Medical Sciences MSc

12 months full-time

Programme Description

The Master of Science in Medical Sciences Programme is designed to provide students with a broad, robust education in medical sciences at masters level. The Programme provides graduates in science, medicine and dentistry with a flexible education and training opportunity.

A major strength of the Master of Science in Medical Sciences Programme is the clinical and translational nature of the course. Embedded as it is in the Faculty of Medical Sciences, the taught modules will be delivered by a complementary mixture of scientists and clinicians. Supervision of the dissertation module, Medical Sciences Dissertation, will be in a wide range of departments from across the Faculty of Medical Sciences in Newcastle University.

Aims

  • Students will study diverse aspects of medical sciences in which there is the appropriate expertise in the Faculty of Medical Sciences through structured, taught modules. They will acquire advanced knowledge and critical awareness in different areas of medical sciences.
  • Students will acquire knowledge and develop understanding of aspects of medical sciences research practice and of relevant legal, ethical and safety considerations.
  • Experience of hypothesis-led medical research endeavour will be developed through personal involvement in a student-selected dissertation, during which students will engage in research, analysis and presentation of research findings and presentation of scientific hypotheses, data and their interpretation in the context of current scientific literature.

Programme Specifications

The MSc. in Medical Sciences is a taught postgraduate programme in which the emphasis is on subject-focused, taught modules.

In the first semester, students select three of the following 20 credit subject-based taught modules from those listed below:

Each taught, subject-focussed module is assessed by a combination of formative and summative in-course assessment and by a written examination. Some module combinations may not be offered due to modules being concurrent in the timetable, availability or demand. With the agreement of the Degree Programme Director, students may choose modules from other programmes offered by the Faculty.

In the second semester, students take a compulsory 20 credit module, Medical Research in the 21st Century, and two taught subject-focussed modules, Ageing and Health and Cancer Studies:

Students select a single medical sciences dissertation topic from a diverse range of topics. Dissertation topics are designed to offer experience in research endeavour from across the array of medical sciences activities in the Faculty of Medical Sciences or in collaboration with other faculties in the University or departments in NHS Foundation Trusts. Students are involved actively in the selection of their dissertation topic. Students review literature relevant to their dissertation topic in preparation for the Medical Sciences Dissertation Module.

In the third semester, students work full-time on the 60 credit core dissertation module (MMS8199). Students will receive individual supervision in their chosen area and are encouraged to tailor the dissertation module to their individual requirements in collaboration with their dissertation supervisor. The dissertation module will be assessed by a combination of oral and written formative and summative assessments.

Entry requirements

Academic qualifications

An honours degree, or international equivalent, in a science or related discipline or a degree in medicine or dentistry. For science graduates, an upper-second-class degree is the standard minimum entry requirement. Exemption may be made only if justified by exceptional circumstances. Two academic references are required.

Admissions policy and selection tools

Selection is by academic ability and relevant education as demonstrated via electronic application (E2R) and supported by appropriate references. It will not be necessary to interview most applicants.

Non-standard Entry Requirements

At the discretion of the Degree Programme Director

Level of English Language capability

Applicants whose first language is not English require a minimum of IELTS 6.5 for each sub-section, TOEFL 90 if internet-based or 577 if paper-based or an equivalent English language qualification. Applicants with lower English language qualifications may be accepted if they follow a pre-sessional English course at our INTO Newcastle University Centre which provides extra tuition to help students meet the University's English language requirements.

Fees

Fees for academic year 2012-13
UK/EU: full time £5,500
International: full time £14,320
Please refer to our Tuition Fees section for information about changes to fees and fee discounts.

How to apply

Formal applications for the MSc. in Medical Sciences Programme should be made via the postgraduate on-line application form. When completing the online application form, please enter ‘MSc Medical Sciences’ as the search term for the programme of study.

The closing date for applications from overseas students will be 15th July 2012 and for UK and EU graduates, the closing date will be 29th July 2012.  Under exceptional circumstances late applications may be accepted at the discretion of the M.Sc. in Medical Sciences Degree Programme Director.

Contact Information

UK/EU students should contact:
Medical Sciences Graduate School
Telephone: +44 (0) 191 222 7002
Fax: +44 (0)191 222 7038
E-mail: medpg-enquiries@ncl.ac.uk

International students who wish to discuss the Programme should contact:
Professor Steve J Yeaman
Director of International Postgraduate Studies
Faculty of Medical Sciences
Telephone: +44 (0) 191 222 7433
Email: biomed-international-pg@ncl.ac.uk

Prospective students may discuss the Programme with:
The Degree Programme Director
Faculty of Medical Sciences
Telephone: +44 (0) 191 246 4417
Email: medpg.mscmsenquiries@ncl.ac.uk