ERROR: Programme Request failed with status code: 500. Response: {} MRes Advanced Biological Sciences | Masters Degrees | University of Exeter

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Masters Degrees

MRes Advanced Biological Sciences

Please note: This page is for 2027 entry. Click here for 2026 entry.
UCAS code 1234
Duration 2 years full time
Entry year 2026
Campus Streatham Campus
Typical offer

View full entry requirements

At least a 2:1 Honours degree or equivalent in Biology or a relevant science subject

Contextual offers

Why study MRes Advanced Biological Sciences at Exeter?

  • Research-driven programme offering two research projects over 2 years
  • The advanced laboratory skills module provides specialised training and advanced data processing
  • You will undertake two substantial research projects working within two of our world-leading research groups
  • Prepares graduates with the key skills for a career in research

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Contact

Programme Director: 

Web: Enquire online

Phone: +44 (0)1392 72 72 72

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Top 20 in the UK for world-leading research in Biological Sciences

REF 2021, based on 4-star research

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Opportunity to specialise with a choice of pathways

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Advance laboratory skills with specialist techniques training

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Substantial research project within one of our world-leading research groups

The suite of programmes naturally builds on our internationally-leading undergraduate degrees, providing a rich and focused research-led experience. It works both ways - a fantastic opportunity for students to enhance their specialist training, while welcoming a new cohort of enthusiastic, budding scientists into our Departmental community.

Professor James Wakefield

Head of Biosciences

Course content

The MRes Advanced Biological Sciences programme is a research-driven programme that will be taken over two academic years enabling you to complete two research projects.

In year one, you will receive training in laboratory methods and transferable skills, take three taught modules and complete your first 45 credit research project. In year two, you will be supported in submitting UK-wide PhD studentship applications, learn how to write effective research proposals, take a core Advanced Topics module plus one other module from an extensive suite of options, and undertake your second, more extensive research project (75 credits).

The core modules will provide you with the knowledge and skills required to develop your research projects which will be supervised from within two of our world-leading research groups, determined by your research project focus.

The modules below provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.

Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.

Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.

Entry requirements

Minimum 2:1 Honours degree in a relevant science subject. 

Relevant subjects include: Biological Sciences, Cell Biology, Ecology, Ecology and Conservation, Evolutionary Biology, Genetics, Marine Biology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Plant Science, Zoology.

Please also see our guidance on essential documentation required for an initial decision on taught programme applications.

Entry requirements for international students

English language requirements

International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course.

The required IELTS test scores for this course fall under Profile B2.

Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country.

The MRes programme at Exeter is research focussed and you will complete two research projects in our world-leading research laboratories which is an excellent preparation for a research career. If you wish, you can specialise in an area of Biology you are most interested in, or you can do your research projects in two different areas thereby broadening your research portfolio.

Programme Director and Senior Lecturer

Fees

2026/27 entry

UK fees per year:

£11,650 full-time

International fees per year:

£16,800 full-time

Scholarships

国产传媒 of Exeter offers a wide range of scholarships to support your education, with ?7 million available for international students applying to study with us in the 2026/27 academic year, including our prestigious Exeter Excellence Scholarships. We also provide awards for sport, music and other achievements, as well as regional and partner scholarships with organisations such as Chevening, The Beacon Trust and the British Council. For more information on scholarships and other financial support, please visit our scholarships and bursaries page.

University of Exeter Alumni Scholarship

We are pleased to offer the University of Exeter Alumni Scholarship, a scholarship for University of Exeter alumni beginning a standalone postgraduate programme in 2026/27 with us a scholarship worth 20% of the cost of your first year tuition fees.

Terms and conditions, including deadlines, apply.

Teaching and research

How will I learn?

  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Workshops
  • Group discussion
  • Independent study

The programme consists of core modules that provide you with a theoretical and applied learning framework for directed student-centred learning in which you will develop skills of synthesis, critical analysis, and interpretation. In addition, you will receive professional skills training tailored to the areas most relevant to your academic and professional development.

Research project

You will carry out your independent supervised research projects in one of our . Research projects are individual and can be based on laboratory work, field work or in silico (e.g. bioinformatics).

The research projects will give you first-hand experience in many aspects of research work including data generation, analysis, and interpretation as well as science communication in written, poster and oral presentations.

Facilities

Depending on your chosen modules and research project topics, you may have access to the following facilities:

Tutorial support

You will be allocated a personal tutor who is available for advice and support throughout your studies. There is also a postgraduate tutor available to help with further guidance and advice. In addition, the programme director will offer every student a meeting each term to review academic progress.

Assessment

Taught modules are assessed through essay examinations, individual and group-based coursework assignments, oral presentations, in-module tests and reports or essays. A significant proportion of the marks are based on your substantial research projects and the associated papers.

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Careers

Employer-valued skills this course develops

This programme will provide you with a diversity of skills that will equip you for a range of sectors of work but it will particularly prepare you for PhD study or a career in research.

Skills include:

  • Analytical skills
  • Applied statistics
  • Scientific writing
  • Independent learning
  • Critical evaluation
  • Research techniques
  • Oral communication

Careers services

Our careers teams at the Career Zone can help guide you through a wealth of information to match your skills and interests to a career that will suit you. Our staff work with regional, national and international employers to develop new work placement, project and graduate opportunities.