PhD with Integrated MSc

Outline

The PhD with integrated MSc combines a one-year specialised taught MSc programme in Molecular Medicine with a three-year individual research PhD. We recommend this option for applicants who are specifically seeking a four-year PhD programme and/or those wishing to enhance their specialist knowledge and skills before commencing their research.

Enhanced PhD skills

In addition to a standard PhD research project, the course is designed to provide students with generic research and personal development skills, together with a thorough grounding in Molecular Medicine theory and practice. This culminates in a unique PhD research project allowing students to acquire in depth research expertise in their chosen field.

Generic skills are acquired through a series of cohort activities (undertaken by all University Integrated PhD students) in combination with elements of the University´s Doctoral Development Programme (DDP), while the School´s Molecular Medicine MSc course provides the core scientific grounding, through an intensive series of taught modules and an extended research project. For those whose first language is not English, we also offer the option of an intensive English Language refresher course prior to the start of the course.

Successful completion of the course will result in the award of an MSc in Molecular Medicine (after the first year) and finally, a PhD in Integrated Studies. This combination of enhanced personal, theoretical and research skills gives graduates a significant advantage upon graduation.

Entry qualifications

Applicants must hold a good honours degree in an appropriate area such as biosciences, medicine etc and a recognised English Language qualification (minimum GCSE grade C, IELTS 6.5 or equivalent).

Programme assessment

All of the compulsory Masters and DDP modules are assessed by coursework. Research theses will be written up independently although there may be some overlap in topics. Assessment of the doctoral thesis is by oral examination.

NB Students may not be permitted to continue on the PhD course if they fail to make satisfactory progress (achieving at least a Merit/60%) on the Masters´ course.

Programme content

Year 1

• July-September
  Optional intensive English Language training
• September-February
  Core MSc modules including training in how biomedical research is done, how to write scientifically and the influence of molecular genetics on medicine. Students then choose one of 3 taught specialist pathways: Genetics, Experimental Medicine or Neuroscience. Detailed information on the course content can be found at: http://www.shef.ac.uk/molmed
• February -September
  MSc: Research Project and Dissertation. This is normally undertaken in the same laboratory as the full PhD research project and in a related field.

Years 2-3

• Taught DDP modules to further enhance general career skills as well as general and specific scientific skills
• PhD research project
• Presentation of work at annual PhD with Integrated MSc Research Days

Year 4

• Completion of research project, thesis write up and oral examination

Application to the Programme

This can be by completion of a downloadable Graduate Research Degree application form or by direct online application, both available at:
www.shef.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/apply/. Applicants are strongly encouraged to indicate their preferred research area(s) and/or research supervisors on the application form in the appropriate place and ensure they state 'Medical School' as the department in which they wish to study. Please also include all relevant educational and research experience and the reasons why you wish to be considered for the PhD with integrated MSc programme.

Fees

Please contact the programme leader for the current fees.

Programme Leader

Dr. Mike D Barker

E Floor
University Of Sheffield Medical School
Beech Hill Road
Sheffield
S10 2RX

Telephone: 0114 271 2547
Facsimile: 0114 271 1711
Email: m.barker@sheffield.ac.uk