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Description Contents Requirements Funding

The MPhil in Translational Research is a broad degree title covering research preparation in clinically related areas. The course is based around a translational research project but also includes a number of taught elements.

The MPhil is offered by the Faculty of Clinical Medicine, and is offered both on a full-time and a part-time basis. All students undertake the same taught courses, which includes material in the areas of both Experimental Medicine and Rare Diseases. Students ‘sub-specialise’ during the course by choosing a translational research project from a pool of options, in either ‘Experimental Medicine’ or ‘Rare Diseases’.

The course offers students a full-time or part-time period of research training and introduces them to research skills and specialist knowledge. Its main aims are:

to provide students with the relevant experience to carry out focused research in the discipline under close supervision; and
to give students the opportunity to acquire or develop skills and expertise relevant to their research interests.

Learning Outcomes

The main objective is to provide an introduction and training in methodology for clinical scientists. The course is specifically aimed at students who wish to apply basic science to medical practice. By the end of the programme, students will have:

reached a sufficient level of theoretical knowledge to conduct and interpret translational research;
developed a strong foundation in the fundamental skills and techniques of research into experimental medicine;
develop a basic understanding of statistics;
learned how to apply contemporary research tools to clinically relevant areas of investigation;
acquired an understanding of the complex issues associated with conducting sound clinical research/trials;
developed the ability to be competitive in seeking support for clinical research.

Continuing

Students who are progressing well, have the support of a Principal Supervisor, and have the necessary funding, may apply during the year to continue to a PhD on successful completion of their MPhil. Such students may need to gain a set pass mark in the MPhil examination.

The course consists of core teaching in Practical Aspects of Clinical Research, Statistics, Epidemiology, as well as more specialist courses in Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, Clinical Drug Development, Genetics, and Rare Diseases.

Students will be provided with potential 12 week projects that they can join. Students also have the option to arrange their own individual research project with the Director’s approval.


One to one supervision	During Michaelmas Term weekly meetings will take place between the student and Course Director. The Director will be the student’s supervisor during the first term. During Lent Term, supervision will be provided by the students research project supervisor.
Seminars & classes	As part of the course students are expected to attend all of the MPhil Seminar Series throughout Lent and Easter Term - up to 4 seminars per term. The seminars are delivered by outstanding leading academics, visitors and industry colleagues on experimental medicine and research practice. Students are also encouraged to attend seminars at the Sanger Institute and Institute of Metabolic Science.
Lectures	The main teaching timetable occurs in Michaelmas Term and is approximately 35 hours per week from early October. This will include a mix of lectures, practical exercises and small-group work, depending on the subject.
Practicals	Students have a 12 week research block from Lent Term, wherein there are practical exercises to complete to effect the research which is conducted and managed in the supervisors lab - hours dependent on the research
Small group teaching	Study groups will take place during Michaelmas Term which are led by Clinical Lecturers. These groups offer the opportunity for students to discuss and carry out work on the theoretical aspects of a clinical trial. At the end of term the students will present their findings.
Journal clubs	There will be a weekly journal club held by the Course Director during Michaelmas Term.
Literature_reviews	Will take place as part of the journal club.
Posters	During the annual research day students will be selected to give presentations and poster talks based on their research project.

Feedback

Regular student meetings will be held with their project supervisor to discuss progress. A formal presentation will also take place during their research block for which a report will be provided to the administrative office.

During Michaelmas Term, attendance to all lectures will be monitored, and students will meet with the Course Director on a weekly basis.

Assessment

Thesis

A thesis not exceeding 20,000 words in length, including footnotes but excluding tables, appendices, and bibliography, on a subject approved by the Degree Committee for the Faculties of Clinical Medicine and Veterinary Medicine will be required.

During Michaelmas Term, attendance to all lectures will be monitored, and students will meet with the Course Director on a weekly basis.

Essays

An examination which may cover all core subjects prescribed in the syllabus and shall be either one or more written papers, one or more essays or other exercises, or a combination of these.

Practical assessment

Students are required to present their work to their supervisors lab and a supervisor report is submitted to the programme directors - this is not assessed but is used as an indication of the progress of the student.

Other

The full-time components of the course are completed by the end of July. However, to complete the course, students will be required to attend a viva in person on a date to be set in August or early September.

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
CV/Resumé
Personal Reference.