Master’s degree in Molecular
and Cellular Medicine

A global vision
of biomedical
research

In collaboration with Université de Montréal, the IRCM developed the Master’s degree in Molecular and Cellular Medicine (MCM) program to train the next generation of scientists who have in-depth knowledge of molecular biology and a global vision of the study of human diseases.

With emerging technologies and research projects becoming increasingly sophisticated, research sometimes deviates from real human-health issues and challenges. To accelerate the shift from research to personalized medicine, we bring research and patients closer together. The objective of this program is to foster the development of new approaches in basic research that directly address the challenges experienced in clinical research.

Research
focus

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Metabolic diseases

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Cancer

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Genetic and neurological diseases

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Immunodeficiencies and infectious diseases

What’s involved in a Master’s
degree in Molecular
and Cellular Medicine?

The Master of Science (M. Sc.) in Molecular and Cellular Medicine is an intensive one-year training program exclusively offered at the IRCM. Through practical and theoretical courses, and two rotations in the laboratory, students in the MCM Master’s degree program obtain all the credits necessary for an accelerated transition to the IRCM’s PhD program, without writing a thesis

This unique and innovative option is affiliated with

the Molecular Biology programs of the Faculty of
Medicine at Université de Montréal.

Program details

The Master’s degree in Molecular and Cellular Medicine is an accelerated one-year program that allows students to transition to a PhD without writing a thesis.


Students complete two intensive four-month internships to gain different experiences in two different IRCM laboratories.


The program includes several theoretical courses in molecular biology while offering concrete opportunities to learn different techniques on IRCM’s technological platforms (bioinformatics, genomics, proteomics, flow cytometry, imaging and microscopy, and in vivo models).


Students gain exposure to the different aspects of clinical research in courses taught by clinician-researchers.


Since the IRCM is a bilingual environment and the MCM option welcomes students from all over the world, the vast majority of the courses are in English. However, since this option is offered by Université de Montréal, all work and examinations may also be written in French.


At the IRCM, all students selected for the MCM master’s program receive an annual scholarship of $21,000. With the support of members of the Academic Affairs department, students are also encouraged to submit their applications to the various external scholarship competitions.


By the end of the program, they can transition to the doctoral program (PhD) or obtain a master’s degree (M.Sc.) in Molecular Biology, Molecular and Cellular Medicine option, from Université de Montréal.

Download the
full details

How do I complete a Master’s
degree in Molecular and
Cellular Medicine at the IRCM?

Admission

Deadlines for filing applications for admission


Student status

Quebec: December 1st, 2022 to May 1st, 2023
Canadian not residing in Quebec: December 1st, 2022 to May 1st, 2023
French and Belgian Francophone: December 1st, 2022 to March 1st, 2023
International: December 1st, 2022 to March 1st, 2023

Please note that the admission period may be extended under certain conditions. 

Admission conditions

Be a graduate or enrolled in a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree (Master 1/ Master 2) in an appropriate life sciences discipline, including biochemistry, biology, microbiology, chemistry and bioinformatics.


Experience in basic research (volunteering, internships or jobs in biomedical research).


Must have maintained a minimum and cumulative average of 3.3 out of 4.3 (70%, B+, 12 out of 20, or equivalent).
 

How do I apply?

Candidates for the Master’s in Molecular and Cellular Medicine option are recruited by the IRCM Academic Affairs Directorate. Applications are evaluated by a selection committee composed of IRCM researchers, according to the following criteria: candidates are selected mainly based on their academic record, experience in biomedical research, and motivation to pursue higher education.

Here’s how to apply:

First, complete the online form (only available during the admission period). This form must include your CV, academic transcripts, and a cover letter (700 words).


Next, a letter of recommendation has to be sent from someone who is capable of assessing your ability to pursue a career in biomedical research, such as a professor, internship supervisor, or researcher.
This must be emailed directly to the author at mcm@ircm.qc.ca


The candidates selected will be invited for an interview with the MCM Selection Committee.


The selected candidates must then apply for admission to the Registrar’s Office at Université de Montréal.


If you have questions or require additional information regarding the molecular and cellular medicine option, please do not hesitate to contact the Academic Affairs department.

Additional useful information is available for foreign students at Université de Montréal’s international students office.

IRCM
Scholarships

At the IRCM, all students selected for the MCM Master's program receive an annual scholarship of $21,000.

 

With the support of members of the Academic Affairs department, students are also encouraged to submit their applications to the various external scholarship competitions.

Need information?

Contact our Research and Academic Affairs department to learn more about postdoctoral fellowship opportunities at the IRCM.

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