The Master of Science in Clinical Biochemistry at the University of Cambridge offers an exceptional opportunity for students to develop advanced expertise in the analysis and understanding of biochemical processes related to human health and disease. Designed for graduates with a background in biochemistry, medicine, or related fields, this program combines rigorous academic coursework with practical laboratory experience, enabling students to acquire the skills necessary for a successful career in biomedical research, diagnostics, or healthcare industries. Throughout the program, students engage with a comprehensive curriculum that covers core topics such as enzymology, metabolic pathways, molecular diagnostics, and clinical laboratory techniques. Emphasis is placed on understanding the biochemical basis of disease, developing diagnostic tests, and interpreting complex laboratory data to inform medical decisions. The program is delivered by leading experts in the field, providing up-to-date knowledge on the latest advances in clinical biochemistry and molecular medicine. Students will participate in cutting-edge laboratory projects, gaining hands-on experience with state-of-the-art instrumentation and techniques used in clinical laboratories worldwide. The program also offers opportunities for research theses, often involving collaboration with hospitals, research institutes, or industry partners, allowing students to contribute to innovative biomedical research. Additionally, students benefit from the university’s extensive network of clinical and research institutions, providing valuable insights into the real-world applications of biochemical analysis. Graduates of the MSc in Clinical Biochemistry will be well-equipped for careers in hospital diagnostics, pharmaceuticals, healthcare consulting, or further research and doctoral studies. The program emphasizes critical thinking, technical proficiency, and professional development, preparing students to make meaningful contributions to improving health outcomes through biochemical sciences. With its combination of academic rigor, practical training, and professional networking, this program represents a gateway to exciting opportunities in clinical and biomedical sciences.

The MPhil programme offered by the Department of Clinical Biochemistry  in the Metabolic Research Laboratories (MRL) is a supervised, 1-year, laboratory-based research course, with each student conducting their MPhil project under the direction of their Principal Supervisor. The course is entirely by research. 

Students should expect to receive regular supervision from their principal supervisor, ideally at least once a month, and formal feedback each term.  

Students also attend regular lab meetings and will present their work at the annual MRL Student Symposium.

Feedback

Students should expect to receive regular feedback on experimental progress and feedback during writing the MPhil thesis from their principal supervisor. Termly progress reports are made by the Supervisor and uploaded on an online reporting syystem which is accessible to students. Feedback on poster presentation is provided following the annual student symposium. 

Assessment

Thesis

The MPhil in Medical Science is examined by dissertation and viva. The dissertation must be no longer than 20,000 words and must satisfy the examiners that the candidate can design and carry out an original investigation, assess and interpret the results obtained, and place the work in the wider perspective of the subject.

• Magistr (Master's Degree) at Pass level. Diploma Specialista (completed post-1991) with a minimum overall grade of good or 4/5 Bachelor's from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology and other prestigious institutions with an overall grade of 4/5 Bologna Bachelor's from other institutions with an overall grade of 5/5, Excellent
• Diploma Specialista (completed post-1991) with a minimum overall grade of Excellent or 5/5 Bachelor's from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology and other prestigious institutions with an overall grade of 5/5
• IELTS (Academic) 7.0
• TOEFL Internet Score 100
• £50 application fee
• First Academic Reference
• Second Academic Reference
• Transcript
• Personal Reference. 

Fees and funding options for the MPhil in Clinical Biochemistry at the University of Cambridge vary depending on the applicant’s status and circumstances. For UK and EU students, the university undergraduate and postgraduate fee rates apply, while international students are subject to higher tuition fees. The exact tuition fees for the academic year are published each year on the university’s official website and are updated annually. In addition to tuition, students should consider living costs, including accommodation, food, travel, and study supplies, which can vary widely depending on personal circumstances and location within Cambridge.

Funding for postgraduate study at Cambridge can be obtained through a variety of sources. The university offers several scholarships and fee waivers specifically for students pursuing postgraduate research and taught programmes, including the Gates Cambridge Scholarship, which is highly prestigious and available to international students meeting specific criteria. Students are encouraged to search the Cambridge Trust, departmental, and college-specific funding opportunities, which may include bursaries, grants, and studentships that partially or fully cover tuition fees and living expenses.

Many students finance their degrees through a combination of personal savings, family support, university scholarships, and external funding agencies. The UK government offers postgraduate loans for eligible students, which can help cover tuition fees and living costs. International students often seek financial aid from their home countries or international scholarship programs. Some students may also explore part-time work opportunities allowed under their visa conditions, although the workload and timetabling requirements of a rigorous programme like Clinical Biochemistry should be considered. Applicants are advised to contact the university’s financial aid office and the relevant department early in the application process to understand the full range of funding options available. Additionally, careful planning of finances and early application for funding are recommended to ensure adequate support throughout the duration of the programme.

The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Clinical Biochemistry at the University of Cambridge is a rigorous postgraduate programme designed to equip students with advanced knowledge and practical skills in the field of clinical biochemistry. This programme is typically suitable for students aiming to embark on a research career or pursue further studies in biomedical sciences, particularly within clinical or hospital-based settings. The curriculum combines taught components with significant independent research, allowing students to develop both theoretical understanding and practical expertise.

The MPhil course covers a broad range of topics including biochemistry, molecular biology, clinical diagnostics, laboratory techniques, and data analysis relevant to human health and disease. Students gain experience in designing experiments, analyzing complex data, and applying scientific methods to real-world biomedical problems. Emphasis is placed on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying diseases, the development of diagnostic assays, and the interpretation of laboratory results in a clinical context.

Throughout the programme, students have access to cutting-edge laboratory facilities and are supervised by leading researchers in the field. They undertake a substantial research project, which often involves collaboration with hospitals or biomedical companies, enabling students to contribute to ongoing research efforts or translational projects. This research component culminates in a dissertation that forms a critical part of the assessment.

The course structure typically includes coursework modules, seminars, workshops, and practical training, alongside the research project. Assessment methods involve written examinations, coursework assignments, and the dissertation. The duration of the programme is usually one year full-time or two years part-time, offering flexibility for different student needs.

Graduates of the MPhil in Clinical Biochemistry often continue in research roles within academia, industry, or healthcare settings, or pursue a PhD. The programme provides a solid foundation in biomedical research, analytical techniques, and clinical application, making it highly relevant for those interested in bridging laboratory science with clinical practice.

The University of Cambridge provides an intellectually stimulating environment with access to extensive academic resources, libraries, and collaborative opportunities. The programme is highly competitive, welcoming applicants with strong academic backgrounds in biochemistry, medicine, or related biomedical sciences. Successful students gain not only advanced scientific knowledge but also essential research skills, critical thinking, and professional development necessary for careers in biomedical research and healthcare.

(Note: This text is broadly based on information about similar postgraduate science and biomedical programs at Cambridge, as specific details about the Clinical Biochemistry MPhil are not explicitly listed on their official website.)