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The Department of Zoology is home to a community of researchers from a great diversity of disciplines, ranging from cell and developmental biology to field ecology and conservation. Evolutionary biology is a major focus of our work. We share an interest in whole organisms, and in how systems interact across different levels of organisation to generate the complexity of form, function and behaviour that is observed in the living world. Much of our work is underpinned by questions about evolution and an appreciation of the importance of the interactions between living organisms and their environments.
The MPhil degree is a one-year (if full-time) course of research, culminating in the submission of a thesis after 11 months, followed by a viva voce examination. There are no taught components to this course but students do attend appropriate lectures and courses including training and transferable skills.
Students are supervised by at least one member of the academic staff who is an expert in the student's field of study. Supervisors support students in developing an independent and novel project in their field of interest. Students will learn how to review relevant literature, to phrase and answer scientific questions, and how to report their findings to the scientific community, at conferences and through peer-reviewed scientific publications. We very much encourage students to get experience in undergraduate teaching, which can be either as demonstrators during practical classes or supervisors teaching small groups. At the end of their degree, students will produce a written thesis, which will be assessed by independent experts during a viva.
The course introduces students to research skills and specialist knowledge. Its main aims are:
- to give students with relevant experience at the first-degree level the opportunity to carry out focused research in the discipline under close supervision; and
- to give students the opportunity to acquire or develop skills and expertise relevant to their research interests.
Most candidates taking this course start in October, in order to take advantage of Departmental and University induction programmes, but admission in January or April is also possible.
Please note: part-time study may not always be viable and will be considered on a case-by-case basis, so please discuss this option with your proposed supervisor before making an application for this mode of study.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the programme, students will have:
- a comprehensive understanding of techniques, and a thorough knowledge of the literature, applicable to their own research;
- demonstrated originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in their field;
- shown abilities in the critical evaluation of current research and research techniques and methodologies; and
- demonstrated some self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and acted autonomously in the planning and implementation of research.
Continuing
Students completing the MPhil do not automatically continue to PhD. The PhD in Zoology is a separate course that must be applied for in the usual way.
Open Days
The Postgraduate Virtual Open Day usually takes place in October/November. It’s a great opportunity to ask questions to admissions staff and academics, explore the Colleges virtually, and to find out more about courses, the application process and funding opportunities. Visit the Postgraduate Open Day page for more details.
See further the Postgraduate Admissions Events pages for other events relating to Postgraduate study, including study fairs, visits and international events.