University of Leicester

What you'll study

The MBiolSci builds on core biological principles and moves into advanced, specialist topics taught at master's level, combining taught modules with an extended independent research project. Teaching balances lectures and seminars with extensive laboratory and field practicals, training you in contemporary techniques, experimental design and data analysis.

• Core advanced modules – topics commonly include advanced molecular and cell biology, genomics and bioinformatics, advanced physiology and developmental biology, and evolutionary and ecological theory.
• Research methods and statistics – training in experimental design, quantitative analysis, bioinformatics pipelines, reproducibility and scientific communication.
• Optional/specialist modules – examples include microbial biology and biotechnology, conservation and ecosystem management, neurobiology, and applied immunology; availability depends on staff expertise and timetabling.
• Independent research project (dissertation) – a substantial piece of supervised research carried out in university laboratories or field sites, culminating in a thesis and oral presentation. Projects typically employ contemporary techniques such as next-generation sequencing, microscopy, molecular cloning, proteomics or ecological survey methods.
• Professional and transferable skills – training in project management, grant-writing, ethics, science communication and employability tailored to laboratory and non-laboratory careers.

Entry requirements

Typical entry requires a good honours degree in biological sciences or a closely related subject. Applicants with a UK upper second-class honours degree (2:1) or an acceptable international equivalent are normally considered; candidates with a lower second-class degree (2:2) plus relevant professional or research experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Applicants should demonstrate substantial grounding in core laboratory and theoretical biology (molecular biology, genetics, cell biology or ecology, depending on chosen pathway). Practical experience from undergraduate lab work, internships or voluntary research strengthens applications.

International students must meet English language requirements; common expectations include an overall IELTS score around the level typical for UK postgraduate programmes with minimum component scores in reading and writing. Additional documentation such as transcripts, a personal statement and one or two academic references are required.

Career prospects

Graduates from the MBiolSci move into a wide range of roles across academia, industry and the public sector. The programme prepares you for:

• Research careers — PhD study and research technician posts in universities and research institutes.
• Laboratory-based roles — molecular biology, genomics and analytical laboratories in biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies.
• Healthcare-related science — positions in clinical laboratories, diagnostics and public health laboratories (often requiring additional vocational/regulatory qualifications for some roles).
• Environmental and conservation careers — ecological consultancy, conservation organisations and governmental environment agencies.
• Science communication, policy and management — roles in publishing, outreach, policy advising and product management.
• Teaching — secondary or further education teaching, typically following completion of a teaching qualification (such as a PGCE).

Why study at University of Leicester

The University of Leicester offers research-led teaching delivered by academic staff working across modern biological disciplines. Students benefit from well-equipped laboratories, access to molecular and genomic platforms, microscopy suites and fieldwork facilities that support both laboratory and ecological study.

Leicester emphasises transferable skills and research experience, with strong supervision for final-year projects and opportunities to collaborate with active research groups. The university's location and institutional links provide students with opportunities for industry placements, collaborations with external research partners and involvement in interdisciplinary projects.

Overall, the MBiolSci is designed to provide rigorous scientific training and extensive hands-on research experience to prepare graduates for scientific careers or further study.