Structural Biology

This graduate course provides training in structural biology and related biochemical, genetic and cell biological approaches to understand molecular and cellular function. You will spend the first year learning a range of structural biology techniques, usually undertaking two five-month projects in different laboratories and following taught courses.

Graduate destinations

Most graduates from this programme continue in research in prestigious laboratories worldwide. Many are now world leading researchers and several are senior group leaders (including in industry) or hold established academic posts. Other destinations include consultancy and medicine.

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

The short research projects and training expose you to possible supervisors for your DPhil project and prepare you for your doctoral work. You can then make an informed choice of thesis research project and submit a research proposal for years two to four of the programme. Projects that develop collaborations between research groups are strongly encouraged.

The first year of the programme would typically include at least two research projects.

Training in key research techniques should include:

• X-ray crystallography
• NMR
• electron microscopy
• synchrotron radiation and integrative structural biology
• high-resolution microscopy
• computational biochemistry
• bioinformatics and molecular simulations

You are required to write a report at the end of each rotation project. You will have the opportunity to discuss the report and your research project with one of the PIs associated with the programme.

You will be required to meet standard University milestones for progress and will be monitored formally via supervisor feedback forms submitted three times per year.

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 sciences 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.

Substantial professional experience or a graduate qualification may be a substitute for a lower grade at undergraduate level.

• Official transcript(s)
• CV/résumé
• Statement of purpose/personal statement:Up to 1,000 words
• References/letters of recommendation:Three overall, generally academic

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Higher level

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

The University of Oxford offers various funding opportunities for students enrolled in its programs, including those studying Structural Biology. Funding options include scholarships, grants, bursaries, and studentships provided by the university, specific departments, research councils, and external organizations. For postgraduate students, particularly those pursuing doctoral studies, funding is often available through research council awards such as the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), which supports science and technology research. These awards typically cover tuition fees and provide a living stipend to support students during their studies. Additionally, the university offers numerous scholarships and fellowships that are competitive and merit-based, aimed at attracting talented students from around the world. Prospective students are advised to explore the University's Graduate Funding database and departmental websites for detailed information on available funding opportunities, application procedures, and eligibility criteria. Students can also seek external funding sources, including charitable foundations, industry partnerships, and government agencies, depending on their nationality and research interest areas. The university’s financial support system aims to reduce economic barriers and ensure that talented students can undertake research in Structural Biology without undue financial hardship. Applicants are encouraged to contact the university's admissions and finance offices early in the application process to receive personalized guidance. Overall, while the exact amount of funding varies depending on the specific award and student's circumstances, Oxford’s comprehensive support structure offers substantial financial aid to facilitate advanced study and research in Structural Biology.

The MSc in Structural Biology at the University of Oxford is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles and techniques used to study the structure of biological macromolecules. This programme emphasizes the importance of structure-function relationships in biological systems and prepares students for careers in research, academia, or industry. The course covers a wide range of topics, including protein and nucleic acid structure, experimental methods such as X-ray crystallography, cryo-electron microscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and computational modeling techniques used to analyze and visualize complex biomolecular assemblies. Students will engage in rigorous coursework, practical laboratory sessions, and a substantial research project, which allows for hands-on experience and the opportunity to contribute to ongoing scientific investigations.

The programme is typically spread over one year for full-time students and is structured to include lectures, seminars, workshops, and tutorials led by experts in the field of structural biology. Students in the programme gain valuable skills in experimental design, data analysis, troubleshooting, and scientific communication. The university’s state-of-the-art facilities and collaborative research environment offer an ideal setting for students to develop their expertise and contribute to advancements in structural biology. Furthermore, the programme fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, exposing students to related fields such as biochemistry, molecular biology, biophysics, and computational sciences, thus preparing graduates for diverse career paths.

Applicants are expected to have a strong background in the natural sciences, typically with a degree in biochemistry, molecular biology, physics, chemistry, or related disciplines. Admission is competitive and requires submission of academic transcripts, a statement of purpose, and references. The MSc in Structural Biology at Oxford is recognized for its academic excellence and orientation toward research, making it an attractive choice for students aiming to pursue doctoral studies or a research-intensive career in the life sciences. Through its comprehensive curriculum, research opportunities, and access to leading scientists and cutting-edge technology, this programme prepares students to contribute meaningfully to the understanding of biological structures and their functions.