Plant and Microbial Biology
Entry requirements
Minimum 2:1 BSc honours degree in biology or a closely related quantitative subject.
In addition, you should be able to demonstrate evidence of aptitude and enthusiasm for research, for example, through an undergraduate research project.
Months of entry
September
Course content
Course description
Plants and microbes are fundamental to food security, as well as being central to global ecosystems. At Sheffield we study them from every angle: from the molecular level up to whole organisms, in the context of ecosystems, industry and major global challenges.
Our world-class research expertise spans topics including plant development, plant biotechnology, soil health, genomics, food security, sustainable agriculture, photosynthesis, plant-microbe interactions, plant immunology, and climate change biology, allowing you to examine the effects of past, present and future climates on plants and the wider environment.
It is possible for students with a particular interest in agricultural or horticultural research to complete their MRes project at other organisations, including Enza Zaden in the Netherlands or Rothamsted Research in the UK.
Research Experience
This research-focused MRes course allows you to spend an academic year embedded in one of our research groups, working alongside students and staff who are at the forefront of their research field. Throughout your course, you’ll develop your research skills, giving you the opportunity to contribute new knowledge in your chosen area.
Whether you complete your research in the field, the lab or in industry, in the UK or abroad, you’ll be provided with a research budget for your project. Previous students have conducted research in conjunction with our industrial partners, as well as in research groups at the University of Sheffield.
Example research projects include:
- Leaf anatomy contributes to the control of leaf water content and subsequent adaptation to low temperature in C4 grasses
- CO2 fertilisation limited by multiple factors in two phosphorus deficient grasslands
- Characterisation of novel desaturation in arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi
Please see our University website for the most up-to-date course information: www.sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/courses
Information for international students
English language requirements
Overall IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component, or equivalent.
For more information about entry requirements for international students, please visit https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/international/applying/postgraduate-taught
Fees and funding
FieldworkThe cost of all core fieldwork and practical project work is included in your tuition fees, this includes travel and accommodation for any one day field trips and compulsory field courses as well as obligatory safety equipment. Necessary vaccinations and visas required for travel, as well as travel to field sites for research project work, may incur additional costs.
Qualification, course duration and attendance options
- MRes
- full time12 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
Course contact details
- Name
- Postgraduate Admissions Tutor
- biosciences-pgt@sheffield.ac.uk
- Phone
- +44 114 222 2341