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The Department of Veterinary Medicine houses a wide range of skilled staff, facilities and equipment, and has a wide clinical patient group to support students' research. It also has strong ties with world-class groups elsewhere in the University and its surrounding Research Institutes.
We have particular Research strengths in Disease Dynamics, Infection and Immunity, and Systems Pathology. There is a wide range of potential research subjects on offer: from mathematical studies to small and macromolecules, cells, tissues and model organisms to clinical patients.
Our one-year full-time (two years part-time) MPhil research programme leads to the MPhil in Biological Science (Veterinary Medicine) degree. Students are based in a research group and undertake research on a topic agreed with the Supervisor. There is no examined coursework but students can take part in a wide range of both knowledge-base and working skills training. Students will be expected to take training courses in specialist areas as appropriate. An examination is entirely based on the thesis presented at the end of the programme.
The programme's main aims are:
- to give students with relevant experience at a first-degree level the opportunity to carry out focussed 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.
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;
- some demonstrated self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and acting autonomously in the planning and implementation of research.
Continuing
Continuation from MPhil to PhD is possible although it is not automatic. All cases are judged on their own merits based on a number of factors including evidence of progress and research potential; a sound research proposal; the availability of a suitable supervisor, full funding and resources required for the research; and acceptance by the Head of Department and the Degree Committee.
Open Days
The Postgraduate Virtual Open Day usually takes place at the end of October. 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.
We also welcome visits by interested candidates throughout the year: please contact potential supervisors to discuss a visit (see here to find out how to make contact).