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Biosciences MRes
This degree allows you to undertake a major research project in a specialised subject within the UCL Division of Biosciences. To cater for the diversity of topics available, the degree is split into ten subject streams, each with a dedicated tutor. The programme can act as a gateway into further research in academia or industry.
Key information
Programme starts
September 2021
Modes and duration
Application dates
Tuition fees (2021/22)
Note on fees:
The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees.
Entry requirements
A minimum of an upper second-class UK Bachelor's degree in biomedical sciences, life sciences, or related subject area, or a medical degree (MBBS), or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. Applicants with an appropriate professional qualification and relevant work experience may also apply.
English language requirements
If your education has not been conducted in the English language, you will be expected to demonstrate evidence of an adequate level of English proficiency.
The English language level for this programme is: Good
UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level. International Preparation Courses
Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.
International students
Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.
International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below.
Select your country:
About this degree
Students gain knowledge of their chosen specialism through the major research project, alongside basic skills for planning research and the written, verbal and visual communication of science. The acquisition and critical analysis of primary scientific literature are essential, as is experiencing the multidisciplinary and collaborative nature of bioscience research.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.
The programme consists of three compulsory modules (45 credits), one optional module (15 credits) and a research dissertation (120 credits).
Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded a MRes in Biosciences.
Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability is subject to change.
Compulsory modules
- Research Skills
- The Scientific Literature
- Seminar Series
Optional modules
Students select one optional module from the field of study of their chosen subject stream. Choice will be guided by the stream tutor and influenced by students' previous experience and project topic.
- Biology of Ageing and Age-related Disease
- Biochemistry
- Biotechnology
- Cell Biology
- Computational Biology
- Evolution and Origins of Life
- Genetics
- Integrative Anatomy
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Stem Cells and Developmental Biology
- Structural Biology
Dissertation/report
All students undertake an independent laboratory-based research project which culminates in a dissertation of 15,000-18,000 words.
Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through lectures, seminars and tutorials, combining research-led and skills-based modules. The compulsory modules are assessed by assignments and coursework, whereas the optional module will also have an examination element. The research project is assessed by an oral presentation, submission of a dissertation and is subject to oral examination.
Additional costs
Accessibility
Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble accessable.co.uk. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support & Wellbeing team: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees-and-funding.
Funding
For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.
Careers
This programme provides an ideal foundation for further doctoral research in the field of biosciences, and we envisage that many of the graduates of this programme will undertake a PhD or enter employment in an advanced capacity in industry or the public sector. Approximately 70% of graduates have obtained a funded PhD position, either at UCL or elsewhere.
Employability
The flexibility and responsiveness of the Biosciences MRes programme provides training in many areas of cutting-edge scientific research. This launches our students into prime academic and industrial careers. Most of our students progress to further study in PhD positions at leading universities but others in the past have used the generic training from the programme to enter medical publishing and commercial science laboratories, for example.
Why study this degree at UCL?
UCL is recognised as one of the world's best research environments within the field of biological and biomedical science.
The UCL Division of Biosciences is in a unique position to offer tuition, research opportunities in internationally recognised laboratories and an appreciation of the multidisciplinary nature of biosciences research.
The division includes the Departments of Cell & Developmental Biology; Neuroscience, Physiology & Pharmacology; Genetics, Evolution & Environment; and Structural & Molecular Biology and also hosts the Centre for Stem Cells & Regenerative Medicine, the UCL Genetics Institute and the Institute for Healthy Ageing.
Department: Division of Biosciences
Application and next steps
Applications
Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for places. Those applying for scholarship funding (particularly overseas applicants) should take note of application deadlines.
This programme requires two references. Further information regarding references can be found in our How to apply section.
Who can apply?
The programme is designed for students who wish to increase their research experience or evaluate their suitability for research at this level before committing to a PhD. Applicants will have good fundamental knowledge of the area they with to study. We will consider applicants with a broad range of experiences, from recent graduates to experienced laboratory scientists.
Application deadlines
- All applicants
- 16 July 2021
Please indicate as the first line of your personal statement, your preferred subject stream, from: Genetics; Computational Biology; Stem Cells and Development Biology; Cell Biology; Structural Biology and Molecular Biophysics; Neuroscience; Biochemistry; Biotechnology; Biology of Ageing and Age-related Diseases; or Pharmacology.
For more information see our Applications page.
Apply nowWhat are we looking for?
When we assess your application we would like to learn:
- why you want to study Biosciences at graduate level
- why you want to study Biosciences at UCL
- what particularly attracts you to the chosen programme
- how your academic and professional background meets the demands of this challenging programme
- where you would like to go professionally with your degree
Together with essential academic requirements, the personal statement is your opportunity to illustrate whether your reasons for applying to this programme match what the programme will deliver.
UCL is regulated by the Office for Students.
Page last modified on 11 January 2021
