Imperial College London

Overview

The Master of Research (MRes) in Biomedical Research at Imperial College London is a comprehensive one-year, full-time program aimed at developing advanced research skills in both experimental and human biomedical sciences. This course provides students with the opportunity to engage in a structured research project while enhancing their capabilities in essential areas such as data analysis, scientific communication, and grant writing.

What you'll study

The MRes program combines taught modules with intensive research project work. Throughout the year, students will undergo structured research training, allowing them to cultivate professional research skills. The curriculum includes:

• Grant Writing Exercise: Develop a compelling research funding proposal.
• Research Project 1: Engage in an initial research project utilizing advanced biomedical research methodologies.
• Research Project 2: Continue with a second phase of research to deepen and expand the initial project.

Students can select or align their projects with various research streams, including bacterial pathogenesis and infection, data science, epidemiology, and other relevant biomedical fields, subject to availability.

Examples of past research projects include:

• Characterizing lipid remodelling in cirrhosis of the liver
• Exploring the role of SARS-CoV-2 processing and viral entry genes in vascular endothelial and smooth muscle cells
• Analyzing sleep and gait using data from BrainWear in brain tumor patients
• Developing microfluidic platforms to model pulmonary vascular cell interactions
• Investigating B cells and auto-antibodies in heart disease
• Examining sex and reproductive differences in the Drosophila gut
• Studying metabolic programming of germinal centre reactions
• Using serological markers from malaria infection during pregnancy to estimate prevalence
• Comparative studies on estimating dengue transmission intensity
• Using lenses for viral load monitoring in rural South Africa

Entry requirements

To be eligible for the MRes in Biomedical Research, applicants must hold a minimum of a 2.1 degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject area. Additionally, proficiency in English is required, with the following minimum scores:

• IELTS (Academic): 6.5 overall
• TOEFL iBT: 92 overall
• PTE Academic: 62 overall
• Duolingo English Test: 115 overall

Applicants should also meet any additional program-specific requirements set by Imperial College London.

Career prospects

Graduates of the MRes in Biomedical Research will be well-equipped for a range of career opportunities in academia, healthcare, and the biotechnology industry. The advanced research skills and comprehensive training provided by this program prepare students for roles in research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and public health organizations, among others. The experience gained through hands-on research projects also enhances employability in both academic and non-academic settings.