Biosciences (MRes)
- Duration: 1 year
- Mode: Full time
Open day
Find out more about studying here as a postgraduate at our next Open Day.
Why study this course
Transform your research curiosity into a future career in academia or industry. Enjoy the immersive experience of an extended 6-month laboratory project, the core component of our popular MRes programme.
Your research degree – your choice
Our research covers a wide range of topics in contemporary biosciences, from ecology to biomedicine - offering plenty of choice for your research project.
Well established course running since 2007
Benefit from a firmly established programme with a strong track record for providing a stepping stone towards a PhD or other research-related careers.
Practical training
Equipping you with essential skills in data handling, research techniques, and preparing you for a future in science.
Expert contributors
Study under the guidance of highly experienced academics and researchers.
The Master of Research (MRes) in Biosciences is an intensive one-year programme designed to prepare you for an advanced research career in academia, industry, or related sectors. We combine a structured taught component with a substantial, independent research project, enabling you to develop both core research skills and specialist expertise in your chosen area of biosciences.
The taught modules provide comprehensive training and support as you develop fundamental and transferable research skills, including experimental design, data handling, analysis and presentation, science communication, and research ethics. This will equip you with the tools you need to design, execute, and complete a substantial independent research project to a professional standard.
The highlight of the course is a six-month full-time research project, undertaken under the supervision and guidance of an expert in their field. You’ll choose a research topic aligned to your interests and career aspirations and will carry out your project in our laboratories.
We guide you towards intellectual independence, critical thinking, and research excellence, offering an ideal pathway for anyone intending to progress to doctoral study or research-focused roles in biotechnology, pharmaceutical industries, healthcare, and related sectors.
What I enjoyed most about the MRes course is that it's not as structured as a typical MSc, I wanted to gain more skills whilst also doing research, and for me at least I learn best by doing, which the long research project undertaken during the MRes afforded me.
Where you'll study
School of Biosciences
We provide a dynamic and stimulating teaching environment with impressive modern facilities, up-to-date equipment and high-calibre staff.
Admissions criteria
To be considered for an offer for this course, you will need to meet all the entry requirements. Your application will not be progressed if the information and evidence listed is not provided.
With your online application you will need to provide:
- A copy of your degree certificate and transcripts which show you have achieved a 2:1 honours degree in a relevant subject such as biosciences or environmental sciences, or an equivalent international degree. Graduates in computational sciences, mathematics, chemistry, physics, and engineering are also encouraged to apply, if you can demonstrate a genuine interest in biological questions (which can be highlighted in your personal statement). Those with a 2:2 honours degree will be considered on an individual basis. If your degree certificate or result is pending, please upload any interim transcripts or provisional certificates.
- A copy of your IELTS certificate with an overall score of 6.5 with 5.5 in all subskills, or evidence of an accepted equivalent. Please include the date of your expected test if this qualification is pending. If you have alternative acceptable evidence, such as an undergraduate degree studied in the UK, please supply this in place of an IELTS.
- A brief personal statement which outlines your reasons for applying to the programme and how your academic experience, skills, or long-term goals make you the ideal candidate for the programme. This is covered in more detail during an interview.
- Two academic references which demonstrate your suitability for the programme. These should be signed, dated and less than six months old at the time you submit them. Current Cardiff University students only - one signed and dated academic or professional/employer references which demonstrate your suitability for the programme.
- An up-to-date CV which includes your full academic and work history.
Application Deadline
We allocate places on a first-come, first-served basis, so we recommend you apply as early as possible. Applications normally close at the end of August but may close sooner if all places are filled.
Selection process
If you meet the entry requirements, we will invite you to an interview, either in person or online.
Find out more about English language requirements.
Applicants who require a Student visa to study in the UK must present an acceptable English language qualification in order to meet UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) requirements.
Criminal convictions
You are not required to complete a DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) check or provide a Certificate of Good Conduct to study this course.
If you are currently subject to any licence condition or monitoring restriction that could affect your ability to successfully complete your studies, you will be required to disclose your criminal record. Conditions include, but are not limited to:
- access to computers or devices that can store images
- use of internet and communication tools/devices
- curfews
- freedom of movement
- contact with people related to Cardiff University.
Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)
International students using any type of via will need to have ATAS clearance to study this course.
Course structure
The MRes in Biosciences is a one-year, full-time programme that commences in September each year.
For the first three months of the programme, you’ll focus on Stage 1, the taught component which features three core modules (60 credits in total).
You will then progress onto Stage 2 (120 credits), featuring the central part of the course, a 6-month full-time laboratory-based independent research project.
The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum. Final modules will be published one month ahead of your programme starting.
Taught Stage
The taught stage (Stage 1) runs from September to December and consists of three core modules (all 20 credits). The core modules are designed to build your background knowledge, understanding and skills in research techniques, research practice, data handling, statistics and bioinformatics.
Research Techniques in Biosciences (20 credits)
To help you understand the major research disciplines in modern biosciences. Your assessment is based on writing reports of practical exercises in DNA technology and microscopy, and a critical analysis essay on a current topic in research technology.
Data Handling and Statistics (20 credits)
To train you in logical thinking and critical analysis of numerical data. You will study aspects of both statistical analysis and bioinformatics. Your assessment is based on several assignments completed during term and a submitted mini project.
Key Skills in Research Practice (20 credits)
To provide you with experience of a range of foundation skills necessary to be a professional scientist. Your assessments range from writing a scientific article, presenting a poster, developing a research grant proposal and giving a scientific talk.
Dissertation Stage
On completing the taught stage (Stage 1), you will undertake a full-time 6-month, laboratory- or field-based research project of your choice, between February-August (Stage 2). Stage 2 culminates in the submission of an MRes Dissertation, based on your MRes project findings, and oral presentation of your work to your peers and academic assessors. You will also communicate the results of your research as a poster presentation. During Stage 2, you will be embedded in an active research group, gaining an authentic research experience alongside leading academics, post-doctoral researchers and PhD students.
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Practical Project in Biosciences | BIT019 | 120 credits |
| Research Techniques in Bioscience | BIT002 | 20 credits |
| Data Handling and Statistics | BIT010 | 20 credits |
| Key Skills in Research Practice | BIT011 | 20 credits |
The University is committed to providing a wide range of module options where possible, but please be aware that whilst every effort is made to offer choice this may be limited in certain circumstances. This is due to the fact that some modules have limited numbers of places available, which are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, while others have minimum student numbers required before they will run, to ensure that an appropriate quality of education can be delivered; some modules require students to have already taken particular subjects, and others are core or required on the programme you are taking. Modules may also be limited due to timetable clashes, and although the University works to minimise disruption to choice, we advise you to seek advice from the relevant School on the module choices available.
Learning and assessment
How will I be taught?
The taught component of this MRes programme is designed to equip you with the essential knowledge, understanding and practical experience required of a professional scientist. Focusing on the development of broadly applicable and transferable research skills, the programme is delivered by internationally recognised academics through a diverse and engaging blend of lectures, seminars, tutorials, computer workshops and practical classes. Assessment is authentic and research-focused, giving students the opportunity to write a scientific article, present a research poster, develop a competitive grant proposal and deliver a scientific talk - preparing graduates for doctoral study and research-led careers.
How will I be assessed?
You will be assessed through a combination of diverse assessment formats including coursework, presentations and a research project Dissertation.
How will I be supported?
You will have a project supervisor and will be allocated a personal tutor who will support you throughout your studies. You will receive feedback on marked and formative assessment as well as feedback on your draft dissertation.
Our dedicated Student Support Team will also be on hand to support you with all aspects of your student life, from health and wellbeing to career planning, finances, and accommodation
What skills will I practise and develop?
The Learning Outcomes for this Programme describe what you will achieve by the end of your programme at Cardiff University and identify the knowledge and skills that you will develop. They will also help you to understand what is expected of you.
On successful completion of your Programme, you will be able to:
Knowledge & Understanding
- Discuss the key principles underlying a wide variety of bioscience research methods and evaluate their suitability for use in specific experimental contexts
- Demonstrate an awareness of cutting-edge bioscience research technology and how to apply it to address specific research objectives
- Analyse, quantify, interpret and evaluate complex datasets using appropriate statistical and bioinformatics tools
- Interpret and apply complex bioscience laboratory protocols
- Evaluate the significance of your own experimental data, particularly in the context of published work
Intellectual Skills
- Devise experimental strategies, underpinned by scientific principles and evidence, to address specific aims or hypotheses
- Select appropriate methods for analysing data and visualising the results
- Critically evaluate: i) experimental data, ii) the results of data analyses; and iii) published research from the scientific literature
Professional Practical Skills
- Demonstrate competence in the laboratory and the ability to carry out a range of experimental techniques
- Perform experiments and collect experimental data using established and cutting-edge methods relevant to bioscience research
- Critically evaluate different statistical methods and select appropriate ones when presented with scenarios and associated data sets
- Use software (e.g. bioinformatics pipelines, R) to analyse, evaluate and interpret data
- Synthesise, critique and communicate research outputs (e.g. scientific papers, data analyses) to scientific peers in written and oral formats
Transferable/Key Skills
- Synthesise complex scientific outputs (e.g. scientific papers, data analyses) into written and oral formats tailored to both a specialist and non-specialist audience (e.g. general public)
- Prepare written reports, with clear structures and organising information in a logical manner
- Analyse, visualise, interpret and present complex scientific data
- Work effectively both independently and as part of a team, demonstrating leadership, collaboration, adaptability and interpersonal skills
- Identify and use appropriate scientific databases, AI tools, and systematic search strategies to select and critically evaluate authoritative and current scientific literature
Tuition fees for 2027 entry
Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on your fee status. Your fee status could be home, island or overseas.
Learn how we decide your fee status
Fees for home status
| Year | Tuition fee | Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Year one | £12,450 | None |
Fees for overseas status
| Year | Tuition fee | Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Year one | £28,700 | None |
More information about tuition fees and deposits, including for part-time and continuing students.
Financial support
Financial support may be available to individuals who meet certain criteria. For more information visit our funding section. Please note that these sources of financial support are limited and therefore not everyone who meets the criteria are guaranteed to receive the support.
Additional costs
Will I need any specific equipment to study this course/programme?
No specific equipment is required. The University will provide IT facilities (in a communal space), laboratories equipped with specialist equipment, and all specialist software required for the course.
Students are advised to have a personal laptop computer or equivalent.
Living costs
We’re based in one of the UK’s most affordable cities. Find out more about living costs in Cardiff.
Funding
Careers and placements
Your course is focused on a substantial research project, with taught modules supporting it and providing additional valuable skills. The overall experience of designing and running a laboratory or field-based research project, analysing, interpreting and presenting the results provides you with real world employability skills with direct and often immediate impact on your future career path. Approximately half of our graduates continue with their studies and successfully complete a PhD.
Other graduates have gained employment as consultants, nature conservationists, teachers, science writers and laboratory technicians.
The MRes degree and research experience it provides are often seen as central to enabling these career paths.
Placements
Opportunities for short-term off-site research experience or conference attendance may arise during the research project. Students can also benefit from demonstrating undergraduate practical sessions.
Next steps
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HESA Data: Copyright Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited 2021. The Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited cannot accept responsibility for any inferences or conclusions derived by third parties from its data. Data is from the latest Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019/20, published by HESA in June 2022.
