2-Term Pathway - Pre-Master's in Science and Health - Continue to Master of Science - Molecular Medicine

If students hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet the entry requirements for a master’s, a Pre-Master’s can help them gain a place on a postgraduate degree. For progression to the 1st year of a postgraduate degree at the University of Essex. Course length is determined mainly by students English language level (UKVI IELTS score).

Students on all course lengths take a set of common or similar modules to gain a solid base of skills for university. If their course is longer than 2 terms, students will take additional modules designed to improve one or more of their English language level, academic skills, and basic knowledge of particular subjects.

Molecular medicine is transforming the way humans understand and treat human diseases, from cancers to neurodegenerative disorders. Combining contemporary medical studies with biochemistry and molecular biology, this rapidly advancing area creates a bridge between the subjects, and draws on other fields such as physics, chemistry, biology and medicine.

This University of Essex course examines how normal cellular processes are affected by disease. Students gain an understanding of the core foundations of molecular medicine, studying the topics most relevant to the real world, and how this science may be used in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases.

Students learn about and appraise the approaches that can be used to address global health problems, including cancer as well as genetic and infectious diseases. The foundations that support investigations of molecular disease mechanisms and the search for new diagnostic tools and treatments will be laid, as students explore topics including: gene and protein technology, synthetic biology, bioinformatics, and genomics. 

This course has a very high proportion of practical work that provides valuable experience for the student's careers. Essex's research-led teaching is continually evolving to address the latest challenges and breakthroughs in the field. Therefore, to ensure the course is as relevant and up-to-date as possible, the module structure may be subject to change. The research project will immerse students in a research environment, allowing students to conduct their research alongside the expert academics and PhD students in shared labs.

Two-thirds of Essex's research is rated “world-leading” or “internationally excellent”, and students learn from and work alongside expert staff.

Contribute to a growing industry and gain the skills and knowledge to pursue a career in biomedical research and industry, or continue the studies further in postgraduate science and medical degrees.

Advances in molecular medicine will continue to drive growth of new services and products in health care, biomedical and pharmaceutical organizations and companies, so graduates are well-placed to take advantage of employment opportunities in the life science, biotech and pharmaceutical industries and hospitals.