Experimental Biomolecular Sciences
Master key biomolecular lab skills and advanced research techniques to prepare for a career in experimental biomolecular sciences.
Experimental Biomolecular Sciences
Master key biomolecular lab skills and advanced research techniques to prepare for a career in experimental biomolecular sciences.
Master theoretical principles and practical biomolecular laboratory skills along with advanced research techniques
Plan, design and conduct your own research project in our state-of-the-art laboratories
Gain hands-on, academic and industry relevant skills to develop your research career
Course key facts
Qualification
MRes
Duration
1 year
Start date
February 2027
Study mode
Full-time
-
Fees
£21,200 Home
£45,400 Overseas
Delivered by
Location
-
Hammersmith
-
Minimum entry standard
2:1 in an appropriate science subject, including Biological Sciences, Medicine, Veterinary sciences
Qualification
PG Cert
Duration
3 months
Start date
February 2027
Study mode
Full-time
-
Fees
£10,600 Home
£22,700 Overseas
Delivered by
Location
-
Hammersmith
-
Minimum entry standard
2:1 in an appropriate science subject, including Biological Sciences, Medicine, Veterinary sciences
Course overview
The MRes Experimental Biomolecular Sciences will provide you with the theoretical principles and practical skills in commonly used biomolecular laboratory techniques and advanced research methods, as well as a unique opportunity to plan, design, and conduct your own Mini-Research Project in our teaching laboratories. You will spend around 7 weeks across Modules 1-3 in our teaching laboratories, practically applying your biomolecular skills. Additionally, this programme will introduce you to data validation, handling, and statistical testing.
This course will take you on a journey where you will use the scientific method to investigate a topic of interest within the research areas being explored at Imperial’s Faculty of Medicine. Guided by leading experts in the field, you will undertake a 9-month research project, gaining practical experience at the forefront of biomedical innovation.
In addition to preparing you to become a researcher with strong expertise in experimental biomolecular skills, this programme will strengthen your knowledge, creativity, and critical thinking abilities. You will also develop your communication, reflective, and teamwork skills. Featuring extensive lab time and a comprehensive 9-month project, this course offers an unparalleled opportunity to gain hands-on experience, develop industry-relevant skills, and thrive in a dynamic, global city.
The PG Certificate in Experimental Biomolecular Sciences provides a strong foundation in the theoretical principles and practical application of commonly used biomolecular laboratory techniques, as well as advanced research methods. A key feature of this programme is the opportunity to plan, design, and conduct your own Mini-Research Project in our teaching laboratories.
You will spend a significant portion of the course—approximately seven weeks across Modules 1–3—engaged in hands-on laboratory work, applying the biomolecular skills you have learned. Additionally, the programme offers an introduction to data validation, management, and statistical analysis.
The PG Cert equips you with the technical expertise and practical experience necessary to work effectively in a laboratory setting.
Structure
This page is updated regularly to reflect the latest version of the curriculum. However, this information is subject to change.
Find out more about potential course changes.
Please note: it may not always be possible to take specific combinations of modules due to timetabling conflicts. For confirmation, please check with the relevant department.
You’ll study the following core modules in Year 1.
Core modules
This module will cover the theoretical and practical laboratory knowledge of fundamental molecular biology laboratory skills and an understanding of correct health and safety measures and green working practices.
In this module, you will build on the basic lab skills learnt in module 1 and develop your theoretical knowledge and practical execution of advanced techniques.
In this Mini-Research Project you will work in groups and experience a hands-on approach to experimental work to design and execute your experimental plan, analyse and critique your own data.
In this module, you will join a research team to conduct an experimental research project. Provided by our staff, or found by yourself, the projects will be directly related to the hosting laboratory's subject of expertise and will allow you to experience life in a laboratory as well as use the skills learned during this course alongside the scientific method to investigate in-depth a research question.
You’ll study the following core modules.
Core modules
This module will cover the theoretical and practical laboratory knowledge of fundamental molecular biology laboratory skills and an understanding of correct health and safety measures and green working practices.
In this module, you will build on the basic lab skills learnt in module 1 and develop your theoretical knowledge and practical execution of advanced techniques.
In this Mini-Research Project you will work in groups and experience a hands-on approach to experimental work to design and execute your experimental plan, analyse and critique your own data.
Teaching and assessment
Teaching and learning methods
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Lab work
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Tutorials
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Presentations
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Independent study
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Group work
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Computer data analysis sessions
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Lectures
Balance of assessment
This is an example of how assessments are usually divided, based on a typical pathway through the course. The actual breakdown may be different depending on the modules you choose.
Key
- Research project
- Mini research project
- Modules 1 and 2
- 67% Title 1 goes here
- 11% Title 2 goes here
- 22% Title 3 goes here
Assessment methods
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Mini Literature Review
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Practical Exam
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Lab Book
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Scientific Paper
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Lab Meeting
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Presentations
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Research Project
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Oral assessment
Teaching and learning methods
-
Lab work
-
Tutorials
-
Presentations
-
Independent study
Assessment methods
-
Mini Literature Review
-
Practical Exam
-
Lab Book
-
Scientific Paper
-
Lab Meeting
-
Presentations
-
Oral assessment
Entry requirements
We consider all applicants on an individual basis, welcoming students from all over the world.
How to apply
Apply online
You can submit one application form per year of entry. You can choose up to two courses.
This course is divided into two progressional levels of study:
- PG Certificate (PG Cert)
- MSc
Each level of study has its own entry point; you can apply to either level in the first instance, but we recommend you apply for the award with which you wish to exit.
Read more about Postgraduate Certificate, Diploma and Master's degrees.
There is no application fee for Postgraduate Certificates, Postgraduate Diplomas, or courses such as PhDs and EngDs.
If you are applying for a Master’s course, you will need to pay an application fee before submitting your application.
The fee applies per application and not per course.
The application fees for postgraduate courses are:
- £90 for all Master's applications, excluding those to Imperial Business School
- £125 for MSc applications to Imperial Business School
- £150 for MBA applications to Imperial Business School
If you are facing financial hardship and are unable to pay the application fee, we encourage you to apply for our application fee waiver.
Find out more about how to apply for a Master's course, including references and personal statements.
Unless you are from an exempt nationality, you will need an ATAS certificate to obtain your visa and study this course.
Nationals from the following countries are exempt: Switzerland, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, USA and EEA members.
Use this information when applying for an ATAS certificate to study this course:
- CAH code: CAH03-01-08
- Descriptor: Molecular biology, biophysics and biochemistry
- Supervisor name: Professor Tom McKinnon
Please note that average ATAS processing takes a minimum of 6 weeks but can take 8-12 weeks, and you can only apply once you have received an offer.
Get guidance and support for obtaining an ATAS certificate.
Fees and funding
Home fee
MSc
£20,150 total fee
PG Cert
£10,075total fee
You should expect and budget for your fees to increase each year.
Your fee is based on the year you enter the university, not your year of study. This means that if you repeat a year or resume your studies after an interruption, your fees will only increase by the amount linked to inflation.
Find out more about our tuition fees payment terms, including how inflationary increases are applied to your tuition fees in subsequent years of study.
Whether you pay the Home or Overseas fee depends on your fee status. This is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status. Find out how we assess your fee status.
If you're a UK national, or EU national with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you may be able to apply for a Postgraduate Master’s Loan from the UK government, if you meet certain criteria.
The maximum value of the loan is £12,858 for courses starting on or after 1 August 2025.
The loan is not means-tested and you can choose whether to put it towards your tuition fees or living costs.
Please note:
- The loan is only available if you’re studying a full Master’s course from the start.
- If you start on a Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) or Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) and later move on to the Master’s, you won’t be eligible for this loan.
Overseas fee
MSc
£43,250 total fee
PG Cert
£21,625total fee
You should expect and budget for your fees to increase each year.
Your fee is based on the year you enter the university, not your year of study. This means that if you repeat a year or resume your studies after an interruption, your fees will only increase by the amount linked to inflation.
Find out more about our tuition fees payment terms, including how inflationary increases are applied to your tuition fees in subsequent years of study.
Whether you pay the Home or Overseas fee depends on your fee status. This is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status. Find out how we assess your fee status.
If you're a UK national, or EU national with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you may be able to apply for a Postgraduate Master’s Loan from the UK government, if you meet certain criteria.
The maximum value of the loan is £12,858 for courses starting on or after 1 August 2025.
The loan is not means-tested and you can choose whether to put it towards your tuition fees or living costs.
Please note:
- The loan is only available if you’re studying a full Master’s course from the start.
- If you start on a Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) or Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) and later move on to the Master’s, you won’t be eligible for this loan.
How will studying at Imperial help my career?
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Extensive hands-on teaching in world class teaching laboratory delivered by experienced scientists.
Develop transferable skills in communication, presentation, case report writing, and journal article writing.
The clinical context of this program is well suited to medical and nursing staff.
Improve your ability to evaluate management strategies and future opportunities for research and innovation.
Further links
Contact the department
Email: t.mckinnon03@imperial.ac.uk
Telephone: +44 20 3313 2214
Course Director: Dr Tom McKinnon
Visit the Department of Immunology and Inflammation website
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Request info
Find out more about studying at Imperial. Receive updates about life in our community, including event invites and download our latest Study guide.
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Events, tasters and talks
Meet us and find out more about studying at Imperial.
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Terms and conditions
There are some important pieces of information you should be aware of when applying to Imperial. These include key information about your tuition fees, funding, visas, accommodation and more.
You can find further information about your course, including degree classifications, regulations, progression and awards in the programme specification for your course.
Programme specifications