Cardiovascular Science and Diabetes (MSc)
Introduction
Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death globally, accounting for more than 30%, and is set to increase over the next few decades, due to an ageing population and a steep rise in metabolic syndromes. Our MSc programme, taught by scientists and clinicians who are leaders in their field, will equip you with knowledge of the epidemiology, genetics, pathological and molecular mechanisms underpinning cardiovascular disease, its diagnosis, risk factors and pharmacological management.
Study Information
At a Glance
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Degree Qualification
- MSc
- Duration
- 12 months
- Study Mode
- Full Time
- Start Month
- September
- Location of Study
- Aberdeen
Our programme will deliver a cutting-edge view of cardiovascular and metabolic science which have been identified as priority areas of the Scottish and UK Governments and funding bodies. This modular-based programme comprises research-led teaching experience including tutorials, workshops and a laboratory research project supervised by leading internationally recognised cardiovascular, diabetes and nutritional scientists.
Why study with us?
- You will acquire a solid knowledge base in the cardiovascular system and predisposing risk factors such as diabetes and obesity.
- You will be based within the Institute of Medical Sciences and the Rowett Institute, providing a unique learning experience integrating elements of cardiovascular and metabolic science.
- You will have access to excellent cardiovascular laboratory facilities and you will undertake a research project tailored to your expertise and interests.
- The clinical relevance of the programme is strengthened by the location of the teaching, with Aberdeen Royal Infirmary on site, and through input of cardiovascular and diabetes clinicians into the MSc training and research projects.
The combination of internationally recognised cardiovascular laboratory research, input of clinicians to the teaching and the established excellence in nutrition research at the Rowett Institute provides a unique experience for students. You will be equipped with knowledge and skills needed to secure subsequent PhD training in academia, or employment in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, healthcare or educational sectors. Students will study core courses in molecular medicine, genome-enabled medicine and bioinformatics, alongside cardiovascular and metabolic sciences taught in the context of health and disease.
What You'll Study
The taught part of our MSc programme extends over two semesters. Over the last four months of the programme, students will undertake an individual research project.
- Stage 1
-
Stage 1: Compulsory Courses
- Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD5006)
-
This course, which is prescribed for all taught postgraduate students, is studied entirely online, is studied entirely online, takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete and can be taken in one sitting, or spread across the first 4 weeks of term.
Topics include University orientation overview, equality & diversity, MySkills, health, safety and cyber security, and academic integrity.
Successful completion of this course will be recorded on your Transcript as ‘Achieved’.
- Cardiovascular Health and Disease (BM5003)
-
15 Credit Points
The aim of this programme is to develop a rigorous scientific approach to understanding of cardiovascular health and the underlying causes of cardiovascular disease. This will be achieved through a series of lectures, laboratory practical, case study sessions and interactive clinical demonstrations. This will be delivered by academic staff from the Institute of Medical Sciences and clinical staff from NHS Grampian. This will equip you with the full range of academic, critical thinking, research and investigatory skills necessary for laboratory research and/or PhD study.
- Molecular Pharmacology (MT5024)
-
15 Credit Points
The course focuses on the molecular mechanisms of drug action and how cutting edge research can advance current therapeutic approaches to disease. The utility of molecular pharmacology will be highlighted in the context of current and future drug discovery for cardiovascular, neurological and metabolic diseases and cancer.
Stage 1: Optional Courses
Students select two elective courses from the following:
- Profiles of Immunology (MB5028)
-
15 Credit Points
Today, the profound influence of novel immunotherapies to treat cancers, autoimmune disease, infection and even to maintain transplant survival strategies means that a good understanding of basic immunology is valuable in many aspects of Biomedical Science. This course provides background knowledge of the innate and adaptive immune system and how that understanding is being used in a range of disease scenarios to provide new therapeutic options for patients.
- Foundations of Nutrition (RN5003)
-
15 Credit Points
The course will introduce you to the key theoretical concepts in the study of human nutrition and develop a range of transferable skills such as independent learning and interpersonal skills. It will enable you to develop a broad knowledge, understanding, and evaluation of core principles underpinning the science of human nutrition which is an essential platform for all other courses taken within the MSc Human Nutrition programme.
- Assessment of Nutritional Status (RN5008)
-
15 Credit Points
This course will give you a detailed theoretical and practical understanding of the methods used to assess nutritional status, including dietary intake, assessment of body composition and energy expenditure applied in the context of energy balance. Theory will be put into practice through a series of practical workshop and laboratory sessions to give you ‘hands-on’ experience of using a range of assessment techniques using state-of-the-art equipment routinely employed by nutritional scientists.
- Stage 2
-
Stage 2: Compulsory Courses
- Diabetes and Metabolism (BM5502)
-
15 Credit Points
The aim of this course is to develop a rigorous scientific approach to understanding (1) glucose and nutrient homeostasis and the fundamental causes of diabetes; (2) the long-term complications and other metabolic diseases associated with poorly controlled diabetes, poor nutrition, obesity, lifestyle, and ageing. Finally, (3) depending on the type of diabetes, different approaches e.g. healthy diet, regular physical activity and various medications may play important roles in treating and managing diabetes.
This will be achieved through a series of lectures, small class tutorials, case study sessions with research scientists and nutritionists from the Institute of Medical Sciences and the Rowett Institute and clinicians from NHS Grampian.
The course is naturally complimented by BM5003: Cardiovascular Health and Disease and, also, by conducting an independent and original research project in term 3, working alongside experienced diabetes researchers.
This will equip you with the full range of academic, critical thinking, research and investigatory skills necessary for laboratory research and/or PhD study.
- Nutrition and Health (RN5507)
-
15 Credit Points
This course will provide a detailed knowledge of the relationships between diet, human development, health, and disease. Topics covered include diet and nutrition across the life course, integration and adaptability of different metabolic pathways to e.g. starvation, exercise, and the role of diet in the development of diseases including cancer and cardiovascular disease. In addition, it will also provide insight into the effects of malnutrition and food processing on health. A combination of lectures, and a laboratory class will help consolidate your understanding of the impact food and nutrients on health.
Stage 2: Optional Courses
Students undertake two electives from a choice of the following courses:
- Biologic Drug Discovery (BT5509)
-
15 Credit Points
Biologic therapies represent one of the most important and novel areas of drug discovery in the 21st century. The aim of this course is to provide an insight into the success of protein, peptide or antibody based biologic therapies and to examine how this exciting new area will develop over the next decade.
- Genes and Immunity (MB5526)
-
15 Credit Points
The genetic basis of self/non-self discrimination underlies all immune responses and can influence disease susceptibility at the level of both individual and populations. This course addresses this topic through lectures from research active experts in the main areas covered.
The course involves students delivering a media presentation on a course-related topic.
- Evaluating and Communicating Research (MB5529)
-
15 Credit Points
The aim of this course is to develop understanding of hypothesis-led research and to provide an opportunity to study advanced science concepts and critically evaluate research led by an experienced member of academic staff.
- Clinical Nutrition (RN5505)
-
15 Credit Points
Clinical nutrition is the study of diet in relation to the development and treatment of human disease. This specialism course provides an up-to-date and detailed knowledge on the role of nutrition in the aetiology, prevention and treatment of disease in humans, with particular emphasis on disease prevention. The course covers key topics surrounding nutrition and disease, and how clinical nutrition links with public health and molecular nutrition. The course also provides an overview of research tools widely used in clinical nutrition research, and a training on evidence-based analysis of nutrition case studies.
Please note, some of the material on this course will discuss animal research.
- Basic Research Methods (MT5515)
-
15 Credit Points
This course reviews a range of essential methodologies that are currently used in medical research from molecular technologies to human studies. Experts in the various techniques will describe the fundamentals of the methodology and show how they can be applied.
- Stage 3
-
Stage 3: Compulsory Courses
Students undertake one individual research project.
- Masters Research Project (PU5922)
-
60 Credit Points
This course offers students the opportunity to complete a substantial piece of data-driven, empirical work within their field of study under the supervision of an experienced researcher.
Topics available will be varied but within the domain of their field of study. Alongside supervisors, students will identify a suitable topic area, describe an appropriate study design and implement an empirical study. Students will be involved alongside the supervisors in the process of defining the research question, and developing the research plan and, where appropriate, obtaining regulatory approvals. This course is for non-laboratory based projects (if you are intending to undertake a project in a scientific laboratory setting, you should register on MB5904).
- Masters Research Project (Laboratory) (MB5904)
-
60 Credit Points
This course offers students the opportunity to complete a substantial piece of data-driven, empirical work within their field of study under the supervision of an experienced researcher.
Topics available will be varied but within the domain of their field of study. Alongside supervisors, students will identify a suitable topic area, describe an appropriate study design and implement an empirical study to be completed within a laboratory setting. Students will be involved alongside the supervisors in the process of defining the research question, and developing the research plan and, where appropriate, obtaining regulatory approvals. This course is for laboratory-based projects (if you are intending to undertake a project in non-laboratory setting you should register on PU5913)
We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page. In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips.
Fees
- UK
-
- Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year
- £12,200
- Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year (University of Aberdeen Graduates *)
- £7,000
-
University of Aberdeen graduates are eligible for the Alumni Postgraduate Scholarship, reducing tuition fees to £7,000 - matching the current SAAS tuition loan - See full terms and conditions
- EU / International students
-
- Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year
- £26,250
- Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year (Self-funded Students *)
- £18,250
-
The above fee includes the £8,000 Aberdeen Global Scholarship provided to self-funded international students. Full terms and conditions apply.
Fee Information
Scholarships
All eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students will receive an £8,000 scholarship. Learn more about this Aberdeen Global Scholarship here.
To see our full range of scholarships, visit our Funding Database.
How You'll Study
The teaching on this programme will encompass research-led learning using laboratory practical classes, workshops, clinical demonstrations and tutorials to support the lecture material. Lectures are recorded and can be viewed again when required. The MSc makes the most of hands-on learning to enable repeated exposure to evidence-based practice in cardiovascular and diabetes research using clinical case studies. Some of the teaching methods employed in the programme include:
- Inter-disciplinary and multi-disciplinary learning
- Exposure to leading academic and clinical experts
- Research-led teaching taught by key opinion leaders in cardiovascular and diabetes research
- Literature-driven critical assessment and analyses
- Practical laboratory skills and state-of-the-art techniques
- Individual laboratory or literature based project within the research centre
On-going support is provided by the University’s dedicated, interdisciplinary team of experienced researchers within the Aberdeen Cardiovascular and Diabetes Centre (both laboratory and clinical), who will be tutoring you. Peer support will develop throughout the course(s) as engagement with students from other countries and disciplines is actively encouraged. Much of the teaching on this course is participatory and you are expected to consolidate all taught content by completing related tasks and activities and engaging in independent study in your own time.
Learning Methods
- Clinical Learning
- E-learning
- Group Projects
- Lab Work
- Peer Learning
- Research
- Seminars
- Tutorials
- Workshops
Assessment Methods
Taught courses are assessed by a combination of written assignments and reports, oral presentations, and by examination. All students undertake a research project, which is submitted for assessment in the form of a short research thesis. Students also present an oral and poster presentation on their project.
Why Study Cardiovascular Science and Diabetes?
- We offer a truly research-led teaching experience for students within the Aberdeen Cardiovascular and Diabetes Centre, which has been awarded more than £3m in British Heart Foundation and Diabetes UK funding within the past 5 years alone.
- The programme uniquely integrates elements of cardiovascular and metabolic health which have been identified as priority areas in the post-COVID-19 arena.
- You will have the opportunity to carry-out a research project supervised by internationally recognised experts in cardiovascular and metabolic health. Projects can be tailored to suit students individual skills and interests.
- Upon graduation you will be well-equipped for career destinations in cardiovascular, diabetes and nutrition research in industry, academia, healthcare, education and beyond.
- This MSc will equip you with skills and knowledge in a priority area identified by the Scottish Government as part of the Heart Disease Action Plan (2021), the UK government, as part of Health Matters: preventing cardiovascular disease and major research funders such as MRC, BHF and Wellcome.
- The programme is run from the Foresterhill Health Campus, one of the largest health campuses in Europe and includes a large teaching hospital, Institute of Medical Sciences and the Rowett Institute.
- You will benefit from skills training to help with scientific writing, analytical skills, CV writing, interview skills and reading scientific literature.
- Our small class sizes give you the opportunity to participate in class discussions, peer learning and ample access to the teaching and research staff.
Interested in this programme?
What Our Students Say
Entry Requirements
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
A second class Honours degree (2:2 or above) or equivalent qualification in biological science degree is required for entry onto this programme. Other degree classes and subjects may be considered as long as the applicant demonstrates experience in biological subjects.
Please check the In My Country or Territory pages to find out if your degree is equivalent.
Document Requirements
You will be required to supply the following documentation with your application as proof you meet the entry requirements of this degree programme. If you have not yet completed your current programme of study, then you can still apply and you can provide your Degree Certificate at a later date.
- CV
- an up-to-date CV/Resumé
- Degree Certificate
- a degree certificate showing your qualifications
- Degree Transcript
- a full transcript showing all the subjects you studied and the marks you have achieved in your degree(s) (original & official English translation)
- Reference
- a reference letter from your university discussing your academic ability. If you have been out of education for a long time you may wish to use your current or most recent employer, or another professional person
Careers
The MSc in Cardiovascular Science and Diabetes will provide you with the academic, analytical and practical skills to equip you for further research or a career in industry, healthcare or beyond. Many of our graduates choose to continue in research careers and begin PhDs or become research scientists (research assistants or technicians). Our scientists have obtained posts in Universities, industry, biotechnology and hospital diagnostic and pathology laboratories.
More generally, cardiovascular and diabetes researchers can use their training in education, working in schools, colleges of further education and in Universities. Further opportunities are available to apply your training in scientific publishing, in patent offices working on biological patents, in science outreach and contributing to the public understanding of biological issues.
What our Alumni Say
Our Experts
- Programme Coordinator
- Dr Nimesh Mody
- Other Experts
- Professor Mirela Delibegovic
- Dr Justin Rochford
- Dr Frank Thies
- Professor Alex Johnstone
- Dr Heather Wilson
- Dr Mary Macleod
- Dr Fiona Murray
- Professor Stefan Hoppler
- Dr Sam Philip
- Dr Dana Dawson
- Dr Nicola Mutch
- Professor Graeme Nixon
Information About Staff Changes
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
Facilities
Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
-
Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX