Experimental and Translational Therapeutics (Taught)

The information provided on this page was correct at the time of publication (November 2025). For complete and up-to-date information about this course, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas.

The MSc in Experimental and Translational Therapeutics (MSc) is a part-time taught course combining six intensive modules with a research dissertation, focusing on drug development, clinical trials, biomarkers, and personalised medicine.

Oxford has made a major contribution to modern molecular medicine and Oxford’s senior scientists have provided significant insights to our understanding of cancer, diabetes, and cardiac, haematological and infectious diseases. There is an opportunity to harness these advances and translate them into therapeutic benefits for patients.

The MSc in Experimental and Translational Therapeutics draws on the world class research and teaching in experimental therapeutics at the University of Oxford and aims to provide you with the necessary training and practical experience to enable you to understand the principles that underpin clinical research, and to translate that understanding into good clinical and research practice.

The programme will appeal to health professionals from a variety of backgrounds, including:

• qualified doctors

• specialist registrars in clinical pharmacology or in training for other medical sub-specialities

• clinical research fellows

• pharmacists

• nurses

• graduates working in the pharmaceutical industry or in academic clinical trials.

Course structure
The MSc is a part-time course consisting of six modules and a research project and dissertation. The modules include group work, discussions, guest lectures, and interaction and feedback with tutors and lecturers, as well as practical work that develops your knowledge and understanding of the subject.

The programme is normally completed in two to three years, but up to a maximum of four years may be taken. You will be a full member of the University of Oxford and matriculated as a member of a college.

Students must submit a dissertation on a research project that builds on material studied in the taught modules. The project is normally supervised by an academic supervisor from the University of Oxford, and an employer-based mentor.