The Medical Sciences MSc has a flexible modular structure that is designed to provide a broad-based training in current knowledge and research in medical sciences, medicine and dentistry. You are encouraged to tailor your course to suit your background, interests and career aspirations. This is done through selection of three taught modules in the first semester and your choice of dissertation research topic, upon which you will work full-time in the third semester. You will be supervised for your dissertation in a Research Institute or associated NHS department.

As a student on this course you will:

• study diverse aspects of medical sciences, through structured, subject-based modules
• acquire advanced knowledge and critical awareness in different areas of medical sciences and medicine
• acquire knowledge and develop understanding of aspects of medical sciences research practice and of relevant legal, ethical and safety considerations
• gain experience of hypothesis-led medical research endeavours through personal involvement in a dissertation
• engage in research, analysis and presentation of research findings, and presentation of scientific hypotheses, data and interpretation in the context of current scientific and medical literature

The Faculty of Medical Sciences is a recognised national centre of excellence. It brings together internationally acknowledged research in clinical care, medicine, dentistry, pure science and engineering to tackle challenges in health and healthcare. Key research areas include:

• ageing
• stem cells
• cancer
• cell biology
• genetics
• drug development
• medicine in society
• neuroscience
• oral health

Personal tutors

You will be given a personal tutor shortly after registration. The role of your personal tutor is to support you during your time at Newcastle. Your personal tutor will discuss your academic progress, career intentions and any issues that concern you. They will also act as your academic referee. You should arrange to meet your personal tutor in the orientation and induction week, or as early as possible.

100 % of our students felt that their interactions with their personal tutors had been valuable

Feedback from our graduates

• "The best features of the course were the variety of modules offered and the delivery of course material from different perspectives."
• "Lecturers were enthusiastic about their subject, which was conveyed strongly to make for interesting lectures."
• "Excellent lecturers and interesting content. Cancer Studies feedback sessions after each assessment were invaluable."
• "Promotes independent learning in a research environment."
• "My supervisor was extremely helpful and supportive during my dissertation module. I felt that my research was often made a priority and I always felt valued as part of the group."

Delivery

The Medical Sciences MSc is an intensive taught course delivered by the Faculty of Medical Sciences and is based on the Newcastle University campus.

In semester one, you will follow three 20-credit subject-focused optional modules. Most modules are taught in either the morning or afternoon of one day each week. There are in-course assessments and you are expected to engage in self-directed study. Lectures, seminars, and tutorials are led by Newcastle University academics or clinicians based in associated NHS Foundation Trusts.

In semester two, you will follow additional two 20-credit subject-focused and compulsory modules.

Alongside the subject-focussed modules, you will also be enrolled in a compulsory research skills module. This explores the basic principles of good practice in relation to experimental design, statistical analysis and ethics that underlie all aspects of research in the biosciences.

In semester three, you work full-time within a research group. This experience provides an excellent opportunity to work in a professional environment. You will benefit from interactions with research students, junior and senior research scientists, established academics and healthcare professionals. In the third semester you work exclusively on your selected dissertation. You will experience

• hypothesis-led medical research and analysis
• presentation of research findings and scientific hypotheses
• data interpretation in the context of current scientific literature

90% of our international students rate their experience as ‘excellent’ (International Student Barometer, 2013)

Module changes

Module changes

Modules change annually to take account of:

• changing staff expertise
• developments in the discipline
• the requirements of external bodies and partners
• student feedback.

Most module information for 2019 entry will be available from mid-May 2019.

Graduate destinations

Our graduates have progressed on to further postgraduate research in dentistry and medicine, and pursued careers in academia, medicine, dentistry, health sciences and the pharmaceutical industry.

Careers Service

Our award-winning Careers Service will help you to explore your options and make informed choices to achieve your career goals.

Work experience

Work experience placements are a great way to develop relevant skills to excel in your chosen career.

Find out about paid and unpaid work experience options and other ways you can add to your degree.

Find out more about our tuition fees, including how to pay them and available discounts.

EU students starting at Newcastle in 2018 and 2019 will pay the UK (Home) tuition fee for the full duration of their course.

Funding opportunities

Pre-sessional English Language courses are not accepted as an alternative entry to this course.

Start dates

The course starts in September. There is no application closing date for this course.

We suggest international students apply at least two months before the course starts. This is so that you have enough time to make the necessary arrangements.

Deposit

If you live outside the UK/EU you must:

• pay a deposit of £1,500
• or submit an official letter of sponsorship

The deposit is payable after you receive an offer to study at Newcastle University. The deposit is non-refundable, but is deducted from your tuition fees when you register.