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Translational Neuropathology
The Medical School,
Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health
Course description
Lead academic: Dr Julie Simpson
This course combines taught modules on the fundamental aspects of the major nervous system diseases, with the development of practical laboratory skills encompassing histopathology, molecular pathology and microscopy.
You’ll be trained to use tissue samples in neuroscience research aimed at understanding the pathophysiology of nervous system diseases and you’ll discover how laboratory breakthroughs have been translated into clinical benefits.
The course will be taught by scientists and consultant neuropathologists who are experts in their fields. You’ll get the opportunity to carry out neuroanatomy dissection and you’ll work with leading research groups during the research project.
The practical application of laboratory techniques throughout the course will give you a contextual grounding in a research setting and are relevant to a career in academia, diagnostic laboratories or the biotechnology sector.
You’ll study at the Sheffield Institute of Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), within the Department of Neuroscience. SITraN is the first European Institute purpose-built for basic and clinical research into Motor Neuron Disease (MND) and related neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease.
Intercalation
We accept medical students who wish to intercalate their studies. Find out more on the Medical School website.
Do you have a question? Talk to us
Book a 15-minute online meeting with our course tutors to find out more information and ask further questions.
Modules
The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it's up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we'll consult and inform students in good time and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption. We are no longer offering unrestricted module choice. If your course included unrestricted modules, your department will provide a list of modules from their own and other subject areas that you can choose from.
Open days
An open day gives you the best opportunity to hear first-hand from our current students and staff about our courses. You'll find out what makes us special.
Duration
1 year full-time
Teaching
The taught component of the MSc is delivered through practical laboratory classes and demonstrations, lectures, seminars and tutorials.
Assessment
Assessment is primarily through written assignments and coursework, along with practical laboratory assessments, spotter exams, presentations and debates. The research project is assessed by a thesis and oral presentation.
Your career
After successfully completing your course, graduates have had the opportunity to find work in a wide variety of areas and industries:
- Clinical PhD research
- Research Technician or Research Assistant
- Medicine (if you are a MBChB Medicine graduate)
- Medical Lab Assistants within the NHS
- Sales specialist for Histology
- Return to Veterinary practice
Our graduates now work in many healthcare settings, as well as universities around the world, local councils and clinical research facilities.
Entry requirements
You’ll need a 2:1 in an appropriate scientific subject, examples include Neuroscience, Psychology, Biomedical Science and Medicine.
Medical students can intercalate after completion of three years of their medical degree.
Overall IELTS score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component, or equivalent.
If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the department.
Fees and funding
Apply
You can apply for postgraduate study using our Postgraduate Online Application Form. It's a quick and easy process.
Any supervisors and research areas listed are indicative and may change before the start of the course.
Recognition of professional qualifications: from 1 January 2021, in order to have any UK professional qualifications recognised for work in an EU country across a number of regulated and other professions you need to apply to the host country for recognition. Read information from the UK government and the EU Regulated Professions Database.