Biological Sciences Research

Advertisement

This course gives you the opportunity to develop your research skills, including data analysis, bioinformatics tools and presentation skills. You will also acquire a wide range of advanced research techniques through carrying out a one-year research project under the direction of a member of academic staff. The project is written up in the format of a scientific paper for publication, and this forms a major component of the assessment.
The project will be selected from one of three major research areas within the School: Biomedical Sciences (BMS), Plant Molecular Sciences (PMS), and Ecology Evolution and Behaviour (EEB). We suggest you search initially under the appropriate research area, and from there follow links to academic staff members whose research descriptions look interesting to you. If you already know the name of an academic staff member that you are interested in working with, select their name from the staff list on the School staff web page.
This Masters by Research is ideal for students who wish to continue to further study towards a PhD or who are interested in pursuing a research career.

The course is made up of two elements:

Taught Element

This will develop your research skills in (amongst other things):

* Experimental design
* Data analysis
* Quality assurance
* Use of bioinformatic tools
* Grant-writing
* Writing papers
* Communicating with the media
* Presenting at a conference.

Research Project

The project will be an opportunity to pursue your own independent research within the lab of your supervisor. All of our academic staff are research active and so all projects are at the cutting edge within their specific discipline. Day to day supervision will be provided by your supervisor or an experienced researcher within their lab, while you will become part of the research team, attending lab meetings and gaining an insight into other projects running alongside yours.

On completion of the course graduates will have:

* training in the key generic skills required to be a scientific researcher
* advanced training in a specialised branch of biological sciences research
* familiarity with a range of transferable, advanced research skills
* practice in communicating results of research both by oral presentation and by preparation of a draft scientific paper.

First degreeUK Lower Second Class Honours degree (2:2), or equivalent, in biology, biochemisty or a related discipline.English language requirementsIELTS 6.5, TOEFL (iBT) 88, or equivalent, for non-native English speaking applicants.Applicants should identify potential research supervisors or at least express an area of interest so that we can pass the application to an appropriate research supervisor for assessment. A more-targeted application is far more likely to be accepted.Students from overseas should visit the International| pages for information on the entry requirements from their country and further information on English language requirements. Royal Holloway International offers a Pre-Masters Diploma for International Students and English language pre-sessional courses, allowing students the opportunity to develop their study skills and English language before starting their postgraduate degree. English Language Requirements CAE score: (read more) Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) is part of the Cambridge English suite and is targeted at a high level (IETLS 6.5-8.0). It is an international English language exam set at the right level for academic and professional success. Developed by Cambridge English Language Assessment - part of the University of Cambridge - it helps you stand out from the crowd as a high achiever. 75 (Grade B)

Scholarships for International Students: * International Excellence Scholarships: £10,000
* Biosciences Entrance Scholarships: £1,000
* Computer Science Scholarships: £1,000 in year 1, £500 in years 2 and 3
* Choral and Organ Scholarships: £1,500 per year (organ); £700 (choral)
* Instrumental Scholarships: £300 per year
* Student Talented Athlete Recognition Scheme (STARS) Bursaries : up to £1,000 per year, access to sports facilities and therapy