Experimental Biomolecular Sciences
Master key biomolecular lab skills and advanced research techniques to prepare for a career in experimental biomolecular sciences.
Master theoretical principles and practical biomolecular laboratory skills along with advanced research techniques
Plan, design and conduct your own research project in our state-of-the-art laboratories
Gain hands-on, academic and industry relevant skills to develop your research career
Course key facts
Qualification
MRes
Duration
1 year
Start date
February 2026
Study mode
Full-time
-
Fees
£20,150 Home
£43,250 Overseas
Delivered by
Location
-
Hammersmith
-
Minimum entry standard
2:1 in an appropriate science subject, including Biological Sciences, Medicine, Veterinary sciences
Course overview
The MRes Experimental Biomolecular Sciences will provide you with the theoretical principles and practical skills in commonly used biomolecular laboratory techniques and advanced research methods, as well as a unique opportunity to plan, design, and conduct your own Mini-Research Project in our teaching laboratories. You will spend around 7 weeks across Modules 1-3 in our teaching laboratories, practically applying your biomolecular skills. Additionally, this programme will introduce you to data validation, handling, and statistical testing.
This course will take you on a journey where you will use the scientific method to investigate a topic of interest within the research areas being explored at Imperial’s Faculty of Medicine. Guided by leading experts in the field, you will undertake a 9-month research project, gaining practical experience at the forefront of biomedical innovation.
In addition to preparing you to become a researcher with strong expertise in experimental biomolecular skills, this programme will strengthen your knowledge, creativity, and critical thinking abilities. You will also develop your communication, reflective, and teamwork skills. Featuring extensive lab time and a comprehensive 9-month project, this course offers an unparalleled opportunity to gain hands-on experience, develop industry-relevant skills, and thrive in a dynamic, global city.
Structure
This page is updated regularly to reflect the latest version of the curriculum. However, this information is subject to change.
Find out more about potential course changes.
Please note: it may not always be possible to take specific combinations of modules due to timetabling conflicts. For confirmation, please check with the relevant department.
You’ll study the following core modules in Year 1.
Core modules
This module will cover the theoretical and practical laboratory knowledge of fundamental molecular biology laboratory skills and an understanding of correct health and safety measures and green working practices.
In this module, you will build on the basic lab skills learnt in module 1 and develop your theoretical knowledge and practical execution of advanced techniques.
In this Mini-Research Project you will work in groups and experience a hands-on approach to experimental work to design and execute your experimental plan, analyse and critique your own data.
In this module, you will join a research team to conduct an experimental research project. Provided by our staff, or found by yourself, the projects will be directly related to the hosting laboratory's subject of expertise and will allow you to experience life in a laboratory as well as use the skills learned during this course alongside the scientific method to investigate in-depth a research question.
Teaching and assessment
Teaching and learning methods
-
Lab work
-
Tutorials
-
Presentations
-
Independent study
-
Group work
-
Computer data analysis sessions
-
Lectures
Balance of assessment
Key
- Research project
- Mini research project
- Modules 1 and 2
- 67% Research project
- 11% Mini research project
- 22% Modules 1 and 2
Assessment methods
-
Mini Literature Review
-
Practical Exam
-
Lab Book
-
Scientific Paper
-
Lab Meeting
-
Presentations
-
Research Project
-
Oral assessment
Entry requirements
We consider all applicants on an individual basis, welcoming students from all over the world.
2:1 degree in an appropriate science subject, including Biological Sciences, Medicine, Veterinary sciences, or a related Biomedical science subject.
Footnotes
The department will consider a 2:2 on a case-by-case basis.
How to apply
Apply online
You can submit one application form per year of entry. You can choose up to two courses.
This course is divided into two progressional levels of study:
- PG Certificate (PG Cert)
- MRes
Each level of study has its own entry point; you can apply to either level in the first instance, but we recommend you apply for the award with which you wish to exit.
Read more about Postgraduate Certificate, Diploma and MRes degrees
There is no application fee for MRes courses, Postgraduate Certificates, Postgraduate Diplomas, or courses such as PhDs and EngDs.
If you are applying for a taught Master’s course, you will need to pay an application fee before submitting your application.
The fee applies per application and not per course.
- £80 for all taught Master's applications, excluding those to the Imperial College Business School.
- £100 for all MSc applications to the Imperial College Business School.
- £150 for all MBA applications to the Imperial College Business School.
If you are facing financial hardship and are unable to pay the application fee, we encourage you to apply for our application fee waiver.
An ATAS certificate is not required for students applying for this course.
Find out more about how to apply for a Master's course, including references and personal statements.
Fees and funding
Home fee
MSc
£20,150 total fee
PG Cert
£10,075total fee
You should expect and budget for your fees to increase each year.
Your fee is based on the year you enter the university, not your year of study. This means that if you repeat a year or resume your studies after an interruption, your fees will only increase by the amount linked to inflation.
Find out more about our tuition fees payment terms, including how inflationary increases are applied to your tuition fees in subsequent years of study.
Whether you pay the Home or Overseas fee depends on your fee status. This is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status. Find out how we assess your fee status.
If you're a UK national, or EU national with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you may be able to apply for a Postgraduate Master’s Loan from the UK government, if you meet certain criteria.
For courses starting on or after 1 August 2024, the maximum amount is £12,471.
The loan is not means-tested and you can choose whether to put it towards your tuition fees or living costs.
We offer a range of scholarships for students to support you through your studies.
See what opportunities you may be eligible for on our dedicated Scholarships search tool.
Scholarships
The Dean’s Master’s Scholarships
Value per award
- £10,000
Who it's for
- All students applying to study a Faculty of Medicine Master’s course
The Dr Jean Alero Thomas Scholarships
Value per award
- Partial or full tuition fee at the Home rate
Who it's for
- All students applying to study a Faculty of Medicine lab-based Master’s course
How will studying at Imperial help my career?
.svg){kind=icon}
Extensive hands-on teaching in world class teaching laboratory delivered by experienced scientists.
Develop transferable skills in communication, presentation, case report writing, and journal article writing.
The clinical context of this program is well suited to medical and nursing staff.
Improve your ability to evaluate management strategies and future opportunities for research and innovation.
Further links
Contact the department
Email: t.mckinnon03@imperial.ac.uk
Telephone: +44 20 3313 2214
Course Director: Dr Tom McKinnon
Visit the Department of Immunology and Inflammation website
Request info
Find out more about studying at Imperial. Receive updates about life in our community, including event invites and download our latest Study guide.
Events, tasters and talks
Meet us and find out more about studying at Imperial.
Terms and conditions
There are some important pieces of information you should be aware of when applying to Imperial. These include key information about your tuition fees, funding, visas, accommodation and more.
You can find further information about your course, including degree classifications, regulations, progression and awards in the programme specification for your course.
Programme specifications