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UCL Division of Biosciences

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Postgraduate

The UCL Division of Biosciences is one of the largest and most active research environments for basic biological and biomedical research in the UK. This research activity is an ideal environment in which to undertake a Masters level degree and with over 400 PhD and Masters students registered in Biosciences, a lively and exciting experience is ensured.

Why Study Biosciences at UCL?

  • UCL is ranked No. 8 in the World for Life Sciences (2020 Times Higher Education World University Rankings)
     
  • The Division of Biosciences at UCL is one of the world’s foremost centres for research and teaching in the biological sciences/
     
  • All students have the opportunity to study in a world class research-led environment. The size of the department means that our students are always taught by subject area experts, many of whom are research leaders in their fields. 
     
  • Being home to so many world leaders in biosciences means we can offer more cutting-edge modules to our students than many similar programmes. 
     
  • We have an outstanding international reputation, and a community of over 550 staff and 300 PhD students engaged in cutting edge research and collaboration.
     

  • UCL has the largest Neuroscience Research Community in Europe with over 450 Principal Investigators and 1500 Neuroscientists.

Our students have access to a wide range of unique and world class facilities.

Biosciences Postgraduate Programmes at UCL

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Biodiversity and Global Change MSc

The MSc Biodiversity and Global Change provides training for those interested in careers in applied conservation, environmental policy and environmental management. The course provides teaching on the application of biodiversity science, on the evolutionary and ecological processes that underpin biodiversity, and on key computational techniques used in conservation. Students also get the opportunity to conduct their own research project, under the supervision of leading academics at UCL, the Natural History Museum and the Zoological Society of London. In 2021, students were able to visit the famous Blakeney Point facility in Norfolk, one of England's oldest nature reserves. UCL has been running field trips to Blakeney Point for over a century. Students arrive by boat in small groups and are often the only people staying on the Point at one time. During their stay, students learn about the habitat and wildlife of Blakeney and design their own field sampling protocol.

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Biodiversity, Evolution and Conservation MSc

Biodiversity is vital for providing food, fuel, clean water and other ecosystem services that our wellbeing depends upon. However, factors such as habitat loss and climate change are resulting in widespread extinction. Basic scientific research on the evolutionary and ecological processes that produced our present biodiversity, and applied research on how to preserve this biodiversity in the future are crucial for preventing further losses. This research-led programme is run in collaboration with the Institute of Zoology and the Natural History Museum, providing a rigorous training and unparalleled opportunities across the full breadth of pure and applied research in evolutionary, ecological, and conservation science.

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Biomedical Sciences MSc

This programme provides opportunities for a broad learning experience in biomedical sciences and research training that will enhance students' ability to be competitive in the biomedical employment field, continue their learning if already in employment and/or develop a research career in this field. Our biomedical research ranges across structural and molecular biology, genetics, developmental biology, physiology, pharmacology and the neurosciences. This breadth provides the perfect opportunity for students in the biomedical sciences to select taught modules and research opportunities that allow them to tailor their programme content to their specific interests.

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Biosciences MRes

The Division of Biosciences is in a unique position to offer tuition, research opportunities in internationally recognised laboratories and an appreciation of the multi-disciplinary nature of Biosciences research. The MRes in Biosciences provides the opportunity to undertake a major research project and gain in depth knowledge in the selected subject and develop the generic skills required for the written and verbal communication of science. The programme is designed for students who wish to undertake a PhD degree or to convert from other relevant disciplines and for those who wish to enter employment in an advanced capacity in industry or the public sector in the field of Bioscience.

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Citizen Science MSc

The MSc in Citizen Science will enable a new generation of socially engaged scholars and practitioners to meet the needs of industry, government and public sectors which are seeing a rapid growth of the interest and participation of the general public in collecting and processing data to answer critical environmental questions. This new MSc, the first of its kind in the world, provides students with theoretical and practical experience in creating and managing citizen science projects across a range of disciplines from astronomy to zoology. The programme will be taught at the new UCL EAST Campus.

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Ecology and Data Science MSc

This new MSc, the first of its kind globally, provides students with the interdisciplinary skills, theoretical and practical expertise needed to apply cutting-edge innovations in data science, citizen science, sensor technologies, and applied artificial intelligence to monitor and manage ecosystems and wildlife populations to understand and reverse catastrophic changes in global biodiversity. This interdisciplinary programme will develop the next generation of professionals better equipped to address critical global environmental challenges across society. The programme will be taught at the new UCL EAST Campus.

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Genetics of Human Disease MSc

This programme aims to provide students with an in-depth knowledge of molecular genetics, quantitative and statistical genetics and human disease and how this can be applied to improve healthcare through the development and application of diagnostic tests and therapeutic agents. Core modules provide broad coverage of the genetics of disease, research skills and social aspects, whilst specialised streams allow more in-depth analysis in areas of genetics.

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Neuroscience MSc

This programme provides experience and participation in cutting-edge neuroscience, delivered by internationally recognised researchers. UCL has the largest Neuroscience Research Community in Europe with over 450 Principal Investigators and 1500 Neuroscientists.This programme generates several transferable skills, notably advanced laboratory research methods, data analysis, computer literacy, oral presentation, critical appraisal of specialised literature, and time management.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications do I need to register for a Masters Programme?


To register for a Masters programme within UCL Biosciences you will require one of the following:

Are there any Scholarships available?


There are a number of scholarships awarded through the College - please see the scholarship website and follow the instructions there. Choose the graduate taught option

Please also check the relevant programme page for specific funding available for your chosen course.

I have independent funding - what can I do?


As long as you meet the minimum entry requirements, you are welcome to apply online and tick 'self-funding' in the funding section of the form:

Please complete an application form

I am an overseas applicant, will my proficiency in English be tested?


If English is not your first language we will require evidence of proficiency in English. Full details about UCL's English Language Requirement.

If you are required to take an English test you need to pass it at the "Good" level.

Interested in Start-ups?

Many of our postgraduate students are interested in start-ups, social enterprises and developing entrepreneurial skills. UCL's Innovation and Enterprise division offer training, start-up grants, competitions, communities and much more, all of which are free to students on this programme.

UCL's entrepreneurship community has supported over 300 UCL start-ups since 2010 and raised over £280 million in investment. 

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In addition to potentially starting a successful business, making use of the resources at UCL in this area provides students with the opportunity to develop business skills, chances to network in London's start up community and projects that will serve them well on their CVs as well as in future job interviews. 

Find out more about the exciting opportunities to develop your entrepreneurial skills while you undertake any of our programmes. 

Careers

100% of our graduates were employed or engaged in further study after completing their post graduate qualification. 80.4% were in paid work for an employer and 15.7% were engaged in further study or research. 

The most popular industry segments for our graduates were Academic Research and Higher Education, Scientific Research and Development and Health & Social Care. 

The most common job titles were biological scientist, biochemist and biomedical scientist. 

Employers included but were not limited to:

  • University College London
  • Imperial College London
  • Natural History Museum
  • Nucleus Global
  • Allen Institute of Brain Science 
  • Genomics England
  • Greenfish 
  • Medical Research Council
  • Office for National Statistics
  • Procter and Gamble

Source: UCL Graduate Outcomes 2017-2020

Useful Careers Resources:

My UCL Careers
UCL Neuroscience Careers Network
Innovation and Enterprise Training and Opportunities for Students
Professional Development Courses
Linked In Learning
Public Engagement Training
Public Policy Training

Meet Our Academic Community

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All of our programmes are taught by members of the UCL Division of Biosciences. The division is home to over 130 research groups and 400+ Post-Docs, PhD students and support staff.

Our Research 

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The UCL Division of Biosciences is made up of four research departments: 
 

An illustrious history

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The UCL Division of Biosciences has a long-standing tradition of answering fundamental questions in biosciences. We are one of the world’s leading centres for research and teaching in the biological sciences, and one of the largest groupings of life scientists in the UK. Find out about our history.

Did You Know?

The first Ecological Society in the world, what is now known as the British Ecological Society, was founded at a meeting at UCL in 1913?

Kate Jones

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Kate Jones is the programme lead for the MSc Ecology and Data Science. 

Francois Balloux

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Francois Balloux teaches the BIOL0021 Advanced Human Genetics module. He is a personal tutor and also supervises relevant 3rd and 4th year projects.

Did you know?

The first UCL Professor of Zoology, Robert Grant, introduced Charles Darwin to systematic biological surveying.

Tim Blackburn

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Tim Blackburn is the Programme Lead for the MRes Biodiversity, Evolution and Conservation.

 

Tim Newbold

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Tim Newbold is the Programme Lead for the MSc Biodiversity and Global Change. 

Brain Stories Podcast

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Brain Stories is a podcast from the UCL Neuroscience Domain that showcases the best of UCL Neuroscience. 

Did You Know?

It could be said that Neuroscience research as a separate discipline started at UCL. Ernest Starling was the chair of what was then Physiology from 1899 to 1923. Henry Dale and Otto Loewi both worked in Starling's lab in 1904. They went on to share the Nobel Prize for Medicine in 1936 for their investigation of the chemical transmission of nerve impulses. 

ExCites Citizen Science Group

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UCL hosts the premier citizen science research group ExCites.

 

 

Did You Know?

From 1961 to 1973 Heinz Otto Schild held the Chair of Pharmacology at UCL. Schild made major contributions to receptor pharmacology, to the understanding of the mechanism of histamine release and to bioassay. His name is immortalised by the Schild equation. He oversaw the planning and introduction of the three-year B.Sc. course in Pharmacology which began in 1967.