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Why study with us

academic-school

Ranked 4th in the UK

We are ranked 4th in the UK and 27th worldwide for Biological Sciences in the 2022 Shanghai Ranking Global Ranking of Academic Subjects.

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Research impact

88% our research was deemed "outstanding" for reach and impact in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 - the system for assessing the quality of research in the UK.

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Funding

We offer a number of fully-funded studentships in a variety of research areas.

Courses

Big Data Biology (MSc)

Full time

Our innovative MSc will enable you to use cutting-edge, big data platforms to tackle issues from developmental biology to disease surveillance and ecology.

Global Ecology and Conservation (MSc)

Full time

Our MSc in Global Ecology and Conservation aims to train the ecologists and conservationists of the future.

Biomedicine (PhD, MPhil, MD)

Full-time, part-time

Biomedicine is a research area within which you can focus your studies as part of our suite of Biosciences research programmes.

Biosciences (PhD, MPhil, MD)

Full-time, part-time

Our research ranges across the biological sciences, from the understanding of precisely how neurons grow, to the mechanisms of cancer and other diseases, the molecular basis of animal and plant development and exploring the genetics of orang-utans, elephants, pandas and other endangered species.

Biosciences (MRes) (MRes)

Full-time

The MRes helps to improve your research skills and may enable you to undertake a research project in the laboratory of an internationally-renowned scientist.

Molecular Biosciences (PhD, MPhil, MD)

Full-time, part-time

Molecular Biosciences focuses on the molecular mechanisms underpinning biological function.

Neuroscience (PhD, MPhil, MD)

Full-time, part-time

The Neuroscience division pursues a broad range of neurobiological research, spanning from the molecular to the behavioural levels.

Organisms and Environment (PhD, MPhil, MD)

Full-time, part-time

The Organisms and Environment research division focuses on the biology of whole organisms and their roles and interactions in changing ecosystems, in infection and health and at the genetic level.

I would recommend Cardiff University to prospective postgraduate students. There's a very supportive learning environment and a good network of researchers here, and Cardiff is also a really great city to live in.
Rachel Rowe

Our postgraduate taught courses

MSc Big Data Biology

This innovative MSc Big Data Biology will enable you to use cutting-edge, big data platforms to tackle issues from developmental biology to disease surveillance and ecology.

From microbiomes, phenomes and genomes to whole ecosystems, modern biology generates a vast amount of data. The scale and nature of this information requires a new generation of scientists with the skills to harvest, analyse, manipulate and interpret big data, and to link this analysis to underlying mechanisms through mathematical and computational modelling.

MSc Global Ecology and Conservation

From the rivers of South Wales to the Bornean rainforest, our MSc in Global Ecology and Conservation covers the major conservation issues affecting various habitats across the globe.

With training in core areas, such as wildlife surveys, biodiversity assessments and species management, you will learn how to identify current and emerging threats to species and ecosystems, and develop the necessary skills to tackle these threats with effective and scalable solutions.

Our postgraduate research programmes

Our Master of Research (MRes) is a valuable postgraduate qualification is designed to help you improve and develop your skills as a scientific researcher. Our PhD and MPhil research degrees offer the freedom to investigate a cutting-edge topic in depth, working with leading researchers and enjoying access to first-class facilities.

Student looking at mammary gland in solution

MRes in Biosciences

This one-year programme will provide you with the essential skills, techniques and experience necessary to become a more competent, employable researcher. You may even have the opportunity to undertake a research project in the laboratory of an internationally-renowned scientist within the School of Biosciences.

Female PhD student in boat

Studying a PhD and a MPhil

Be part of our world-leading research, which spans the biological and biomedical sciences and is led by internationally renowned researchers. From global change to modelling and engineering living systems, the research at the School of Biosciences is making real-world impacts.

The MRes isn't just a degree, it's a lifeline for making connections and building a relationship with the scientific community in your chosen field. I can say with utmost certainty that the MRes has shaped me into the scientist I am today.
Kasia Majewski

Learning from the best

Manisha is studying her PhD at the European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute focusing on prostate cancer.

Fish hives in Tobago

During Kathryn's PhD at the School of Biosciences she led a project creating cheap and sustainable fish hives to help recover coral reefs in Tobago.

A PhD with the Otter Project

What can found dead otters teach you about contaminants, disease, and population biology across the UK? Emily is completing her PhD with Cardiff University's Otter Project, a long term environmental surveillance scheme, using otters found dead to create conservation strategies.

Where you will study

Sir Martin Evans Building

Sir Martin Evans Building

We are based in the Sir Martin Evans Building, which is named after our Nobel Prize-winning, founding director. Located in the centre of Cathays Park campus, we are a stone's throw away from the Centre for Student Life, main library and support services, and just a short walk from Cardiff's city centre.

Travel by boat at Danau Girang

Danau Girang Field Centre

Many of our postgraduate students travel to our research centre for the applied conservation of tropical ecosystems in Borneo to undertake field trips or research projects. Danau Girang is an ideal location to study biodiversity with its world-class facilities and cutting-edge technology for effective management of wildlife in fragmented landscapes.

Researchers working in a busy chemistry lab

Research institutes and centres

We lead or co-lead several of the University's research institutes and centres, including the Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Medicines Discovery Institute and Water Research Institute.

Explore Cardiff University

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Student support

Get free, impartial and confidential advice on disability and dyslexia, money, careers, counselling and more.

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Funding your studies

Learn more about the scholarships, UK government support packages and student loans available to you.

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Browse our accommodation

We have a variety of halls and houses to suit your preferences, interests and budgets.

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Living costs

See how far your money goes by using our living costs calculator.

Next steps

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View all of our postgraduate courses

Explore our courses for 2020 and 2021 entry.

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Download a School of Biosciences brochure

Learn more about our courses, the School and the wider University.

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How to apply

Everything you need to know about the application process.