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Prepare for your biosciences research career, with a research master’s degree that can be used to investigate the subject of your choice within UCL Biosciences.
About the course
This MRes allows you to choose your specialist area within the UCL Division of Biosciences, embed yourself in the most relevant research group, and complete a year-long major research project. The course structure closely matches that of a first year PhD and helps you develop the generic and specialised skills to launch your research career.
Choosing from one of the subject streams listed below, you’ll spend most of your time on the programme developing your practical skills in the lab environment. Under the supervision of a senior investigator, you’ll access the same experiences, opportunities and research culture enjoyed by doctoral and postdoctoral researchers in your group, attending meetings and presenting your findings.
Whichever stream you choose, you’ll also complete taught modules designed to develop your independent research abilities. You’ll learn how to peer-review scientific papers, practice effective science communication for a range of audiences, and explore other areas of bioscience to help you stay open to multidisciplinary approaches.
The specialist subject streams available are:
- Biology of Ageing and Age-related disease
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Structural Biology and Biophysics
- Cell Biology
- Computational Biology
- Evolution and Origins of Life
- Intergrative Anatomy: Vertebrate form, Function and Evolution
- Circuits and Systems Neursoscience
- Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience
- Stem Cell and Developmental Genetics
The Division includes the Departments of Cell & Developmental Biology (CDB), Neuroscience, Physiology & Pharmacology (NPP), Genetics, Evolution & Environment (GEE) and Structural & Molecular Biology (SMB) and hosts the Centre for Stem Cells & Regenerative Medicine, the UCL Genetics Institute and the Institute for Healthy Ageing. Visit the departmental websites for further information.
Example research project
Barbora Cerna (MRes Biosciences) discusses her research project investigating the binding science of neurosteroids on their target protein, the GABA-A receptor.
Student Vlog - Targeting Diseases of Ageing
What you can look forward to
- Study within the UCL Biosciences division, one of the world’s foremost centres for research and teaching in the biological sciences, ranked sixth globally for biosciences.
- Spend a full year designing and implementing your own major practical research project in your chosen specialism.
- Learn from the perspectives, experience and culture of a diverse mix of early and mid-career researchers in the supportive environment of a world-leading research group.
- Develop the skills needed to peer-review research submissions and critically analyse scientific papers, through regular seminars, exercises and discussion sessions.
- Hone your ability to communicate scientific discoveries and research stories, bringing science to life through presentations, posters and video logs to educate decision makers and inspire the next generation of scientists.
Where the course can take you
Completing this MRes means you’ll have the knowledge, skills and research experience needed for a PhD in your chosen biosciences specialism.
Alternatively, you could pursue a research-related career in the private or public sector. This could be an advisory or consultancy role for a governmental agency or NGO, science writing and publishing, or a commercial research and development position anywhere across a wide variety of industries that includes biotech, healthcare, agrochemical and pharmaceuticals.
- Information for Applicants
Programme information in the UCL Online Prospectus
Entrance Requirements
In general we require a minimum of an upper second-class degree in a scientific or medical discipline from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard.
How to apply
Note: In your personal statement, please specify the subject stream in which you wish to specialise.
English Language
All students whose first language is not English must be able to provide recent evidence that their spoken and written command of the English language is adequate for the programmes for which they have applied.
International Students
The International Office is a centre of expertise and advice for overseas students, who are welcome to seek help or guidance in many areas such as visas, immigration, housing, finance, English Language, tuition and fees.
Funding Opportunities
Applications for funding from any of the links below need to be made independently of your application for the MRes.
- UCL Scholarships and funding website
- UCL Doctoral School website
- Postgraduate Search website
- British Council website
- Study UK website
Download our guide for more funding opportunities:
Take a look at the different biosciences departments
Join us in shaping the future of healthcare and scientific research, and unlock endless opportunities for personal and professional growth in one of the world’s most vibrant and diverse cities.
Take a virtual tour of our campus
Biosciences, Biodiversity and Ecology
Biomedical, Cellular and Molecular Biosciences
Drug Discovery, Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Research
