MSc Cell Biology

• Take a research-focused master's course where you will learn through seminars, workshops, small group tutorials and research placements.
• Your research placement will be in the laboratory of a leading cell biologist where you will perform experiments on a dedicated and original cell biology project and develop your skills in relevant lab techniques, data management as well as the various forms of science communication to present your project.
• Study at a university ranked 7th in the UK for Biological Sciences (QS World University Rankings 2024).
• Prepare for a career in the biosciences industry or academic research.

Our MSc Cell Biology course will enable you to consider the most exciting current problems in the field under the guidance of leading experts in cell biology.

Rather than attending traditional lectures on your chosen subject, you will learn through an interactive approach involving seminars, workshops and small group tutorials preparing you for relevant aspects of a science-based career. As this is a research-focused master's course, you will also undertake your own research project in the laboratory of a leading researcher.

You will gain research experience and professional skills, perhaps in a different area to your first degree, before deciding on a future career in industry or academic research. This will allow you to make an informed choice about the research area you want to go into.

You choose the laboratory placement from a list provided by your programme director, which will cover a wide range of cutting-edge topics owed to the large number of cell biology researchers at Manchester. These projects aim to gain new understanding of cell biology in the quest for treatments for major diseases, including cancer. Our course will give you a unique opportunity to study the mechanisms that define and regulate the function of cells and organisms.

You will learn the concepts and techniques used in cutting-edge research in cell biology and how knowledge of the field can be applied to various fields of research.

PhD with integrated master's

If you're planning to undertake a PhD after your master's, our Integrated PhD programme will enable you to combine your postgraduate taught course with a related PhD project in biology, medicine or health.

Full entry requirements

International students must demonstrate English proficiency at the point of application through a secure and approved testing system.

We ask for English language proof if you are from non-majority English speaking countries (a list of majority English speaking countries, as defined by the UK Home Office, can be found here ).

Specifically, we require a minimum of:

• IELTS : 6.5 overall with 6.5 in each component
• TOEFL: 90 internet-based with 22 in each component

See further information about requirements for your country .

We may also accept evidence of a confirmed place on a University Pre-sessional English language course , if your current IELTS scores are:

• Minimum 6.0 overall (with 6.0 in each component) plus enrolment and attendance on the 6-week pre-sessional course (PS6)
• Minimum 6.0 overall (with 5.5 in each component) plus enrolment and attendance on the 10-week pre-sessional course (PS10).

Please note, we must approve this before you apply for the English course.

Career opportunities