Program Overview

MSc (by Dissertation) Plant Biology

Overview

The MSc (by Dissertation) Plant Biology is a postgraduate research course that allows students to investigate their chosen topic in real depth and reach a profound understanding. The course is based in the School of Life Sciences, which covers a wide spectrum of biology from genes to ecosystems. The academic staff have expertise in photosynthesis, plant productivity, plant ecophysiology, and cell signalling.

Entry Requirements

• A good honours degree or a Masters degree, or equivalent, in a related subject is required.
• A well-developed research proposal is also essential.
• Students will normally be required to attend an interview or Skype interview for acceptance, and acceptance is subject to research expertise in the department.
• International students must meet the English language requirements, which is IELTS 6.5 overall, or equivalent, with a score of 5.5 in all other components.

International & EU Entry Requirements

The University accepts a wide range of qualifications from applicants studying in the EU and other countries.

Structure

• A research degree doesn't have a taught structure, giving students the chance to investigate their chosen topic in real depth and reach a profound understanding.
• The course allows students to develop new high-level skills, enhance their professional development, and build new networks.
• The aim of undertaking the PhD within the School of Life Sciences is to train students to become independent researchers who can critically assess research work and have a comprehensive understanding of at least one area of biology.

Assessment

• An MSD involves a minimum of one year of full-time research or two years part-time, followed by the production of a dissertation.
• Students enrolled on an MSD programme can upgrade to an MPhil or PhD, subject to satisfactory progress.
• Students must attend two formal supervisory board meetings each year where they submit literature reviews and research reports to the Board members prior to the meeting.

Dissertation

• The MSD thesis is generally completed within one to two years and has a maximum length of 30,000 words.

Fees and Funding

• The home/UK fee is ｣5,006 per year.
• The international fee is ｣22,550 per year.
• Fees will increase for each academic year of study.
• There may be scholarships, bursaries, or discounts available to help with the cost of the course.

What's Next

• The University holds Open Days for all applicants throughout the year, which provide an opportunity to find out more about studying at Essex.
• Students can apply for the course online, and the University aims to respond to applications within four weeks.

Related Courses

• PhD Plant Biology
  • Study mode: Full-time, Part-time
  • Location: Colchester Campus

Specialist Facilities

• The School of Life Sciences is fully equipped to perform cutting-edge plant physiology and phenotyping research using a combination of conventional and custom-designed apparatus.
• Facilities include:
  • Chlorophyll fluorescence and thermal imaging of whole plants and cells
  • A plant phenotyping platform with a novel dynamic lighting system
  • Equipment for infra-red gas exchange analysis, including whole plant chambers for Arabidopsis
  • Computer-controlled glasshouse and controlled environment facilities
• A dedicated study room allows all postgraduate research students to have access to a desk and a computer outside of the research laboratories.