Course summary

More than 900 staff and research students representing no fewer than 62 different nationalities provides a genuinely global research environment in the heart of Scotland. This course offers the opportunity to spend a year carrying out a research project in one of the leading and most productive research universities in the field of molecular cell biology. You’ll work alongside our expert staff and gain in-depth understanding and skills from working in a live research environment. You’ll select a research project from a broad range of options such as: Microbiology, Immunology/immunotherapy, Gene regulation and expression, Developmental Biology, Stem cell biology, Cancer, Agritech, Computational biology, Neurodegeneration and Cell Signalling. Throughout your project, you’ll have access to outstanding facilities including microscopy and proteomics. You’ll develop an advanced knowledge on your topic of interest as well as the ability to perform independent research in this area. Alongside basic science training in experimental design, data handling and research ethics, we will help you to develop skills in critical assessment and communication. This will be supported by workshops in scientific writing, presentation skills, ethics, laboratory safety, statistics, public engagement and optional applied bioinformatics. On completion of this course, your technical ability in research can become a stepping stone to embark on a PhD programme or for a subsequent career in academic or industrial research. If you decide that a career in research is not for you, the many transferrable skills you’ll gain will make you very desirable to potential employers, as will a research qualification in a STEM-based subject.