MPhil Structural 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.

Activity in the Structural Biology, Enzymology and Biophysics group spans across four major themes: biocatalysts (enzymes), membrane proteins, RNA protein interactions and the extracellular matrix. At Manchester they aim to take a holistic and integrated approach to research activity in these areas, providing a hub for detailed molecular analysis of biomolecular structure and function within the Faculty. There are strong interdisciplinary links with other themed areas in the Faculty, and other Schools and research institutes in the University. Infrastructure within the group is superb and includes state-of-the-art crystallisation robots, X-ray generators, computational and NMR facilities. The group also has unique facilities for advanced spectroscopy, fast reaction methods and computational infrastructure. The group is part of a large consortium that has received substantial funding (£6.8 million) to study membrane protein structure. A national centre for the robotic evolution of enzymes was established recently in the group through substantial funding (£2.2 million) from BBSRC.

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.