| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Cardiovascular Science and Diabetes, MSc
Overview
Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death globally, accounting for more than 30%, and is set to increase over the next few decades, due to an ageing population and a steep rise in metabolic syndromes. Our MSc programme, taught by scientists and clinicians who are leaders in their field, will equip you with knowledge of the epidemiology, genetics, pathological and molecular mechanisms underpinning cardiovascular disease, its diagnosis, risk factors and pharmacological management.
Study Information
At a Glance
- Learning Mode: On Campus Learning
- Degree Qualification: MSc
- Duration: 12 months
- Study Mode: Full Time
- Start Month: September
- Location of Study: Aberdeen
Our programme will deliver a cutting-edge view of cardiovascular and metabolic science which have been identified as priority areas of the Scottish and UK Governments and funding bodies. This modular-based programme comprises research-led teaching experience including tutorials, workshops and a laboratory research project supervised by leading internationally recognised cardiovascular, diabetes and nutritional scientists.
Why Study with Us?
- You will acquire a solid knowledge base in the cardiovascular system and predisposing risk factors such as diabetes and obesity.
- You will be based within the Institute of Medical Sciences and the Rowett Institute, providing a unique learning experience integrating elements of cardiovascular and metabolic science.
- You will have access to excellent cardiovascular laboratory facilities and you will undertake a research project tailored to your expertise and interests.
- The clinical relevance of the programme is strengthened by the location of the teaching, with Aberdeen Royal Infirmary on site, and through input of cardiovascular and diabetes clinicians into the MSc training and research projects.
What You'll Study
The taught part of our MSc programme extends over two semesters. Over the last four months of the programme, students will undertake an individual research project.
Stage 1
- Compulsory Courses:
- Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD5006)
- Cardiovascular Health and Disease (BM5003)
- Molecular Pharmacology (MT5024)
- Optional Courses: Students select two elective courses from the following:
- Profiles of Immunology (MB5028)
- Foundations of Nutrition (RN5003)
- Assessment of Nutritional Status (RN5008)
Stage 2
- Compulsory Courses:
- Diabetes and Metabolism (BM5502)
- Nutrition and Health (RN5507)
- Optional Courses: Students undertake two electives from a choice of the following courses:
- Biologic Drug Discovery (BT5509)
- Genes and Immunity (MB5526)
- Evaluating and Communicating Research (MB5529)
- Clinical Nutrition (RN5505)
- Basic Research Methods (MT5515)
Stage 3
- Compulsory Courses: Students undertake one individual research project.
- Masters Research Project (PU5922)
- Masters Research Project (Laboratory) (MB5904)
Fee Information
- EU / International students: £26,250
- UK: £12,200
Scholarships
All eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students starting in September 2025 will receive an £8,000 scholarship.
How You'll Study
The teaching on this programme will encompass research-led learning using laboratory practical classes, workshops, clinical demonstrations and tutorials to support the lecture material. Lectures are recorded and can be viewed again when required.
Learning Methods
- Clinical Learning
- E-learning
- Group Projects
- Lab Work
- Peer Learning
- Research
- Seminars
- Tutorials
- Workshops
Assessment Methods
Taught courses are assessed by a combination of written assignments and reports, oral presentations, and by examination. All students undertake a research project, which is submitted for assessment in the form of a short research thesis. Students also present an oral and poster presentation on their project.
Why Study Cardiovascular Science and Diabetes?
- We offer a truly research-led teaching experience for students within the Aberdeen Cardiovascular and Diabetes Centre, which has been awarded more than £3m in British Heart Foundation and Diabetes UK funding within the past 5 years alone.
- The programme uniquely integrates elements of cardiovascular and metabolic health which have been identified as priority areas in the post-COVID-19 arena.
- You will have the opportunity to carry-out a research project supervised by internationally recognised experts in cardiovascular and metabolic health. Projects can be tailored to suit students individual skills and interests.
- Upon graduation you will be well-equipped for career destinations in cardiovascular, diabetes and nutrition research in industry, academia, healthcare, education and beyond.
Entry Requirements
- Qualifications: A second class Honours degree (2:2 or above) or equivalent qualification in biological science degree is required for entry onto this programme.
- English Language Requirements:
- IELTS Academic: OVERALL - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 6.0; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
- TOEFL iBT: OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 21; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
- PTE Academic: OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
- Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency: OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 169; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169
Careers
The MSc in Cardiovascular Science and Diabetes will provide you with the academic, analytical and practical skills to equip you for further research or a career in industry, healthcare or beyond. Many of our graduates choose to continue in research careers and begin PhDs or become research scientists (research assistants or technicians). Our scientists have obtained posts in Universities, industry, biotechnology and hospital diagnostic and pathology laboratories.
Facilities
- The Institute of Medical Sciences
- Rowett Institute
- Science Teaching Hub
What Our Alumni Say
- "The University's rankings and the programme content are what attracted me to study here. My favourite parts of the programme have been the laboratory experiments and workshops where I gained new scientific skills as well as the clinical visit." - Ozoda Azimova
- "I chose to study at the University of Aberdeen because of its well known reputation for medicine. I have felt supported by staff in my academic journey. The campus is incredibly beautiful and its location is easily accessible for me." - Mansi Utikar
Our Experts
- Programme Coordinator: Dr Nimesh Mody
- Other Experts:
- Professor Mirela Delibegovic
- Dr Justin Rochford
- Dr Frank Thies
- Professor Alex Johnstone
- Dr Heather Wilson
- Dr Mary Macleod
- Dr Fiona Murray
- Professor Stefan Hoppler
- Dr Sam Philip
- Dr Dana Dawson
- Dr Nicola Mutch
- Professor Graeme Nixon
Program Outline
Outline:
Module 1: Stage 1
- Compulsory Courses:
- Cardiovascular Health and Disease (BM5003)
- Molecular Pharmacology (MT5024)
- Optional Courses:
- Profiles of Immunology (MB5028)
- Foundations of Nutrition (RN5003)
- Assessment of Nutritional Status (RN5008)
Module 2: Stage 2
- Compulsory Courses:
- Diabetes and Metabolism (BM5502)
- Nutrition and Health (RN5507)
- Optional Courses:
- Biologic Drug Discovery (BT5509)
- Genes and Immunity (MB5526)
- Research Tutorials (MB5518)
- Clinical Nutrition (RN5505)
- Basic Research Methods (MT5515)
Module 3: Stage 3
- Compulsory Courses:
- Masters Research Project (PU5922)
- Masters Research Project (Laboratory) (MB5904)
Assessment:
- Taught courses are assessed by a combination of written assignments and reports, oral presentations, and by examination.
- All students undertake a research project, which is submitted for assessment in the form of a short research thesis.
- Students also present an oral and poster presentation on their project.
Teaching:
- The teaching on this program will encompass research-led learning using laboratory practical classes, workshops, clinical demonstrations and tutorials to support the lecture material.
- Lectures are recorded and can be viewed again when required.
- The MSc makes the most of hands-on learning to enable repeated exposure to evidence-based practice in cardiovascular and diabetes research using clinical case studies.
- Some of the teaching methods employed in the program include:
- Inter-disciplinary and multi-disciplinary learning
- Exposure to leading academic and clinical experts
- Research-led teaching taught by key opinion leaders in cardiovascular and diabetes research
- Literature-driven critical assessment and analyses
- Practical laboratory skills and state-of-the-art techniques
- Individual laboratory or literature based project within the research centre
- On-going support is provided by the University’s dedicated, interdisciplinary team of experienced researchers within the Aberdeen Cardiovascular and Diabetes Centre (both laboratory and clinical), who will be tutoring you.
- Peer support will develop throughout the course(s) as engagement with students from other countries and disciplines is actively encouraged. Much of the teaching on this course is participatory and you are expected to consolidate all taught content by completing related tasks and activities and engaging in independent study in your own time.
Careers:
- The MSc in Cardiovascular Science and Diabetes will provide you with the academic, analytical and practical skills to equip you for further research or a career in industry, healthcare or beyond.
- Many of our graduates choose to continue in research careers and begin PhDs or become research scientists (research assistants or technicians).
- Our scientists have obtained posts in Universities, industry, biotechnology and hospital diagnostic and pathology laboratories.
- More generally, cardiovascular and diabetes researchers can use their training in education, working in schools, colleges of further education and in Universities.
Other:
- The program is uniquely integrated with elements of cardiovascular and metabolic health.
- The program is run from the Foresterhill Health Campus, one of the largest health campuses in Europe.
- Students will benefit from skills training to help with scientific writing, analytical skills, CV writing, interview skills and reading scientific literature.
- Our small class sizes give you the opportunity to participate in class discussions, peer learning and ample access to the teaching and research staff.
- The University of Aberdeen is a charity registered in Scotland, No.SC013683.
- The University of Aberdeen offers an Aberdeen Global Scholarship for eligible self-funded international students enrolling on postgraduate taught (PGT) programmes.
EU / International students: £27,000 UK: £12,200 In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips.
