Program Overview

Overview

The Mitochondrial Biology and Medicine MRes is a research-based course that provides students with a comprehensive understanding of mitochondrial biology and its applications in medicine. The course is designed for graduates with a BSc in life or other sciences, as well as intercalating and qualified MBBS or BDS students.

What You'll Learn

Students will study subject-specific content in mitochondrial biology and medicine research, including:

• Mitochondria in cellular metabolism
• Mitochondrial genetics and gene expression
• Mitochondrial cell biology
• Clinical aspects of mitochondrial diseases in adults and children
• Therapeutic prospects for mitochondrial diseases Students will also have the opportunity to add to these modules from a broad range of complementary options and receive training in general research principles, professional and key skills.

How You'll Learn

The course will be delivered through a range of methods, including:

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Group work Assessment methods will depend on the modules chosen but may include:
• Case study
• Computer assessment
• Design or creative project
• Dissertation
• Essay
• Professional skills assessments
• Oral examination
• Oral presentation
• PC examination
• Practical lab report
• Poster
• Portfolio
• Problem-solving exercises
• Report
• Reflective log
• Research proposal
• Written examination
• Written exercise

Your Development

The course will help students develop a range of research and practical laboratory skills, as well as the ability to plan, execute, and record research, and interpret and analyze data.

Your Future

The MRes can be a pathway for a career in scientific research in academia and industry, and is also excellent preparation for a PhD. Graduates from the Faculty of Medical Sciences MRes at Newcastle have undertaken a wide range of roles, including:

• Project manager
• Research associate
• Associate consultant
• Senior analysts
• Research scientist
• Marie Curie early stage researcher
• Clinical research associate
• Medical information and patient safety executive
• Medical writer
• Medical doctor
• Research laboratory technician
• Sales representative
• Immunology development manager

Quality and Ranking

Newcastle University is an internationally-recognized center of excellence in mitochondrial research, with:

• 42% of its research classified as 4* world-leading research (Research Excellence Framework 2021)
• A 65% increase in research power since 2014 (Research Excellence Framework 2021)
• Ranked in the Global Top 140 University (QS World University Rankings 2026)
• Ranked in the Global Top 160 University (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025)
• Ranked in the Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development (Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024)

Facilities

The course is based in the Faculty of Medical Sciences, which is part of the university's city-center campus. The faculty is also home to:

• Dentistry
• Medicine
• Psychology
• Pharmacy The campus is located on the same site as Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary hospital, one of the largest integrated teaching/hospital complexes in the country. Facilities include:
• Individual research laboratories where students carry out their projects
• A dedicated medical library with a wide range of specialist books and journals
• Hi-tech computer clusters and study spaces
• Dedicated facilities for a range of key bioscience applications, including flow cytometry, bioinformatics, imaging, genomics, and proteomics

Fees and Funding

Tuition fees for 2026 entry are:

• £12,500 for home students (full-time, 12 months)
• £30,700 for international students (full-time, 12 months) The university offers a range of scholarships and funding opportunities, including:
• Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships
• Searchable postgraduate funding database

Entry Requirements

The entrance requirements for 2026 entry are:

• A minimum of a 2:1 honors degree, or international equivalent, in a life science or related discipline
• Or an MBBS/BDS degree Practical laboratory work experience is desirable, although not essential. The modules that can be studied may depend on the student's academic background.

How to Apply

The course starts in September, and international students are advised to apply at least two months before the course starts. A deposit of £1,500 is required for international students, which will be deducted from the tuition fees when the student registers. An ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) clearance certificate may be required for some students. The application portal has instructions to guide students through the application process, and students can choose to start their application, save their details, and come back to complete it later.