Molecular Pathology

Entry requirements

A 2.1 Honours degree or equivalent.

Months of entry

Anytime

Course content

Research in pathology is about understanding of disease mechanism. Our history of research and teaching in pathology extends over 200 years and our current Department of Pathology, opened in Queen Elizabeth University Hospital May 2012, is one of the largest in Europe. With £3.4 million of MRC/EPSRC awards for our campus Glasgow Molecular Pathology Node (2015-2019), our aim is to bring the Precision Medicine research into diagnostic practice.

Our concept of Molecular Pathology research stems in the tissue-based investigations that provide the important bases for Precision Medicine. Understanding the disease mechanism helps development of new therapies. Therapy stratification could be enhanced by better prediction of therapy response by molecular, and non-invasive, novel biomarkers. The disease area we work on encompasses cancer, inflammation, cardiovascular diseases, and many others. The research projects can address biological questions (basic science) and/or those in alignment with clinical gap of knowledge and diagnostic needs (clinical).

Use of modern technologies by the well-trained, skilled scientists and healthcare practitioners play an important role in delivering Precision Medicine. Our research projects can involve approaches such as:

• histopathology
• multiplex immunofluorescence
• quantitative pathology image analysis
• immune profiling
• digital pathology
• machine learning
• genetics, such as Next Generation exome and genomic sequencing and expression profiling.

Our research groups are located in the University of Glasgow labs within Laboratory Medicine Building, Queen Elisabeth University Hospital campus. Across our clinical and academic staff interests, the opportunities for Molecular Pathology research is offered to both medical and life science students. Our projects benefit from the close working relationship with Glasgow Tissue Research Facility (GTRF) as well as collaborations with the Schools in the College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences.

Our PhD programmes offer training in tissue-based research using modern technologies in the forefront of Molecular Pathology. The project could address important biological questions or clinical needs and may involve use of model and/or clinical specimens, as well as images, numerical and clinical data. Supervisors are clinical and/or non-clinical academics in UofG and NHS, in close collaboration with research institutes and schools of UofG, such as Institute of Cancer Sciences, Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, and Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences.

Information for international students

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training)

• 6.5 with no sub-test under 6.0.
• Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.