MRes Biological Sciences
The course draws on expertise across the University and offers a balance of theoretical and practical studies with two research projects in key thematic areas of research which align with University’s research strategy. You will have the option to study for a broad Biological Sciences MRes or choose to specialise in a specific research theme, which may include (but not limited to) Microbiology, (Neuro)Pharmacology, Cell and Molecular Biology and Food Science.
Graduate opportunities
The course will provide you with research skills to a level appropriate to undertake a PhD or pursue a career in research in the public or private sector. Options exist to diversify the current graduate skill set in quantitative research and by training in qualitative research methods. The MRes can be studied independently, or as part of a 1 + 3 structure leading to the award of PhD.A range of diverse career pathways include:
• Academic research careers, including PhD study and postdoctoral research leading towards Principal Investigator status
• Further or higher education lecturing
• Industrial research in the pharmacological or biotechnology sectors
• Medical science writing and systematic reviewing
Nature of Research Enquiry (trimester A)Critical Review of Research (trimester A)Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods (trimester A)Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods (trimester A)Applied Skills in Qualitative Research(trimester B)Quantitative Data Analysis (trimester B)Research Design and Research Project Management (trimester B)
Plus:Laboratory skills training (pass/fail)(trimester A)
Project (1): Preparation, laboratory research, report, poster presentation (60 credits) (trimester B; non-standard dates)
Project (2) or placement: Preparation, laboratory research, report, viva voce examination on both projects (60 credits) (trimester C; non-standard dates).
Typical entry requirements
Minimum 2:2 BSc (Hons) or international equivalent in a biological scienceEnglish language
Academic IELTS score of 6.5 (or equivalent) with no element below 6.0.Additional Information
Other academic and vocational qualifications
Each application to GCU is considered on an individual basis. If you do not have the typical academic entry qualifications, but can demonstrate relevant work experience and/or credits from recognised professional bodies, you may be eligible to enter this course via the University's Recognition of Prior Learning scheme.
International pathways
If you do not meet the English language requirements, you may be eligible for our pre-sessional English programme which is taught at our Glasgow campus.
The tuition fees you pay are mostly determined by your fee status. What is my student fee status?
The fees for this course are still to be confirmed.
Fees are subject to change and published here for guidance only. Fees and refund policy.
As a student at the University, there are additional fees and costs which may or may not apply to you, but that you should be aware of.
Scholarships
We provide high-quality education for a fair price; as the University for the Common Good, we are committed to offering accessible higher education for talented students by keeping our tuition fees low and providing a generous scholarship package of over £2.5 million per year.
For new international students, particular care is taken around our induction events which begin on 11 September 2020 to welcome you to the UK and GCU prior to the start of teaching. There will be a whole host of fun and informative activities taking place during this period, including campus tours, city tours and social events where you can meet other international students. Where possible, we encourage you to arrange travel to allow you to arrive in time to enjoy these.
Find out more about international life at GCU.
We use a wide range of learning and teaching methods to ensure that you have both the necessary knowledge and understanding of business and management and a portfolio of intellectual and personal skills.
Each module on the course uses its own learning, teaching and assessment strategy to achieve learning objectives. Assessment methods vary between modules and may include unseen examinations, class tests, essays, management reports, case studies, presentations, and group work.
The learning and teaching methods we use ensure that our course is both vocationally relevant and academically challenging. Our approach is student-centred, practical, participative and relevant to the needs of employers.
We've moved away from the traditional teacher-centric learning to a more independent learning approach, where you are encouraged to develop critical thinking skills.