masters admission brochure

Masters degree programmes

BiologyMSc Bioscience Technology

MRes Computational Biology

MRes Ecology and Environmental Management

MRes Post-Genomic Biology

www.york.ac.uk/biology

The Department of Biology is one of the

leading centres for biological teaching and

research in the UK. It was ranked second

in the UK in the Guardian’s 2010 University

Guide and fourth in the 2010 Times Good

University Guide. In the 2008 Research

Assessment Exercise, it was ranked equal

first among broad spectrum bioscience

departments in the UK for quality that was

judged to be world leading.

The Department’s research environment

was rated particularly highly, as the outright

leader for broad spectrum bioscience

departments. It has an integrated approach

to Biology, with no barriers between

disciplines and both teaches and undertakes

research across the whole spectrum of

modern Biology, from molecular genetics

and biochemistry to ecology.

The Department occupies a single set

of purpose-built £21.6M teaching and

research laboratories, opened in July 2002.

This includes an innovative Technology

Facility (TF) equipped with state-of-the-art

equipment and the associated expertise.

The TF provides support to research in

York, and has established a wide range of

collaborations and service contracts with

other universities, bioscience business and

commercial companies.

Contents Welcome

The Department of Biology PG 3

Funding and scholarships PG 12

Entry qualifications PG 13

The University of York PG 14

York and Yorkshire PG 15

T h e D e p a r t m e n t o f B i o l o g y

MRes Ecology and Environmental Management

Programme overviewCareersApplication processFunding

MSc Bioscience Technology






PG 4

PG 6

PG 8

PG 10


Programme overviewTraining the technologists of the future

If you want to gain an in-depth understanding and practical experience of the latest technologies that are driving biological research, then this is the course for you. This exciting MSc offers excellent career prospects with both industry and academia, especially in the rapidly expanding technology centres, as well as in research and non-research positions.

Run by our internationally recognised Technology Facility, this is a unique and unrivalled opportunity to learn from the experts. Through a mixture of technology training workshops, laboratory experience and a 20-week placement, often with external bioscience companies, you will gain both theoretical understanding and extensive practical experience in a range of techniques. The course is suitable for students who have a degree in any biological science or in chemistry, physics, mathematics, computer science etc, with a substantial knowledge of biology.

The MSc in Bioscience Technology will enable you to:

� learn more about the latest technologies that are driving bioscience research

� gain extensive practical experience and knowledge by working with the experts

� develop your business and interpersonal skills to maximise employment potential

� obtain a valuable postgraduate qualification with excellent career prospects.

CareersThe MSc in Bioscience Technology was designed with significant external input to produce the highly skilled and flexible technologists who are required to drive forward bioscience research in the future. With this valuable postgraduate qualification, graduates are well equipped for positions in the rapidly developingand expanding technology centres in academia, research institutes and industry. They are equally well placed to obtain research positions in technology development and applications in academia (including doctoral studies), institutes and industry as well as with equipment manufacturers.

Opportunities also exist for non-research positions in many areas where a detailed understanding of bioscience technologies is required, including sales, marketing and management. Access to a dedicated careers adviser ensures that students get the best possible support in planning their career.

Right: Getting to grips with real practical skills

Application process and fundingApplications are encouraged from the UK, EU and Overseas. Contact information is given on the back cover. Applications are normally considered as they arrive.

To ensure high quality practical experience there are only 16 places available each year, so early application is strongly recommended.

Entry qualificationsFor entry to the MSc degree programme, applicants will normally be expected to have a first or second class honours degree in any biological science (including biochemistry and applied sciences such as medicine, pharmacology, etc).

There are opportunities for students with backgrounds in other disciplines (e.g. chemistry, physics, mathematics, computer science, etc) providing they have a substantial knowledge of biology.All applicants are interviewed before a place is offered.

For UK applicants this will normally be in person. For EU and overseas applicants, unless visiting or resident in the UK, this will normally be by telephone. We are constantly seeking other sources of funding, so please continue to check the website for new opportunities.

Four BBSRC Studentships are available each year to fund tuition and living expenses, all home and EU applicants meeting UK residency requirements will be considered for these awards. For home students this award covers tuition fees and provides a stipend. For EU candidates the award covers tuition fees only.

“The course has more than exceeded my expectations and I have enjoyed every part of it. Following my industrial placement at AstraZeneca, I am now taking up a PhD studentship that is partly funded by them.”

Roger, PhD student

MSc Bioscience Technology

Department of Biology

“Transferable skills sessions were integral to obtaining my new position.”Laura, former student


Programme overviewThe Masters of Research (MRes) in Computational Biology (formerly the MRes Bioinformatics) is a one year intensive programme, training graduates to meet the computational research demands of modern interdisciplinary bioscience in universities, research institutes and industry. Delivered by staff from across the Departments of Biology, Chemistry and Computer Science, the course provides interdisciplinary research-led training in data analysis, informatics and biosystem simulation.

What kind of background do students have?The programme is principally aimed at graduates of the biological and molecular sciences but also accepts graduates of computer science, mathematics and statistics. The course develops the core skills to support long-term research careers in computational and quantitative areas of modern interdisciplinary integrative bioscience.

What kind of graduate does the programme produce?The programme develops computational (bio) scientists with:

� data analysis and computer programming skills

� knowledge of the principles of bioinformatics and the simulation of biosystems

� interdisciplinary research training through group and individual projects as well as an external placement in industry, research institute or university

� enhanced career prospects through an established and internationally regarded training programme.

CareersThe course develops programming and data handling skills and provides experience of working in a variety of interdisciplinary research environments that are very attractive to employers.

How will the course develop my career?The importance of developing a career plan is reinforced via a number of mechanisms throughout the programme and beyond eg:

� Research Projects are of great value in enhancing career development, and may lead directly to jobs or openings for further postgraduate training. Many past students have gone on to positions in the organisation where they carried out their external placement.

� University Careers Service provides many services and is introduced to students on Induction Day. See www.york.ac.uk/services/careers.

� Career Development Group is an active group of postdocs and graduate students with a focus on careers. See www.careerswithscience.org.

The employment rate for York MRes graduates is very high. 90% of our graduates go on to further Postgraduate study (e.g. PhD’s), or take up research positions in Industry and research institutes.

Application process and fundingWhen are applications considered?Applications are normally considered as they arrive with the majority being considered during April. Note: scholarship applications must be received by the advertised closing date and will be considered together shortly after the closing date.

Four BBSRC Studentships are available each year to fund tuition and living expenses, all home and EU applicants meeting UK residency requirements will be considered for these awards. For home students this award covers tuition fees and provides a stipend. For EU candidates the award covers tuition fees only.

“Research masters at York are great if you are unsure about whether to continue with research and a long research phd. They expose you to a broad range of research opportunities within already seeming specific biological disciplines, which an undergraduate degree does not. This allows for a more insightful phd project choice as well as confirming whether or not further research is for you.”Charlotte, former student

“Having previously been trained in molecular biology and biochemistry, doing a Masters in Computational Biology gave me the edge when it came to interviews for PhD positions.”Scott, former student

CaREER DESTinaTion

nuMBER of GRaDuaTES

University graduate study (usually PhDs) 84

Research at university/ research institute 16

Industrial research 14

Scientific publishing 2

Other 25


Departments of Biology, Chemistry & Computer Science


Programme overviewThe Masters of Research (MRes) in Ecology and Environmental Management prepares students for careers in ecological research, and for jobs in environmental management, for which an understanding of the research process is important.

Consisting roughly equally of taught modules and project work, there is a strong emphasis on gaining analytical skills and research experience.

The course is taught in two of the UK’s leading departments for ecological research and teaching: the Department of Biology and the Department of Environment at York.

Established as one of the first MRes courses, it has continually been supported by competitive research council studentships, and has gained a strong

reputation as a leading course of its type. It is run over 51 weeks (Oct–Sept).

Key features:

� An internal research project and an external placement project

� A two-week field course in Majorca

� Skills modules providing training in modern analytical techniques

� Advanced science modules in environmental change, policy, genetics, conservation, and wildlife management

� Six fully-funded NERC studentships available; and other funding opportunities

� We aim for a small class size (20–25) to promote a high quality learning experience

� All teaching dedicated to Masters Students.

Application process and funding Who can apply?Applicants should have, or expect to get before arrival, a good degree in Biology or a related subject (first or upper second class or equivalent). We consider applicants with other backgrounds if you have relevant ecological experience: please contact us before applying if this is the case.

If English is your second language, you will need to meet standards of language proficiency before starting the course. Please see:www.york.ac.uk/admin/intnat.

When should I apply?We will consider applications at any time up to the start of the course. For UK or EU applicants who wish to be considered for one of the six funded NERC studentships: the deadline is 31 March for receipt of all application materials. If you need us to consider your application earlier than that for any reason, please get in touch: we can make special arrangements.

Applicants for the Overseas student and Alumni scholarships: the deadline is also 31 March for receipt of all of application materials.

What happens to my application?

� All candidates applying by 31 March will receive an outcome in May. Applications after this date will be processed as quickly as possible.

� Applicants for NERC studentships may be invited to interview in April. If you are not invited for interview, you may still be offered a self-funded place on the course.

� Applicants offered places must fulfil all conditions for the uptake of their place (financial, language, and degree result where appropriate) by the time the course starts.

If you have any queries about the application process, please contact The Biology Graduate School Office on [email protected]; they will be happy to help you. We look forward to receiving your application.

UK applicants: scholarships cover -both tuition fees and a stipend sufficient to meet living costs.

EU applicants: tuition fees are covered (note: living costs must be met separately).

Right: Student on placement

Careers The MRes programme is designed to provide a valuable postgraduate qualification that will enhance your career prospects, whether you intend to progress into academic research or whether you want to embark on a career in the commercial sector or with a governmental or a non-governmental body where knowledge of environmental research will be important. Graduates are trained in a wide range of transferable skills that will be valuable to them in a diversity of career paths. If you are already on a specific career path please contact us to find out more about what the course can offer to you:

Most students go on to build research based careers:

� 32% of graduates go on to obtain a PhD place, either in the UK or overseas, within a year of graduating.

� 50% of graduates find employment in research-based institutes within a year of graduating.

Other students have obtained jobs in diverse careers such as teaching or management.

“If you are thinking of continuing on to do a PhD but need some more experience in researching or better qualifications to support your first degree then you should complete the York Masters”Sam, former student

MRes Ecology & Environmental Management

“The MRes in Ecology and Environmental Management at York is seen by employers as a ‘good quality’ Masters. The PhD I applied for had over 30 applicants and one of the main reasons I was shortlisted was due to my Masters qualification. In fact I got the PhD as I was able to demonstrate that I could write a concise and scientifically meaningful research paper”Hilary, former student

Departments of Biology & Environment


Programme overviewThe MRes in Post-Genomic Biology (PGB) course, newly-revised for 2011, is a one-year programme that provides interdisciplinary research training and experience in state-of-the-art techniques employed in present day biological research.

Like the current Functional Genomics course, the MRes PGB course will demonstrate how one can progress from knowing the complete sequence of a genome to understanding the functional significance of a specific gene using both in vitro and in vivo model systems. The programme will be run by the Department of Biology with interdisciplinary teaching contributions from the Department of Chemistry.

The course is designed for students who have a good degree in biological science or chemistry who wish to train for careers in research or research-related industrial activities. Graduates of the course are well equipped for positions within industrial research laboratories, or for continuing to doctoral studies in universities or research institutes. Graduates are equally well placed to obtain non-research positions within industry, e.g. in management, development, marketing, where their training will be invaluable in interactions with research scientists.

Right: The three-dimensional structure of a viral portal protein is helping us to understand how DNA is translocated into a pre-formed viral shell during viral

particle assembly

CareersThe MRes programme is designed to provide a valuable postgraduate qualification that will enhance your career prospects, whether you intend to pursue a career in research or one where knowledge of the research process is important.

The emphasis that is placed on research training via project work is of great value in enhancing career development, and may lead directly to jobs or opportunities for further postgraduate training. Many past students have gone on to jobs in the organisation where they carried out their extended research placement.

The employment rate for York MRes graduates is very high. About 77% of our students undergo further University post-graduate (usually PhD) studies. The remainder move on to research jobs in universities, research institutes or industry, while some work in scientific publishing.

Application process and funding Applications can be considered at any stage of the year.For details on how to apply please see:www.york.ac.uk/graduatestudy/applying.Applications are normally considered as they arrive.

For entry to the MRes degree programme, applicants will normally be expected to have an honours degree in any Biological or Chemical Science (including Biochemistry and applied sciences such as medicine, pharmacology, etc.) There are opportunities for students with backgrounds in other disciplines, providing they have substantial knowledge of biology. Please contact the Admissions Officer for the course if you have alternative qualifications and would like to discuss your application

All applicants are interviewed before a place is offered.For UK applicants this will normally be in person. For EU and Overseas applicants, unless they are visiting the UK, this will normally be by telephone.

Applicants offered places must fulfil all conditions for the uptake of their place (financial, language, and degree results where appropriate) by the deadlines given in the conditional offers.

“I really enjoyed the course and thought it was hard work but worthwhile, especially the two projects.”

Laura, former student

“The course is hard work but the facilities are excellent and the institution is one of the finest in the country.”

John, former student


Department of Biology


Funding and scholarshipsMany of our programmes have enjoyed long support from research councils such as BBSRC and NERC through the provision of studentships for home/EU applicants.Please enquire for details.

In addition, a number of students each year are self-funding, by way of parental support, career development bank loans, and savings. Fees and maintenance can sometimes be paid by an employer if the student is already working.

How to Apply

Entry qualificationsInformation for overseas students

International students (including EU and non-EU) form an important part of York’s friendly and vibrant university community. There are now over 1,700 international students from over one hundred countries and numbers continue to increase each year, testament to the University’s outstanding international reputation.

If you come to York, you can be sure that you will be warmly welcomed both at the University and in the city, that you will have access to first class educational facilities in a supportive environment and that when you graduate you will have a qualification which is recognised throughout the world.

The University guarantees accommodation for single students from countries other than the EU if application is made by the published deadlines so you will not have to worry about finding rented accommodation, unless desired. Costs of living in York are also lower than in many parts of the country, especially compared to London.

The University’s International Office has a dedicated international support coordinator who can answer any questions you have before you come here.

www.york.ac.uk/admin/intnat

The Overseas Students’ Association represents the specific interests of overseas students in York and organises a full programme of social events.

All Masters Programmes at York are taught in English. Applicants for whom English is not their first language will normally have to provide evidence of language proficiency before interview, with the following scores being acceptable:

TOEFL(paper-based: 600; CBT: 250; iBT: 100)

IELTS 6.5(minimum of 6.0 in each element).

EU and non-EU students who speak English as a second language are eligible for University-funded English language support. In addition we highly recommend the pre-sessional, four-week English for Academic and Research Purposes 2 programme that is offered by the University. Full details of the programme can be found at:

www.york.ac.uk/celt/isp/intensive.htm

Places are limited and early booking is recommended. Please note that the masters courses start one week before the formal start of term so it is not possible to attend the central orientation programme for international students.

Some sources of funding are:

UK applicants

Some students have taken out Career Development Loans, to support their studies.

See www.lifelonglearning.co.uk/cdl/index.htm.

Overseas applicants

often win scholarships in their own countries or from sources such as the British Council and Commonwealth Scholarships.

See www.britishcouncil.org and www csfp-online.org.

Further information on funding?

Further information on Fees and Funding is available at the University’s Graduate Student Office website:

www.york.ac.uk/graduatestudy/finance/fees.htm.

Other studentships

In addition, York Alumni Fund Postgraduate Studentships and Overseas Student Scholarships can be applied for.

These provide partial funding.

www.york.ac.uk/admin/dao/Supporting/What_donations_support/student_support.htm

The University of York

The University of York was founded in

1963 with 200 students. Since then, it

has expanded to 10,000 students and

has over 30 academic departments and

research centres.

From its inception, the University

has concentrated on strong viable

departments and teaching and research

of the highest quality. The quality of

York’s teaching has received many

accolades. York and Cambridge top the

teaching league with the highest scores

in official teaching assessments.

The University has a collegiate system

in which most staff and all students

are members of colleges.

Further information is available at:

www.york.ac.uk/univ/coll

The main campus at Heslington is

a 200-acre landscaped park, well

known for its lake and wildfowl.

A major extension to the campus,

called Heslington East, is underway.

Proximity to the historic city of York

makes the University a popular choice

and provides a pleasant working and

residential environment.

Living in York

Student life at York is focused on

the main site at Heslington where

all major facilities are close at hand,

including sports fields and most

residential accommodation.

The University is on the outskirts of

the city, so students benefit from both

the convenience of a campus and the

attractions of a major cultural and

commercial centre.

The campus itself is largely self-

contained, with supermarket,

student-run shop, bookshop, cash-

points, fully-equipped sports centre,

tennis and squash courts, health

centre, film theatres, concert halls,

and nursery. At the centre of the

campus Market Square houses retail

outlets and an Information Centre.

The attractive village of Heslington

adjacent to the campus has in addition

pubs, post office, banks, newsagent,

and delicatessen and village store.

Around half of all the University’s

full-time graduate students live in

University accommodation.

York and Yorkshire

York is one of the most ancient and

historic cities in England and one of the

most beautiful. Situated in the North of

England, York is easily accessible from

all parts of the UK with London less

than 2 hours by train.

The city boasts a wealth of history

stretching from the Roman, through

to Viking, Medieval and Victorians

times. This has created a diverse array

of historical buildings interspersed

with stylish new buildings that adds

an attractive quality to life in the city.

With 172 restaurants, 142 tea and

coffee rooms and a pub for every day

of the year, combined with over 2,000

shops, theatres and galleries. York

offers a vibrant atmosphere against a

backdrop of some of the most stunning

architecture in the country.

The excellent transport links also

make it easy to explore the cities and

other attractions of Yorkshire and

beyond. Whether the club life of Leeds

or the beauty of Scarborough and the

Yorkshire coast. Yorkshire has many

attractive small towns as well as two

National Parks in the North York Moors

and the Yorkshire Dales.

York, Yo10 5DD, united Kingdom

Tel +44 (0) 1904 430000

Biology Postgraduate admissions

Tel +44 (0) 1904 328546 fax +44 (0) 1904 328505

Email [email protected]

Website www.york.ac.uk/depts/biol/gsp/prospective

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