Master by Research Drug Development

Master by Research (MRes) is a one-year research-focused postgraduate programme run by the Faculty of Life Sciences. It provides training for working in a professional environment, or in preparation for a PhD. The programme places a strong emphasis on developing laboratory-based research skills and expertise. A central core of modules in Semester 1 trains students in widely-used laboratory techniques, research methodology, and in critical analysis and thinking. This is complemented with a subject-specialist module. A six-month research component in the programme provides a strong opportunity to acquire skills and to put them into practice by carrying out cutting edge research with a real-world impact. The main aim of the programme is to provide a student experience organised around research-engaged learning where the classroom and lab are ‘sites’ of the production and application of new knowledge. To achieve this, the curriculum is designed around the principle of ‘spiral learning’ where core skills, knowledge, and competences are reinforced and developed as the student moves chronologically and sequentially through the programme. The approach to assessment for learning is not only aligned to both the spiral curriculum and the principle of research-engaged learning, but also is authentic in the sense of encompassing the disciplinary and professional skills that students will need to pursue careers in the associated scientific and academic fields.

A typical profile of someone seeking entry to the MRes programme is holding an undergraduate degree (with Honours) in a scientific discipline, usually within chemistry, biology, pharmacy, biomedicine, or related fields, with at least an upper second classification (2:1) or equivalent. Candidates who have not taken chemistry or chemical subjects in their undergraduate degree will also require a pass in A-Level Chemistry or an equivalent RQF Level 3 qualification.