Diabetes MSc

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Course Summary

This course aims to provide you with the skills to advance your specialist knowledge on the different types of diabetes and associated complications, the pathophysiology and diagnosis, as well as understanding up-to-date therapeutic approaches. The course is suitable for healthcare professionals, researchers and intercalating medical students who want to advance their career.

During the course you will acquire knowledge for a bench-to-bedside approach (Translational Medicine), applying cutting edge and innovative discoveries established in laboratory and clinical trials into modern day practice to improve diabetic patient outcomes and personalised care. You will be enabled to advance your knowledge and skills in diabetes and foster a comprehensive understanding of pathophysiology, prognostic, diagnostic and contemporary treatments and how innovations in biomedical research can lead to real-world medical advancement in clinical practice.

CourseSummary

This course aims to inform and equip you, the practitioner, with the necessary skills to function in a modern biomedical/clinical environment that specialises in therapeutics for the cancer patient. With the development of modern technologies, the detection and diagnosis of cancer have become more sophisticated. With greater insight into the disease processes comes greater knowledge. This MSc is designed to develop and further your understanding and knowledge of oncology, focusing on up-to-date research and developments in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. The course is aimed at any healthcare team members involved in the patient's diagnosis, treatment and care. 

During the course, you will acquire knowledge of a bench-to-bedside approach (Translational Medicine), applying cutting-edge and innovative discoveries established in laboratory and clinical trials into modern-day practice to improve cancer patients' outcomes and personalised care. You will advance your knowledge and skills in oncology and foster a comprehensive understanding of pathophysiology, prognostic, diagnostic and contemporary treatments, and how innovations in biomedical research can lead to real-world medical advancement in clinical practice.

We have a vibrant postgraduate community that thrives on diversity, and a specialist support system with many students learning new skills and making excellent academic progress. 

Who is this course for?

This course is ideal for individuals who are passionate about improving patient outcomes through the integration of scientific discoveries and clinical advancements and is relevant to:

  • healthcare professionals seeking to enhance their understanding of their specialism and translational medicine, and apply cutting-edge research to clinical practice
  • biomedical and life sciences graduates aiming to advance their knowledge and skills in innovative therapeutic solutions
  • research scientists interested in bridging the gap between laboratory research and patient care, with a focus on real-world clinical applications.
  • aspiring leaders in healthcare innovation who want to gain expertise in multidisciplinary collaboration, regulatory frameworks and the ethical aspects of therapeutic development.

Find out more about International Scholarships 

Why You'll Love It

Career focused

Our course is structured to give you advanced skills and knowledge in diabetes that will advance your career and support lifelong learning in health.

Biomedical student putting liquid in pods in the lab session

Learn from subject experts

Our course is delivered by subject experts in research, teaching and clinical practice. The course belongs to Chester Medical School, meaning we are able to use clinic experts who can bring real life contemporary clinical practice into the classroom.

A group in a biomedical lab doing tests using testing equipment.

Practical learning in a supportive, diverse learning environment

Our learning and teaching approaches include active seminars, lectures and applied practical sessions. Our student body is diverse and consists of individuals from across the world, from different educational, cultural, and health and science backgrounds. Therefore, our course is designed to suit all learning needs, and we pride ourselves on the support offered to you from Chester Medical School and the University's student services.

What You'll Study

Modules

The focus of this module is to enable you to develop your knowledge of audit, enterprise, research and service development in your specialism and prepare a proposal. The module will explore the concept of translational medicine and implementation science and how these relate to development of practice and knowledge. You will develop the ability to design a rigorous research study or service improvement that applies implementation science theories, models, and methods, tailored to the specific context of the chosen intervention or practice. The module will also facilitate your critical reading and writing skills which is relevant to future employability and careers.

This module aims to equip you with the knowledge and skills to critically engage with the evidence base underpinning your subject. You will learn to formulate research questions that drive knowledge translation in your field (Diabetes, Oncology, Orthopaedics or Respiratory), systematically identify and evaluate relevant evidence, and apply the principles of evidence-based medicine within translational medicine. Through this module, you will develop an understanding of the different types of evidence used in clinical decision-making, from laboratory research to patient care. You will explore how empirical research informs healthcare guidelines and practice, bridging the gap between scientific discovery and clinical application.

This module is focused on the precision medicine approach, looking systematically at a bigger picture of a patient journey from a presentation to NHS with first symptoms to the treatment protocol passing the diagnostic process.

Students will focus on diseases or elements of the pathology or system of relevance to their programme.

The module aims to give you a deep understanding of the pathophysiology, progression and complications of the different types of diabetes. You will be able to describe the updated strategies available for clinical management as well as the evidence base available to support decision making.

This module consolidates the learning and knowledge acquisition provided on the course and focuses on a student led project. The taught modules will have developed your knowledge and understanding of, and insight into, the research process and developing a service improvement. You will have developed a variety of skills in relation to retrieving and appraising research evidence and collecting and analysing qualitative and quantitative data. The dissertation module builds on this foundation and provides the opportunity for students, with tutorial support, to use this repertoire to plan, design and carry out either a piece of primary research, a systematic review or service improvement independently. You will develop the ability to refine and undertake a rigorous study that applies implementation science theories, models, and methods, tailored to the specific context of the chosen intervention or practice.

You will learn research and project management skills that will help you make real and lasting improvements in health services including the ability to undertake further research projects, to present your findings clearly to a wide range of audiences and be able to use a range of communication and dissemination strategies.

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the course that will take the form of either core or option modules and should be used as a guide. We review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects. If during a review process, course content is significantly changed, we will contact you to notify you of these changes if you receive an offer from us.

Who You'll Learn From

Dr Ioannis Kanakis

Associate Professor
Dr Ioannis Kanakis

Dr Emma Wilson

Senior Lecturer
Dr Emma Wilson

Dr Chris Broughton

Lecturer
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Dr Svetlana Mysina

Senior Lecturer
Dr Svetlana Mysina

How You'll Learn

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Masterclasses and lab based inductions are managed via a formative portfolio that you will be able to use for future employment

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All assessments are coursework based and the majority of topics are student led

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Teaching is centred around in-person learning: workshops, seminars, and practical classes

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There are occasional live online sessions

Your learning will be facilitated through a wide range of learning and teaching methods. These diverse methods will enable you as an individual to reach you full potential. The course is taught as a journey where each module prepares you for the final dissertation/project module taking a bench-to-bedside approach using case studies to guide learning. Teaching will be centred around in-person learning such as workshops, seminars and practical classes that are informed by contemporary research and evidence. There are occasional live online sessions. From the course induction to the end, you will be supported to develop your academic and professional skills, including masterclasses and mandatory training such as lab-based inductions, and this will be managed via a formative portfolio that you will be able to use for future employment.

You will also get the opportunity to undertake a project or a piece of research relevant to diabetes. You will receive training in the skills required for the reading and interpretation of the literature and translating that into evidence-based practice. We aim to develop your research and writing skills so that you will be in a position to contribute to the scientific literature in an effective manner.

All of our assessments are coursework based and the majority of assessment topics are student led, which means you can focus on increasing your specialist knowledge of diabetes. We will teach you how to interrogate the evidence that supports the use of the current diagnostic methods and treatment strategies of diabetes to allow you to understand and evaluate the most advanced strategies available worldwide.

Entry Requirements

2:2 honours degree

Applicants must hold an appropriate first degree with a minimum of 2:2 honours (e.g. in Medicine, Biomedical Science, Dietetics, Human Biology) or hold appropriate professional qualifications and be able to demonstrate suitable background knowledge and skills.

Applications are invited from:

  • Those with related undergraduate degrees (e.g. Biomedical Science, Dietetics) or equivalent professional qualifications and background experience
  • Junior doctors
  • NHS staff
  • International students with appropriate qualifications
  • International doctors or healthcare professionals.

2:2 honours degree

Applicants must hold an appropriate first degree with a minimum of 2:2 honours (e.g. in Medicine, Biomedical Science, Dietetics, Human Biology) or hold appropriate professional qualifications and be able to demonstrate suitable background knowledge and skills.

Applications are invited from:

  • Those with related undergraduate degrees (e.g. Biomedical Science, Dietetics) or equivalent professional qualifications and background experience
  • Junior doctors
  • NHS staff
  • International students with appropriate qualifications
  • International doctors or healthcare professionals.

English Language Requirements

For more information on our English Language requirements, please visit International Entry Requirements.

Where You'll Study Exton Park, Chester

The location

Exton Park is close to the city centre of Chester, a city like no other and an amazing place to live as a student. While it is undoubtedly beautiful and packed with history, Chester is also a bustling 21st-century city balancing big-name shopping, eating and living with a thriving independent scene.

Modern learning resources and library

We have dedicated resources and IT services across campus, as well as our Seaborne Library; home to an extensive selection of books, e-books and e-journals, as well as bookable multimedia rooms, video conferencing space, 24-hour access computer labs, and The Hub; a comfortable two-floor study zone, suitable for independent and group study.

Seaborne library, seating and reception area.

Fitness facilities

Exton Park boasts an impressive choice of indoor and outdoor sports and leisure facilities, which are used for both competitive and recreational sports. Our facilities include a swimming pool, gym, squash, and tennis courts, running track and two floodlit pitches.

A male student wearing goggles is swimming in the training pool between the red rope lane marker lines.

Student Services

Exton Park is home to a number of our central support services, including Disability and Inclusion, Careers and Employability, and Student Support.

Chapel, chaplaincy and multi-faith spaces

Built in 1847 by former students, the University Chapel offers regular services and a venue to services. The University of Chester also has multi-faith spaces across the campus for prayer or quiet reflection.

Accommodation

Most of our student accommodation is located either on or near Exton Park.

Catering

We have several catering outlets available onsite, offering a wide selection of hot and cold food to students and visitors. Term-time Meal Schemes are also available for those students interested in non-residential catering schemes.

Fees and Funding

£8,775for a full-time course (2025/26)

Guides to the fees for students who wish to commence postgraduate courses are available to view on our Postgraduate Taught Programmes Fees page. Here you will also find information about part-time fees and project/placement year fees.

£15,000for a full-time course (2025/26)

The tuition fees for international students studying Postgraduate programmes in 2025/26 are £15,000.

Please note: For MSc programmes where a placement or project year is undertaken there will be an additional charge of £2,750 for the placement/project year (due at the start of the second year of the course).

The University of Chester offers generous international and merit-based scholarships for postgraduate study, providing a significant reduction to the published headline tuition fee. You will automatically be considered for these scholarships when your application is reviewed, and any award given will be stated on your offer letter.

For more information, go to our International Fees, Scholarship and Finance section.

Irish Nationals living in the UK or ROI are treated as Home students for Tuition Fee Purposes.

Your course will involve additional costs not covered by your tuition fees. This may include books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery and related materials, specialist clothing, travel to placements, optional field trips and software. Compulsory field trips are covered by your tuition fees. 

The University of Chester supports fair access for students who may need additional support through a range of bursaries and scholarships. 

Full details, as well as terms and conditions for all bursaries and scholarships can be found on the Fees and Finance section of our website.

Your Future Career

Job Prospects 

Upon completion of the course, there are job opportunities in NHS Trusts, private health care organisations, industry (pharma/biotech companies) or research if a student wants to proceed for a PhD.

The course is mapped to the GMC English assessment (PLAB) for international doctors, allowing you to use course outcomes as evidence for future GMC registration.

Careers Service

The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.

Careers and Employability aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.

We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability. We provide access to part-time jobs, extracurricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs and postgraduate study.

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