Program Overview

MPhil in Molecular Mechanisms of Human Disease

The MPhil in Molecular Mechanisms of Human Disease is a postgraduate program designed to provide an exceptional education in the molecular basis of human illnesses, their diagnosis, and potential treatment options. This program combines taught content with extensive hands-on research experience in cutting-edge research labs.

Overview

Biomedical science is currently undergoing a revolution, driven by the application of whole-genome sequencing technologies. However, while sequencing is changing the speed and depth of disease diagnosis, it alone frequently does not lead directly to patient benefit. To develop new drugs and treatments, scientists need to develop sophisticated cellular models and understand pathological changes occurring within cells at molecular resolution.

Program Aims

The main aims of this program are:

• To give students with relevant experience at first-degree level the opportunity to carry out focused research in the discipline under close supervision.
• To give students the opportunity to acquire or develop skills and expertise relevant to their research interests.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the program, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of the pathophysiology of human disease and biological mechanisms of disease.
• Demonstrate a broad understanding of modern research techniques applicable to human biomedical science.
• Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the background to their selected research project, including research techniques and methods of data analysis used.
• Demonstrate knowledge of theoretical approaches relevant to their specialization and demonstrate training in critical thinking relevant to their chosen project.
• Demonstrate expertise in research methods, data analysis, and statistics.
• Demonstrate originality in the application of knowledge, together with practical understanding of how research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in the field.

Skills and Other Attributes

Students will be able to:

• Critically analyze research literature and contemporary topics in their area of specialization and present such analyses in written and oral formats.
• Explain the importance and impact of topics in their area of specialization to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
• Demonstrate proficiency in experimental and data analysis techniques.
• Demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving approaches to experimental data.
• Participate in scientific discourse by discussing literature and controversies in the field and data collected in their research project.

Program Details

• Duration: 10 months full-time
• Study Mode: Taught
• Degree: Master of Philosophy
• Department: Cambridge Institute for Medical Research

Key Information

• Start Date: October 1, 2026
• Application Deadline: April 15, 2026
• Applications Open: September 3, 2025
• Funding Deadlines:
  • Course Funding Deadline: December 3, 2025
  • Gates Cambridge US round only: October 15, 2025

Progression to PhD

Those who wish to progress to a PhD after completing an MPhil will be required to satisfy their potential supervisor, Head of Department, and the Faculty Degree Committee that they have the skills and ability to achieve the higher degree.