MSc in Experimental and Translational Therapeutics

The MSc in Experimental and Translational Therapeutics consists of six modules and a research project and dissertation. The programme is normally completed in two to three years. Students are full members of the University of Oxford and are matriculated as members of an Oxford college.

The modules in this programme can also be taken as individual short courses. It is possible to transfer credit from up to three previously completed modules into the MSc programme, if the time elapsed between commencement of the accredited module(s) and registration on the MSc is not more than two years.

This MSc is designed for ambitious healthcare professionals who want to take the next step in their career. It attracts participants from a wide range of backgrounds across the healthcare and life sciences sectors – including medicine, biomedical science, biotechnology, nursing, and venture capital.

It is ideal for professionals looking to more fully understand pharmaceutical development processes, accelerate their career progression, or add a new dimension to their role within the pharmaceutical or healthcare industry.

Academics and researchers seeking to strengthen their pharmaceutical knowledge or build a solid foundation for DPhil-level study will also find this course an excellent stepping stone towards advanced research and discovery.

Teaching is delivered through a series of structured modules, each combining preparatory study, an intensive week of face-to-face teaching, and a follow-up period for assessment and independent work. Attendance at these in-person modules is an essential part of the programme. Some learning activities may also take place in specialist laboratory facilities across the University.

Between modules, students are supported through a dedicated virtual learning environment (VLE), which provides access to resources, guidance, and ongoing academic support. The course also includes focused teaching on core research skills.

Learning is highly interactive and collaborative, incorporating group work, discussions, guest lectures, and regular engagement with tutors and subject experts. Practical components are designed to advance understanding and help students apply their knowledge in real-world research and clinical contexts.

Oxford College affiliation

As a matriculated postgraduate degree student, you will become a member of one of the University’s multidisciplinary colleges, enabling you to encounter new perspectives in your field or learn more about many other subjects from fellow college members.

The collegiate system makes studying at Oxford a truly special experience. Oxford colleges are friendly and diverse communities, where you could find yourself absorbed in fascinating conversations with students and academics from a variety of disciplines at college seminars, dinners, and informal occasions.

For a list of colleges that accept students on the MSc in Experimental and Translational Therapeutics, please see the ‘college preference’ tab on the Graduate Admissions course page.

To find out more about Oxford University colleges, please consult the University’s Graduate Admissions website.

The Course Directors are Professor Len Seymour and Dr Elaine Johnstone.

Each module of the MSc is delivered by leading clinicians and scientists at the University of Oxford and other institutions across the UK.

• Professor Len Seymour: Module Lead of Biological Therapeutics module
• Dr Elaine Johnstone: Module Lead of Pharmacodynamics, Biomarkers and Personalised Therapy module
• Professor Rachel Kerr: Module Lead of The Structure of Clinical Trials and Experimental Therapeutics module
• Dr Emma Mead: Module Lead of Drug Development, Pharmacokinetics and Imaging module
• Dr Michael Theodorakis: Module Lead of Adverse Drug Reactions, Drug Interactions and Pharmacovigilance module

Ms Susan Tonks and Dr Grant D Vallance: Module Leads of How to do Research on Therapeutic Interventions: Protocol Preparation module

To qualify for the award of an MSc, you will need to:

• Complete and pass six taught modules, submitting a written assignment with each module. All modules are compulsory and are delivered during a teaching week, taught face-to-face in Oxford. This is a variable-intensity part-time programme and you will be asked to choose which modules you wish to complete at the beginning of each academic year. The module weeks run once each year on fixed dates which are published in advance. We recommend Module 1 is taken in the first year and Module 6 in the second, with some flexibility in the order taken for modules 2, 3, 4 and 5. You may wish to discuss a personal study plan at interview.
• Feedback will be provided for each module assignment when provisional marks are released. Assessment is summative and weighted marks for each assignment will count towards your overall result for the MSc. Full details of the assessment structure are included in the Course Handbook provided to on-course students.
• You will also submit a research dissertation. You will be expected to define your own dissertation topic in consultation with your allocated supervisor and the Course Director.

Degree-level qualifications

As a minimum, applicants should hold or be predicted to achieve the following UK qualifications or their equivalent:

• a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in a biological science or medical science subject, including pharmacy and nursing, or an equivalent level of demonstrable understanding and competence as a result of training.

Professional experience may be accepted as a substitute for a relevant undergraduate degree where an equivalent level of understanding and competence can be demonstrated.

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum overall GPA that is normally required to meet the undergraduate-level requirement is 3.6 out of 4.0.

If your degree is not from the UK or another country specified above, visit our International Qualifications page for guidance on the qualifications and grades that would usually be considered to meet the University’s minimum entry requirements.

Other qualifications and relevant experience

• You should have some practical experience in research and/or development, usually via employment in a medical science-based company, research establishment or facility.
• You must be able to demonstrate a good working knowledge of email, internet, word processing and Windows applications (for communications with course members, course team and administration).

Successful applicants will normally provide evidence of all of the following:

• a general interest in experimental therapeutics, personalised therapy, translational science and translational medicine, as evidenced by prior experience, interest and work;
• motivation and ability to complete the course; and
• a clear and well-argued understanding of the benefits of the course to the candidate’s current employment and future prospects.

Publications are not required.

English language proficiency

This course requires proficiency in English at the University’s higher level. If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence that you meet this requirement. Further information on English language requirements can be found here.

Please visit the MSc in Experimental and Translational Therapeutics page on the University of Oxford Graduate Admissions website for details of course fees and costs.

Please see our funding page for help and information with regard to funding postgraduate studies. We further recommend that applicants search for funding opportunities via the online Fees, Funding and Scholarship search tool.

In order to be considered for many scholarships, applicants are required to apply by the January deadline. However, applicants should note that some scholarships require additional application materials and may have different deadlines, so applicants should make sure they check the application process for each scholarship carefully.

Applications for this course should be made via the University of Oxford Graduate Admissions MSc in Experimental and Translational Therapeutics website. This website provides information on fees and entry requirements, along with help on preparing and submitting your application.

Application deadlines

12:00 midday UK time on:

• Stage 1: Friday 14 November 2025 (Applications more likely to receive earlier decisions)
• Stage 2: Wednesday 28 January 2026 (Latest deadline for most Oxford scholarships)
• Stage 3: Tuesday 3 March 2026

When to apply

Early application for the programme is strongly advised. After the March deadline, the course will only stay open for that year’s entry if places are still available.

Remember that it can take a number of weeks to obtain all of the documents you need and to prepare a competitive application. You should also allow your referees plenty of time to submit your references. We therefore recommend you apply as soon as possible.

Interviews are normally held as part of the admissions process within six weeks of the application deadline.