MPhil Plant Sciences: 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.

The Plant Sciences group at The University of Manchester aim to understand the endogenous and extrinsic factors that regulate plant growth, development, evolution and adaptation. Experimental approaches range from studies of individual molecules through to the whole plant in its natural environment. Well characterised model plants such as Arabidopsis as well as crops and natural species are used in interdisciplinary approaches which entail interactions between groups and across the Faculty. Research projects are supported by a wide range of funding agencies, as well as industrial sponsors, all of which enable fundamental research in a variety of projects ranging from biofuels to producing pharmaceuticals.

Three major themes run through Plant Sciences research:

• Cell and Developmental Biology
• Biochemistry and Genetics of Plastids
• Plant Adaptation, Acclimation and Evolution

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.