Postgraduate study

York is a great place to carry out a research degree. The Biology
department has a friendly and supportive environment: there is always  someone on hand to help.

Samantha, former student

At the University of York we have one of the best Biology departments in the country for postgraduate study, with an excellent reputation for both research and teaching.

We cover the whole spectrum of modern biological disciplines, from field ecology to protein structure, and have a collaborative ethos with no artificial internal divisions.

Research oriented study

More information

All our postgraduate training is research-oriented, and we have excellent facilities with easy access to the latest equipment and expert advice in our Technology Facility.

All students benefit from a balanced programme of training in broader research-related skills that enhance their career prospects.

Our taught Masters

Students who join our taught Masters can study for the following degrees (1 year full time): MSc in Bioscience Technology, MRes in Computational Biology, MRes in Ecology and Environmental Management and MRes in Post-Genomic Biology.  Students will carry out an external placement project over the summer, for which they will conduct a piece of research and write up as a report in the style of a scientific paper. The majority of our taught Masters students will attend on a self-funding basis.

Our research degrees

From the start, each student undertakes a research project working closely with a supervisor selected by the student; a second member of staff plays the role of internal assessor and provides further academic support and guidance.

Students who join our research programme can study for an MSc by Research (1 year full time) or a PhD (3 or 4 years full time).

MSc by Research

A one-year full-time or a two-year part-time programme. Students make a contribution to knowledge or understanding to a particular aspect of the field of study. Our MSc by Research is an excellent way to get a one year Masters qualification through independent research experience. It is commonly a stepping-stone to a PhD or a research-related job. Students conduct a research project in the lab of a supervisor to produce a research thesis. The degree can start at any point in the year. UK/EU fees: £3,900 full time, £1,950 part time. The application procedure is similar to a PhD, with students applying to a specific supervisor who is expert in the student's research area of interest.  Research projects currently available.

PhD degree

A PhD is a three or a four year full time programme. Our students produce internationally recognised research as part of our top-rated research groups. The degree is awarded following the successful completion of a period of research which includes the submission of a thesis, and its subsequent oral examination, together with a series of Departmental reports and seminars. The thesis must contain an original element that makes a publishable contribution to knowledge or understanding. Students conduct a research project in the lab of a supervisor to produce a research thesis. The degree can start at any point in the year. UK/EU fees: £3,900 full time, Overseas fees: £16,070 full time. The application procedure is similar to a MSc by Research, with students applying to a specific supervisor who is expert in the student's research area of interest.  Research projects currently available.

In addition we have a number of PhD funding opportunities available for UK/EU students that cover UK/EU fees and annual stipend.

The CIDCATS programme

The CIDCATS (Combating Infectious Disease: Computational Approaches in Translational Science) interdisciplinary PhD Programme in Infectious Disease is funded by the Wellcome Trust. This four-year PhD training programme will provide students with in-depth knowledge of infectious diseases and the interdisciplinary skills necessary to conduct research in one of the key inter-related themes.

Postgraduate Open Day

If you are thinking of applying to postgraduate study but would like to visit our Department before deciding for sure, you should come to an Open Day or make an independent visit. Our next Biology Postgraduate Open Day will be on Thursday 20 June 2013. Please email biol-pg-admissions@york.ac.uk to book a place and for more details.