A series of new Master’s courses for students across a range of exciting biological research areas has been announced in the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Cambridge. Applications open in September 2022 for students to start in October 2023.
The six new ‘MPhil in Biological Sciences by Advanced Study’ programmes are designed to deliver outstanding postgraduate level training and provide students with an opportunity to undertake a period of study and lab-based research in an area of scientific importance and interest:
- Biomolecular Science
- Cell Science
- Crop Science
- Developmental Biology
- Infection Biology & Molecular Immunology
- Reproduction and Embryogenesis
At the heart of this new programme is a commitment to give more students the opportunity to experience the excitement of scientific research in one of the world’s leading research universities. We aim to bring together motivated students with different lived experiences, bridging the gap between less research-intensive undergraduate degrees and further postgraduate education. A year of in-depth research study, in a supportive environment, combines more specialised teaching with professional skills training. At the end of the Master’s course, students will be fully equipped for a wide range of careers, including advanced research in industry or to apply to any competitive doctoral programme.
MPhil students will meet regularly as a cohort for taught components involving interactive and discussion-based teaching complemented with extensive lab-based training during a research project (up to 32 weeks + 6 weeks writing up time). Additionally, training is provided in key professional research and transferrable skills, ranging from research ethics and integrity, scientific communication to experimental design and data analysis.
"The MPhil in Developmental Biology course has been an immensely enjoyable program that gives you the building blocks to pursue a career in science. The opportunity to learn and discuss the latest developments in the field of developmental biology with key figures as well as doing a research placement within a lab made the course unique, as you were able to put theoretical understandings to practical use. We were also encouraged to participate in conferences, which allowed me to present my work in a poster to a wider audience. With the support and guidance from the course directors and supervisors, this program has certainly been helpful in giving me the confidence to continue to the next stage of my career." - Tharini Ravindra Kumar, 2021-22 cohort
This course will promote equality and diversity through an associated widening participation bursary scheme.
This new multi-pathway master’s course will open for postgraduate applications on 15 September 2022 and admit the first students in October 2023. More information will be published soon on the School website.
Contact: MPhil Coordinator