Newcastle University

Genetics

Medical Genetics MRes

12 months full time

Fees

Fees per 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.

Aims

The MRes in Medical Genetics is one of a suite of MRes programmes. It provides a springboard into a career that involves a working knowledge of scientific research in academia and industry. It is designed for graduates with a BSc in the life sciences and is also suitable for graduates from other science disciplines and for intercalating and fully qualified MBBS or BDS students. The MRes can be taken either as a stand-alone qualification or act as an entry route onto a PhD or MD. 

Programme Description

The MRes is a research-based qualification with a taught component that is of an equivalent standard to an MSc. It provides training in contemporary medical and molecular biosciences through three subject-knowledge modules related to and including those in medical genetics (60 credits), professional and key skills training (20 credits), and a 24-week laboratory-based research project (100 credits).

The programme focuses on cutting edge diagnostic methods and principles of treatment strategies, the genetics of common disease, human developmental processes and their relevance to human inherited disorders, and the use of new DNA sequencing and array techniques to address questions of biological and medical relevance. It will enable you to experience an internationally competitive research area, predominantly in academia but also potentially in industry. If you register for an integrated MRes/PhD, MRes/MD or MRes/DDS you will be offered a choice of project in research areas that are relevant to your proposed PhD or MD, or DDS programme.

Subject-based modules in medical genetics cover i) the genetics of non-Mendelian (complex) disease, including gene identification and use of genetic information in understanding the pathogenesis of common diseases; ii) fundamental principles of developmental genetics and its impact on medically-relevant research areas; iii) how genetic changes cause human disease, how they are detected in diagnostic laboratories, and how this knowledge is conveyed to patients and healthcare professionals; iv) methods and concepts required to analyse genome-wide data in the context of genetic disease.

Entrance Requirements

An upper-second-class Honours degree, or international equivalent, in a science or related discipline, is preferred. You should also provide two satisfactory, appropriate references.

Applicants whose first language is not English require a minimum of IELTS 6.5 (with a minimum of 6.5 both overall and for each sub-section).

Our INTO Newcastle University Centre can provide extra tuition to help you meet the University's English language requirements.

Tier 4 Student Visas (International Applicants)

The UK Border Agency (UKBA) has now revised its rules for Tier 4 student visa applications regarding English language ability. You are now required to hold a minimum of IELTS 5.5 (or equivalent) in all sub skills (listening, writing, reading and speaking) to be eligible to apply for a Tier 4 visa.

Please note that the University’s English language requirements are normally higher (see above).

Typical Funding

See also: Funding and Finance.

How to Apply

The MRes programmes begin at the end of September and applications are accepted at any time of year up until the closing dates. The closing date for applications from overseas students is mid-June, UK and EU graduates are encouraged to apply before the end of July.  Under exceptional circumstances applications may be reviewed at the discretion of the MRes Director of Admissions and Recruitment.

Please note: As a formal condition of the offer to study at Newcastle University, students from outside the UK/EU are required to pay a deposit of £1,500 or submit an official letter of sponsorship for their chosen programme. The deposit payment is non refundable, but will be deducted from tuition fees upon registration.

For the quickest and easiest way to apply, visit our postgraduate online application site.

Further Information

For further 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 wishing to discuss these opportunities may contact:
Professor Steve Yeaman
Director of International Postgraduate Studies
Faculty of Medical Sciences
Telephone: +44 (0) 191 222 7433
Email: biomed-international-pg@ncl.ac.uk