Ion Channels and Disease

The programme trains you in a range of multidisciplinary approaches and embraces all aspects of ion channel and membrane transport research from protein structure, genetics and cell physiology to animal behaviour and human disease.  The first year is devoted to taught courses and two rotation-projects. This is followed by a three-year research project involving two different OXION groups.

In the first year, you will be introduced to a wide range of scientific disciplines and techniques involving two extended laboratory rotations. During the first three months you will attend a series of specialist lectures and demonstrations that will provide an introduction to a range of multidisciplinary skills in integrative physiology.

A unique aspect of the programme is the provision of extensive ‘hands-on’ practical experience in a wide range of experimental techniques. These include whole animal in vivo physiology, animal behaviour, immunohistochemistry, and electrophysiological recording techniques, as well as cutting-edge biochemical, biophysical, structural and computational methods for studying ion channels and membrane proteins. You will also be required to pass the PILB and PILC (formerly known as modules one to four) of the Home Office Personal Licence.

From the second to fourth years, you will focus on your doctoral research project. A key feature of the OXION programme is that this must be a multidisciplinary project that involves more than one research group. Such joint projects not only help you develop independence and a wider range of skills, but also facilitate important collaborations between groups. The primary supervisor will be drawn from a list of those working directly on ion channels or transporters but the choice of co-supervisor may depend on the nature of the project and techniques required. The final choice of both project and host research groups will be made by you in conjunction with the Organising Committee.

Your progress is monitored by the Programme Directors and you will be required to meet standard University milestones for progress involving formal monitoring via supervisor feedback forms submitted three times per year. 

Where appropriate, you will also have the opportunity to take additional graduate modules to equip yourself with new skills that might be required for your project, or to update your knowledge of major new developments in your own (or related) research field. Training will also be provided in other relevant transferable skills such as writing research papers, planning/writing a thesis and presentation skills.

Applicants are normally expected to be predicted or have achieved a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree (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.

However, entrance is very competitive and most successful applicants have a first-class degree or the equivalent.

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.

Other appropriate indicators will include:

• Official transcript(s)
• CV/résumé
• Statement of purpose/personal statement:500 words
• References/letters of recommendation:Three overall, of which at least two must be academic

The University of Oxford offers a diverse and comprehensive range of financing options for students enrolled in the Ion Channels and Disease program. Funding opportunities are designed to support both domestic and international students throughout their studies, ensuring access to world-class education regardless of financial background. The primary sources of funding include scholarships, grants, studentships, bursaries, and loans. Many of these awards are merit-based, recognizing academic excellence and potential in the field of biomedical sciences, particularly in areas related to ion channel research and its implications for disease treatment. Several college-specific scholarships are available, which can be awarded on the basis of academic achievement, research proposals, or financial need. Additionally, specific departmental scholarships focus on supporting students pursuing specialized research in ion channels, neurobiology, and related disciplines.

The university also participates in external funding schemes, collaborating with government agencies, health research councils, charitable foundations, and industry partners to provide additional financial support. Notable among these are the Wellcome Trust, the Medical Research Council, and various biomedical charities, which fund research-related bursaries and clinical training grants. For international students, the university offers scholarships that help offset the higher costs often associated with studying abroad, such as the Rhodes Scholarships and the Clarendon Fund, which provide substantial financial aid packages. Moreover, students are encouraged to explore part-time work opportunities both within the university and in the surrounding community to supplement their income during their studies.

In addition to tuition fee coverage, some funding options extend to research expenses, conference travel, and living costs, enabling students to fully engage in their research activities without undue financial burden. The university’s dedicated financial aid office provides detailed advice and application assistance, helping prospective and current students identify the most suitable funding sources. Application procedures generally involve submitting academic transcripts, research proposals, and personal statements demonstrating the student's commitment to advancing knowledge in ion channel research. Early application is encouraged, as many funding schemes operate on a competitive basis and have fixed deadlines. Overall, Oxford’s commitment to fostering cutting-edge research and academic excellence in the field of ion channels and disease is complemented by a robust and accessible financial support system, ensuring that talented students can undertake their postgraduate studies without financial hindrance.

The Master of Science in Ion Channels and Disease at the University of Oxford offers students an in-depth understanding of the structure, function, and pharmacology of ion channels, as well as their roles in various diseases. This interdisciplinary program brings together expertise from the fields of physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, and medicine to explore how ion channels contribute to health and disease states. Students will engage with the latest research developments and learn advanced techniques used in ion channel research, including electrophysiology, molecular biology, and imaging methods. The program is designed for students with backgrounds in biological sciences, medicine, or related fields who wish to develop specialized knowledge and research skills in ion channel biology. Throughout the course, students will participate in lectures, seminars, and practical laboratory sessions, often collaborating with leading researchers from Oxford’s renowned biomedical departments. The curriculum covers topics such as the molecular mechanisms of ion channel operation, their genetic and acquired disorders, and potential therapeutic interventions targeting these channels. Emphasis is placed on translational research, aiming to bridge basic scientific discoveries with clinical applications. The program also offers opportunities for independent research projects, where students can contribute to ongoing research at Oxford. Graduates will be well-equipped to pursue careers in academia, pharmaceutical industries, or clinical research focusing on ion channel-associated diseases such as epilepsy, arrhythmias, cystic fibrosis, and neurodegenerative conditions. The program’s close ties to Oxford’s medical and scientific communities ensure access to cutting-edge facilities and expert supervision, fostering an excellent environment for professional growth and innovation. Overall, this MSc program provides a comprehensive pathway for students interested in the biomedical aspects of ion channels and their implications in human health, preparing them for a range of scientific or clinical careers.