Cardiovascular Science

The Master of Science in Cardiovascular Science at the University of Oxford offers an advanced, interdisciplinary curriculum designed to deepen understanding of the complex mechanisms underlying cardiovascular health and disease. This program combines cutting-edge research, rigorous scientific training, and practical laboratory skills to prepare students for careers in biomedical research, clinical practice, or further academic pursuits. Throughout the course, students explore a wide range of topics, including cardiovascular physiology, pathophysiology, molecular mechanisms, imaging techniques, and innovative therapeutic strategies. The program emphasizes critical thinking, data analysis, and the application of scientific methods in a collaborative environment, fostering a comprehensive understanding of cardiovascular sciences. Students have the opportunity to engage in original research projects under the supervision of leading experts, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in this vital field. With access to state-of-the-art laboratories and resources at the University of Oxford, students are equipped with the tools needed to tackle current challenges in cardiovascular medicine. The curriculum also integrates clinical insights and translational research, bridging the gap between laboratory findings and patient care. Over the duration of the program, students develop skills in scientific communication, project management, and ethical considerations in biomedical research. Graduates of this MSc programme are well-positioned for careers in academia, pharmaceutical and biotech industries, clinical research organizations, or continued study at the doctoral level. The programme’s multidisciplinary approach and the university’s rich research environment ensure that students receive a rigorous education grounded in latest scientific findings and clinical applications. By the end of the course, students will have gained a comprehensive understanding of cardiovascular health and disease, prepared to make meaningful contributions to medical research and innovation in cardiovascular science.

Applicants are advised to visit the course webpage for further information about supervisors associated with this course.

You are provided with a co-ordinated programme of post-graduate teaching in your first year and the possibility of experiencing research in more than one laboratory. This is followed by a three-year research project, under the supervision of a named supervisor. You will gain a greater understanding of the cardiovascular research field and can bring a broader perspective to your research project than is possible under the standard three-year DPhil.

The taught components in the first year should cover:

• myocardial, vascular and respiratory biology
• infection and immunity
• molecular medicine
• neuroscience
• signalling in health and disease.

You may take first- and second-year BM courses in pathology, immunology, pharmacology and integrated systems physiology. You will have the opportunity to write an extended essay at the end of each period of advanced study.

You will have access to a wide range of training in generic research skills provided through seminars and short courses. Examples of the courses that may be available to you include:

• proteomic methodologies
• genomics and bioinformatics
• confocal microscopy and image analysis
• statistics and experimental design
• information technology/computing skills
• written and oral presentation skills
• laboratory experience

You will experience research in more than one laboratory during your first year, to expose you to techniques and research modalities. You will be expected to design and execute experimental protocols, critically appraise research methods and experimental results, and communicate research results and their implications to a wide audience.

You will be encouraged to develop DPhil projects that bridge the work of two separate laboratories or that involve two complementary experimental approaches. The first year of your graduate studies will be overseen by an academic mentor who will monitor your academic progress and be available to offer advice and support throughout the course of your graduate studies. The department aims for you to be associated with one host laboratory for the first nine months of your graduate studies under the supervision of a laboratory mentor who will ensure you receive appropriate training in laboratory methods and in planning, executing and analysing experiments.

You will attend graduate tutorials, to present your latest results and discuss a range of research methods as well as journal clubs where you can discuss papers directly relevant to current lab projects. These regular small group meetings and social interactions help foster a distinct cadre of graduate students who share a common interest in, and enthusiasm for, cardiovascular science.

From the second year onwards, you will spend the remainder of the programme carrying out a research project.

You are expected to attend regular lab meetings and take part in all departmental graduate student training and assessment sessions. Your first year is monitored by presentations on your laboratory rotations, typically in the ninth week of each term, ie three times in the first year.

Your progress in the laboratory will be monitored formally via supervisor feedback forms submitted three times per year. You will discuss the report with your supervisor and draw up a list of research goals for the next three or four months.

Applicants are normally expected to be predicted or have achieved a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours (or equivalent international qualifications), as a minimum, in a relevant Biological Science subject.

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.5 out of 4.0.

If you hold non-UK qualifications and wish to check how your qualifications match these requirements, you can contact the National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom (UK NARIC).

No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.

• Official transcript(s)
• CV/résumé
• Statement of purpose: Up to one page
• References/letters of recommendation: Three overall, all of which must be academic

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Higher level

About your course: Proposed field and title of research project

Please give one or more areas of cardiovascular research from the list below which you would like to study:

• atherosclerosis, diabetes and inflammation (academic lead Charis Antoniades)
• cardiac biology and imaging (academic lead Craig Lygate )
• cardiac signalling and metabolism (academic lead Manuela Zaccolo)
• developmental biology and regenerative medicine (academic lead Nicola Smart)
• endothelial cell and vascular biology (academic lead Kim Dora)
• epidemiology, genetics and big data (academic lead Colin Baigent)
• target discovery and therapeutics (academic lead Shoumo Bhattacharya)

There are around 60 Principal Investigators eligible to supervise rotation projects and DPhil projects. Details of potential DPhil projects can be found on the course webpage. This is not necessarily the project that will be available to you for your DPhil research project during years two to four of the course.

About your course: Proposed supervisor name

Please leave this field blank.

Funding: Departmental studentship applications

Answer 'no' to the question of whether you are applying to a specific studentship. 

The MSc in Cardiovascular Science at the University of Oxford offers a range of financing options for both domestic and international students. Tuition fees vary depending on the student's residence status, with current fees published annually on the university's official website. In addition to tuition, students should budget for living expenses, including accommodation, food, books, and personal costs, which can differ based on individual choices and lifestyles.

The university provides several scholarships and funding opportunities aimed at supporting students pursuing this advanced degree. These include various bursaries, departmental awards, and merit-based scholarships that can significantly reduce the financial burden. Applicants are encouraged to explore funding options early in the application process and to check the university's dedicated financial aid pages for the most current information. External funding sources, such as charitable foundations, government-sponsored scholarships, and research grants, may also be available for eligible students.

For international students, there are specific scholarships designed to attract talented applicants from abroad, and the university's financial aid policies aim to promote diversity and accessibility. Some students may also be eligible for student loans or financial aid programs offered by their home countries.

It is recommended that prospective students contact the university's admissions office or the specific department for personalized guidance on financing their studies. Detailed information on application procedures, deadlines, and criteria for scholarships or funding applications can be found on the university’s official website. Overall, Oxford strives to make postgraduate education accessible through a variety of funding mechanisms, fostering a diverse academic community committed to advancing the field of cardiovascular science.

The MSc in Cardiovascular Science at the University of Oxford offers an in-depth and comprehensive exploration of the fundamental and clinical aspects of cardiovascular health and disease. Designed for students with backgrounds in medicine, biomedical sciences, or related fields, the programme aims to equip graduates with a thorough understanding of cardiovascular physiology, pathology, and innovative research methodologies. The course typically spans one year of full-time study, during which students engage with a variety of modules covering topics such as vascular biology, heart failure, myocardial infarction, atherosclerosis, cardiac imaging, and genetic influences on cardiovascular disease.

Students benefit from access to world-class research facilities and are encouraged to undertake independent research projects, often in collaboration with leading cardiovascular research groups. The programme emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, including data analysis, laboratory techniques, and critical appraisal of scientific literature. Teaching methodologies include lectures, seminars, tutorials, and workshops, fostering an interactive learning environment that promotes academic and professional development.

The MSc in Cardiovascular Science also seeks to prepare students for careers in biomedical research, clinical practice, healthcare policy, or further academic study such as a PhD. Admissions are competitive and typically require a strong academic background in relevant sciences, as well as relevant research or clinical experience. The programme maintains close links with hospitals and research institutions, providing students with valuable networking and internship opportunities. Graduates of the course have gone on to work in academia, industry, and healthcare services, contributing to advances in understanding and treating cardiovascular conditions.

Throughout the course, students are encouraged to develop skills in scientific communication, data presentation, and teamwork, which are essential for future research or clinical roles. The university also offers various career support services and alumni networks to assist graduates in their professional trajectories. Overall, the MSc in Cardiovascular Science at Oxford is designed to provide a rigorous and research-intensive education that combines foundational knowledge with cutting-edge developments in cardiovascular medicine, positioning graduates at the forefront of this vital medical field.