Program Overview

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Overview

The Oral Sciences MSc course is an interdisciplinary program that examines the latest research in improving the diagnosis and treatment of oral diseases and advancing the effective delivery of oral healthcare. The mouth is the gateway to the body and a window to our overall health and wellbeing, with oral diseases continuing to be a major burden globally. This course offers world-leading teaching in oral sciences, covering the latest research technologies and theories to advance the diagnosis and treatment of oral diseases.

What You'll Learn

You will gain demonstrable, advanced knowledge and critical understanding in the latest cutting-edge research, covering:

• Research methodologies and how they help us to understand oral diseases and identify novel methods of diagnosis, treatment, and management
• The development of novel dental materials
• Understanding the oral microbiome and its impact on oral health and systemic diseases
• Understanding the oral immune response, and its links to systemic diseases
• Manipulating the immune system as a therapeutic strategy
• Novel methods for health services and public health research and how their application informs improved ways of delivering oral healthcare in the 21st century
• The application of health in oral health and in particular how we carry out economic evaluations and inform policy and clinical practice
• The importance of oral health and the bidirectional links between oral infectious diseases and systemic conditions.

How You'll Learn

This course is typically taught and based on the Newcastle campus, delivered by the School of Dental Sciences. You’ll be taught using a range of methods, including:

• Group discussions
• Group seminars
• Lectures
• Laboratory practicals
• Theoretical practicals
• Group work and presentations
• Invited research presentations Assessment methods depend on your modules, but you'll be assessed through a combination of:
• Dissertation
• Essay
• Oral presentation
• Practical lab report
• Research proposal

Your Development

You will gain professional skills in:

• Laboratory skills
• Qualitative research skills
• Epidemiological research skills
• Writing professional and analytical reports
• Independent learning
• Project planning
• Problem-solving
• Time management
• Teamwork
• Reflection

Your Future

Graduates will be well placed to pursue a range of roles, including:

• PhD student at UK or overseas universities
• Lecturer in microbiology
• Clinical lecturer
• Principal scientist for a multinational oral health care company Our Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers.

Quality and Ranking

• 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
• 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
• Global Top 140 University – QS World University Rankings 2026
• Global Top 160 University - Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025
• Top 100 for Medical and Health – Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025
• Top 120 for Dentistry - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025
• Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024
• Top 95 for Life Sciences and Medicine - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025

Facilities

As an Oral Sciences MSc student, you are based in the School of Dental Sciences, part of the Faculty of Medical Sciences, located on the University's city-centre campus. You have great access to facilities like the University’s libraries, students' union, and sports centre. The School of Dental Sciences is also less than 10 minutes' walk from Newcastle city centre. You'll also have access to our excellent practical facilities in the School, such as:

• State of the art learning and teaching spaces
• Laboratories and research facilities
• A dedicated clinical research facility
• Dedicated postgraduate office space
• A vibrant culture of learning with world-leading academics and a diverse group of research and taught students

Fees and Funding

Tuition fees for 2026 entry (per year)

• Qualification: MSc Full time
  • Home students: Full time: 12 months, Tuition fees (per year) £12,200
  • International students: Full time: 12 months, Tuition fees (per year) £29,900 Tuition fee increases: As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.

Entry Requirements

Academic entry requirements

A minimum of a 2:2 (or international equivalent) in a BSc in any healthcare or biosciences degree or a BDS.

Qualifications from outside the UK

Please check the University's website for specific requirements.

English Language requirements

Please check the University's website for specific requirements.

Admissions policy

This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.

Credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can allow you to convert existing relevant university-level knowledge, skills, and experience into credits towards a qualification. Please check the University's website for more information.