Study options
- Starting in
- September 2025
- Location
- Whitechapel
- Fees
- Home: £15,250
Overseas: £28,500
EU/EEA/Swiss students
What you'll study
An important aspect of the research on neurological disease is the clinical translation aspect, which is a major part of our MSc programme. Translational medicine is the process of applying research findings from basic science to clinical practice, with the goal of improving patient outcomes.
You will study topics such as the principles of drug design and development, in particular the key steps involved in the drug discovery and development process, and learn about clinical trial design and methodology. You will also critically discuss the challenges associated with developing better therapies in various diseases and gain insight into the regulatory environment. Furthermore, you will be able to gain state of the art expertise in areas such as brain tumours, pain, neurodegenerative diseases and neuroinflammation, neurotrauma and stem cells therapeutics, and this will be delivered through specialised interactive sessions with world leading experts in the field.
What sets our Neuroscience programme apart is our unique emphasis on the present clinical challenges in neurological disease. This programme ties together the scientific, clinical, and patient care aspects of neurological disease in a unique way, which makes our course quite different from other courses.
You will also have the opportunity to become actively involved in neuroscience research during your final project and dissertation. You will have the opportunity to work alongside pioneering research groups and gain first-hand experience on clinical or bench-based research projects. With a strong focus on the clinical perspective, this course will give you advanced knowledge on a path to innovative treatments for patients suffering from neurological disorders.
Queen Mary University of London's Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry is comprised of two renowned and prestigious teaching hospitals: St Bartholomew’s and The Royal London. Both continue to make an outstanding contribution to modern medicine.
Students* gave this course a 100% overall satisfaction rating.
*Students who completed the Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) 2024
Structure
- Two compulsory modules
- Four elective modules
- Compulsory dissertation
Compulsory/Core modules
This module combines lecture-based teaching with practicals and workshops which provides you with a foundation in research methodology, as well as skills in thinking, writing and oral communication. You will study topics ranging from the formulation of hypotheses based on critical analysis and evaluation of scientific literature to experimental design and core laboratory methodologies used in biomedical research. We will also will discuss safety and ethical concerns relating to research, as well as professional conduct and careers in regenerative medicine. Throughout the module, you will develop practical skills including statistical analysis, dissemination of information through oral and written presentation, and public engagement.
In this module you will be given an overview of the key components of the translational medicine processes, from the definition of drug targets to clinical trials. You will study various types of targets for treatment in neurology and psychiatry, and will discuss how to model disease experimentally. You will analyse the role of imaging techniques and that of biomarkers in modern medicine. You will have detailed discussions about aspects of drug absorption and bioavailability, and aspects of safety and toxicity studies required before the first exploratory clinical studies. You will also be taught about drug regulatory aspects and intellectual property aspects which are part of the process of therapeutic innovation.
In the research project, you will apply the bench-to-the clinic process through direct experience of a specific topic which has a translational medicine value. You will analyse the background literature, undertake hands-on practical work (in the laboratory or in the clinic) leading to original data, and complete the whole process by writing a dissertation. You will give an oral presentation of the data you have obtained in your project, and discuss it during a viva with the examiners.
Elective modules
You will develop in depth knowledge of the role of tissue-specific stem cells during tissue homeostasis and wound-healing, as well as current and future applications in regenerative medicine. The module will cover stem cells present in tissues derived from each of the three primary germ cell layer (ectoderm, endoderm & mesoderm). You will also examine cutting-edge experimental techniques that are used to evaluate adult stem cells by interpreting data from primary research papers. Throughout the module you will develop a variety of skills including critical analysis of scientific literature, interpretation of experimental design, evaluation of statistical analysis, and design of presentations. Your transferrable skills in critical thinking, organisation, writing, and oral communication will also be enhanced.
This module is an extensive study of the cellular and molecular biology substrates of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and the dementias, including Alzheimer's disease. You will be given insight into the role of biomarkers for patient stratification and for prognosis of the evolution of the disease. You will critically discuss clinical trials in neurodegenerative disease.
This module will introduce you to the different types of pluripotent stem cells which are used for research and in therapeutics. The emphasis will be on induced pluripotent stem cells, where the focus will be on generation, verification, and applications of these cells. Additionally, you will learn about techniques that are used for genome engineering, which will be integrated in applications of induced pluripotent stem cells.
You will study a comprehensive analysis of headache and migraine and their pathophysiology, and will also discuss other types of chronic pain, including visceral pain. You will learn about the neurobiology of epilepsy and the latest classification of epilepsy syndromes. You will discuss in detail new therapeutic ideas in the management of chronic pain and epilepsy conditions.
In this module you will be taught all the key aspects of specific translational medicine challenges in neurotrauma (including traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury) and stroke. You will discuss in detail the pathophysiology of acquired injury in the central nervous system and how the secondary injury mechanisms can become a target for treatment. You will discuss neuroprotection and neurorepair strategies and will become acquainted with new emerging concepts in clinical trials in neurotrauma and stroke.
In this module you will be given an overview of the specific translational medicine challenges in neuroinflammatory diseases and autoimmune disease. You will study new treatment directions in multiple sclerosis, which are a consequence of major advances in our understanding of this condition.
You will acquire detailed knowledge of the cellular and molecular basis underlying the development of brain tumours. You will be given an overview of the current, specific translational medicine challenges in neurooncology.
Assessment
You will be assessed using a combination of final written examinations and a series of in-course assessments.
The in-course assessments consist of literature reviews, oral presentations, case analyses and clinical trial protocol discussions.
You will spend nine weeks on the Research Project in the lab, which is then assessed based on a 12,000-word dissertation.
Dissertation
Past students have undertaken important and ground-breaking research on this programme. Recent dissertation topics include:
- Exploration of Let 7b in Two Neonatal Rat Models of Hypoxia-Ischaemic Encephalopathy
- The ketogenic principle in the management of epilepsy: an update on its use and future potential
—The MSc programme provided me with strong knowledge of drug discovery and development, as well as the current therapeutic approaches for neurodegenerative diseases. Undertaking the MSc research project equipped me with independent laboratory skills and encouraged me to pursue a PhD in neuroscience.
Aarushi Vaidya, Neuroscience and Translational Medicine MSc 2021 graduate, now a Neuroscience PhD researcher at the University of East Anglia
Teaching
We have a large number of specialists teaching on the course, and many are world leaders in their fields. These include academics from other institutions, clinicians, and specialists from the pharmaceutical industry.
We use a variety of teaching and learning methods on the MSc programme, including: seminars, laboratory practice sessions, self-directed learning, one-to-one tutorials, case presentations, and reading lists of books and journal papers.
As an MSc student, you will be expected to play an active part in your own acquisition of skills and knowledge. You will also have a personal mentor who will guide you in both academic and pastoral matters.
You will also be supported by your programme administrators who are responsible for the day-to-day organisation and management of the programme and are on-hand to facilitate a positive learning environment and support your engagement during your studies. The Blizard Institute's team of dedicated education administrators recently received an Education Excellence Award for their work.
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Where you'll learn
Facilities
At Queen Mary you will have access to a number of advanced facilities, some of which are designated exclusively to postgraduate students. These include:
- the Blizard Building, which has state of-the-art facilities for students and staff including open-plan research laboratories, office space, a 400-seater lecture theatre and a café, and several seminar rooms
- a Learning Resources Centre, open around the clock, with 200 networked PCs solely for the use of postgraduate students
- medical libraries located at the Royal London and St Bart's hospitals and at the Queen Mary Mile End campus
- access to the Postgraduate Reading Room
- research access to the British Library.
About the Institute
Blizard Institute
The Blizard Institute is the largest institute of the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry. Our research and education span broad areas of modern biomedicine, with particular expertise in cell biology, genomics, immunology, neuroscience, primary care, population health and trauma sciences.
Our research puts Queen Mary joint seventh in the UK (REF 2021). We work closely with linked NHS hospital trusts which means that the School’s research and teaching is informed by an exceptionally wide-ranging and stimulating clinical environment.
Barts Health NHS Trust is home to:
- One of the capital's leading trauma and emergency care centres in the UK (approaching 1,000 attendances daily)
- Europe’s largest Trauma Centre
- Europe’s busiest Heart Centre.
Queen Mary University is also part of the prestigious Russell Group - a body of leading UK universities dedicated to research and teaching excellence.
Career paths
Many of our graduates go on to prestigious positions within the NHS (e.g. Airedale General Hospital, St George's Hospital, University College Hospital, University Hospital of Burton and Derby), the Oxford Vaccine Group, and other non-medical employment.
Many are working in positions such as Doctor, Laboratory Assistant, Clinical Trials Data Manager, Trial Coordinator, Pharmacy Assistant Technical Officer, Research Scientists in academia or industry, Independent Scientific Investigators, Medical and Science writers, and Marketing and Communications roles.
Others have returned to their clinical work or study, as PhD students or MBBS students at institutions such as Queen Mary or the University of Sunderland.
Source: Graduate Outcomes Surveys 2019/20 and 2020/21
- 96% of Blizard postgraduate-taught students are in employment or further study (2020/21)
- 98% of Blizard postgraduate-taught students are in employment or further study (2020/21)
- £47k is the median UK salary of Blizard Institute postgraduate-taught graduates (2020/21). 87% earn the median
—This MSc was an excellent degree, providing me with a thorough theoretical and practical grounding in the various exciting aspects of neuroscience research. The opportunity to complete the research project in the final term allows you to immerse yourself within one of the cutting-edge research groups at the Institute, and develop productive, long-term, collaborative relationships. The experience, mentoring and research output I gained helped me enormously in securing a clinical academic job...
Ashvin Kuri, MSc Neuroscience and Translational Medicine (intercalating MBBS student) graduate
Fees and funding
Full-time study
September 2025 | 1 year
- Home: £15,250
- Overseas: £28,500
EU/EEA/Swiss students
Unconditional deposit
Home: Not applicable
Overseas: £2000
Information about deposits
Full-time study
| 1 year
- Home: £14,850
- Overseas: £27,250
EU/EEA/Swiss students
Unconditional 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 2:2 or above at undergraduate level in Biological Sciences, Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Physiology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Science, Medicine, Pharmacy or a related discipline.
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 Blizard Institute 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 Institute.
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.