Study options
- Starting in
- September 2025
- Location
- Whitechapel
- Fees
- Home: £15,250
Overseas: £29,950
EU/EEA/Swiss students
What you'll study
This MSc will give you a thorough grounding in oral biology, including hands-on clinical explanations of the major scientific developments in both preventative medical techniques and commercial product research.
You’ll explore the latest developments in therapeutic dentistry: for example, models for the oral delivery of drugs. You’ll also learn about advances in nano-dentistry and dental materials.
Over the duration of the course, you’ll gain a sound understanding of dental anatomy, oral physiology and dental biophysics, as well as basic biochemistry in relation to dentistry. You’ll also study the chemistry of bone and tooth biominerals and components, the etiology of dental caries and erosion, saliva biochemistry, oral microbiology, dental materials science, and modern 2D and 3D x-ray imaging.
In addition to these module lectures, there will also be lectures from practising clinicians on current issues in modern clinical dentistry, ensuring you’re familiar with the very latest discoveries, models and research.
You’ll be working at the forefront of innovation in this field and encouraged to research areas that could have real-life patient benefit. For example, you could research drugs that have minimal side-effects so reducing the prevalence of xeristomia (dry mouth), a frequent side-effect of dental medication.
Please note that for intercalating BDS students, Queen Mary students must apply by 1 February and complete an intercalated application in addition to the MSc application. Following the February deadline for iBSc applications external students are free to continue to apply for MSc degrees via the Postgraduate Taught Course online application process. . Find out more about applying for an intercalated degree.
Structure
- Eight compulsory modules
- Dissertation and research project
Compulsory/Core modules
The module will initially provide students with a introduction to research, including qualitative and quantitative paradigms, methodology, validity and reliability and support them to choose their research projects which are in the areas of their discipline.
This is a core module delivered in the Master of Sciences (MSc) in Dental Technology, Oral Biology and Dental Materials (the latter jointly accommodated by the Institute of Dentistry, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, and The School of Engineering and Materials Science). It is designed to enable students to gain a greater and more in depth understanding of the basic sciences knowledge that underpins the clinical uses of dental materials. Topics covered include chemical, mechanical, surface properties and other physical property tests used for dental biomaterials, as well as basic ceramic science, basic polymer science and basic metallurgy. Water absorption and the biocompatibility of dental materials are also covered in detail.
This module is divided into two components: research process (including methods and ethics) and basic statistics. Students will learn about the research stages including conducting literature searches, setting research questions, selecting study designs and research methods, drafting research protocols and seeking ethical approval delivered in the form of lectures and practical seminars. The basic statistics component will introduce students to medical statistics and common statistical tests delivered in lectures.
Anti-microbial peptides. Structure and function of oral mucosa. Bone pathologies. Cell biology of bone. Cytoskeleton. Desmosomes and cell attachment. Introduction to stem cells. Oral defence mechanisms.
Carcinogenesis. Acquisition and metabolism of oral flora. Oral commensal and opportunistic pathogens. Dental plaque. Disease of the salivary gland. Microbiology and periodontal disease. The mouth as a microbial habitat. Oral defence mechanisms. Oral infections. Overview of infectious agents. Pathology of pre cancer. Overview of virulence.
Mechanisms and underlying principles and of the diseases of dental hard tissue loss, including calcium phosphate chemistry, chemical interaction with acids, and protective role of salivary proteins How an understanding of these processes can contribute to the treatment, restoration, and ultimately prevention of these diseases.
The underlying biochemical and physicochemical mechanisms of clinical dental prevention methods How protective mechanisms against hard dental tissues diseases exist in the oral environment and how these can be used to prevent the disease. The progress of hard dental tissue diseases and learn about existing and novel detection methods. How novel biomaterials are developed mimicking oral environment.
Mechanisms and underlying principles of biomineralisation with particular emphasis on hard tissues relevant to the oral environment such as enamel, dentine and bone formation. Also, how an understanding of these processes can lead to the development of synthetic biomaterials and biomimetic products with applications in Oral Biology.
This module is an academic module focussing primarily on the introduction to the basic and clinical sciences of the dental hard and soft tissues and the biochemical processes processes relevant of Oral Biology. It will be conducted in the form of 12 seminars of 3 hour duration, and 6 research seminars. The major topics include: Tooth development and mechanisms driving formation Structure of enamel Structure of dentine Structure of bone Structure of the periodontal ligament Dental anomalies
Assessment
- Coursework
- Formal examinations
- Many of your modules will include continuous assessment
Dissertation
You will write a dissertation of 10,000-words, based on your research project. Your research project will be conducted under close supervision during the summer term and is evaluated by thesis, presentation and viva examination.
Teaching
You’ll be taught through a combination of expert lectures, small group seminars, clinical sessions, self-directed learning, and reading.
Your individual study time could be spent preparing for, or following up on, formal study sessions, reading, producing written work, completing projects and revising for examinations.
The direction of your individual study will be guided by the formal study sessions you attend, along with your reading lists and assignments.
You will be assigned an Academic Adviser who will guide you in both academic and pastoral matters throughout your time at Queen Mary.
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—“It was the first time this course was being offered by QMUL. There were very few subject experts when I took the course in 2010.”
“Indisputably, I enjoyed the research component the most. Apart from the research, I particularly liked the “Minimally Invasive Dentistry” module which involved content related to the preservation of the tooth structure.”
“I moved to London to pursue my post-graduation. While still being in London, I was offered a job from one of the most prestigious institutes of KSA i.e. Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University (IAU, Formerly University of Dammam). In 2012, I joined IAU and I am now working as an Assistant Professor in the Division of Oral Biology, College of Dentistry, IAU.”
“I always will owe my career growth to Barts especially related to my research performance. When I exited QMUL, I had no research publications but after nine years, I have published more than 60 research papers (with 30+ total impact factor) and book chapters that have acquired over 600+ citations. I won the Best Oral Presentation Award in the 2012 IADSR Conference, Karachi, Pakistan and IAU, College of Dentistry’s competitive “Best Researcher Award” in 2017.”
Dr Imran Farooq, MSc Oral Biology 2011
Where you'll learn
Facilities
New postgraduate study and research facilities are available in the state of the art Blizard building, as well as the Institute of Dentistry, and include:
- 11 dedicated seminar rooms and a student learning centre
- 92 production laboratory spaces
- Digital imaging and two cutting-edge cone beam CT machines
- A PC in every operatory with ‘slave screen’ on chair for viewing images and discussing results with patient
- Modern facial-scanning equipment
- Facilities and services for 72 ‘phantom’ heads
Campus
Your postgraduate learning experience is enhanced by our fantastic location in Whitechapel, in east London.
Not only are we in one of the capital’s most vibrant areas to live and work but we also serve a diverse local community, with 92 different languages spoken by the borough’s 300,000 residents. You will develop your clinical skills and knowledge while caring for this community. Moreover, the Institute offers you many exciting opportunities to develop an understanding of health and the treatment of disease in a global and international context.
About the Institute
Institute of Dentistry
If you study with us, you will join a dynamic, successful dental school with a first-class reputation: Queen Mary has consistently been ranked in the top 20 in the World for dentistry in the QS World University Rankings by Subject and we were ranked joint first in the country for research environment for dentistry in the most recent national assessment (REF 2021).
The Institute of Dentistry is a special place to undertake your postgraduate studies. We bring together a number of world-leading researchers in basic and clinical sciences who supervise research students in the fields of oral medicine, oral pathology, oral microbiology, oral epidemiology, oncology, dental biomaterials, dental biophysics, dental public health, dental education, periodontology, orthodontics, paediatric, prosthetic and conservative dentistry.
The Institute is based in Whitechapel and offers cutting-edge technology, a superb education and first-class research facilities.
The Institute of Dentistry is part of Queen Mary’s Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry. Queen Mary is part of the University of London and a member of the Russell Group.
Career paths
Oral biology is a growing area of commercial research within the pharmacological industry, making graduates of this programme attractive to employers.
This MSc will also give you the research skills and experience necessary to pursue further academic research at PhD level.
- 100% of Dentistry postgraduate-taught students are in employment or further study (2020/21)
- 100% of Dentistry postgraduate-taught students are in highly skilled work or graduate study (2020/21)
—Alumni profile - Dr Rizwan Ullah
My time and study at Barts improved me not only from a scholarly point of view, but also helped me to utilise my experiences for the betterment of my students both here in Pakistan and abroad... I found Barts' facilities, student support and London’s diverse cultural environment made adjusting as an international student very easy.
27 May 2020
Why did you study a Masters in Oral Biology at Queen Mary University of London's Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry? What sparked your interest in this specific degree? It was a passion of mine to pursue a speciality in Oral biology since my undergraduate studies. I was working as a lecturer before applying for this programme. Meanwhile, I was actively looking for an opportunity to start my specialisation. Queen Mary was among the very first universities that offered this specialty in the United Kingdom. Course content, the research component, the experience of a metropolitan city, and alumni feedback attracted me to opt for this course.
What aspects of your degree did you find most enjoyable? What modules did you like learning about and was there anything that surprised you in your studies? All of the courses were very well structured and I liked all of my modules and tutors. My favourite modules were Introduction to Oral biology and Minimally Invasive Dentistry. When I started my research project I found the research facilities and quality of supervision outstanding - I had never come across such standards before. The research projects that were carried out comprises of highly relevant and emerging topics – it was a joy to be exposed to such projects.
Why did you choose to study at Queen Mary University of London's Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry in particular? I choose Barts and London School of Medicine and Dentistry because of the central location of the University. Additionally, the fact that researchers at Barts are known for their research and innovation influenced by decision. Overall, the facilities, student support and London’s diverse cultural environment make the international student adjustment easy – these factors were the main reason behind my choice.
Can you describe your career path up to date and touch on your current role? After graduation I got my first job as a senior lecturer in a Dental School in Pakistan. I am currently working as an Assistant Professor at one of the leading State owned Medical University of Pakistan. I am also managing an e-learning initiative called ‘Dental Education Hub’.
What was so special about your time at Queen Mary University of London's Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry ? There were so many opportunities to interact with students from other faculties as I was also an active participant in societies such as Queen Mary Islamic society and community events. During my study and life at Barts I had the chance to meet some amazing people and I am still in touch with fellow alumni and friends through social media and professional networking websites such as Facebook and LinkedIn.
Dr Rizwan Ullah
MSc Oral Biology Alumni
Fees and funding
Full-time study
September 2025 | 1 year
- Home: £15,250
- Overseas: £29,950
EU/EEA/Swiss students
Conditional deposit
Home: £500
Overseas: £2000
Information about deposits
Full-time study
| 1 year
- Home: £14,850
- Overseas: £28,900
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 a relevant subject such as Medicine, Dentistry, Chemistry or Biology.
Other routes
For intercalating BDS Dentistry students:
- Successfully completed at least three years (360 credits) of the BDS or equivalent dental course (for clinically based masters this must include the equivalent of one year of patient based teaching (in hospital/dental practices/clinics))
- Passed BDS year 3 or 4 exams immediately prior to entry at the first opportunity
- Demonstrate a clear and unequivocal interest in the field by written application and/or interview
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 Institute of Dentistry fall within either English band 4 or English band 5. This programme requires the following English band:
Band 5: IELTS (Academic) minimum score 7.0 overall with 6.0 in each of Writing, Listening, Reading and Speaking
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.