Microbiology impacts numerous aspects of our lives, including ensuring our food is safe, treating and preventing disease, developing green technologies, and tracking the role of microbes in climate change. This research programme can equip students with the skills needed to solve major global challenges such as antibiotic resistance, clean drinking water, and food security, by conducting research in areas such as medical, industrial, and environmental microbiology; molecular, cell, and system biology; recombinant DNA technology; protein biochemistry; structural biology; fermentation; and bioengineering.

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.

How You Study

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.

How You Are Assessed

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.