Comparative Literature, History and Philosophy of Art

Description

The University of Kent’s School of Biosciences ranks among the most active in biological sciences in the UK. We have recently extended our facilities and completed a major refurbishment of our research laboratories that now house over 100 academic, research, technical and support staff devoted to research, of whom more than 70 are postgraduate students.

Research in the School of Biosciences revolves around understanding systems and processes in the living cell. It has a strong molecular focus with leading-edge activities that are synergistic with one another and complementary to the teaching provision. Our expertise in disciplines such as biochemistry, microbiology and biomedical science allows us to exploit technology and develop groundbreaking ideas in the fields of genetics, molecular biology, protein science and biophysics. Fields of enquiry encompass a range of molecular processes from cell division, transcription and translation through to molecular motors, molecular diagnostics and the production of biotherapeutics and bioenergy.

In addition to research degrees, our key research strengths underpin a range of unique and career-focused taught Master’s programmes that address key issues and challenges within the biosciences and pharmaceutical industries and prepare graduates for future employment.

Contents

This degree provides experienced practitioners with the opportunity to obtain an MD (broadly equivalent to a PhD) after a period of research.

The degree lasts between two and five years and you usually conduct your research alongside your normal clinical employment in an appropriate medical position. You can do your research either at the University or in a recognised medical institution in the region. You can obtain the degree either by pursuing a programme of research after registration, or by submitting a portfolio of publications, together with a summary description and documentation.

Research in the School of Biosciences is focused primarily on essential biological processes at the molecular and cellular level, encompassing the disciplines of biochemistry, genetics, biotechnology and biomedical research.

The School’s research has three main themes;

• Protein Science - encompasses researchers involved in Industrial Biotechnology and Synthetic Biology, and Protein Form and Function.
• Molecular Microbiology - encompasses researchers interested in Yeast Molecular Biology (incorporating the Kent Fungal Group) and Microbial Pathogenesis.
• Biomolecular Medicine - encompasses researchers involved in Cell Biology, Cancer Targets and Therapies and Cytogenomics and Bioinformatics.

Each led by a senior Professor and underpinned by excellent research facilities. The School-led development of the Centre for Molecular Processing (CMP), with staff from the other four other Schools in the Faculty of Sciences, facilitates and encourages interdisciplinary projects. The School has a strong commitment to translational research, impact and industrial application with a substantial portfolio of enterprise activity and expertise

Kent Fungal Group

The Kent Fungal Group (KFG) brings together a number of research groups in the School of Biosciences who primarily use yeasts or other fungi as ‘model systems’ for their research. One strength of the KFG is the range of model fungi being exploited for both fundamental and medical/translational research. These include Bakers’ yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and Fission yeast (Schizosaccharomyces pombe) and yeasts associated with human disease, specifically Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans. In addition to studying key cellular processes in the fungal cell such as protein synthesis, amyloids and cell division, members of the KFG are also using yeast to explore the molecular basis of human diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Creutzfeldt-Jakob, Huntington and Parkinson diseases as well as ageing. The KFG not only provides support for both fundamental and medical/translational fungal research, but also provides an excellent training environment for young fungal researchers.

Centre for Molecular Processing

The School houses one of the University’s flagship research centres – the Centre for Molecular Processing (CMP). Here, staff from Biosciences, Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, Computing and Engineering combine their expertise into a pioneering interdisciplinary biosciences programme at Kent, in order to unlock the secrets of some of the essential life processes. These approaches are leading to a more integrated understanding of biology in health and disease. In the Centre, ideas and technology embodied in different disciplines are being employed in some of the remaining challenges in bioscience. With such an approach, new discoveries and creative ideas are generated through the formation of new collaborative teams. In this environment, the CMP is broadening and enriching the training of students and staff in science and technology.

Requirements

You must have held a qualification recognised by the General Medical Council for at least three years and have carried out appropriate clinical or scientific work for at least three years.

English Language Requirements

Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) is part of the Cambridge English suite and is targeted at a high level (IELTS 6.5-8.0). It is an international English language exam set at the right level for academic and professional success. Developed by Cambridge English Language Assessment - part of the University of Cambridge - it helps you stand out from the crowd as a high achiever.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Since April 2014 the ETS tests (including TOEFL and TOEIC) are no longer accepted for Tier 4 visa applications to the United Kingdom. The university might still accept these tests to admit you to the university, but if you require a Tier 4 visa to enter the UK and begin your degree programme, these tests will not be sufficient to obtain your Visa.

The IELTS test is most widely accepted by universities and is also accepted for Tier 4 visas to the UK- learn more.

Funding