Program Overview

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Overview

The Medical Genetics MRes is a course designed for graduates with a BSc in life or other sciences, and for intercalating and qualified MBBS or BDS students, who have an interest in leveraging our understanding of genetics to improve human health.

What You'll Learn

You'll study three primary modules, two of which are compulsory modules associated with this MRes.

• Genetic Medicine, covers key genetic processes and concepts, and includes an overview of human genetics research tools and diagnostic methods.
• Mechanisms in Genetic Disease: from Genotype to Phenotype, focuses on understanding the consequences of human genetic variation, and how this can lead to improved treatments.
• Your third module will be chosen from all others offered within the MRes suite of programmes, based on personal academic/ clinical interests.

How You'll Learn

You'll be taught using a range of methods, including:

• lectures
• seminars
• group work

Assessment

Depending on your modules, you'll be assessed through a combination of:

• 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

You'll develop a range of research and practical laboratory skills.

Your Future

This MRes can be a pathway for a career in scientific research in academia and industry. It is also excellent preparation for a PhD.

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 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

You'll work in the Faculty of Medical Sciences. This is part of our city-centre campus. The Faculty is also home to:

• dentistry
• medicine
• psychology
• pharmacy It is on the same site as Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary hospital. We are one of the largest integrated teaching/hospital complexes in the country. Our 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. This includes flow cytometry, bioinformatics, imaging, genomics and proteomics

Fees and Funding

Tuition fees for 2026 entry (per year)

• Qualification: MRes Full time
  • Home students: Full time: 12 months, Tuition fees (per year) £12,500
  • International students: Full time: 12 months, Tuition fees (per year) £30,700

Entry Requirements

Academic entry requirements

A minimum of a 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent, in:

• a life science or related discipline
• or an MBBS/BDS degree This programme accepts both medical and dental students wishing to take a master's degree as an intercalation. You will need to have successfully completed your third or fourth year of study. Practical laboratory work experience is desirable, although not essential. The modules you can study may depend on your academic background.

English Language requirements

Select your qualification:

• IELTS
• Pearson
• Duolingo English Test
• TOEFL
• Other
• Pre-Sessional Entry - 6 weeks
• Pre-Sessional Entry - 10 weeks

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. Find out more about the RPL policy which may apply to this course

How to Apply

Before you start

• Start Dates: The course starts in September.
• Closing Dates: We suggest international students apply at least two months before the course starts. This is so that you have enough time to make the necessary arrangements.

Programme codes

• Qualification: MRes Full time
  • Full time: 12 months, Programme Code: 4827F

Using the application portal

The application portal has instructions to guide you through your application. It will tell you what documents you need and how to upload them. You can choose to start your application, save your details and come back to complete it later.