Biological Sciences at UEA
Find out more about studying Biological Sciences at UEA, and browse our other courses.
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UEA is ranked 17th overall for research quality in Biological Science
The Times Higher Education REF 2021 AnalysisWhy MSc Molecular Medicine at UEA?
Explore cutting-edge biomedical science while developing advanced research skills at the world-renowned Norwich Research Park(opens in a new window). Build the practical, analytical, and communication skills needed for careers in research, healthcare, biotechnology, and beyond.
What is MSc Molecular Medicine?
Molecular medicine sits at the interface between biomedical science, clinical research, and translational discovery. Recent advances in genomics, cell biology, immunology, microbiology, and molecular technologies are transforming how we understand, diagnose, and treat human disease. This course places you at the heart of cutting-edge biomedical research, giving you access to world-leading expertise, facilities, and scientific innovation.
Once registered, you’ll gain access to our bespoke, award-winning pre-arrival content. Created by both staff and students, this self-guided material will help you explore our campus and laboratory facilities. You’ll get a feel for what to expect and learn about the support available. When you start, you’ll explore how molecular and cellular approaches can be used to understand the mechanisms of disease and drive innovation in diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. Support from internationally recognised researchers will help you develop both a strong theoretical foundation and the practical skills needed to investigate complex biological and medical questions.
A highlight of the course is your research project, where you'll join a research group at UEA or one of our partner organisations across the Norwich Research Park(opens in a new window). This hands-on experience gives you the opportunity to work alongside leading scientists and clinicians at institutions such as the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital(opens in a new window), John Innes Centre(opens in a new window), Earlham Institute(opens in a new window), Quadram Institute(opens in a new window), and more. You'll graduate ready for careers in research, healthcare, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, science communication, and related industries.
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Find out more about studying Biological Sciences at UEA, and browse our other courses.
Find out moreWith a MSc in Molecular Medicine, you could launch a career as a:
Biomedical Researcher: Investigate the biological mechanisms of health and disease to support medical advances
Molecular Medicine Researcher: Explore molecular and cellular processes to improve the diagnosis and treatment of disease
University Researcher: Conduct cutting-edge research and contribute to scientific discovery in academic settings
Science Communicator: Share scientific knowledge with public, professional, and policy audiences through outreach, media, and engagement activities
Biotechnology or Pharmaceutical Scientist: Develop new technologies, therapies, and products that improve human health and wellbeing
Your extensive research project will be a defining part of your MSc, giving you the opportunity to immerse yourself in an exciting area of molecular medicine. Working alongside experienced researchers from UEA and the Norwich Research Park, you'll develop valuable research skills and professional connections. As molecular medicine continues to transform how we understand, diagnose, prevent, and treat disease, you'll be well placed to contribute to future advances in research and healthcare innovation. You’ll also have access to support from UEA’s Career Central(opens in a new window), including careers advice, CV and application guidance, interview preparation, and resources to help you achieve your career goals.
Upon completion of this course, you’ll be well positioned to progress to further research study, including PhD-level training. Your broad understanding of molecular medicine, together with the practical, analytical, and communication skills developed throughout the course, could also support a successful career in biomedical research, biotechnology, the pharmaceutical industry, clinical or translational research, science communication, healthcare-related roles, or teaching in secondary or higher education.
In this MSc programme you’ll gain an understanding of human diseases at the molecular and cellular level throughout the body. You’ll study the important questions in the field and learn to understand and evaluate primary literature on the topic through teamwork.
You’ll develop useful transferable skills to support your learning and career development, such as scientific writing, science communication, and engagement with multiple audiences.
You’ll also gain valuable hands-on research skills via a research project in molecular medicine, a placement in a laboratory environment at UEA, or one of the Research Institutes at Norwich Research Park. You’ll gain an understanding of human diseases at the molecular and cellular level throughout the body. You’ll study the important questions in the field and learn to understand and evaluate primary literature on the topic through teamwork.
You’ll design, experiment, and carry out original research on your chosen topic. This project will provide an invaluable training environment to enhance your research skills. and gives you the chance to work either individually or as part of a group, drawing on knowledge and understanding gained from your taught modules. At the beginning of the research project, you’ll prepare an in-depth literature review drawing on the current literature, with support from your project supervisor.
You’ll develop useful transferable skills to support your learning and career development, such as scientific writing, science communication, and engagement with multiple audiences.
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
All teaching within the School of Biological Sciences and the Faculty of Sciences is research-led. This means that throughout your one-year MSc you’ll benefit from the expertise of a large, enthusiastic, and approachable team of academic staff, all with internationally recognised research reputations in molecular medicine, biomedical science, cell biology, genetics, microbiology, immunology, and disease biology.
You’ll also gain insights from researchers and professionals working across UEA and the Norwich Research Park, ensuring that current discoveries, emerging technologies, and the latest ideas in biomedical research are embedded into the course. This creates a dynamic, stimulating, and engaging learning experience that connects your studies directly with real-world scientific advances.
You’ll learn through lectures, seminars, workshops, and laboratory-based classes, where you’ll develop both your subject knowledge and practical research skills.
Independent study
You’ll conduct your own extensive research project for your dissertation. This is an exciting opportunity to explore an area of molecular medicine that genuinely inspires you, all within an outstanding research environment.
You’ll also have the chance to attend regular seminars and workshops led by internationally recognised scientists, helping you stay connected to the latest developments in molecular medicine, biomedical discovery, and disease-focused research.
Assessment
Your progress will be evaluated through a range of assessment methods designed to reflect the aims and learning outcomes of each module. These may include formal examinations, coursework assignments, data analysis tasks, and oral presentations, allowing you to demonstrate both your subject knowledge and wider academic skills.
Formative assessment and feedback are built into the course, giving you opportunities to test your understanding, develop your ideas, and improve your work before completing the related summative assessments.
You’ll also complete an independent research project on a topic of your choice, which will be assessed through a formal written dissertation and an oral presentation of your findings.
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
Bachelors degree - 2.2
Life or Physical Sciences
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
UK Bachelors degree - 2.2 or equivalent
Life or Physical Sciences
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies(opens in a new window) for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not meet the English language requirements for this course, UEA International Study Centre offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the required English skills.
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2027/28 are:
UK Students: £14,450
International Students: £28,250
If you choose to take this course with a placement year, your tuition fees for the first year will be as shown above. An additional fee of £3,500 will apply for the placement year (see our FAQs page for further details).
We estimate living expenses at £1,171 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here(opens in a new window).
Scholarships and Bursaries
The University of East Anglia offers a range of Scholarships(opens in a new window); please click the link for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Please see additional course fees(opens in a new window) for details of course-related costs.
Applications for Postgraduate Taught programmes at the University of East Anglia should be made directly to the University.
To apply please use our online application form(opens in a new window).
If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances prior to applying, please do contact us:
Postgraduate Admissions Office
Tel: +44 (0)1603 591515
Email: admissions@uea.ac.uk(opens in a new window)
International candidates are also encouraged to access the International Students(opens in a new window) section of our website.
Molecular Medicine starting September 2027 for 1 year