Taught course

Chemical Research

Institution
Birkbeck, University of London · School of Natural Sciences
Qualifications
MRes

Entry requirements

Minimum second-class honours degree (2:2) in a scientific subject; less qualified students may be accepted, if they have appropriate work experience.

Applications are reviewed on their individual merits and your professional qualifications and/or relevant work experience will be taken into consideration positively. We actively support and encourage applications from mature learners.

Months of entry

October

Course content

The MRes Chemical Research is ideal if you wish to further your research career or update your training. You will join an existing research group under the guidance of a supervisor, and spend the majority of time on an individually tailored research project in any of our current research areas that include some reference to chemical and biological sciences. During this Master's in chemical research, you will also partake in group activities, including research colloquia and presentations, and attend advanced lectures on the theoretical and technical background to your chosen research area.

By the end of the course, you will have acquired a firm grasp of recent advances in your field of study and be able to formulate a research or method development plan and carry out the appropriate literature and data searches. You will also be able to apply a critical and professional approach to data quality, carry out chemical manipulations and operate advanced equipment, and work safely and efficiently in a laboratory, carrying out risk assessments where appropriate.

This is a laboratory-based subject, which means individual contact between staff and students is frequent. Numerous opportunities exist and are created for you to comment on, and take responsibility for, the direction of your studies.

Highlights
  • Opportunity to be involved in topical, leading-edge research with teachers who have achieved international recognition.
  • Offers the possibility of collaborating with industry.
  • High-quality instrumental and computing facilities. We also provide a seminar programme and skills training across disciplines.
  • In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF), in a joint submission with UCL, Biological Sciences at Birkbeck were ranked 11th in the UK, with a research environment supporting world-leading and internationally excellent research.
Careers and employability

Graduates can pursue career paths in the health sector, toxicology, pharmaceuticals, academia and manufacturing. Possible professions include:

  • academic researcher
  • higher education lecturer
  • analytical chemist
  • forensic scientist
  • pharmacologist.

We offer a comprehensive careers service - Careers and Enterprise - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education and future ambitions.

Information for international students

If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, the requirement for this programme is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests.

If you don't meet the minimum IELTS requirement, we offer pre-sessional English courses and foundation programmes to help you improve your English language skills and get your place at Birkbeck.

Qualification, course duration and attendance options

  • MRes
    part time
    24 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
    full time
    12 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification

Course contact details

Name
Student Advice Service
Email
studentadvice@bbk.ac.uk
Phone
+44 (0)20 3907 0700