Our MRes course in Biological Sciences allows you to carry out an extensive Master’s-level research project alongside two taught modules. You will have the opportunity to develop research and project management skills, as well as building your knowledge and experience in your chosen subject area.
Our School has expertise across the field of Biological Sciences. This includes a whole organism focus with research in Conservation Ecology, Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare. We also offer a range of laboratory-focused research, including projects involving Conservation Genetics, Bioveterinary Science and Molecular Biology. Our projects often involve external partners, allowing students to develop wider links in their chosen sector as well as bringing additional expertise to the project teams.
You will work closely with your supervisory team in order to have the chance to acquire the specialist skills necessary to pursue your chosen career path. Our School's proactive, diverse and inclusive research community provides extensive opportunities for peer learning and research collaboration.
For this course, prospective students apply for a particular research project at the same time as applying for a place on the course.
The University is not currently accepting international MRes applications
A compulsory taught module in MRes research methods provides advanced training in core specialisations; these may include project design and applying for grants, field techniques, statistical analysis and geographical information systems. You will then select a taught specialist module in an area relevant to your research project or career path.
1) Genetics as a tool for conservation
2) Genetic markers
3) The use of non-invasive genetic techniques
4) Population-level genetic processes
5) Phylogenetic Comparative Methods
6) Interpreting genetic data to inform management
This module aims to provide an introduction to cutting-edge genetic and genomic techniques that are used to inform conservation actions. During the course, learners will be introduced, both theoretically and practically, to the genetic approaches that are currently implemented to inform conservation management actions for species in the wild. The module explores the importance of genetic processes to species survival and how genetic techniques can be used as a tool to answered questions of conservation concern.
On completion of the taught modules, students will have developed their knowledge base and attained a high level of competence in the application, analysis and evaluation of theory and practice. This knowledge and critical skills will have been assessed in all previous assignments, thereby providing students with the opportunity to undertake a research project relevant to their taught programme of study. The dissertation subject will be agreed with an appropriate supervisor and the Dissertation Module Leader (Research Co-ordinator). The subject matter may be related to any area of the scientific discipline chosen by the student.
1) Planning, designing and funding research
2) Analysis of Biological Data
3) Introduction to Geographical Information systems
4) Specific research approaches (based on departmental expertise)
The module provides students with an overview of design and planning, data analysis and research-focused methods in biological research. The module is intended to prepare students for their own research programmes as well as to broaden student exposure to departmental research and expertise.
Expected topics to be covered include:
Welfare assessment advances and their practical applications from the perspectives of various stakeholders
Legal aspects and public perceptions of various animal groups and their welfare needs and status
Human-animal relationships and their impact on various groups of animals
Critical discussions on definitions of welfare and well-being
Current global threats to animal welfare including disease transmission
This module will:
This module will focus on our understanding of wild animal behaviour in a natural environment. This includes the various biotic and abiotic factors influencing behaviour, and in particular how human impacts and climate change are currently driving behavioural changes in wild populations.
Teaching will be research-informed and will cover key areas such as: behavioural plasticity, social learning, epigenetics, social dynamics, conservation behaviour and phylogenetic comparative analyses. The specialist skills of science communication and writing grant applications will also be taught within specific workshops during this module.
Teaching
Teaching can be delivered via lectures, laboratory practical classes, field trips and seminars, supplemented by online material such as discussion boards and analytical exercises. You will also have the opportunity to contribute to departmental research seminars, a journal club and tutorials.
Assessment
Taught modules are assessed via coursework assignments. The dissertation project culminates in the production of a paper suitable for submission for peer reviewed publication.
Previous MRes Biological Sciences graduates have gone on to work for conservation organisations and zoos, as well as working as ecological consultants, lecturers and project managers. Other graduates have been successful in obtaining places on PhD programmes.
The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.
Careers and Employability aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.
We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability. We provide access to part-time jobs, extracurricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs and postgraduate study.
Some projects may include the opportunity to work with external collaborators, giving you the chance to develop links with other scientists and organisations in your area of interest.
You will also be able to engage with other postgraduate researchers in the Department.
2:1honours degree
Applicants should normally possess a 2:1 honours degree in any relevant discipline with additional emphasis placed upon the student's preparedness for study and performance at interview, which will inform the selection process. A 2:2 honours degree may be mitigated by substantial relevant work experience.
£5,006per year full time (2025/26)
The tuition fees for home students studying Postgraduate Research Programmes in the academic year 2025/26 are £5,006 per year full time.
Your course will involve additional costs not covered by your tuition fees. This may include books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery and related materials, specialist clothing, travel to placements, optional field trips and software. Compulsory field trips are covered by your tuition fees.
An additional annual bench fee of £3,000 (pro-rata), will usually be added to Home Laboratory based/high-cost subject courses to cover the cost of consumables and specialist materials and equipment. A bench fee may be payable in respect of certain high-cost subjects for other routes. Details of any bench fee will be made clear in the interview and offer of admission. International Lab based courses do not usually attract an additional bench fee as the higher lab-based fee is expected to cover the cost of consumables and specialist materials and equipment.
The University of Chester supports fair access for students who may need additional support through a range of bursaries and scholarships.
Full details, as well as terms and conditions for all bursaries and scholarships can be found on the Fees and Finance section of our website.
