MPhil Organelle Function: The University of Manchester

Course description

The MPhil is a one-year research degree where students get the opportunity to study a specific research project. The MPhil degree can act as a stand-alone degree for applicants who would like to gain experience in a specific area, or can be linked to a PhD programme. Rather than register on a direct entry 3 or 4 year PhD, some postgraduates may first register on a one-year MPhil programme. Subsequently students may then wish to transfer on to a full PhD programme with a further 2 or 3 years of study.

Specific mechanisms promote the correct folding and assembly of newly synthesised proteins and ensure that these molecules are transported to their appropriate compartment within a eukaryotic cell. Many diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, are related to defects in one or more of these processes and their work is focused on two broad themes. The first encompasses how proteins are transported into and across the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondrial membranes and how they are folded and assembled in these organelles. The second involves defining the machinery and mechanisms responsible for the sorting and transport of proteins between the different compartments of the endomembrane system and in maintaining organelle identity. Their goal is to understand the underlying mechanisms for each process and how they are regulated. This knowledge will provide them with an intellectual framework within which specific diseases can be studied.

Career opportunities

The majority of their MPhil students choose to study for a subsequent 2 or 3 years to gain a PhD qualification. Other students use the skills they have acquired to move into related areas such as education, information technology, consultancy and management, helped by the comprehensive skills training they gain during their programme of study.

Entry requirements

Academic entry qualification overview:

The standard entry requirement for MPhil study is a First or Upper Second class honours degree, or the overseas equivalent, in a relevant subject. In certain circumstances, a Lower Second class honours degree supplemented by appropriate relevant experience, may be acceptable.

English language:

For MPhil applicants whose first language is not English an IELTS score of 6.5, TOEFL 577 (paper based), TOEFL 233 (computer based) or TOEFL 90 (internet based) is required as a minimum.