Medicine - Experimental Medicine

Overview

In this MSc program the students will be exposed to theoretical and practical training of Experimental Medicine skills giving a great emphasis towards clinical translation. The modules will focus on State-Of-The-Art Experimental Medicine Skills on the research and clinical translation related to vascular, respiratory and infection/immunity related diseases, which will be linked to a full spectrum of research projects based on translational experimental medicine covered from animal and human models of disease through to the design and implementation of clinical trials.



Experimental Medicine also aims to identify mechanisms of pathophysiology of disease, and demonstrate proof-of-concept evidence of the efficacy and importance of new discoveries or treatments. It spans fundamental research in the biosciences to the application of new strategies towards clinical translation that will improve delivery of healthcare. There is an increasing need for graduates who can undertake basic and clinical research and translate it into improved medical treatments for patients.



This research-intensive MSc programme in Experimental Medicine will equip the students with the rigorous research skills, and the innovative mentality to tackle the major medical and therapeutic challenges of the 21st century.



The MSc in Experimental Medicine is designed for students wishing to pursue a career in experimental medicine, whether it is in academia, clinical practice, industry, or government. The programme will also provide an excellent platform for progression to PhD programmes either in Queen’s or worldwide.



The MSc in Experimental Medicine will develop a strong fundamental understanding of high-quality biomedical research, including experimental design and execution, data management and interpretation, and scientific communication, including publishing, presentation, and use of social media.



The programme offers comprehensive research training with access to over 60 research groups and the state-of-the-art research facilities at the (WWIEM). Research facilities include Central Technology Units for Imaging and Genomics which are leading the way in research excellence and in addition to the Clinical Trials Facility and the Northern Ireland Clinical Trials Unit.



Course Structure

This course is subject to expand to include optional additional clinical research modules for 2025/26.



Students may enrol on a full time (1 year) basis.

Students will undertake 3 taught modules (20 CATS each; 60 CATS).

Students also undertake an intensive research project (60 CATS)



The MSc is awarded to students who successfully complete 60 CATS of taught modules, Research Project (60 CATS) and a Dissertation (60 CATS).



A Diploma Exit qualification is available to those students who have successfully complete 120 CATS points.



A Certificate Exit qualification is available to those students who have successfully complete 60 CATS points.



Professional Accreditations

You will have an opportunity to obtain a formally accredited certificate of training in good clinical practice (GCP) which is a necessary requirement prior to conducting clinical trial research. Students working with animal models of disease will also receive official training in animal handling, leading to a UK official animal handling personal license.

Year 1

Core Modules

• Advanced Research Skills in Experimental Medicine (20 credits)

• Research Project (60 credits)

• Experimental Medicine towards Clinical Translation (20 credits)

• Dissertation (60 credits)

• Fundamental Research Skills in Experimental Medicine (20 credits)

Graduate

Normally a minimum of a 2.1 Honours degree or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in a biological sciences-related subject. Evidence of equivalent professional qualifications (MBBS, BDS or BVSc) or experience will be considered on an individual basis.



Intercalating Medical and Dental Applicants

i) QUB

Intercalating medical and dental students within QUB will be considered if:

a) QUB 3rd year students – must pass all 3rd year modules at first attempt achieving an overall profile of 2.1 equivalent *.

b) QUB 4th year students – must pass all 3rd year modules at first attempt achieiving an overall profile of 2.1 equivalent * and also pass all 4th year modules at first attempt.

c) have permission to intercalate from either the Director of Medical Education or Dentistry as appropriate.



ii) External

An external medical or dental student wishing to intercalate will be considered if:

a) they have successfully completed all assessments at first attempt for the year in which they are applying.

b) they have achieved at least an overall Upper Second Class Honours degree standard as determined by their University.

c) they have have permission to intercalate from their Medical or Dental School, as appropriate.



iii) International

a) Applicants who are currently studying an overseas Medical (e.g. MBBS or MBChB) or Dental degree at a recognised institution acceptable to the University, may apply.

b) Applicants must have passed all assessments at first attempt for the year in which they are applying, normally 3rd year for those completing a 5 year programme or 4th year for those completing a 6 year programme.

c) Applicants may be required to provide details of the medical or dental curriculum they are studying in order to confirm compatibility.

d) Have permission to intercalate from their Medical or Dental School, as appropriate.



International Students

Please see International Student's link below.

Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally not later than 31st July 2025.



In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal prior to the deadline stated on course finder.



Notifications to this effect will appear on the application portal against the programme application page.



Please note: A deposit will be required to secure a place on this course.

Assessment is by a combination of oral presentations and written assignments. The research project is written up as a dissertation.

1 year full-time.



Teaching Times

9:00am - 5:00pm.

Entry Year: 2025/26

Career Prospects

Introduction

The programme is designed for students wishing to pursue a career in experimental medicine, whether it is in academia, clinical practice, industry or government. The programme will also provide an excellent platform for progression to PhD programmes either in Queen’s or worldwide.