Medical Sciences MMedSci by Research

The University of Edinburgh is currently ranked 15th in the World in the QS World University Rankings 2023.

The programme is designed for medical graduates wishing to carry out a dedicated year of research training.

You will have the option to choose an area of research relevant to you career aspirations. The extensive breadth and depth of biomedical research training carried out at the University of Edinburgh offers you, as a clinician in training, opportunities to find a research area suited to your goals.

Dedicated time spent in research, and the award of a research degree, gives you a significant career boost in the early and mid-stages of your career as a doctor.

There is also the possibility, decided on an individual basis, to continue research started during the MMedSci programme to PhD level. You may also have the opportunity to switch to a PhD during the programme.

Graduates of the MMedSci programme have had significant benefits to their career with acceptance onto competitive training programmes and progress into medical leadership positions.

What will I study?

The programme begins with a taught month which aims to give you an overview of the whole range of techniques used in medical research.

The first two weeks include lectures covering a variety of subjects from stem cell biology to ethics and clinical trails. You will also receive several days of statistics training.

Completing your research project

After the initial taught month, you will move to the laboratory or department relevant to your speciality. The range of research projects carried out is wide, and varies from bench research to clinical research. You will need to find a supervisor and project before starting the degree.

You can get an idea of the range of research opportunities available at the University of Edinburgh at Edinburgh Clinical Academic Training (ECAT), or contact the Programme Director for advice.

Transferable skills training

We also offer transferable skills training. These take place during a series of half or one-day meetings, subject to lab timetables.

Training skills covered include:

• effective presentations
• writing up science
• good research practice
• assessment

How will I be assessed?

Individual components of this programme are scored through the year. These are:

• background reading and project plan
• oral presentation
• laboratory book
• poster presentation
• final thesis

Each piece of work is marked by two examiners and ratified by an exam board.

As with most professional degrees, this is a degree you either pass or fail. Around 10% of our students may get distinctions.

How will I study?

The MMedSci programmes utilises:

• laboratory work
• lectures and workshops

Training and support

The programme begins with a didactic series of lectures and workshops.

Students have two supervisors to ensure a broad range of supervisory support.