Program Overview

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PhD Biological Sciences

Overview

The PhD in Biological Sciences at the University of Essex is a four-year research-based degree that provides students with the opportunity to develop their research skills and expertise in a specific area of biological sciences. The program is designed to support students who do not have English as their first language and may have been studying in a different country or out of a traditional academic environment for some time.

Entry Requirements

UK Entry Requirements

• A good honours degree or a Masters degree, or equivalent, in a related subject.
• A well-developed research proposal is also essential.
• Students will normally be required to attend an interview/Skype interview for acceptance, and acceptance is subject to research expertise in the department.

International & EU Entry Requirements

• The university accepts a wide range of qualifications from applicants studying in the EU and other countries.
• For specific requirements, it is recommended to contact the Graduate Admissions team.

English Language Requirements

• If English is not the first language, an IELTS score of 5.5 overall, or equivalent, with a score of 5.5 in all other components is required.

Structure

Course Structure

The program combines compulsory and optional modules, giving students the freedom to pursue their own interests. The research element of the degree does not have a taught structure, allowing students to investigate their chosen topic in depth.

Components and Modules

• Components: Blocks of study that make up the course, each with a status and carrying a certain number of credits towards the qualification.
• Modules: Individual units of study, each with its own set of learning outcomes and assessment criteria, and carrying a certain number of credits.

Year 1 Components

• COMPONENT 01: COMPULSORY - Biological Science - Research (0 credits)
• COMPONENT 01: CORE - English Language and Communication Skills for Postgraduate Studies (45 credits)
• COMPONENT 02: CORE - Academic Skills for Postgraduate Research (45 credits)
• COMPONENT 03: CORE WITH OPTIONS - BS708-7-AP or BS985-7-AU (15 credits)
• COMPONENT 04: CORE - Research Proposal (15 credits)

Fees and Funding

Home/UK Fee

• ｣5,238 per year
• Fees will increase for each academic year of study.

International Fee

• ｣23,625 per year
• Fees will increase for each academic year of study.

Scholarships and Financial Support

• There may be scholarships, bursaries, or discounts available to help with the cost of the course.

What's Next

Open Days

• The university holds Open Days for all applicants throughout the year.
• These events provide an opportunity to tour the campus and accommodation, find out more about the courses, and meet with staff and students.

Applying

• Applications can be made online.
• Before applying, it is recommended to check the necessary documents required as part of the application.
• A preliminary enquiry can be made directly to a potential supervisor or the Graduate Administrator within the chosen Department or School.

Visit Colchester Campus

• The Colchester Campus is set within 200 acres of award-winning parkland and is easily reachable from London and Stansted Airport.

Virtual Tours

• For those unable to visit in person, 360-degree virtual tours are available to explore the university's facilities and social spaces.