MPhil Developmental Biology: The University of Manchester

Course description

The MPhil is a one-year research degree where students get the opportunity to study a specific research project. The MPhil degree can act as a stand-alone degree for applicants who would like to gain experience in a specific area, or can be linked to a PhD programme. Rather than register on a direct entry 3 or 4 year PhD, some postgraduates may first register on a one-year MPhil programme. Subsequently students may then wish to transfer on to a full PhD programme with a further 2 or 3 years of study.

Developmental Biology is the study of the processes by which complex organisms develop from fertilized eggs. Research in Manchester investigates the fundamental events underlying normal development and how these are subverted in disease. Specific interests include: pluripotency, cell fate specification and differentiation; patterning and organogenesis; cell signalling; epithelial development and morphogenesis; cell adhesion in development; and the developmental role of genes involved in human diseases including epidermal, heart and craniofacial defects. The newly established Healing Foundation Centre investigates the cellular and molecular basis of tissue repair and regeneration. Their research utilises a variety of model organisms including Dictyostelium, Drosophila, chick,mouse, Xenopus and zebrafish, and a diversity of state-of the-art techniques including various types of genetic analysis, transgenesis, gene targeting, expression profiling, functional genomics, proteomics, imaging, electron microscopy and X-ray crystallography.

Career opportunities

The majority of their MPhil students choose to study for a subsequent 2 or 3 years to gain a PhD qualification. Other students use the skills they have acquired to move into related areas such as education, information technology, consultancy and management, helped by the comprehensive skills training they gain during their programme of study.

Entry requirements

Academic entry qualification overview:

The standard entry requirement for MPhil study is a First or Upper Second class honours degree, or the overseas equivalent, in a relevant subject. In certain circumstances, a Lower Second class honours degree supplemented by appropriate relevant experience, may be acceptable.

English language:

For MPhil applicants whose first language is not English an IELTS score of 6.5, TOEFL 577 (paper based), TOEFL 233 (computer based) or TOEFL 90 (internet based) is required as a minimum.