MSc by Research in Bioveterinary Science

Program Overview

This MSc by Research program offers students the opportunity to delve into the scientific foundations of animal health and disease. Through independent study and research supervised by experts, students can develop expertise in a specific area, fostering valuable transferable skills for diverse career paths including academia and research-related fields.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This program provides students with the opportunity to research the science underlying animal health and disease. This could include the processes surrounding animal health, life histories of pathogens and parasites, infection and immunity, preventative measures, or diagnosis and treatments, and could look at issues affecting a wide range of animal species, including exotic, companion, livestock, and wild animals, as well as in humans. Students benefit from training courses provided by the University aimed at developing key skills in research. Under the guidance and advice of their academic supervisors, students can develop their ability to effectively communicate their research and thesis. Beyond learning how to conduct research and the specialist skills that students are expected to develop within their subject discipline, the process of studying for a research degree can provide transferable skills in problem-solving, time management, independent and team work, and communication.

Assessment:

Students will have at least one formal meeting with their supervisors each month where progress will be discussed. After three months students are expected to provide an outline of their research proposal, which will be evaluated. The MSc by Research is awarded based on the quality of the students thesis and their ability to present and successfully defend their research to a panel of examiners. They are expected to demonstrate how their research findings have contributed to knowledge, or developed existing theory or understanding.

Teaching:

This research programme relies on independent study and research, supervised by an advisory panel of academic staff. The nature of this research will be specific to the subject area, but is expected to investigate a novel question and provide a novel contribution to science. Due to the nature of postgraduate research programmes, the majority of time is spent in independent study and research. Students will have meetings with their academic supervisor at least once a month, but the precise frequency of these will vary depending on individual requirements, subject area, staff availability, and stage of programme. Students will also have the opportunity to attend talks and seminars, and to engage with other research-related activities throughout their degree.

Careers:

A research programme provides the opportunity to become a true expert in your chosen field, while developing a range of valuable transferable skills than can support your career progression. A research-based degree is also the most direct pathway to an academic career. Research degrees are a great chance to expand your network and meet diverse people with similar interests, knowledge, and passion. The University’s Doctoral School provides a focal point for Lincoln’s community of researchers, where ideas and experiences can be developed and shared across disciplines. It also offers support and training to help equip you for both academic and non-academic careers.

Other:

Research within the Department of Life Sciences is conducted within five research groups: Evolution and Ecology, Microbiology and Biotechnology, Animal Behaviour, Cognition, and Welfare, Cancer and Ageing, and Diabetes, Metabolism, and Inflammation. The key to success on a postgraduate research programme is to find a research topic that you are passionate about and identify a supervisory team that has expertise in this area. The first thing that all prospective students should do is directly contact a member of staff from one of these areas that you feel is best aligned with your chosen research area to discuss the application process further.