The Masters in Translational Medical Sciences is an exciting and innovative new programme offering generic or specialist training in Diagnostic Technologies, Molecular Medicine, or Molecular Pathology. Translational Medical Sciences are those which offer scientific knowledge and technological expertise that can be directly translated to clinical or industrial environments. This programme will provide you with a unique opportunity to engage directly with academic, clinical and industrial partners, to gain up-to-date knowledge of the science and technology underpinning innovative diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to the management of patients. The programme is designed to provide rigorous, practical training in research methodology and in the application of specific research techniques to clinical problems and the scientific questions raised by them.

Programme overview

• MSc: 12 months full-time;
• PgDip 8 months full-time;
• PgCert 4 months full-time;

The programme incorporates 3 x 60-credit courses:

• Evidence-Based Medicine & Research (basic research skills,  journal clubs, presentation skills); delivered in semester 1
• Research Methodologies course (available as  a generic option, or as a variation appropriate to specialism: RM in Diagnostics, RM in Molecular Medicine, RM in Molecular Pathology); focus is on developing knowledge and technical skills relevant to specialism; delivered predominantly in semester 2
• Dissertation Project appropriate to generic or specialist route; practical element commences in May, with write-up in the summer

Teaching methods vary, but for all routes they include lectures, interactive workshops, tutorials and other forms of small-group teaching, practical demonstrations, laboratory work, visits to working labs, and a dissertation project. E-learning components will  include provision of online resources and a mechanism for feedback

Assessment is by a variety of methods, including essays, a written exam, oral presentations, and the final dissertation. You will be given practice in relevant skills and provided with formative feedback to help develop these skills.

Career prospects

This masters degree will equip you for employment in health service laboratories or in the industrial sector, or to undertake future PhD study.

Academic entry requirements

At least a 2:2 Honours equivalent in a Biomedical Science; or a medical (MBChB/MBBS), veterinary (BVMS) or dental (BDS) degree from an institution recognised by the University Court. Applications will normally be considered for entry to the generic programme in the first instance, with the option of transferring to a specialism, subject to performance in the core course in Evidence-Based Medicine & Research. Applicants with alternative qualifications will be considered on an individual basis.

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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