Nanomedicine and Nanodiagnostics
Investigate the unique properties of nanoscale materials for the treatment, detection, visualisation and prevention of diseases.
Prepare and apply nanoscale materials as potential nanomedicines for next generation treatments and diagnostics
Work with experts across disciplines to develop new technologies
Build key skills with a bespoke interdisciplinary research project
Course key facts
Qualification
MRes
Duration
1 year
Start date
September 2026
Study mode
Full-time
-
Fees
£15,600 Home
£43,000 Overseas
Delivered by
Location
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White City
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Minimum entry standard
2:1 in chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, bioengineering, materials science or an appropriate subject.
Course overview
Nanomedicine and nanodiagnostics are central to the latest cutting-edge developments in the next generation healthcare targeting disease detection, diagnosis and improved treatments.
Discover how nanoparticle assemblies offer new avenues for drug delivery and enhanced imaging of diseases.
Undertake modules in nanomedicine and imaging, gaining skills and knowledge that will enable you to evaluate next-generation nanomedicines and imaging agents.
Conduct a bespoke nine-month research project and develop technical research, communication and presentation skills .
Benefit from access to state-of-the-art laboratories at our White City Campus and opportunities for conducting interdisciplinary research.
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 take the following core modules.
Core modules
Develop an understanding of the fundamentals of biomedical nanoscience, leading into nanomedicine and its applications. Students will become familiar with how nanomedicines are made, characterised and what the clinical translation and commercialisation pathway entails.
Gain an overview of the applications of chemistry in imaging, including contrast agents for MRI, optical probes (including small molecules, fluorescent proteins and nanoparticles), tracers for PET and SPECT, and ultrasound imaging.
Investigate a nanomedicine or nanodiagnostic model of your choice for the treatment of a specific disease. You'll then write a report on how to design, synthesise, characterise and test this model, before proposing a plan for translation to the clinic. Present your idea or invention in the form of a 10 minute business pitch to peers and programme supervisors.
Fully research a topic of your interest in nanodiagnostics, propose a hypothesis on the subject, and then prepare an engaging poster to be pitched to a scientific audience.
Conduct an independent and original research project on a cutting-edge nanomedicine and/or nanodiagnostics topic with leading academics to produce high quality results.
You’ll undertake this project work over a nine-month period which incorporates a written project report, delivering an oral presentation, and short viva.
You'll be allocated research projects based on your interests and work within the group(s) of academic advisors.
Teaching and assessment
Balance of teaching and learning
This is a general guide to how teaching and learning are usually balanced across this course. The methods used may change based on the modules you take.
Key
- Taught modules and self-study
- Group project work
- Research project
- 19% Title 1 goes here
- 6% Title 2 goes here
- 75% Title 3 goes here
Teaching and learning methods
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Lectures
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Guest lectures
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Seminars
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Independent Study
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Team based activities
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Skill workshops
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Virtual learning environment
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Conference
Balance of assessment – excluding research project
This is an example of how assessments are usually divided, based on a typical pathway through the course. The actual breakdown may vary depending on the modules you choose.
Key
- Written examination
- Core course work
- Research project
- 17% Title 1 goes here
- 17% Title 2 goes here
- 66% Title 3 goes here
Assessment methods
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Coursework
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Written exams
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Research dissertation
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Group work
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Oral exams
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Presentations
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.
Application deadlines – Round 2 closes on Wednesday 7 January 2026
We operate a staged admissions process with several application rounds throughout the year.
Apply by 23.59 (UK time) on the closing date of an application round, to ensure you receive a response on your application by the relevant decision date.
Round 1
Business School courses only.
Round 2
- Applications open on Monday 29 September 2025
- Applications close on Wednesday 7 January 2026
- Decision by Wednesday 4 March 2026
Round 3
- Applications open on Thursday 8 January 2026
- Applications close on Wednesday 11 March 2026
- Decision by Wednesday 6 May 2026
Round 4
- Applications open on Thursday 12 March 2026
- Applications close on Wednesday 29 April 2026
- Decision by Thursday 2 July 2026
We recommend applying as early as you can – we cannot guarantee that places will be available, or that courses will remain open, in later rounds.
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: CAH07-02-01
- Descriptor: Chemistry
- Supervisor name: Professor Oscar Ces
Get guidance and support for obtaining an ATAS certificate.
- Title of the research: MRes in Nanomedicine and Nanodiagnostics
- Description: The MRes in Nanomedicine and Nanodiagnostics at Imperial College London is an interdisciplinary programme that bridges the gap between physical sciences, engineering, life sciences, and healthcare, offering students the opportunity to explore cutting-edge applications of nanotechnology in medicine through advanced coursework and hands-on research projects supervised by leading academics. Students will develop essential transferable skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication, preparing them for successful careers in the rapidly evolving field of nanomedicine and nanodiagnostics, whether pursuing further research or embarking on careers in the biomedical industry.
Fees and funding
Home fee - MRes Chemistry courses
2026 entry
£15,600
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 - MRes Chemistry courses
2026 entry
£43,000
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.
Scholarships
View all scholarshipsHow will studying at Imperial help my career?
Explore world-class facilities for researching cutting-edge treatments and imaging tools.
Develop your skills in a unique interdisciplinary learning environment.
Enjoy hands-on experience in state-of-the-art laboratories.
Benefit from strong industry connections and clinical network.
Master research and topics in nanomedicine and nanodiagnostics.
Further links
Contact the department
- Telephone: T: +44 (0)20 7594 2678
- Email: chemres@imperial.ac.uk
Course Directors: Dr Nazila Kamaly and Dr Philip Miller
View the Department of Chemistry web pages.
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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