Science, MSc by Research
Our Master's by Research in Science combines taught courses with a major research element. It’s ideal for graduates wishing to apply advanced skills to industry-style projects.
This course allows you to follow a structured route into scientific research. For the taught element, you select from a wide range of modules across the natural and life sciences appropriate to your individual research topic, with the guidance of your supervisor. The course is suited to students interested in a postgraduate research qualification and strengthening their insight into the mechanics of research in science.
Your research can cover a broad range of areas, including biology, chemistry, forensic science, and human nutrition. Many research projects we support span across these disciplines. You'll benefit from one-to-one project supervision with specialist academics and strong links with industry. We've also invested heavily in extensive research facilities, including electron microscopes, mass spectrometers, and specialist bench-top analytical equipment, which are available to you at our Medway Campus in Kent.
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School
Location
Duration
- 1-2 years full-time
- 2 years part-time
Start month
September; January
Home /international fees 2025/26
£11,325 /£17,975
What you should know about this course
What you will study
About the course team
Over 90% of our academics hold a PhD, with 65% also holding a PGCert Higher Education teaching qualification. We are committed to growing these percentages annually and now recruit only PhD-qualified academic staff. The majority of our team is research active. Over 100 staff in the faculty are eligible for the Research Excellence Framework (REF) and we have 12 professors in the field of science.
Come and meet us
We are offering virtual events so that you can still experience how Greenwich could be the right university for you.
Next Open Days
Got a question?
To find out more about our Open Days and Campus Tours or if you need any assistance, please email opendays@gre.ac.uk.
Entry requirements
An undergraduate (honours) degree at 2:2, or above, including a research element.
Applicants who don’t meet the above but have significant experience may be considered.
Suitable applicants will be required to attend an interview.
For more information, use our contact form or call us on 020 8331 9000.
You can also read our admissions policy.
Available to overseas students?
Yes
Can I use Prior Learning?
Find out more on our Recognition of Prior Learning pages.
How you will learn
Teaching
Two-thirds of this course is a research project that will help you develop significant expertise in a particular subject. Alongside this, you choose options from the department's portfolio of master-level courses. The course is ideal for an industry-based project and/or student.
Class sizes
For specialist modules, our classes are usually limited to 20 students in lab sessions and 40 in lectures. This helps to create familiarity between students and staff and ensure a great learning experience. The modules that run across several courses can have larger classes sizes, which are typically broken down into smaller groups.
Independent learning
The main assessment of this course is a research project. For this, much of your study time will be spent working independently.
There are taught elements from other master's courses, where your independent study will include any reading, preparation and assessments required to complete these successfully.
Overall workload
If you are studying full-time, you should expect the workload to be similar to a full-time job. For part-time students, this will reduce in proportion with the number of courses you are studying.
Assessment
You will be assessed by an oral examination and a dissertation/write up.
Feedback summary
University policy is to give feedback on assignments within 15 working days of the coursework submission date.
Examination results will be available within 28 days.
Dates and timetables
Each academic year runs from September to June. You can begin this course in September or January.
Full teaching timetables are not usually available until term has started. For any queries, please call 020 8331 9000.
Fees and funding
Your time at university should be enjoyable, rewarding, and free of unnecessary stress. Planning your finances before you come to university can help to reduce financial concerns. We can offer advice on living costs and budgeting, as well as on awards, allowances and loans.
| Cohort | Full time | Part time | Distance learning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home | £11,325 | £5,663 per year | N/A |
| International | £17,975 | £8,988 per year | N/A |
Accommodation costs
Whether you choose to live in halls of residence or rent privately, we can help you find what you're looking for. University accommodation is available from £126.35 per person per week (bills included), depending on your location and preferences. If you require more space or facilities, these options are available at a slightly higher cost.
Funding your study
There is a range of financial support options available to support your studies, including the Aspire@Greenwich award for study resources that many full-time students will receive.
EU students may be eligible for a bursary to support their study. View our EU bursary to find out more.
Discover more about grants, student loans, bursaries and scholarships. We also provide advice and support on budgeting, money management and financial hardship.
Careers and placements
What sort of careers do graduates pursue?
Graduates of this master's by research in science are well-placed for numerous opportunities in the public and private sectors.
Do you provide employability services?
We have a team dedicated to enhancing student employment outcomes. This includes an Employer Partnerships Manager, who works with companies to provide placement and employment opportunities.
Our team will also help you understand the jobs market, produce effective CVs, and prepare for a graduate job and placement applications in your final year.
Support and advice
Academic skills and study support
You will have a supervisory team of at least two academic members of staff. They bring their academic expertise to the project and support the student through the development and delivery of the project. The course leader will also maintain an oversight and act as an additional, independent point of contact.
Support from the department
Our Research and Enterprise Training Institute (RETI) offers research students a proactive, supportive and stimulating research environment as well as a programme of tailored training, coaching and mentoring.
Not quite what you were looking for?
We've got plenty of other courses for you to choose from. Browse our postgraduate courses or check our related courses below.....
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Visit our chemistry degrees page.
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Visit our science degrees page.
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