Biological Science (Pathology)

Entry requirements

Applicants for this course should have achieved a UK 2:1 Honours Degree.

Months of entry

October

Course content

The MPhil in Biological Science (Pathology) is a full-time one-year research programme. Students join an active biomedical research group and conduct an original research project. The course aims to provide students with a solid foundation of analytical and laboratory skills, preparing them for a wide range of career options including doctoral studies or industrial research.

Students write an MPhil thesis, which is examined via an oral examination involving an internal and an external examiner. There is no examined coursework and there are no grades: a successful student gains a pass. The department only admits graduate students to the programme and they undertake a research project in an area of their choice in discussion with their selected supervisor.

In addition to the research training provided by the department, the Graduate School of Life Sciences offers students access to courses to widen their experience and to enable them to acquire generic skills. All students attend induction and safety training courses in the department in addition to the training they receive in their research laboratory.

This course is suited to those who wish to pursue biomedical research at a level beyond that of an undergraduate degree, providing a solid foundation of laboratory and analytical skills. Students will become members of an active research laboratory, planning and executing their own original piece of biomedical research. They will develop the ability to critically appraise scientific literature while cultivating their intellectual abilities and gaining transferable skills.

Learning Outcomes

The successful completion of the MPhil in Biological Science (Pathology) prepares the graduate for a wide range of future career opportunities ranging from PhD studies to industrial research and ancillary work in areas such as intellectual property and patents. The graduate will have attained a high level of expertise in biomedical methodology and research strategy.