In response to the global epidemic in obesity and diabetes the University of Glasgow has developed a new MSc Diabetes. To address the immense challenge presented by this disease, it is essential that the researchers and medical practitioners of tomorrow are conversant with cutting edge advances and technologies to tackle diabetes. Using world-leading experts and experienced and dedicated teaching staff, this programme aims to provide students with state-of-the-art knowledge of pathological mechanisms and methodologies used for studying diabetes as well as providing a firm grounding in generic research skills. The course is ideal for those who aspire to build their future career in diabetes whether in the fields of basic research, medical practice, pharmaceutical industry, public health or nutrition. We aim to provide an excellent research training that will inspire and provide students with the confidence to join the global research effort in tackling diabetes.

Programme overview

• MSc: 12 months full-time;

The programme comprises  5 courses:

Clinical Aspects of Diabetes

This course provides students with an in-depth and critical knowledge of the causes of diabetes and provides and insight into the type of investigations carried out by health care professionals to determine best patient management. The course covers obesity, metabolic syndrome, Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes (NIDDM) and gestational diabetes mellitus. Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, tutorials and laboratory work.

Research Methods

This course provides students with a knowledge and understanding of research methodology relevant to diabetes research in order to plan and execute a project of research or investigation. Content includes study design, population, ethics, collection, measurement and statistical analysis of data. Teaching methods include lectures, tutorials and journal club.

Pharmacogenomics and Molecular Medicine

This course demonstrates how basic molecular biology/ nucleic acid manipulation has evolved into the field of molecular medicine and involves the study of genetic principles, population genetics, pharmacogenetics, gene therapy and ethics. Teaching methods include lectures, group presentations and technique demonstrations.

Topics in Therapeutics

This course provides students with an in-depth understanding of how drugs work, their interaction with the body in health and disease and the appropriate therapeutic use of drugs in common clinical situations including diabetes. Teaching methods include seminars and tutorials.

Established and Novel Techniques in Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences

This course provides students with and in-depth critical knowledge and understanding of the range of techniques available to conduct clinical research relevant to diabetes. Teaching methods include lectures and laboratory work.

Dissertation/research project

Students will undertake their own personal research project in the area of diabetes under the supervision of a project supervisor. Projects may take a number of different formats including a literature review, meta-analysis, data audit or secondary analysis, laboratory-based project, clinical/human volunteer based investigation. A project report and oral presentation will be produced.

Career prospects

There are many potential career opportunities for health professionals and scientists. Graduates may wish to pursue a career in diabetes clinical research entering clinical translational diabetes research or commercial industrial research. Other opportunities for diabetes specialists are available in education, public health and professions allied to medicine. The MSc Diabetes also provides an excellent basis to pursue PhD level research.

Academic entry requirements

A degree in Medicine (MBChB) or at least a second class honours degree (2:2) or equivalent in a relevant degree (biological/biomedical sciences or other health professional/health-related area).

Medical graduates are required to possess a degree recognised by the GMC, or appropriate professional body. In exceptional circumstances, other science graduates, or bioscience graduates with an Ordinary degree may be eligible, on demonstration of appropriate postgraduate professional experience and will be considered on a case by case basis.

A British Council IELTS score of at least 6.5 with no component less than 6.0 (or equivalent qualification) is required for overseas students who do not have English as their first language

International students with academic qualifications below those required should contact our partner institution, Glasgow International College, who offer a range of foundation courses.

English language requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training):

• overall score 6.5
• no sub-test less than 6.0
• or equivalent scores in another recognised qualification (see below)
   

Common equivalent English language qualifications:

• ibTOEFL: 92; no sub-test less than 20
• CAE (Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English): B minimum
• CPE (Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English): C minimum
• PTE Academic (Person Test of English, Academic test): 60; no sub-test less than 59

Pre-sessional courses
The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the Language Centre Pre-sessional courses. We also consider other BALEAP accredited pre-sessional courses:

• Language Centre, University of Glasgow
• BALEAP guide to accredited courses 

FAQs

Visa requirements and proof of English language level

It is a visa requirement to provide information on your level of English based on an internationally recognised and secure English language test. All test reports must be no more than 2 years old. A list of these can be found on the UK Border Agency website. If you have never taken one of these tests before, you can get an initial idea of your level by using the Common European Framework self-assessment grid which gives you a level for each skill (e.g. listening B1/writing B2 etc.) However, please note that this is not a secure English language test and it is not sufficient evidence of your level of English for visa requirements.

If you require a Tier 4 student visa, your qualification must be one of the secure English language tests accepted by UK Border Agency:

• UK Border Agency Tier 4 English Language requirements
• UKBA list of approved English language tests [pdf]

For further information about English language requirements, please contact the Recruitment and International Office: pgadmissions@glasgow.ac.uk

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For 2013-14

MSc