Structural Biology MRes

  • Postgraduate taught
  • MRes

Structural Biology

Train in major structural biology techniques for a career in research.

Receive training in structural biology for a career in research

Build laboratory and computational- skills to understand how biological function derives from structure

Develop your research expertise in a single, in-depth research project

Course key facts

  • Qualification

    • MRes

  • Duration

    1 year

  • Start date

    September 2025

  • Study mode

    Full-time

  • Fees

    • £15,500 Home

    • £38,600 Overseas

  • Delivered by

  • Location

    • South Kensington

Minimum entry standard

  • 2:1 in a physical sciences-based subject, including biochemistry, molecular biology, or similar.

View full entry requirements

Course overview

Build skills towards a successful career in research on this Master's course, which specialises in structural biology.

You'll receive in-depth training of structural biology techniques.

Knowing the structure of a protein is vital to understanding how the protein works.

This course will provide an overview of the techniques used to derive biological function from structure.

You'll become familiar with the macromolecular structural determination techniques needed for success. 

Extensive laboratory-based research will provide opportunities to learn skills in areas including biological NMR, X-ray crystallography, cryoEM, and structural bioinformatics.

You'll also consolidate your learning through workshops on topics from time management to clarity in writing. 

The course immerses you in a research environment and includes networking by organising talks from structural biology researchers from outside of Imperial.

 

Structure

This page is updated regularly to reflect the latest version of the curriculum. However, this information is subject to change.

Find out more about potential course changes.

Please note: it may not always be possible to take specific combinations of modules due to timetabling conflicts. For confirmation, please check with the relevant department.

This MRes centres around a single, year-long research project. All assessments are courseworks associated with the project taking you from writing a Literature Review through a mock Grant Proposal to a final Research Report. These are split across three core modules.

  • Introduction to Structural Biology
  • Skills for Success in Structural Biology Research
  • Research Project in Structural Biology

Below are examples of subject areas conducted by supervisors:

  • Membrane protein structure-function
  • Human disease and infection
  • Photosynthesis and bioenergetics
  • Transcriptional regulation and mechanism
  • Enzyme catalysis
  • Macromolecular machines

Teaching and assessment

Teaching and learning methods

  • Person at lectern giving speech
    Class-based lectures
  • Computer labs
  • Literature dissertation
  • People collaborating and completing practical work.
    Training in structural bioinformatics
  • Individual lab research projects
  • Blackboard virtual learning environment
    Web tools for the analysis of protein sequences and structures

Balance of assessment

Key

  • Research project one
  • Literature dissertation and research project two

  • 50% Research project one
  • 50% Literature dissertation and research project two

Assessment methods

  • Individual research project reports
  • Laboratory performance
  • Oral presentations
  • Oral assessments

Entry requirements

We consider all applicants on an individual basis, welcoming students from all over the world.

How to apply

Apply online

You can submit one application form per year of entry. You can choose up to two courses.

Application deadlines – Round 1 closes on Thursday 16 January 2025

Tuition fees

Home fee

2025 entry

£15,500

Overseas fee

2025 entry

£38,600

How will studying at Imperial help my career?

Learn the skills necessary to pursue a career in structural biology, whether it's in academia or industry.

Skills workshops will also improve your expertise in networking, time management, writing, and wellbeing.

Life Sciences graduates from Imperial are also highly sought after in a variety of employment sectors.

Life Sciences graduates from Imperial are also highly sought after in a variety of employment sectors.

Other potential career options include banking and finance, education, and manufacturing.

Terms and conditions

There are some important pieces of information you should be aware of when applying to Imperial. These include key information about your tuition fees, funding, visas, accommodation and more.

Read our terms and conditions

You can find further information about your course, including degree classifications, regulations, progression and awards in the programme specification for your course.

Programme specifications