Masters | Postgraduate Course - Translational Medicine MSc, PG Dip Course Details within Cranfield University

MSc 1 year FT up to 3 Years PT

Translational medicine involves the use of laboratory findings to find practical new ways to diagnose and treat patients, supporting programmes with the potential to improve the health of millions of people all over the world. 

This desire to see a rapid progression from laboratory bench to hospital bedside brings with it huge hurdles that must be addressed and overcome - scientific, technological, commercial, ethical and regulatory.

This has created the need for a whole new range of suitably trained professionals to carry out the critical task of moving medical research closer to commercial medical technology, hence the introduction of this degree, the first of its kind in the UK. 

The course prepares graduates in experimental design, protocol initiation, study management, data analysis, regulatory submission and research governance It is delivered by leading academics and consists of ten modules, an integrating component and a four-month research project which is usually in industry.

Suitable for both recent graduates and people with industry experience wishing to diversify into a new and exciting field, this qualification can take you on to a host of exciting employment opportunities in pharmaceutical companies, research organisations, the National Health Service or academic institutions.  

Course aim

“To provide an advanced understanding of the methodologies and processes required for the translation of laboratory-based science technology into practical clinical/ healthcare applications”.

Cranfield University is dedicated to providing solutions in research and training for in-vivo and in-vitro diagnostic medicine. Close working relationships with major partners in the healthcare industry have allowed Cranfield Health to develop this MSc in direct response to their needs.

With Cranfield's track record in producing graduates who closely match what employers are seeking, this newly updated MSc is intended to provide a variety of opportunities for those who successfully complete it.

This course examines the evolving nature of Translational Medicine and prepares graduates in experimental design, protocol initiation, experimental design, study management, data analysis, regulatory submission and research governance and is delivered in real-life situations which may result in typical applications such as:

• new technologies such as pharmacogenomics and stratified medicine and and treatments in the healthcare sector
• new therapies that might change the ways that we treat inflammatory developmental and neurological disease and cancer
• new emerging topics such as medical informatics and bioinformatics that will become essential to maximising the benefits of the Human Genome Project
• new approaches in drug and biomarker discovery for the pharmaceutical industry.

The course is divided into three parts:

Taught modules

A formal taught component comprised of ten modules, each of two weeks duration and consisting of one week of lectures, practical work, site visits and one week for private study. This element constitutes 50% of the overall mark. The marks for each of the ten modules are obtained from a piece of coursework which may take the form of a written piece, group work, and /or an oral presentation.

Integrating component 

This element brings together the major themes of the MSc, leading to a conceptual awareness of key aspects within Translational Medicine. This element constitutes 10% of the overall mark. The marks are obtained from a written and oral assessment.

Research project and thesis

This element constitutes the remaining 40% of the overall mark. The marks are obtained from a combination of a submitted thesis, application and initiative shown during the project which is assessed by the day-to-day project supervisor, and assessment of an oral presentation of the project.

The research project can be undertaken in industry or academia. It acts as a fantastic opportunity for you to meet potential future employers and practically apply your new knowledge.

The content of this course has been designed to give you the knowledge, skills and practical experience you need for a successful career in Translational Medicine.

Modules

1   Translation of New Medicinal Discoveries into the Clinic

2   Research Design and Methodology

3   Statistical Analysis and Interpretation

4   Research Governance and Ethics

5   Drug Target and Biomarker Discovery

6   Preclinical Evaluation

7   Clinical Trial Practice 

8   Regulatory Requirements and Marketing-Research Interface

9   Business Principles

10 Novel Approaches in Translational Medicine

Integrating component

Research project and thesis 

1st or 2nd class UK honours degree, or equivalent, in a discipline such as biology, biochemistry, biomedical science, biomedical engineering, medicine, medicinal chemistry, nursing, pharmacology, pharmacy, physiology, statistics, toxicology or an equivalent qualification. In certain cases, a blend of qualifications, motivation and relevant experience may be acceptable. Where applicable, students must demonstrate competency in English (such as achieve a minimum International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.5 or Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) 580. Our Academic Summer Programme offers pre-sessional training in English.

Translational Medicine MSc - full and part-timeHome School homePostgraduate studyTaught coursesTranslational Medicine MSc Career Opportunities
Cranfield graduates are very successful in achieving relevant work. Some 93% are in relevant employment or further study six months after graduation.

This MSc course has been designed to develop a new breed of scientist who is able to understand the scientific, technological, ethical and commercial aspects of Translational Medicine. The multidisciplinary nature of our course has allowed our students to follow diverse career paths within including:

academic institutions
contract research organisations
the National Health Service
pharmaceutical companies
regulatory bodies.
Roles previous students have pursued within these areas include:

project management
regulatory affairs
data management
research associate in pharma and academia
PhD study
Previous students have gone on to work for companies such as Allergan, Quintiles, Icon and Novartis and as well as regulatory agencies in the UK, EU and USA. Others have chosen to continue their research training by undertaking a PhD either at Cranfield or elsewhere.