Biological Sciences at UEA
Find out more about studying Biological Sciences at UEA, and browse our other courses.
Find out moreMSc Biology of Ageing and Lifelong Health
Key Details
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Award
- Degree of Master of Science
- Course Length
- 1 year
- Course Start Date
- September 2025
Other Start Dates
Other Start Dates
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Why you should choose us
17th
UEA is ranked 17th overall for research quality in Biological Science
The Times Higher Education REF 2021 AnalysisCourse Overview
As human lifespans increase, age-related diseases and frailty are becoming some of society’s most pressing health concerns. A deeper understanding of the ageing process and its impact on health is now more crucial than ever. As a result, the field of ageing biology is growing rapidly and is fast becoming one of science’s most dynamic areas.
On this exciting MSc in the Biology of Ageing and Lifelong Health, you’ll study the theory and mechanisms that underlie the ageing process and the development of age-related disease. You’ll be introduced to cutting edge questions and approaches in longevity research, enabling you to graduate with the knowledge, skills and experience to work in this exciting field.
This course offers an in-depth exploration of the most pressing questions in ageing research, equipping you with essential laboratory skills and cutting-edge experimental approaches. You’ll also develop your ability to interpret scientific data and communicate your findings clearly and effectively. Through problem-based learning, you'll engage with the latest breakthroughs in ageing research, enhancing your ability to critically evaluate and apply new knowledge.
This highly-regarded MSc draws upon the world-renowned strength of research in biology and biomedical sciences across the Norwich Research Park (NRP), and the enormous expertise in ageing biology among the researchers of the Norwich Institute of Healthy Ageing (NIHA). A major component will be performing an independent year-long research project with a research leader of your choice. Importantly, you’ll have the opportunity to work with world-leading investigators not only from UEA, but from across the Research Institutes of the NRP and the NIHA.
In addition to mastering fundamental theory and laboratory techniques, you'll also build invaluable transferable skills through dedicated personal development sessions. These sessions will cover key areas such as presentation skills, employability, and time management. Upon completion of the course, you'll be exceptionally well-qualified as a PhD candidate for both national and international programmes in this field. Your diverse skill set will also prepare you for a rewarding career in biological or biomedical research, the pharmaceutical industry, government and non-government organisations, or health services.
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Study and Modules
Structure
This year-long MSc programme includes taught modules that will cover cutting edge findings and recent breakthroughs in the biology of ageing and age-related disease, providing an in-depth understanding of the genetic, molecular, cellular, and physiological mechanisms underlying the ageing process.
Through problem-based workshops, you’ll study the important questions in the field and learn to understand and evaluate primary literature on the topic through teamwork. In addition, you’ll learn skills in data analysis and bioinformatics, and will develop valuable transferable skills to support your learning and career development, such as scientific writing, science communication, and engagement and ethics.
Importantly, you’ll complete a major research project where you’ll design and conduct original research in your chosen topic, working with a world-leading researcher of your choice from across the Norwich Research Park. This project provides an invaluable training environment to build your research skills and gives you the chance to work individually, drawing on knowledge and understanding gained from your taught modules.
Compulsory Modules
Optional Modules
(Credits: 20)Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Many of your lecturers will be internationally recognised researchers in their area, and with research-led taught units you’ll benefit from learning at the cutting-edge of ageing biology
You’ll learn through face-to-face lectures, workshops, and hands on experiments in our modern biomedical laboratories.
Throughout the programme, you'll be expected to read and review scientific literature and data, and study independently outside of your contact time.
Assessment
We’ll assess your learning through a combination of different types of assessment depending on the module and learning objectives. These include various types of coursework assignments and presentations, both individual and in groups. Group work is an integral part of some modules that form part of this programme.
All assessments are designed to be highly engaging, and an excellent opportunity to consolidate learning. Intellectual skills are also assessed in the various methods, with problem solving and reasoning skills being fundamental to many assessed exercises. In addition, you’ll complete a research project, which you’ll submit to us as a formal dissertation. This will be assessed by both external and internal reviewers.
Employability
After the Course
By the end of the course, you’ll be extremely well qualified as a PhD candidate for national and international PhDs in the field. You’ll also have a wide and valuable range of transferable skills and a deep understanding of the biology of ageing and disease, which will leave you well prepared for a fulfilling career in biological or biomedical research, the pharmaceutical industry, the health sector, government policy, and non-government organisations.
Careers
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
- Academia
- Medical research
- Pharmaceutical industry
- Health sector
- Government
- Non-Government Organisations
Discover more on our Careers webpages.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
Degree classification
Bachelors degree - 2.2
Degree Subject
Life or Physical Sciences
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
Degree classification
UK Bachelors degree - 2.2 or equivalent
Degree Subject
Life or Physical Sciences
- English Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
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IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 6.0 in Writing and Speaking, and 5.5 in Reading and Listening)
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the required English skills.
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
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- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2025/26 are:
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UK Students: £13,750
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International Students: £26,900
We estimate living expenses at £1,136 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here.
Scholarships and Bursaries
The University of East Anglia offers a range of Scholarships; please click the link for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of course-related costs.
How to Apply
How to apply
Applications for Postgraduate Taught programmes at the University of East Anglia should be made directly to the University.
To apply please use our online application form.
Further information
If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances prior to applying, please do contact us:
Postgraduate Admissions Office
Tel: +44 (0)1603 591515
Email: admissions@uea.ac.uk
International candidates are also encouraged to access the International Students section of our website.