Program Overview

Overview

The Biotechnology and Business Enterprise MRes is a postgraduate research program that explores how to turn research laboratory breakthroughs into successful biotechnology companies. This program is designed for students with a BSc in the life sciences or another science discipline, as well as intercalating and qualified MBBS or BDS students.

What You'll Learn

You'll study subject-specific content in biotechnology and business enterprise research, with the flexibility to select complementary modules and develop a bespoke course. The program includes training in general research principles, professional skills, and key skills. The 24-week research project comprises the major element of the course, supervised by an expert academic researcher in the field.

Modules

The program includes the following compulsory modules:

• Bioscience Research Development and Enterprise (20 credits)
• MRes Project (110 credits)
• Research Skills and Principles for the Biosciences (10 credits)

Optional modules are also available, including:

• Biomedical Additive Manufacture and Biofabrication (20 credits)
• Biomaterials (20 credits)
• The Biological Study of Behaviour (20 credits)
• Ageing & Health (20 credits)
• Experimental Medicine & Therapeutics (20 credits)
• Drug Discovery and Development (20 credits)
• Cancer Studies (20 credits)
• Chromosome Biology and Cell Cycle Control in Health and Disease (20 credits)
• Clinical Epidemiology (20 credits)
• The Biological Basis of Psychiatric Illness & Its Treatment (20 credits)
• Biology of Ageing (20 credits)
• Applied Immunobiology of Human Disease (20 credits)
• Molecular Microbiology (20 credits)
• Biomolecular Research in Health and Disease (20 credits)
• Sensory and Cognitive System Neuroscience (20 credits)
• Scientific Basis of Neurological Disorders (20 credits)
• Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cells (20 credits)
• Transplantation Sciences (20 credits)
• Genetic Medicine (20 credits)
• Surgical Anatomy (20 credits)
• Mitochondrial Biology & Medicine (20 credits)
• Diabetes (20 credits)
• Cardiovascular Science in Health and Disease (20 credits)
• Comparative Cognition: Information Processing in Humans and Other Animals (20 credits)
• Exercise in Health and Disease (20 credits)
• Drug Delivery and Nanomedicine (20 credits)
• Evolution and Human Behaviour (20 credits)
• Human Health and the Impact of Microbial Genomics (20 credits)
• Therapeutic Applications of Cell Signalling Pathways (20 credits)
• Bioinformatics for Biomedical Scientists (20 credits)
• Enabling Technologies and Methodologies for Biomedical Research (20 credits)
• Theoretical Aspects of Animal Welfare (20 credits)
• Practical Aspects of Animal Welfare (20 credits)
• Human Nutrition Science (20 credits)
• Global Health and Planetary Boundaries (20 credits)
• Mechanisms in Genetic Disease: from Genotype to Phenotype (20 credits)

How You'll Learn

The program is delivered through a range of methods, including lectures, seminars, and group work. Assessment methods vary depending on the modules chosen, but may include case studies, computer assessments, design or creative projects, dissertations, essays, professional skills assessments, oral examinations, oral presentations, practical lab reports, posters, portfolios, problem-solving exercises, reports, reflective logs, research proposals, and written examinations.

Your Development

You'll develop a range of research and practical laboratory skills, as well as skills in planning, executing, recording research, data interpretation, and analysis.

Your Future

This MRes can be a pathway for a career in scientific research in academia and industry. It is also excellent preparation for a PhD. Graduates from the Faculty of Medical Sciences MRes at Newcastle have undertaken a wide range of roles, including project manager, research associate, associate consultant, senior analysts, research scientist, Marie Curie early stage researcher, clinical research associate, medical information and patient safety executive, medical writer, medical doctor, research laboratory technician, sales representative, and immunology development manager.

Quality and Ranking

Newcastle University is ranked 42% for world-leading research, with 65% increase in research power since 2014. The university is also ranked as a Global Top 140 University, Global Top 160 University, and Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development.

Facilities

You'll work in the Faculty of Medical Sciences, which is part of the city-centre campus. The faculty is also home to dentistry, medicine, psychology, and pharmacy, and is located on the same site as Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary hospital. Facilities include individual research laboratories, a dedicated medical library, hi-tech computer clusters and study spaces, and dedicated facilities for a range of key bioscience applications.

Fees and Funding

Tuition fees for 2026 entry are £12,500 for home students and £30,700 for international students. Scholarships are available, including a 25% discount on international fees for EU students.

Entry Requirements

The program requires a minimum of a 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent, in a life science or related discipline, or an MBBS/BDS degree. Practical laboratory work experience is desirable, although not essential. English language requirements include IELTS, Pearson, Duolingo English Test, or TOEFL.

How to Apply

The program starts in September, and international students are advised to apply at least two months before the course starts. A deposit of £1,500 is required for international students, and an ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) clearance certificate may be necessary. The application portal has instructions to guide you through your application, and you can choose to start your application, save your details, and come back to complete it later.