Research in the School of Biosciences revolves around understanding systems and processes in the living cell. It has a strong molecular focus with leading-edge activities that are synergistic with one another.

Conduct cutting edge research in the field of Bacterial, Fungal, Animal or Human Genetics and open up a future career in academic research, the industrial and health-care sector.

You gain training in cutting-edge and cross-disciplinary laboratory research applying techniques such as advanced genetic engineering (CRISPR-Cas9 and classical genetic engineering), prognosis and diagnosis of genetic diseases and epigenetics,

Your research will contribute to the fields of evolution, reproduction and genome organisation, cancer and ageing, infectious diseases, and industrial biotechnology. 

You are based in a research lab and undertake research on a project agreed with your Research Supervisor. As this is a research-focused master's course, you take an interactive approach to learning, rather than taking traditional lectures. Seminars, workshops and lab meetings enable you to gain an in-depth understanding of the field. A wide range of courses and workshops are available for your professional development as a research scientist.

Study for the MSc degree, a one-year research project (Full time), can also be undertaken as a two-year project (Part time). In all our research degrees you undertake a single, focused, research project from day one, and attend only certain components of our transferable skills modules. Our research degree students are supervised by supervisory teams which comprise their main supervisor(s) as well as supervisory chairs that give independent advice on progression. The MSc culminates in the submission of a written research dissertation and oral viva voce examination. Additionally, you present your results at the annual Postgraduate Symposium in July.

Find a Supervisor

Opportunities for research projects vary annually. A list of projects available for September 2020 will be available in due course. Please contact the academic you have identified as a possible supervisor to discuss the possibility of undertaking a Masters by Research under their supervision. You should supply a CV including details of your relevant experience. Alongside this contact, please make an online application for the programme by clicking on the 'Apply now' box at the top of the page.

Also you will find a list of academics who are open to supervising MSc by Research students along with their research interests in the 'Staff Research' section on the right. You are welcome to contact these academics to discuss project opportunities more generally in their research area.

Additional Research Costs and International Scholarship

Please note that some projects incur additional research costs to support consumable requirements. These costs are typically in the range of £1200 - £2,000, though exceptionally these can be as high as £5,000 for resource-intensive projects. You will be informed of any additional costs when you discuss projects with your potential supervisor.

The School of Biosciences International Scholarship of £2,000 is available to all international fee-paying Master’s students.

Think Kent video series

Some believe that the successful are simply "lucky”, but what is luck? Luck, some define, is when preparation meets opportunity. Darren Griffin, Professor of Genetics at the University of Kent, shares some words of wisdom on how to become a successful scientist.

About the School of Biosciences

The School of Biosciences is among the best-funded schools of its kind in the UK, with current support from the BBSRC, NERC, MRC, Wellcome Trust, EU, and industry. It has has 40 academic staff, 56 research staff (facility managers, research fellows, postdoctoral researchers and technicians), approximately 100 postgraduate research students and 20 key support staff. The school's vibrant atmosphere has expanded to become a flourishing environment to study for postgraduate degrees in a notably friendly and supportive teaching and research environment.

In addition to research degrees, our key research strengths underpin a range of unique and career-focused taught Master’s programmes that address key issues and challenges within the biosciences and pharmaceutical industries and prepare graduates for future employment.

Kent & Medway Medical School

Kent is moving forward with the Kent & Medway Medical School (KMMS), due to take the first cohort of students in September 2020.

The Medical School will be a significant addition to the University, with exciting opportunities for education and research in the School of Biosciences.