MPhil Biotechnology: 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.

As genome projects for animals, plants and microorganisms continue to advance, new opportunities arise which offer huge potential benefits in healthcare, agriculture and the environment, through the production of new drugs, novel crops and bioremediation. The Faculty houses the UK Centre for Tissue Engineering and there are strong links with industry. The Faculty is well placed to exploit emerging research opportunities with industry as the first purpose-built BioSciences Incubator is situated adjacent to the Faculty and is where companies which spin out from their basic research can be located. Research in Biotechnology is diverse, and the following represent just a few examples:

• Wound Healing
• Injury and Repair
• Cancer Biology
• Arthritis Research
• Appetite and Body Weight
• Neurodegeneration & Movement Disorders
• Animal Cell Biotechnology
• Microbial Pathogenicity & Production of Therapeutics
• Fungal Biotechnology & Protein Production
• Genetic Engineering of Crops
• Containment of Transgenes in the Environment
• Bioremediation of Terrestrial & Aquatic Environments
• Bioinformatics

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.