Ranking
16th
in the UK for Biosciences
Talk to our students
Hear more about studying at Birmingham. Chat to one of our friendly postgraduate students to get their thoughts on our courses, stunning campus and life in a vibrant and cultural city.
Course overview
Discover the secrets hidden within cells and molecules. Our Molecular and Cellular Biology MRes offers professional training in cutting-edge techniques, and allows you to develop as a young researcher headed for a PhD or a career in industry.
This master's programme is designed to provide hands-on scientific training through a year of intensive instruction in fundamental and advanced techniques in molecular and cellular biology, combined with extensive research experience. In short, this MRes course will give you a ‘flying start’ to a subsequent PhD programme or a career in industry-based research and development.
The reason I applied for postgraduate study was so I'd be able to get onto a PhD programme of my choice, within the realm of molecular biology. I picked this programme because it's similar to a mini PhD programme and gives students a taste of what it feels like to be a full-time research student, and an idea of different projects one could get involved in during their postgraduate study.
Course structure
The course encompasses two taught modules running in Semester 1 and a research project of about 9 months duration, assessed through submission of the MRes thesis.
Course highlights
This MRes programme gives considerable freedom with two taught modules and a research project extending over approximately 9 months. Within the space of 1 year, it replicates many features of a PhD programme, including very substantial time in the laboratory, designing experiments and writing a research dissertation, and including a viva session with the thesis examiners.
This course is for you if you are attracted by, but not yet ready to commit to a 3- or 4-year PhD. Even if you ultimately decide against pursuing a PhD, you will still acquire valuable laboratory experience and specialist technical skills, that are useful in a wide range of alternative professional settings.
Programme highlights
- A research-based post-graduate degree that replicates features of a PhD programme on a 1-year time scale.
- Hands-on training in skills and techniques of state-of-the-art research in molecular and cellular biology.
- A 'flying start' to a subsequent PhD programme, if this is the chosen career path.
- An exit point after one year with a recognised qualification for those who decide that further research training is not for them.
Course delivery
The aim of the MRes Molecular and Cellular Biology course is to provide training and research experience in the compact format of a 1-year course. The core element is the 9-month research project, which culminates in a research dissertation. Two taught modules on 'Research Techniques in Molecular Biotechnology' and on 'Funding and Communicating Science' provide an authentic view of the contemporary research landscape.
Module information
The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.
As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.
Year: 1
2026/27 Session
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Biosciences Postgraduate Masters Skills Programme | 0 | Full Term |
| Funding and Communicating Science | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Research Techniques in Molecular Biotechnology | 20 | Semester 1 |
Research projects
Students have considerable leeway in selecting a research topic and academic supervisor. We encourage applicants to cast their net widely and identify a research group that resonates with their curiosity and interests.
Entry requirements
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
- 2:1
honours degree. We welcome applications from graduates of BSc, BS, MSci and MSc courses across the life sciences, extending to neighbouring disciplines such as physics or chemistry.
We prefer prior experience of laboratory work, ideally in biochemistry or molecular and cell biology. However, experience in these specific disciplines is not a strict requirement.
When applying for this course, we will first evaluate your academic record and prior laboratory experience. Informative and specific references from previous supervisors or academics, who know you well, also help us assess your suitability for this course. Based on this collective information we determine whether or not we invite you to find a supervisor at the University of Birmingham, who is willing to host you for the MRes project, the central element of the course. Once a suitable project supervisor at the University of Birmingham is confirmed, we can proceed to making a formal offer.
Research proposal
No research project proposal is needed at the application state. If prior to applying, you have approached potential supervisors informally, it may help to expedite the admissions process, but it is not a requirement.
Fees and scholarships
The University tuition fee covers the cost of your tuition, supervision, assessment and includes membership to the Guild of Students.
- £7,970
Full-time
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2026 entry are above.
The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.
Paying your tuition fees
Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.
Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.
Tuition fee deposits for international students
International students undertaking a postgraduate taught degree are required to pay a tuition fee deposit before an electronic Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) can be issued.
Application process
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
- 28 August 2026
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
How to apply to our research courses
Find out how to apply to our postgraduate research programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please visit our admissions portal.
Career opportunities
The most frequent destination of graduates from this MRes course are PhD programmes either at the University of Birmingham or elsewhere, including PhD opportunities abroad.
Equally, some graduates find that their most desirable career goal lies outside academic research, for instance in research and development of the pharmaceutical or biotech industries. Either way, the research and skills training provides a highly versatile platform for developing your future career.
Careers Network
At Birmingham, we prepare our researchers to make an impact across every sector of society. Our PhD graduates are global change-makers: advancing knowledge, shaping policy, leading industries, and educating future generations.
You'll benefit from dedicated careers support tailored to your unique paths. Our expert team of Careers Advisers, including a dedicated postgraduate research adviser, offer one-to-one guidance to help researchers navigate career decisions both within and beyond academia.
Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one to one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters.
We also offer subject specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.
Built in Birmingham. Forged for the future.
Find out why we are the most targeted UK university by top graduate employers (High Fliers report, The Graduate Market 2025) by meeting some of our successful alumni.
Student experience
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Accommodation
As a postgraduate researcher, you’ll have a variety of choices of accommodation. Stay with us in our dedicated postgraduate halls or explore a wide range of private accommodation close to campus.
Living in Birmingham
As one of the original pioneering cities, Birmingham is a melting pot for shopping, food and drink, nightlife, sport, culture, and industry. It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city.
Campus life
Our green and spacious campus is the place where our community comes together to learn, relax and socialise. Like a town of its own, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Student support
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students so that you can get the most out of your university experience.
Take a virtual tour
Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.