Study options
- Starting in
- September 2025
- Location
- Mile End
- Fees
- Home: £15,250
Overseas: £29,950
EU/EEA/Swiss students
What you'll study
This multifaceted programme builds the knowledge and skills needed to kick-start your career in biomolecular research or a related discipline. Teaching is delivered by experts in the Biochemistry Department, the Centre for Molecular Cell Biology and the Centre for Cell Dynamics at the School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences. It will cover research in areas such as chromosome biology, organisation of cells and tissues, bacterial physiology and host-microbe interaction, photosynthesis and plant sciences.
You will receive training in state-of-the art technologies and the latest theory in molecular cell biology, fluorescence imaging, protein production and analysis, structural biology, data processing, and other techniques used by modern biomolecular scientists.
This wide range of techniques, along with the extensive research project, will allow you to build a substantial portfolio of experimental skills and thereby tackle more elaborate research projects with increased confidence. You will study how to critically appraise published research and carry out a piece of original research. This course will therefore be a great preparation for a PhD project and for moving into industrial and academic research.
Structure
- Four compulsory taught modules
- One 24-week individual research project
Compulsory/Core modules
This module will provide an advanced training in techniques in biochemistry. In addition to lectures from members of staff and seminars from external speakers, there will be computer and practical workshops to teach methods in molecular biology, structural biology, biophysics and synthetic biology.
The module will provide the theoretical and practical skills needed to carry out modern cell biology research. It will cover a wide range of topics such as critical review of published research, data analysis and interpretation, scientific presentation and writing lab reports as well as hands-on experience in advanced cell biology techniques.
In the early stages of the MSc Molecular Cell Biology the student will undertake a literature review surrounding the research project they are to undertake. The module involves the production of a written report containing the following elements: (i) A title of the student's future dissertation in a relevant area of research within Molecular Cell Biology. (ii) A description of the general background to the relevant research field. (iii) A comprehensive literature review of the specific research topic. (iv) A very brief research proposal outlining the aims, objectives and methodology of their research project. A short formal talk will be presented to a specialist audience summarising their literature review and can include a "Research Pitch". This compulsory 15 credit module will involve regular journal clubs to learn how to analyse and interpret published research as well as one-to-one meetings with the project supervisor(s) while preparing the written report and oral presentation.
An experimental investigation involving laboratory work and/or computational work in some aspect of Molecular Cell Biology. The student will be embedded within the research community of SBBS. The student will attend research seminars and research group meetings and typically spend a proportion of each day (from January until August) in the laboratory doing research. There will be a series of short written and spoken reports incl Poster Presentation, Research Talk (oral presentation), Research Dissertation. The dissertation will be 10,000 words, which includes a review of relevant literature, data presentation, analysis and discussion.
Assessment
- 50% Modules
- 50% Research project
Modules will be assessed through a mixture of essays, MCQs and SAQs, posters, statistics assignments, lab reports, science communication pieces, a literature review and dissertation for the research project.
Research project
You will conduct a 6-month individual research project and a literature review. The project will be undertaken within one of the research labs in the Biochemistry Department, the Centre for Molecular Cell Biology, or the Centre for Cell Dynamics at the School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences.
Students will be fully integrated into their supervisor’s research group, and receive additional feedback and guidance from skilled technicians, PhD students and Postdocs.
Teaching
This course has been developed and is taught by experts in the field of Molecular Cell Biology. You will attend a series of lectures, seminars, tutorials, and workshops, with a mixture of individual and group-based exercises, group discussions, problem solving learning and hands-on training in cutting-edge techniques.
To help you along your journey, you are also expected to complete further hours of independent study by reading designated material, producing written assignments, and completing projects.
You will be assigned an Academic Adviser who will guide and support you throughout the course, as well as a Primary Project Supervisor during your research project. Much of your learning will take place as part of your contribution to a research team.
Students are strongly encouraged to attend the School’s research seminars and Protein & Gene Club in which early career researchers and distinguished scientists present their latest findings.
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Where you'll learn
Facilities
- State-of-the-art laboratories and dedicated teaching facilities
- Access to specialised scientists
- Full access to our online resources
- Extensive Library and IT facilities, with a subject librarian.
- Mentors for non-programme related support, including careers advice.
Campus
You will study at the School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences at the QMUL campus in Mile End (G.E. Fogg Building) or Whitechapel (Blizard Institute) in East London. The central location offers easy transport links to all areas of the capital, and you can take advantage of all the capital has to offer, including access to our partner libraries across the city.
About the School
School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences
The School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences is one of the UK’s leading research departments, with a multi-disciplinary approach to teaching and research. We are a large and dynamic school with strong links with industry, offering students a stimulating and supportive learning experience.
Queen Mary University is also part of the Russell Group - a body of leading UK universities dedicated to research and teaching excellence.
We also collaborate with the School of Geography on the Centre for the Aquatic Terrestrial Environment (CATE). The facilities of which, some students can access for specific projects or modules.
About the School
School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences
The School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences is one of the UK’s leading research departments, with a multi-disciplinary approach to teaching and research. We are a large and dynamic school with strong links with industry, offering students a stimulating and supportive learning experience.
Queen Mary University is also part of the Russell Group - a body of leading UK universities dedicated to research and teaching excellence.
We also collaborate with the School of Geography on the Centre for the Aquatic Terrestrial Environment (CATE). The facilities of which, some students can access for specific projects or modules.
Career paths
This MSc programme provides comprehensive preparation for students wishing to progress onto a PhD, to work in research laboratories in academia, the clinical and industrial sector.
Molecular Cell Biology is one of the most employable subjects in biosciences. The range of jobs available to graduate students is large and varied. Major employers include biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, universities, medical research institutes, as well as many opportunities in hospital and medical support services. Other careers where an MSc in Molecular Cell Biology would be useful include teaching roles, regulatory affairs officers, and science writing.
- 82% of our postgraduate taught students are in employment within six months of graduating (HESA GOS, 2020/21).
- 87% of those in work are in highly skilled employment and earning over the median salary (HESA GOS, 2020/21).
- £27,395 The average UK salary 15 months after graduating for our postgraduates (HESA GOS, 2020/21).
Fees and funding
Full-time study
September 2025 | 1 year
- Home: £15,250
- Overseas: £29,950
EU/EEA/Swiss students
Conditional deposit
Home: Not applicable
Overseas: £2000
Information about deposits
Queen Mary alumni can get a £1000, 10% or 20% discount on their fees depending on the programme of study. Find out more about the Alumni Loyalty Award
Funding
There are a number of ways you can fund your postgraduate degree.
- Scholarships and bursaries
- Postgraduate loans (UK students)
- Country-specific scholarships for international students
Our Advice and Counselling service offers specialist support on financial issues, which you can access as soon as you apply for a place at Queen Mary. Before you apply, you can access our funding guides and advice on managing your money:
Entry requirements
UK
Degree requirements
A 2:1 or above at undergraduate level in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or other relevant disciplines.
Other routes
Applicants with a good 2:2 degree (55% or above) will be considered on an individual basis.
Find out more about how to apply for our postgraduate taught courses.
International
English language requirements
The English language requirements for our programmes are indicated by English bands, and therefore the specific test and score acceptable is based on the band assigned to the academic department within which your chosen course of study is administered. Note that for some academic departments there are programmes with non-standard English language requirements.
The English Language requirements for entry to postgraduate taught and research programmes in the School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences falls within the following English band:
Band 4: IELTS (Academic) minimum score 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each of Writing, Listening, Reading and Speaking
Please note, there are some postgraduate programmes with non-standard English language requirements in this School.
We accept a range of English tests and qualifications categorised in our English bands for you to demonstrate your level of English Language proficiency. See all accepted English tests that we deem equivalent to these IELTS scores.
Visas and immigration
Find out how to apply for a student visa.