Program Overview

MSc (by Dissertation) Biological Sciences

Overview

The MSc (by Dissertation) Biological Sciences is a postgraduate research course that allows students to investigate a 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 various areas, including:

• Biophysics
• Biochemistry
• Cell and molecular biology
• Molecular medicine
• Environmental microbiology
• Photosynthesis
• Plant productivity
• Ecology
• Marine and environmental science

As a research student at Essex, you will work at the heart of an internationally acknowledged, well-resourced, and well-connected research community. You will have the opportunity to develop new high-level skills, enhance your professional development, and build new networks.

Entry Requirements

UK Entry Requirements

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

International & EU Entry Requirements

We accept a wide range of qualifications from applicants studying in the EU and other countries. You will need to provide proof of your qualifications and English language proficiency. If English is not your first language, we require IELTS 6.5 overall, or equivalent, with a score of 5.5 in all other components.

Structure

Course Structure

A research degree doesn't have a taught structure, giving you the chance to investigate your chosen topic in real depth and reach a profound understanding. You will have the opportunity to develop new high-level skills, enhance your professional development, and build new networks.

Assessment

The aim of undertaking your PhD within our School of Life Sciences is to train you to become an independent researcher who can critically assess research work, and who has a comprehensive understanding of at least one area of biology. An MSD involves a minimum of one year of full-time research or two years part-time, followed by the production of a dissertation.

Dissertation

You must attend two formal supervisory board meetings each year where you submit literature reviews and research reports to the Board members prior to the meeting. At these meetings, such documents are discussed with you and your progress is assessed. Your MSD thesis is generally completed within one to two years and has a maximum length of 30,000 words.

Fees and Funding

Home/UK Fee

Ł5,006 per year

International Fee

Ł22,550 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 this course.

Related Courses

• PhD Biological Sciences (Full-time, Part-time)
• PhD Biological Sciences (Full-time)