About This Course
The MSc by Research (MScRes) is a one-year full-time research programme that differs from a taught Masters programme by placing more emphasis on research,聽and by being examined much more like a PhD, by viva voce (oral) examination, rather than by grading of coursework and dissertation. This degree will equip you with confidence and competence in the latest research skills (including generic skills such as literature searching, legal and ethical aspects, project planning, grant proposal writing, and statistical manipulation of data) and allow you to apply for further research training (PhD) programmes, or to directly apply for research positions in universities or research institutes. Specific funded projects leading to this degree may be advertised from time to time, but you are welcome to discuss options at any time with potential supervisors. Details of research specialisms and contact details for staff can be found on the School Research pages. As well as offering strong support for research activities, the School offers unique opportunities for students to conduct project work under internationally recognised supervisors. Students also benefit from our extensive local, national and international links with state and private sector organisations.
Research Opportunities
Extensive national and international staff聽contacts mean that you are often able to carry聽out their research projects in association with聽commercial consultancies, local councils,聽environmental organisations (e.g. the聽Environment Agency, Countryside Council for聽Wales, RSPB, British Trust for Ornithology, many聽of whom have regional offices based in Bangor),聽and government research institutes (e.g. Centre聽for Ecology and Hydrology) in the UK, and abroad聽(past projects have involved fieldwork in the West聽Indies, Africa, Maldives, and various European聽countries).
Entry Requirements
Entry requires a good first degree (2.ii or above)聽in a relevant biological subject from a university,聽or a similar qualification from any other聽institution. Alternatively, possession of a suitable聽professional qualification and relevant practical聽experience may also be accepted.
Careers
As well as finding specific employment based on聽the specialist knowledge acquired during聽postgraduate training, your general employability聽will be enhanced by evidence of your ability to聽work independently, to think analytically and聽innovatively, and to conceptualise and question.聽During your studies, you will also have the聽chance to develop essential professional skills聽such as good communication, teamwork and聽leadership skills and enhance your practical聽experience. Our past graduates have gone on to聽careers in research (both in academia and聽research institutes) as well as in commercial聽environmental consultancies, DEFRA, water聽authorities, scientific publishing, landscape聽architects and many others.