Skip navigation
Structural Molecular Biology at Birkbeck, University of London - UCAS

There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

Course summary

Our postgraduate structural molecular biology course provides you with excellent training and education in the core knowledge and skills required by scientists concerned with structural molecular biology methods relating to protein and cellular structural analysis. MSc and Postgraduate Diploma in Structural Molecular Biology The MSc and PG Dip are taught through a combination of on-campus and online teaching with lots of opportunity for you to gain hands-on experience in our world-class research laboratories. We offer you:

  • an in-depth introduction to the field of molecular bioscience
  • knowledge of the core areas of structural biology needed to study biological molecules and more complex samples
  • an opportunity to gain understanding of molecular microbiology techniques
  • training in research skills, covering both a wide range of laboratory methods as well as statistics and data handling.
On the MSc, you will then be able to extend your skills and knowledge further with the completion of an independent experimental research project within one of our research groups. Postgraduate Certificate in Structural Molecular Biology This innovative course is taught entirely online, so you can study part-time in your own time, wherever you are in the world. It suits many of our students who continue to pursue full-time employment and manage family responsibilities. It is ideal if you are a scientist wishing to update your knowledge, or as background studies if you are a research student, particularly if your undergraduate studies were in a different area. You will learn key experimental techniques in modern structural biology and methods for carrying out structural biology research. Highlights
  • Birkbeck's world-class researchers contribute to our structural molecular biology courses. Along with University College London, Birkbeck is also part of the leading research-based Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology.
  • In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF), in a joint submission with UCL, Biological Sciences at Birkbeck were ranked 11th in the UK, with a research environment supporting world-leading and internationally excellent research.
Careers and employability Graduates can pursue career paths in research, science writing, teaching and academia. The course is also ideal for graduates already working in industry, to enlarge their theoretical background and complement their practical experience. You will find structural molecular biology graduates continuing their study to PhD level or progressing in careers in areas such as:
  • research, testing, product development and quality assurance laboratories within universities and industry settings
  • the healthcare sector
  • education.
We offer a comprehensive careers service - Careers and Enterprise - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education and future ambitions.

Modules

For information about course structure and the modules you will be studying, please visit Birkbeck’s online prospectus.

Assessment method

Assessment will include quizzes and short written exercises to test and develop your knowledge and understanding. It will also include longer reports based on practical activities you have completed to show your own interpretation of data and presentations.


How to apply

International applicants

If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests. If you don't meet the minimum IELTS requirement, we offer pre-sessional English courses and foundation programmes to help you improve your English language skills and get your place at Birkbeck.

Entry requirements

A second-class honours degree (2:2) or above in science, computing or mathematics, or equivalent qualification, or relevant work experience. Applications are reviewed on their individual merits and your professional qualifications and/or relevant work experience will be taken into consideration positively. We actively support and encourage applications from mature learners.


Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England £8100 Year 1
Northern Ireland £8100 Year 1
Scotland £8100 Year 1
Wales £8100 Year 1
International £13220 Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

Students are charged a tuition fee in each year of their course. Tuition fees for students continuing on their course in following years may be subject to annual inflationary increases.
Structural Molecular Biology at Birkbeck, University of London - UCAS