Faculty of Medical Sciences

Postgraduate Programmes

MPhil/PhD in Molecular Medicine

About the Programme

Molecular Medicine is an interdisciplinary field that applies modern biological and medical approaches to understand how diseases develop at the cellular and molecular level, and to use that knowledge to improve disease discovery, diagnosis, and treatment. It emphasizes identifying the underlying molecular causes of disease and developing or refining interventions that can correct or modify these processes, helping to bridge basic research and clinical practice.

Training equips students with core theoretical, practical, and analytical skills for basic, clinical, and translational research, while fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. Most notably, it facilitates the development of independent investigators.

What Will I Study?

You will learn to:

  • Apply advanced Molecular Medicine concepts to understand disease and inform prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
  • Design and conduct rigorous, ethical research using appropriate methodologies and relevant molecular medicine approaches.
  • Analyse and interpret biomedical (and where relevant, clinical) data to answer high-impact research questions.
  • Translate discoveries into clinical relevance, including identifying potential therapeutic targets and opportunities to improve patient outcomes.
  • Communicate research effectively through scientific writing and presentations, developing independence as a researcher.
  • Work transdisciplinarily and collaboratively, with flexibility for clinicians, DM graduates, and basic scientists.

Career Opportunities

The programme supports the development of independent investigators prepared for careers in academia, industry, and the healthcare sector, contributing to advances in medical research and improved health outcomes.

Why Study in Barbados

If you are a regional or international student, we welcome you to broaden your knowledge, in our beautiful, multicultural environment.

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At a Glance

  • Degree Level: Postgraduate
  • Qualification: MPhil/PhD
  • Duration: Full time: 3-5 Years

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Programme Details

MPhil Students are required to take:

  • Advanced and System Based Molecular Medicine (6 credits)
  • Research Skills for Basic Medical Sciences (3 credits)

 

PhD Students are required to take:

  • Advanced and System Based Molecular Medicine (6 credits)
  • Research Skills for Basic Medical Sciences (3 credits)
  • Communicating Science (3 credits) (Replaces Writing a Scientific Article)
  • Biostatistics (2 credits) (optional)

 

In total, students in the MPhil and PhD degree programme are required to successfully:

  1. Complete a minimum of nine (9) credits of coursework for MPhil; twelve (12) credits of coursework for PhD,
  2. Present seminars (2 for MPhil/3 for PhD), and
  3. Submit a thesis.

 

Compulsory Seminar Presentations:
Candidates are required to write and present one departmental seminar each academic year on a topic arising out of their research, as well as to field questions put to them afterwards.

Thesis:
Candidates are required to present and defend a Thesis of acceptable scope and quality for the degree. The Thesis must follow the guidelines set out in the University’s Thesis guide.

The MPhil/PhD in Molecular Medicine programme is a self-financed programme.

Tuition fee: BDS $ 25,000 per annum

 

The other annual University Fees are NOT included in the cost of the tuition fee.

A. MPhil entry requirements

Applicants must hold either an MB BS or a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (Upper Second Class Honours or equivalent) from a recognised post-secondary institution in one of the following (or a closely related discipline):

  • Biochemistry
  • Biology (Human/Animal)
  • Biomedical Sciences
  • Microbiology
  • Molecular and/or Cell Biology
  • Molecular and/or Human Genetics
  • Biotechnology

 

B. PhD entry requirements

Applicants must hold a Master of Science (MSc) or Master in Research (MRes) degree in Molecular Medicine or a closely related discipline, including:

  • Biochemistry
  • Biomedical Sciences
  • Microbiology
  • Molecular and/or Cell Biology
  • Genetics / Molecular and/or Human Genetics
  • Biotechnology

 

In addition, applicants must provide:

i. Evidence of completion of two semesters of Level I–III Biology and Chemistry (or equivalent).
ii. Two letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to the applicant’s character, scientific ability, and relevant experience.