You will also acquire a wide range of advanced research techniques through carrying out a one-year research project under the direction of a member of academic staff. The project is written up in the format of a scientific paper for publication, and this forms a major component of the assessment.

The project will be selected from one of three major research areas within the School: Biomedical Sciences (BMS), Plant Molecular Sciences (PMS), and Ecology Evolution and Behaviour (EEB). We suggest you search initially under the appropriate research area, and from there follow links to academic staff members whose research descriptions look interesting to you. If you already know the name of an academic staff member that you are interested in working with, select their name from the staff list on the School staff web page.

The Biological Sciences Research programme is offered at the Royal Holloway University of London. This one year course gives you the opportunity to develop your research skills, including data analysis, bioinformatics tools and presentation skills.

This MasterÕs by Research is ideal for students who wish to continue to further study towards a PhD or who are interested in pursuing a research career.

Why choose this course?

• This course provides ideal training and experience for those interested in pursuing a research career and meets eligibility requirements for entry to a PhD.
• Your direct experience of managing your own research project will greatly improve your competitiveness in applying for PhD positions.
• The taught element of the course will equip you with all of the generic skills, such as experimental design and data analysis, needed for success at the next level.
• You will have the opportunity to present your results to an audience in the format of a conference presentation, while the written research report in the form of a scientific paper will give you an insight into the approach needed for acceptance by a scientific journal.
• The School of Biological Sciences is equipped with a range of state-of-the-art facilities including advanced cell and plant imaging equipment; mass spectrometers, and an electrophysiology suite. We also have access to a beautiful campus with woodland and meadow field-testing locations.

Employability & career opportunities

• Last year, several of the graduates of the MSc by Research in Biological Sciences progressed onto PhD study at Royal Holloway and elsewhere.
• Around a quarter generally go on to PhD positions elsewhere; recent destinations include the University of Oxford, Imperial College London, the Max Plank Institute, Germany, St Georges University of London, and MRC Harwell.
• Other recent employers of our graduates include the National Health Service, the European Medicines Agency, The Environment Agency, CABI Bioscience, Plantlife, and the Shiseido Corporation, Tokyo.