Masters Degrees
Please note: This page is for 2027 entry. Click here for 2026 entry.
| UCAS code | 1234 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 year full time 2 years part time |
| Entry year | 2026 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Typical offer | At least a 2:1 Honours degree or equivalent in Biology or a relevant science subject |
|---|---|
Top 20 in the UK for world-leading research in Biological Sciences
REF 2021, based on 4-star research
Opportunity to specialise with a choice of pathways
Advance laboratory skills with specialist techniques training
Substantial research project within one of our world-leading research groups
Minimum 2:1 Honours degree or equivalent in a relevant science subject.
Relevant subjects include: Biological Sciences, Cell Biology, Ecology, Ecology and Conservation, Evolutionary Biology, Genetics, Marine Biology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Plant Science, Zoology.
Please also see our guidance on essential documentation required for an initial decision on taught programme applications.
International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course.
The required IELTS test scores for this course fall under Profile B2.
Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country.
The Masters programme at Exeter allows you to specialise in an area of Biology that you are most interested in and gives you a fantastic opportunity to undertake research in one of our world-leading research laboratories.
Programme Director and Senior Lecturer
Dr Alison Hill" />
"I chose Exeter for the opportunities to find my niche in biology and to start mapping my career with effective guidance along the way."
"Modules I have completed include Pharmacogenomics, Applications of Genomics in Infectious Disease, and Cellular Basis of Immunity. By the end of my degree, I hope to graduate with the Bioinformatics Pathway. Each of these modules has been a standout example in which I have expanded my understanding of genomics and immunity, gaining confidence in theory for industry applications after my course. Additionally, I have completed the French Evening Language Programme...in the evenings, alongside taking the French B2 exam at the University of Exeter Language Centre.
I have [also] completed the Exeter Award, the Exeter Leader’s Award, and the Career Mentor Scheme from the University of Exeter Career Zone. Each of these has provided resources for both industry-specific and general skill development, including CV writing, mock interviews and more, to improve my job prospects after my graduation."
Alex
MSc Advanced Biological Sciences
Our MSc in Advanced Biological Sciences degree allows you to study a broad base of Biological Sciences, or specialise in one of six specialist areas (Bioinformatics, Ecotoxicology, Microbiology and Infectious Disease, Molecular and Cellular Biology, or Sustainable Aquaculture).
Throughout this research-intensive Masters, you will be immersed in a world-leading research environment and trained in the skills required to analyse and address major biological challenges of our time.
Knowledge and skills learned during core modules will enable you to develop your research project, which will be supervised within one of our world-leading research groups, determined by your research project focus.
The optional modules available provide access to a breadth of biosciences topics, which will allow you to tailor your studies to your particular interests and career goals.
Our Advanced Laboratory Skills module provides training in both practical and data processing skills, with advanced laboratory experiments carried out in small groups to prepare you for your independent research project with one of our research groups.
The modules below provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.
Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
120 credits of compulsory modules, 60 credits of optional modules.
To graduate with a named adjourned pathway you must select at least 45 credits from the modules indicated against each pathway which are a mixture of compulsory and optional. The pathways available are:
Projects do not automatically relate to the named specialisms. If you wish your Project to count towards a named specialism you must take one that has been designated as such. Specialist designation of all modules and projects will be confirmed by Biosciences.
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory 2 Bioinformatics Pathway-Specific | ||
| Bioinformatics | 15 | |
| Application of Genomics in Infectious Disease | 15 | |
| Compulsory 3 Ecotoxicology Pathway-Specific | ||
| Ecotoxicology | 15 | |
| Blue Planet | 15 | |
| Compulsory 5 Sustainable Aquaculture Pathway-Specific | ||
| Blue Planet | 15 | |
| Compulsory 1 | ||
| Professional Skills | 15 | |
| Advanced Laboratory Skills | 15 | |
| Research Project | 90 | |
Research in the biological sciences is increasingly dependent on large datasets such as those generated by DNA sequencing. This is also true for medical diagnosis and prognosis. Analysis of these datasets requires a range of skills and knowledge drawn from computer science, physical sciences and mathematics and statistics as well as biological sciences. Bioinformatics is the discipline that integrates algorithms and methods from these disciplines to model biological systems and infer patterns hidden in complex data.
You will learn a working knowledge of bioinformatics methods and concepts in order for you to understand and critically evaluate the computational methods used in cutting-edge genomics and other biomedical sciences. You will be shown the application of these bioinformatics methods illustrated with biological or biomedical examples from recent peer-reviewed scientific literature.
You will learn to effectively communicate and collaborate with specialist bioinformaticians in handling and analysing large scale biological data, providing a foundation for postgraduate study in bioinformatics and related fields.
You will be given tuition in Linux, bash and R during the workshops, although prior knowledge of these languages will be of considerable help.
This module provides an exciting learning opportunity at the forefront of modern biology. You will explore the genomics of infectious agents, including the implications of gain/loss of genes and plasmids upon the pathogenicity and the sensitivity to drug treatment.
You will explore some of the huge range of freely available sequence data and computational tools that underpin modern genomics research.
This module is primarily aimed at clinical practitioners, diagnostic service providers, scientists, researchers and those aspiring to specialise within an academic career pathway. You will learn from, with and about your peers, developing a mutual understanding and respect for the positive contributions that each will bring to Genomic Medicine.
Computer-based practical workshops will consolidate the use of bioinformatics tools and databases through hands-on analysis of genomics data (e.g. comparative genomics of pathogen genome sequences or prediction of antimicrobial resistance).
Key employability skills include extracting and analysing complex information from web-based resources, and awareness of data-driven decision making. You will develop skills relevant to careers in medicine, medical research, and biosciences more broadly.
This module offers you the opportunity to study the impacts of chemicals on animals (including humans and plants in the environment. Ecotoxicology is highly interdisciplinary, and this module will cover aspects of environmental biology and chemistry, animal physiology, behaviour, molecular biology, and chemical risk assessment. The module is taught by world leading researchers in ecotoxicology with specialisms in areas including endocrine disruption, pesticides, plastic pollution and the effects of human drugs on wildlife.
This module aims to develop your awareness of the major current theories and concepts in the field of ecotoxicology. The intention is to give you a critical understanding of the responses of organisms to pollutants, with a particular emphasis on the aquatic environment, and how this can impact individuals, populations and ecosystems. The module also aims to develop your understanding of some of the legislation aimed at minimising pollution as well as some of the methods used assessing the potential impacts.
Through lectures, seminars, directed reading and self-study, you will develop skills in interpreting, debating, reviewing, and summarising concepts and data relating to the impact of pollutants in the environment.
Accessibility Statement:
This module provides you with an opportunity to engage with ocean issues and investigate practical and policy opportunities for change. You will consider the importance of the ocean including the different goods and services that it provides to humans and the planet. You will also evaluate and create solutions for the identified challenges and learn about the processes needed to support a sustainable ocean.
This module, suitable for both science and non-science graduates, introduces fundamental principles of marine research. It provides a solid platform upon which to explore key issues in marine science, including impacts such as climate change, deep sea mining, ocean pollution and aquaculture. Taught sessions from leading marine biologists and policy experts will provide introductions to a range of topics, whilst subsequent interactive discussion sessions and debates will deepen your understanding and develop critical awareness and creative solutions-focussed thinking.
In this module you will be trained in relevant skills for postgraduate study. Oral communication skills will be enhanced by video recording of student oral presentations and written communication skills will be enriched through specialised science communication lectures. You will also get experience in writing conference abstracts and reports for non-scientists as well as scientific literature. You will receive training in experimental design and statistical methods for data analysis, as well as health and safety training. Bespoke career guidance and feedback will be provided by the University Careers Zone staff.
This module aims to ensure that you are trained in the appropriate methodological skills to undertake work at Masters level, and to ensure that early in the programme you are equipped with the range of transferable and personal skills necessary for the programme generally and more widely for careers in industry, government agencies and academia. Accordingly, you are introduced to skills involving: statistics and experimental design, communication skills (both oral and written, for specialist and wider audiences), discussion of and recognition of plagiarism, time and project management, health and safety, use of information networks and databases for e-science purposes, career and employment skills. Critically, the module also aims to provide a basis for the advanced research skills which are developed in research project modules.
You will be trained in Advanced Laboratory skills made possible in conjunction with the department's key research facilities and delivered through lectures, laboratory tours and, most importantly, wet and dry practicals focusing on your data acquisition and analysis, respectively.
This module aims to ensure you are trained in the appropriate laboratory skills to prepare you for your research project and will provide you with important skills of analysis of experimental data and report writing to both a scientific audience and potential employers.
This module introduces you to all of the processes required for undertaking an independent, but supervised, research project at Masters level in the field of Biological Sciences. Research projects are all individual, and can be based on laboratory work, field work, or in silico (e.g. computer modelling, bioinformatics). You can either select your project based on existing projects advertised within Biosciences, or based on your own design of project. However, for self-designed projects you must find a supervisor who agrees to approve the project design. Both group-based and individual projects may be offered.
This module is for students on the MSc Advanced Biological Sciences programme.
This module aims to put into practice the knowledge and skills acquired from the taught (lecture and practical) elements of the programme. It will give you experience of many aspects of research work including processes for experimentation and laboratory/data analysis, statistical analysis, data interpretation, presentation and discussion of results in five formats (literature review, grant proposal, oral presentation, poster, and writing a scientific report).
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Optional 1 Non-Pathway-Specific | ||
| Cellular Basis of Immunity | 15 | |
| Bioinformatics | 15 | |
| Medical Mycology | 15 | |
| Ecology of Environmental Change | 15 | |
| Ecotoxicology | 15 | |
| Living in a Microbial World | 15 | |
| Frontiers in Molecular Cell Biology | 15 | |
| Cell Biology of Disease | 15 | |
| Current Issues in Marine Biology | 15 | |
| Advanced Applications of Physiology | 15 | |
| Bioimaging | 15 | |
| Application of Genomics in Infectious Disease | 15 | |
| Blue Planet | 15 | |
| Beyond the Frontiers of Medical Mycology | 15 | |
| Molecular Biology of Bacterial Infection | 15 | |
| Pharmacogenomics | 15 | |
| Green Planet | 15 | |
| Pharmacogenomics and Stratified Healthcare | 15 | |
| Bioinformatics, Interpretation and Data Quality Assurance in Genome Analysis | 15 | |
| Mathematical Modelling in Biology and Medicine | 15 | |
| Optional 3 Bioinformatics Pathway-Specific | ||
| Pharmacogenomics | 15 | |
| Pharmacogenomics and Stratified Healthcare | 15 | |
| Bioinformatics, Interpretation and Data Quality Assurance in Genome Analysis | 15 | |
| Mathematical Modelling in Biology and Medicine | 15 | |
| Optional 4 Ecotoxicology Pathway-Specific | ||
| Ecology of Environmental Change | 15 | |
| Advanced Applications of Physiology | 15 | |
| Optional 6 Microbiology and Infectious Disease Pathway-Specific | ||
| Cellular Basis of Immunity | 15 | |
| Medical Mycology | 15 | |
| Living in a Microbial World | 15 | |
| Application of Genomics in Infectious Disease | 15 | |
| Beyond the Frontiers of Medical Mycology | 15 | |
| Molecular Biology of Bacterial Infection | 15 | |
| Optional 7 Molecular and Cellular Biology Pathway-Specific | ||
| Cellular Basis of Immunity | 15 | |
| Frontiers in Molecular Cell Biology | 15 | |
| Cell Biology of Disease | 15 | |
| Bioimaging | 15 | |
| Beyond the Frontiers of Medical Mycology | 15 | |
| Molecular Biology of Bacterial Infection | 15 | |
| Optional 9 Sustainable Aquaculture Pathway-Specific | ||
| Current Issues in Marine Biology | 15 | |
| Advanced Applications of Physiology | 15 | |
Pharmacogenomics and individualised therapy are exciting areas of medicine and scientific research. It has been known for many years that genetic variation can affect the efficacy of some drugs which may also result in adverse side effects. Recently, however, there have been developments in the treatment of diseases such as cancer and cystic fibrosis on the basis of patients' genetic information and are having a real impact on their survival and quality of life. In this module you will cover the basic concepts of pharmacogenomics and relate these to current clinical practice where appropriate. Additionally you will have the opportunity to study in depth examples of individualised therapy in diseases such as cancer, cystic fibrosis and diabetes. You will also consider the introduction of genetic testing for new pharmacogenomic discoveries taking into account analytical and clinical validity, clinical utility and ethical aspects.
Pharmacogenomics and stratified healthcare should ensure that patients are offered the 'right treatment, for the right person, at the right time’. This module will provide you with an overview of the analytical strategies and techniques used in pharmacogenomics and explore some of the challenges and limitations in this field. It will consider current clinical practice as well as emerging technologies.
This module aims to describe the complexity of pharmacogenomics and its application in clinical practice. This will include tailoring drug treatment to improve patient response, and techniques to stratify patients at risk of adverse drug reactions. The module will use examples of known, validated pharmacogenomic tests, relevant to the use of drug treatments.
One of the key challenges in genomic medicine is to interpret large-scale sequencing data effectively in order to arrive at an accurate genetic diagnosis. The aim of this module is to provide you with an in-depth understanding of how this process is conducted. You will learn how large-scale genomic data is analysed and interpreted, as well as develop a practical understanding of how bioinformatic and statistical tools are used.
The module will cover the fundamental principles of bioinformatics and data quality assessment as applied to clinical genomics. You will use a range of software packages and in silico prediction tools, alongside genomic and clinical databases. You will learn how to apply these tools to evaluate the quality of a sequencing data set, align sequencing reads to a reference genome, identify genetic variants, and filter variants with evidence of pathogenicity. Theoretical sessions will be coupled with practical workshops and self-paced assignments, where you will get to perform a range of data bioinformatic analyses on real-world data.
By the end of the module, you will be able to use bioinformatic tools to critically interpret real-world data and to accurately report your findings in a diagnostic context.
This is an advanced module in mathematical modelling applied to biology and medicine that focuses on modern applications of mathematical techniques to cutting-edge research in these areas. It will introduce you to advanced topics in biochemical networks, physiology, neuroscience and biomedical data analysis. The module is run as a combination of lectures and hands-on computational modelling sessions, and may also involve laboratory visits.
This module provides you with small-group teaching across a selection of advanced topics, reflecting the research interests of the staff involved. The syllabus consists of several short courses, each taught as a self-contained set comprising 1 hour-long lectures together with 2 hours-long workshops/tutorials per week. In order to take this module, you must ensure that you have completed module MTH2003.
This is an optional module for Final Year students of MSci Natural Sciences, and is also an optional module for Final Year Mathematics, Computer Science and Physics undergraduates.
Through this module you will get a science-based insight into the state of the Earth's ecosystems, the pressures put on them by the continued expansion of human activities and the prospects for sustainability. The module provides you with a good preparation for future citizenship along with training in data analysis for environmental science.
The aim of this module is to provide you with a better understanding of human impacts on the global environment. You will have the opportunity to evaluate the fundamental science that allows humans to understand their environment.
In this module you will develop your understanding of major physiological mechanisms in a range of animal systems and how these enable adaptation to environmental perturbation. You will cover a number of topics, including ion, osmo and acid-base regulation, respiratory and neuroendocrine physiology, calcification, evolutionary physiology and sexual differentiation. Using these physiological systems as exemplars, we will evaluate the physiological methods widely applied in a real-world context, and discuss the advances these have enabled for our understanding of global challenges (e.g., climate change), or the innovations these have enabled in other fields (e.g., aquaculture; elite animal performance). The module takes a research-led approach, covering the very latest advances in the field. Interactive skills sessions across the module will develop skills in pitching research ideas, critical evaluation of research and research dissemination.
It would be expected that students undertaking this module would have a fundamental knowledge of how different physiological systems, such as acid-base, respiratory and neuroendocrine physiology, function in animals, as well as some understanding of how these systems regulate and determine an animals response to environmental stress.
In this module you will explore the science of immunology, and how the major cellular and humoral (soluble) components of the innate and adaptive immune systems work together to deliver immunity to infectious diseases. You will develop an understanding of how monoclonal antibodies are generated and engineered in vitro for use in the diagnosis and treatment of human diseases, and the various ways antibodies are used as research tools in the Life Sciences. Lecture content is supported by animations and movies that illustrate key concepts of immunity including cellular interactions during the inflammatory response, and the role of cytokines and chemokines as chemical messengers.
This module aims to introduce you to the science of immunology. Key components of the immune system are explored in the context of infectious diseases (viral, bacterial, fungal and parasitic infections) and allergy, and current research topics used to illustrate how monoclonal antibodies are generated and engineered for use in the detection and treatment of diseases in medicine, and their deployment in the Life Sciences. Much of the content is research-led, based on the research expertise of the contributors.
Fungal pathogens have a major impact on human health, killing as many people as malaria each year. This Medical Mycology module will provide you with insight into the key concepts relating to human fungal pathogenesis, from fungal virulence to immune defences and patient susceptibility. It will describe the biology of fungal pathogens (including the mechanisms that promote colonisation and infection), how our immune system combats these infections, antifungal drugs and diagnostics used by clinicians, and the problem of emerging antifungal drug resistance.
This module is taught by members of the Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology. This module is suitable for students on the biosciences MSci / MSc and MRes taught programmes; the Natural Science MSci programme and the Med Sci MSci programme.
To a first approximation, life on Earth is microbial, and the transformation of Earth from a barren ball of rock to the oxygen-rich environment that supports us is a direct result of microbial metabolism. Even the human body contains more microbial than human cells. From global biogeochemical cycles to the interactions between individual organisms and their retinue of beneficial and detrimental microorganisms, understanding microbial ecology - the interactions between microbes and their environment - is key to understanding the functioning of Planet Earth. We will study carbon and nutrient cycling in the oceans, how terrestrial ecosystems are formed and controlled by microbes, the impact of plant-microbe interactions on forests and food production, and the applications of microbial biotechnology.
Pre-lecture content will be delivered online and followed with interactive student-staff sessions, where we will improve your core data science skills: how to analyse and present data in R; how to deal with Big Data; how to interpret statistical results in the light of the scientific literature - all while learning about the roles that microbes play in natural and managed ecosystems.
Fungi pose a significant threat to human health, with fungal diseases remaining a leading cause of death and morbidity worldwide. In this module you will review research in four major selected fields of medical mycology and explore how new hypotheses are made that can inspire future research. The course will focus on very recent advances in our understanding of fungal pathogen biology, fungal immune recognition and avoidance, mycobiomes and co-infections, and vaccines, diagnostics and antifungal drug resistance. You will dissect key research papers to understand the advances that have been made and explore how emerging insights might be tested.
This module is suitable for students who have prior knowledge and understanding of microbiology and infectious diseases.
The course title 'Beyond the Frontiers' alludes to thinking beyond current paradigms to conceive of methodologies and testable hypotheses that could advance the field of medical mycology. A major objective will be for you to 'think like a researcher' and to look beyond information as a collection of facts and consider them as inspiration to generate testable ideas using the 'scientific method'.
Bacterial pathogens pose a significant threat to human health, with infectious diseases remaining a leading cause of death worldwide. This, coupled with the growing antimicrobial resistance crisis, requires research into how these pathogens cause disease. In this module we will explore the strategies adopted by bacterial pathogens that allow them to gain entry into a host and subsequently survive within the host environment. In addition, you will explore the role of microbial effectors that subvert host functions and cause symptoms of disease. You will gain insight into how knowledge of the molecular basis of pathogenicity can enable strategies for the control of infectious diseases, including vaccines and novel antimicrobials. The module will also include talks from scientists involved in both public health and biodefence, providing a perspective from both of these environments towards bacterial pathogens.
This module is suitable for students who have prior knowledge and understanding of microbiology and infectious diseases.
Science textbooks can sometimes give the impression that we know all there is to know. In Frontiers in Molecular Cell Biology, you will move away from this idea and examine how and why scientific research in molecular cell biology is carried out. You will study four fast-moving areas and ask such questions as: How do cells carry out fundamental processes such as cell motility and cell communication? What is their relevance to biotechnology and medicine? How and why are discoveries linked to advances in scientific techniques? Other than introductory and summary lectures for each topic, learning is based on student-led analysis of published papers in journal club presentations. You will learn how to analyse and present a research paper, individually and in groups. You will use your presentation skills to individually present a research paper to the entire class for discussion. You will have the opportunity for a tutorial on your paper where feedback can be given before you present to the class.
This module will provide you with insight into the molecular basis of diseases in humans and other eukaryotic organisms. The emphasis is on the underlying cell biology and molecular defects of various disorders which are linked to alterations of the cytoskeleton and intracellular motility, neurodegeneration such as in Alzheimer's disease, pathogen/parasite invasion, cancer, protein sorting, organelle biogenesis, metabolism and organelle cooperation.
The module is suited for students interested in molecular cell biology with a link to cytopathology, human disease and biomedicine. Good basic knowledge in cell biology is required for this module.
This module aims to elucidate the underlying molecular and cellular alterations in various forms of disease with particular emphasis on cellular dynamics, the cytoskeleton and organelle function. This will allow you a more integrative view and understanding of important research subjects.
During Part 1 (weeks 1-6), the module aims to give a comprehensive overview of the wide range of approaches used in imaging biological systems, their advantages and disadvantages, and current examples of how these techniques are being used in cutting-edge research. During Part 2 (weeks 7-12), the module will allow PGS to specialise in advanced Bioimaging applications.
The module will cover both practical and theoretical aspects of bioimaging and will involve a range of lectures, seminars, and practical workshops, during which students will use some of the most modern imaging equipment available.
You will study live-cell imaging using confocal fluorescence microscopy, molecular dynamics imaging, and electron and cryo-microscopy techniques. You will also learn how to use advanced imaging software to extract, analyse, and quantify image data.
The module aims to:
The skills you gain through this module will develop and enhance your employability. Transferable skills to other sectors include:
With the ever-growing human population, the marine environment is increasingly under threat from a range of anthropogenic and natural disturbances. Some major threats include habitat loss due to coastal development, noise and plastic pollution, and increased atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, resulting in ocean acidification and global warming. This module will build on the fundamental principles taught in the second year Marine Biology module and focuses on the current research issues in the field of Marine Biology. We will discuss these global ocean challenges and their impacts on marine wildlife, as well as evaluating the methods that are currently used to study these effects, how these methods are changing with digital innovation and proposed solutions to these challenges with the aim of better managing and protecting the biodiversity in our oceans.
This module aims to develop a critical awareness of current issues in marine biology. You will develop skills in sourcing and interpreting scientific literature, designing and analysing experimental methodologies, evaluating results, and communicating facets of marine science.
£15,000 full-time; £7,500 part-time
£31,200 full-time; £15,600 part-time
The University of Exeter offers a wide range of scholarships to support your education, with £7 million available for international students applying to study with us in the 2026/27 academic year, including our prestigious Exeter Excellence Scholarships. We also provide awards for sport, music and other achievements, as well as regional and partner scholarships with organisations such as Chevening, The Beacon Trust and the British Council. For more information on scholarships and other financial support, please visit our scholarships and bursaries page.
We are pleased to offer the University of Exeter Alumni Scholarship, a scholarship for University of Exeter alumni beginning a standalone postgraduate programme in 2026/27 with us a scholarship worth 20% of the cost of your first year tuition fees.
Terms and conditions, including deadlines, apply.
The ability to specialise the degree really allows students to tailor this programme to their own ambitions and career aspirations.
Dr Rose Murray
External examiner (University of Bristol)
The suite of programmes naturally builds on our internationally-leading undergraduate degrees, providing a rich and focused research-led experience. It works both ways - a fantastic opportunity for students to enhance their specialist training, while welcoming a new cohort of enthusiastic, budding scientists into our Departmental community.
Professor James Wakefield
Head of Biosciences
The programme consists of core modules that provide you with a theoretical and applied learning framework for directed student-centred learning where you’ll develop in-demand skills of synthesis, critical analysis, and interpretation. You’ll also receive professional skills training tailored to the areas most relevant to your academic and professional development.
You will carry out your independent supervised research project in one of our world-leading research laboratories. Research projects are individual and can be based on laboratory work, field work or in silico (e.g. bioinformatics).
The research project will give you first-hand experience in many aspects of research work including data generation, analysis, and interpretation as well as science communication in written, poster and oral presentations.
During your research project, you will be supported by your research supervisor and other members of the research group to ensure you produce your best work.
Depending on your chosen modules and research project topic, you may have access to the following facilities:
You will be allocated a personal tutor who is available for advice and support throughout your studies. There is also a postgraduate tutor available to help with further guidance and advice, and our programme director will offer every student a meeting each term to review academic progress.
Taught modules are assessed through essay examinations, individual and group-based coursework assignments, oral presentations, in-module tests and reports or essays. A significant proportion of the marks are based on your substantial research project and the associated paper submitted in August.
MSc Advanced Biological Sciences will provide you with a diversity of skills that will equip you for work in a range of sectors.
Skills include:
In the Professional Skills module, we have dedicated careers workshops, and sessions on being an Academic Entrepreneur. Visiting speakers from outside the University are incorporated into some of the taught modules to further enhance your employability and you will be encouraged to seek out internships during your time here.
Our dedicated careers team at the Career Zone can help guide you through a wealth of information to match your skills and interests to a career that will suit you. Our staff work with regional, national and international employers to develop new work placement, project and graduate opportunities.
Graduates are well placed for a research career in industry, or for progression to PhD. You’ll also be competitively placed for work in Government Agencies such as CEFAS and DEFRA.
The programme is designed very well to support students in attainment of the programme ILOs. In particular, the advanced laboratory skills module is innovative and bespoke for this particular cohort, forming an integral part of the focus of the programme.
Dr Rose Murray
External examiner (University of Bristol)
