Medical Science (Genomic Medicine) Master of Philosophy - MPhil

The MPhil in Medical Science (Genomic Medicine) consists of supervised laboratory-based research examined by thesis and an oral examination. We offer our MPhil degree full-time over 12 months or part-time over 24 months. This is not a taught course - the MRes in Genomic Medicine is a possible alternative as it offers both research and taught elements.

Applicants are typically science postgraduates or clinically qualified doctors undertaking scientific training. Research is predominantly in the areas of cancer genetics, computational medicine and the genetics of rare disease and developmental disorders. The aim is to understand the cell biology of disease mechanisms using a wide range of disciplines including biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, cell biology, bioinformatics and biostatistics. Specific research training relevant to your own project is provided in the laboratory in which you work. Further training is provided within the Addenbrooke's campus and elsewhere in the University, and includes postgraduate workshops on research techniques, research seminars, and postgraduate student education seminars on generic subjects such as intellectual property rights, statistics, bioinformatics, communication skills, writing a thesis or paper and entrepreneurship.

The course's main aims are:

to give students with relevant experience at first-degree level the opportunity to carry out focused research in the discipline under close supervision; and
to give students the opportunity to acquire or develop skills and expertise relevant to their research interests.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of their MPhil course, students will have:

a comprehensive understanding of techniques, and a thorough knowledge of the literature, applicable to their own research;
demonstrated originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in their field;
shown abilities in the critical evaluation of current research and research techniques and methodologies;
demonstrated some self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and acted autonomously in the planning and implementation of research.
Continuing
Those who wish to progress to a PhD after completing an MPhil will be required to satisfy their potential supervisor, Head of Department and the Faculty Degree Committee that they have the skills and ability to achieve the higher degree, and have the required funding in place for further study.