Cellular and Molecular Medicine courses

Students who choose to study with us will gain a broad training in biomedical science and will learn about the cellular and molecular basis of human diseases caused by micro-organisms. These areas of study include SARS-CoV-2, influenza, meningitis and AIDS, as well as cancer and autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, diabetes and arthritis. The courses we offer reflect our standing as an internationally recognised centre of excellent in the research areas of cancer biology, immunology, bacteriology, virology, regenerative medicine and stem cell biology. 

Teaching in Cellular and Molecular Medicine is undertaken by active researchers as well as medical doctors, and this provides an ideal environment in which to study. Our science courses are designed to give students a variety of choices and flexibility, allowing them to specialise as their interests develop. They are also available as either an MSci programme or a BSc programme with Study in Industry.

Find out more about all Cellular and Molecular Medicine degrees in the online prospectus, with details about the course structure, assessment, career prospects and how to apply.

Please note that you can transfer between any of the CMM programmes and do not have to decide on your final degree until the end of your second year. The name of the programme you will graduate with will be determined by your choice of year three units.

Cellular and Molecular Medicine

This is the most broad-based of our degree programmes and you will gain extensive training in the cellular and molecular basis of human diseases. In the final year you will be able to choose from the full range of optional units which reflect our research strengths in the areas of cancer biology, stem cell biology and regenerative medicine, and infection and immunology, and will also undertake a research project in any of these areas. Choose this degree if you don’t yet want to specialise and want access to the broadest range of optional units. 

Choose the MSci degree if you have ambitions to continue in research and want the extra experience and a competitive edge in applying for PhDs or research jobs. This option enables an extended research project in the final year, and advanced research skills training with an emphasis on translating and commercialising research. 

• BSc Cellular and Molecular Medicine (B130) available for intercalation.
• BSc Cellular and Molecular Medicine with a year in industry 
  
• MSci Cellular and Molecular Medicine (B133) 

Cancer Biology and Immunology

With this programme you will focus on the cellular and molecular basis of cancer and its therapy, as well as autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, diabetes and arthritis, and human cancers caused by viruses, such as papilloma and hepatitis B. In the final year you will undertake a research project in either Cancer Biology or Immunology. Choose this programme if you already know that you want to focus on Cancer. 

Choose the MSci degree if you have ambitions to continue in research and want the extra experience and a competitive edge in applying for PhDs or research jobs. This option enables an extended research project in the final year, and advanced research skills training with an emphasis on translating and commercialising research. 

• BSc Cancer Biology and Immunology (B131) available for intercalation.
• BSc Cancer Biology and Immunology with a year in industry
  
• MSci Cancer Biology and Immunology (B132) 

Medical Microbiology

This is the programme for you if you want to focus on the cellular and molecular basis of human diseases caused by microorganisms, such as shigella and tuberculosis, and viruses. As well as learning about the immune response to a variety of infectious microbes, you will investigate how bacteria acquire antibiotic resistance. You will work on a final year research project in Medical Microbiology. Choose this programme if you already know that you want to focus on Microbiology. 

Choose the MSci degree if you have ambitions to continue in research and want the extra experience and a competitive edge in applying for PhDs or research jobs. This option enables an extended research project in the final year, and advanced research skills training with an emphasis on translating and commercialising research. 

• BSc Medical Microbiology (C521) available for intercalation.
• BSc Medical Microbiology with a year in industry 
  
• MSci Medical Microbiology (C522)
  

Virology and Immunology

With this programme you will focus on the immune system and how it controls infection and viruses and the diseases they cause. You will learn about cutting-edge issues in virology and immunology, including emerging viruses such as SARS-CoV-2, Marburg and Ebola viruses. You will also learn about the problems associated with the production of vaccines. You will work on a final year research project in either virology or immunology. Choose this programme if you already know that you want to focus on Viruses. 

Choose the MSci degree if you have ambitions to continue in research and want the extra experience and a competitive edge in applying for PhDs or research jobs. This option enables an extended research project in the final year, and advanced research skills training with an emphasis on translating and commercialising research. 

• BSc Virology and Immunology (C540) available for intercalation.
• BSc Virology and Immunology with a year in industry 
  
• MSci Virology and Immunology (C541) 

CMM programmes versus Biomedical Sciences

Choose a CMM programme if you want to have a broad first year studying the cellular and molecular basis of human diseases, then either keep things open (BSc CMM) or specialise in Microbiology, Virology, or Cancer Biology/Immunology, with the option of staying on for a 4th year to do an MSci.

Choose Biomedical Sciences if you want to have a broad grounding in Biomedical Sciences in year 1 and then get to specialise in the areas of systems, systems and molecules, or cells and molecules in years 2 and 3.

Biomedical Sciences

BSc Biomedical Sciences is a flexible course which incorporates units across three Schools: Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Biochemistry, and Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience.  Students who choose the Cells and Molecules pathway in this programme can subsequently apply to transfer to an MSci programme in the School, if you find that you would like to undertake further study (you will need to decide by the end of year 2 if you want to transfer).

• BSc Biomedical Sciences (B900) 

Research Skills

As part of your final year research project you will become an active member of one of our research groups. You will learn problem-solving and data handling skills either in a laboratory or via literature/computer-based research.

Year in industry

You can also study any of our courses with an additional year in industry.

Intercalated degrees

An intercalated award in CMM is an additional undergraduate degree (BSc) that you complete in an intensive year away from your normal medical, dental or veterinary studes. All UK and international medical, dental and vet students can intercalate onto our courses. Find out more about all the options and how to intercalate onto CMM courses at Bristol. 

International applicants

We welcome and encourage applications from international students. Find out more about our scholarships for international students, as well as information about applying to and studying at Bristol.

Careers

As one of our students you will acquire practical research skills and an ability to understand complex scientific data. You will also have had the opportunity during your time with us to develop many transferrable skills to take into your future career.

Get in touch

For any queries about applying for our courses, contact the Enquiries team, they can answer any questions regarding study and admission to the University, as well as open days, campus tours, interviews and visit days for offer holders.

Tel: +44 (0) 117 394 1649
Email: choosebristol-ug@bristol.ac.uk