboratory practicals, seminars and tutorials.

Teaching is mainly at St James's University Hospital, a busy research facility with research laboratories and a teaching laboratory, computer cluster, library and meeting rooms.

We encourage you to participate in the School of Medicine Institutes’ activities, such as the invited speaker seminar series. You also have access to all the wider University of Leeds facilities.

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

Applying

Entry requirements

A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) minimum in a relevant subject (biomedicine, medicine, biological sciences or possibly natural sciences) or equivalent qualification.

This course is also available as an intercalated programme to students who have completed three years of a UK medical degree and are normally ranked in the top 50% of their year of study. Read more at Intercalation.

Students taking this course as an intercalated degree are subject to different deadlines of application. Find out more about applying to intercalate.

English language requirements

IELTS 7.0 overall, with no less than 6.0 in writing and no less than 6.5 in all other components. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English

International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Science (6 weeks) and Language for Science: General Science (10 weeks). 

We also offer online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals. Find out more about our six week online pre-sessional.

You can also study pre-sessionals for longer periods – read about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses.

How to apply

Application deadlines:

• 31 July 2025 (international applicants).
• 29 August 2025 (UK applicants).

Applications are considered on the basis of the applicant’s qualifications and experience. Applications may close before the deadline date if numbers accepted reach capacity.

Documents and references you’ll need:

• One reference is required at the point of application. If you are a recent graduate, the reference should be an academic referee. The reference should be provided on a headed document with either a stamp from the institution or an electronic signature.

• A CV, including details of relevant experience through employment or education, and of research projects you have undertaken to date.

The ‘Apply’ link at the top of this page will take you to information on applying for taught programmes and to the University's online application system.

If you're unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Documents and information you’ll need

• Transcript of the qualifications you are relying on for entry. If these are not in English, they must be accompanied by a certified English translation.
• Contact details of at least two referees. If you are a recent graduate, at least one should be an academic referee.
• A CV including the list of research projects you have undertaken to date.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

School of Medicine Taught Postgraduate Policy 2025

This course is taught by

School of Medicine

Contact us

School of Medicine Postgraduate Admissions

Email: pgmed-admissions@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Fees

UK: £14,250 (Total)

International: £31,500 (Total)

Read more about paying fees and charges.

For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.

Additional cost information

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government.  Find out more at Masters funding overview.

MSc Molecular Medicine Leeds Intercalating scholarship

£1,500 tuition fee waiver.

Students must:

• Be an UK, EU or International University of Leeds undergraduate medical student in year 3 or 4 who accepted an unconditional offer to intercalate full-time on the MSc Molecular Medicine.

• Applicants with at least a B in their Year 2 Integrated Summative Examination and at least a B in their Year 3 Integrated Summative Examination will be considered.

• The scholarship will be attributed to the student with the best academic grades (Year 1 to 3 combined). In case of equal academic achievement between students, the scholarship will be divided equally between them.

There is no application process

• Leeds intercalating students will be automatically considered by the MSc Molecular Medicine Programme Management team as soon as they accept the unconditional offer of a place in the MSc Molecular Medicine.

Career opportunities

This exciting course provides excellent training for:

• science graduates looking for an opportunity to pursue a career in industry, clinical service or a related discipline, go on to do doctoral research or enter academic medicine
• clinicians interested in a clinical academic career.

Many of our past students are now doing PhDs across the UK or internationally. Some joined non-governmental organisations or went on to work in industry. Talented graduates from the MSc will be strongly supported to join PhD programmes in the institutes here at the University.

You’ll receive support from a personal tutor, who’ll offer specialist guidance to make sure your hard work during your studies translates into career success.

Careers support

We provide sessions on how to apply for a PhD, as well as a career advice session led by academics and the University of Leeds Careers Serice. The Careers Service is also available to our students for advice and appointments.

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more about Careers support.