University of Nottingham

What you'll study

The MRes is a primarily research-focused programme that combines a substantial independent research project with targeted taught modules to develop research skills and subject-specific knowledge. Typical projects reflect the School's strengths and may cover areas such as infectious disease, epidemiology, pharmacology, animal welfare and behaviour, production animal health, wildlife and conservation medicine, One Health approaches, or diagnostic method development.

• Research project: The core element is a major supervised research project that occupies the majority of the programme and culminates in a dissertation. Projects are laboratory-, field- or data-based depending on the topic and supervisor expertise.
• Research methods and statistics: Training in experimental design, quantitative and qualitative research methods, biostatistics and data analysis relevant to veterinary and biomedical research.
• Advanced topics in veterinary science: Short taught modules or seminars covering contemporary issues such as epidemiology, disease surveillance, antimicrobial resistance, animal welfare science, veterinary public health and translational medicine.
• Professional and transferable skills: Training in scientific communication (oral and written), grant writing, research ethics, project management and critical appraisal of literature.

Supervision is provided by academic staff within the School of Veterinary Medicine and Science and collaborating research groups across the University. Students may also have opportunities to work with the University’s clinical and diagnostic facilities, farm and equine units, or external partners in industry and government.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a good honours degree (upper second class or equivalent) in veterinary science, biological sciences, biomedical sciences or a closely related discipline. Relevant practical or research experience, such as prior laboratory work, placements in clinical or field settings, or experience in epidemiology/public health, is desirable and may strengthen an application.

Applicants whose first language is not English will need to meet the University’s English language requirements. Shortlisted applicants may be asked to provide a research proposal or to discuss potential projects with prospective supervisors as part of the selection process.

Career prospects

Graduates of the MRes typically pursue a range of research and professional routes. Common next steps include:

• Progression to PhD study and an academic research career in veterinary or biomedical sciences.
• Research roles in public and animal health agencies, governmental departments, or international organisations involved in disease surveillance, outbreak response and policy.
• Positions in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and veterinary product industries, including roles in R&D, regulatory affairs and clinical trials.
• Employment in diagnostic laboratories, veterinary consultancies, charities and NGOs working in animal welfare, conservation medicine and One Health initiatives.
• Enhanced clinical or specialist careers for veterinary professionals seeking research skills to support evidence-based practice or specialist certification.

Why study at University of Nottingham

The University of Nottingham’s School of Veterinary Medicine and Science is based at the Sutton Bonington campus, which brings together teaching and research facilities tailored to veterinary and animal health sciences. Students benefit from access to clinical skills facilities, on-site farms and equine units, diagnostic and pathology laboratories, and active research groups working across infectious diseases, epidemiology, welfare science and translational medicine.

The School has strong links with local and national veterinary services, industry partners and interdisciplinary research centres across the University, supporting collaborative projects and real-world impact. The MRes offers close supervision from experienced researchers, practical training in contemporary methods, and opportunities to build a research portfolio that prepares graduates for doctoral study or research-focused careers in the animal and public health sectors.