MRes Master by Research

Overview

Master by Research (MRes) is a one-year research-focused postgraduate programme delivered at the Institute of Cancer Therapeutics and Faculty of Life Sciences. It provides training for working as a professional scientist, or in preparation for a PhD.

There are six specialisms available to you:

• MRes Cancer Drug Discovery
• MRes Cancer Pharmacology
• MRes Drug Toxicology and Safety Pharmacology
• MRes Molecular and Cell Biology
• MRes Chemical Biology
• MRes Pharmaceutical Technology

The programme places a strong emphasis on developing laboratory-based research skills and expertise. A six-month research project offers you an opportunity to acquire skills, and to put them into practice by carrying out cutting-edge research with a real-world impact.

The programme is organised around research-engaged learning, where the classroom and lab are sites for the production and application of new knowledge. The curriculum is designed around the principle of ‘spiral learning’ where core skills, knowledge, and competencies are reinforced and developed as you study.

The approach to assessment for learning is aligned to both the spiral curriculum and the principle of research-engaged learning. It is also authentic in encompassing the disciplinary and professional skills you will need to pursue a career in the associated scientific and academic fields.

Learning and assessment

The programme uses a wide range of assessment types, including:

• Written exams
• Extended essays
• Poster and seminar presentations
• Laboratory write-ups

The assessments work together to provide the real skills needed for research-active scientists. For example, in Semester 2, you will be tasked with writing a communication journal manuscript based on your initial results and to submit a scientific abstract for a poster.

In Semester 3, you will prepare and present your poster at the Faculty-wide Research Open Day, to which all the University’s internal and external stakeholders are invited. You will join other students in the cohort, to form an editorial board, set criteria and then peer-review the manuscripts prepared in Semester 2.

Employability, and the skills that enhance it, are a strong feature running through the curriculum design. For example, in Semester 2 you will attend a workshop about writing your CV. In Semester 3, you will participate in a mock job/PhD interview by an invited external employer/academic.

Career prospects

The largest destination of our graduates is enrolment in PhD studies (47%) including here at Bradford, as well as King’s College London, Cambridge, Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Newcastle, Portsmouth and Sheffield.

Career destination of our graduates includes the NHS, Covance, Envigo, St James Hospital Leeds, Cyprotex, Chiltern, Perrigo, Dewsbury & District Hospital, Liverpool Institute of Translational Medicine, and Public Health England.