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Biological Sciences at Royal Holloway, University of London - UCAS

Course options

2024 - 2025
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There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

Course summary

Refine your research skills and develop advanced scientific and technical expertise with a one-year Masters by Research programme in Biological Sciences. Choose your preferred research area from Biomedical Sciences, Plant Molecular Sciences and Ecology, Evolution and Behaviour to learn alongside academic staff working at the frontiers of knowledge in their particular fields. You’ll contribute to a renowned research culture, with Royal Holloway, University of London School of Biological Sciences ranked 25th in the UK for influential research output by the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014. Study in our state-of-the-art laboratories, providing advanced equipment for bioinformatics, mass spectrometry and protein and gene sequencing. You’ll have access to on-site woodland and meadow field testing facilities, and our campus is within easy reach of sites of special scientific interest, including Windsor Great Park, Box Hill and Chobham Common. Gain the generic skills and hands-on experience you need to continue into further study as a PhD student, or progress towards a research career in a variety of different sectors.

  • Develop research skills to progress to further study at PhD level or a research career in a variety of sectors.
  • Take part in world-class research led by renowned academics, with 76% of our Biological Sciences research ranked world-leading and internationally excellent. (REF 2014)
  • Use our state-of-the-art facilities, with £16 million recently invested in equipment for bioinformatics, mass spectrometry and protein and gene sequencing.
  • Study on a biodiverse campus with on-site woodland and meadow field testing facilities, within reach of sites of special scientific interest including Windsor Great Park and Box Hill.
  • Choose from three areas of research: Biomedical Sciences, Plant Molecular Sciences and Ecology, Evolution and Behaviour.

Modules

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 bioinformatics tools
  • Grant writing
  • Paper writing
  • Recording and organising your daily laboratory tasks electronically
  • Conference presentation
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, and you will become part of the research team – attending lab meetings and gaining an insight into other projects running alongside yours.

Assessment method

Your understanding and interpretation of novel scientific data will be assessed in the form of a thesis, while your training in transferable skills (provided by the taught component) will be assessed by coursework.

How to apply

International applicants

With almost a third of our students joining us from outside the UK, Royal Holloway is a diverse community with a strong international spirit. Ranked highly in the UK and the world for international outlook in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, Royal Holloway’s position recognises our global research impact and partnerships as well as student and staff diversity. Our alumni are found in 160 countries, working in industry, the arts, public sector and other areas, Royal Holloway is truly international both in ethos and impact. Within the 9,850 students enrolled at Royal Holloway, over 130 nationalities are represented, making our campus truly cosmopolitan. In addition, of the 104 societies and associations which enrich the post-study social life of our students, a quarter have an international flavour. We know a diverse community makes for a more creative and harder-working environment which benefits all our students, wherever they are from. Students from overseas can apply for all of our undergraduate degrees. We offer a range of additional support specifically for international students, including through our Centre for the Development of Academic Skills. For example, ‘Academic English’ for international students is provided for non-native speakers of English. The courses are designed to help you meet the challenges of academic work, including writing essays, following lectures, taking part in academic discussion and giving presentations. We also offer additional degree preparation courses for international students. See our website for full details. We have a number of scholarships that are dedicated to international students to help with tuition fees for undergraduate degrees. You can find a list of our current scholarship opportunities on our website.

Entry requirements

UK 2:2 (Honours) or equivalent, in Biology, Biochemistry or a related discipline. However, individual supervisors might request a higher degree classification. English language requirements: IELTS 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all other subscores.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

EU £26300 Year 1
International £26300 Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Biological Sciences at Royal Holloway, University of London - UCAS