MscR: Identifying molecular mechanisms and strategies to control cell competition in tissues

Cell competition is a fundamental biological process akin to natural selection at the cellular level that controls tissue colonisation in healthy tissues and in disease conditions, such as cancer. Through this selection process, cells that are relatively less fit, mis-specified or that harbour some oncogenic mutations are eliminated, and hence called losers, when in proximity of fitter cells, termed winners. This results in the progressive elimination of the loser population and their replacement by winner cells, through active tissue colonization. Our group investigates the mechanisms that allow cells to compete. Using both Drosophila and mammalian in vitro models we have discovered novel mediators of cell competition. Join us for an exciting year of research and help us investigate and discover novel genes and pathways involved in this process.

MSc by Research (MScR) is a 1-year research degree that provides an intensive lab-based training and a preparation for PhD study.  You will carry out your studies as part of your research group – like a PhD student does.  Towards the end of the year, you write up a thesis on your research and are examined on this.  This degree suits students wanting to gain maximum research experience in preparation for PhD applications.   

We are keen to recruit a diverse range of students and to ensure our research is open to all. We particularly welcome applications from groups traditionally under-represented in life sciences research. Please check the University webpages for the current tuition fee information.  Most MScR projects also require a bench fee.  This varies depending on the research and your project supervisor can tell you the bench fee for the project. 

How to Apply

You should apply to the Faculty of Life Sciences, School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine selecting the programme Cellular and Molecular Medicine MSc by Research.

Please ensure you upload all supporting documents as per the admissions statement (which applies to both PhD and MScR programmes): PhD Cellular and Molecular Medicine | Study at Bristol | University of Bristol. 

Clearly indicate the supervisor's name and project title in the relevant section of the application form.

The system will not allow you to submit your application without uploading a document to the research statement section.  Where this is an optional requirement, please upload a blank Word document which is headed “No research statement required”.

Applications are accepted all year round. However, the preferred entry points for study are September / January / April / July.