Biological Sciences with Professional Training Year (MBiol)
Program start date | Application deadline |
2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
The MBiol Biological Sciences program at Cardiff University is a five-year integrated master's program designed for aspiring researchers and science professionals. It offers a comprehensive exploration of biological sciences, advanced research techniques, and a Professional Training Year for hands-on experience. Graduates are well-equipped for careers in research, science-related fields, and other areas requiring scientific and transferable skills. The program emphasizes independent learning, critical thinking, and research skills, preparing students for success in their chosen field.
Program Outline
Biological Sciences with Professional Training Year (MBiol) - Cardiff University
Degree Overview:
Objectives:
- Prepare students for a career in research or other scientific fields.
- Develop students' research skills through an extended research project.
- Provide a comprehensive understanding of biological sciences through a diverse range of modules.
- Offer professional development opportunities through a sandwich year placement.
- Foster independent learning and critical thinking skills.
Program Description:
- The program offers a wide choice of subjects across the biological sciences, including animal and plant biology, microbiology, genetics, ecology, disease, behavior, neuroscience, zoology, developmental and stem cell biology, and evolution.
- Students can tailor the program to their interests by choosing specific modules, focusing on one area or opting for a broader range of topics.
- The program includes a third-year Professional Training Year, which offers students valuable research experience in a professional setting.
- The final year of the program focuses on an extended research project conducted in an active research laboratory, allowing students to contribute to new research and potentially publish their findings.
Outline:
Year 1:
- Common year covering all aspects of the biosciences, including biological chemistry, cell biology, microbiology, genetics, evolution, anatomy and physiology, animal and plant biology, and ecology.
- Focus on developing foundational scientific and practical skills.
- Modules are delivered through lectures, tutorials, presentations, and practical classes.
Year 2:
- More specialized year building on the knowledge and skills gained in Year 1.
- Focus on data analysis, scientific communication, advanced laboratory and field techniques.
- Students choose from 11 available modules (up to a total of 120 Credits) to pursue specific areas of interest.
- Modules cover topics like animal diversity and adaptation, genetics, cell biology, biochemistry, ecology, and conservation.
- Opportunity to participate in project-based field courses in various locations.
Year 3: Professional Training Year (PTY)
- Spend 9-12 months in a research laboratory, clinical setting, industrial/commercial research environment, or another approved establishment.
- Gain first-hand research experience through various aspects of research, including experimental design, data acquisition, analysis, and presentation.
- Placement report contributes to final degree assessment.
- Opportunity to gain valuable skills and experience for future careers.
Year 4:
- Focus on advanced research techniques and in-depth study within a chosen research theme.
- Students complete three 30-credit modules (from a wide range of options) and an Advanced Research Techniques module (30 credits) with a focus on bioinformatics and a practical project.
- Modules cover topics like evolution and adaptation, systems biology and modeling, plant science, biodiversity, synthetic biology, advanced cell biology, bioinformatics, functional genomics, and genes and genomes.
Year 5:
- Completion of an extended research project in an active research laboratory.
- High degree of subject specialization and knowledge acquisition.
- Opportunity to contribute to published research or trigger new avenues of investigation.
- Develop skills as a practical research scientist.
- "Frontiers in Bioscience" module further enhances research knowledge and skills.
- Completion of the research project contributes to the final degree assessment.
Assessment:
- Assessments vary depending on the module and year but typically include:
- Coursework assignments (written practical reports, class tests, group work, presentations)
- Examinations (machine-marked structured answer section and written answer section)
- Placement report (Year 3)
- Research project (Year 5)
- Supervisors' evaluation, written report, and presentation (Year 5)
- Assessments are designed to evaluate students' understanding, critical thinking, analytical skills, and research abilities.
Teaching:
- The program features a student-centered approach with a focus on academic excellence and research-informed teaching.
- Students benefit from the expertise of experienced researchers and passionate academics.
- Teaching methods include lectures, practical classes, fieldwork, research seminars, workshops, and tutorials.
- Students receive support from a Personal Tutor for academic advice and pastoral care.
- Open-door policy allows for students to seek individual guidance from lecturers.
Careers:
- Graduates are well-equipped for careers in research, science-related fields, and other areas requiring scientific and transferable skills.
- Potential career paths include:
- Molecular biology
- Conservation
- Environmental management
- Pharmaceutical and biological industries
- Scientific publishing
- Agro-industry
- Wildlife management
- Journalism
- Public service
- Management
- The program also provides a strong foundation for further professional training in areas like teaching, medicine, dentistry, nursing, veterinary science, and accounting.
- Strong employability record with 93% of graduates in work or further study within six months of graduating in 2016/17.
- The Professional Training Year enhances graduates' career prospects.
Other:
- The program provides a flexible structure allowing students to tailor their degree to their interests and aspirations.
- Students have the opportunity to conduct research and gain valuable experience through the Professional Training Year.
- The program emphasizes independent learning, critical thinking, and research skills.
- Students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities, including the School of Biosciences' field center in Borneo and strong involvement in Cardiff University research institutes.
Conclusion:
The MBiol Biological Sciences program at Cardiff University is a comprehensive and well-regarded program that provides students with a strong foundation in biological sciences, advanced research skills, and valuable professional experience. The program prepares graduates for successful careers in research and other scientific fields, offering a diverse range of opportunities and excellent career prospects.
Fees for home status
We are currently awaiting confirmation on tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year. The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees in the second and subsequent years of a course as permitted by law or Welsh Government policy. Where applicable we will notify you of any change in tuition fee by the end of June in the academic year before the one in which the fee will increase.
Students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland
We are currently awaiting confirmation on tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year. Learn more about the undergraduate fees for students from the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man. We are currently awaiting confirmation on tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year.
Costs for sandwich years
During a sandwich year (e.g. year in industry, placement year or year abroad) a lower fee will apply.
Additional costs
Field courses which take place abroad incur an additional cost – primarily to cover student travel and accommodation. We also offer some excellent Wales-based field courses which do not incur additional costs. The University will provide IT facilities (in a communal space), laboratories equipped with specialist equipment, and all specialist software required for the course. Students are advised to have a personal laptop computer or equivalent.
Cardiff University
Overview:
Cardiff University is a leading research-intensive university located in the heart of Cardiff, the capital city of Wales. It is known for its strong academic reputation, diverse range of programs, and commitment to community engagement.
Services Offered:
Study:
Cardiff University offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and international programs across various subject areas. They also provide support services for students, including funding, tuition fee information, and career guidance.Research:
The university is renowned for its research excellence, with a focus on tackling major challenges facing society, the economy, and the environment. They offer various research facilities and support for researchers.Work with us:
Cardiff University collaborates with businesses and organizations to provide consultancy services, funded opportunities, and workforce development programs.Community:
The university is deeply committed to its local communities, offering various projects, resources, and events to support learning, promote Welsh language and culture, and contribute to the green recovery.Global:
Cardiff University has strong global partnerships with universities and organizations worldwide, fostering international research collaborations and student exchange programs.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Living in Cardiff:
Cardiff is a vibrant city with a thriving student population, offering a diverse range of cultural experiences, entertainment options, and social activities.Welsh Language and Culture:
Students have opportunities to learn Welsh and experience the rich Welsh language culture, which is prevalent in Cardiff.Campus Facilities:
The university provides excellent campus facilities, including libraries, sports facilities, and conference spaces.Key Reasons to Study There:
World-class Campus Facilities:
Cardiff University offers modern and well-equipped facilities to support student learning and research.Excellent Career Prospects:
The university has a strong track record of producing graduates who are highly sought after by employers.Vibrant Student Life:
Cardiff is a lively city with a thriving student community, offering a diverse range of social and cultural experiences.Research Excellence:
Cardiff University is renowned for its research excellence, providing students with opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research.Community Engagement:
The university is deeply committed to its local communities, offering students opportunities to contribute to social and environmental initiatives.Academic Programs:
Undergraduate:
Cardiff University offers a wide range of undergraduate programs across various subject areas, including Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, Science, Engineering, and Medicine.Postgraduate:
The university provides a diverse range of postgraduate programs, including taught courses and research degrees.International:
Cardiff University welcomes international students and offers specific programs and support services tailored to their needs.Other:
Rankings:
Cardiff University consistently ranks highly in national and international rankings, reflecting its academic excellence.Quality Marks:
The university holds various quality marks, including the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) diamond logo, demonstrating its commitment to quality assurance.Russell Group:
Cardiff University is a member of the Russell Group, a prestigious group of 24 leading research-intensive universities in the UK.A-Levels:
- AAB
- Must include Biology (or Human Biology) or Chemistry
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ):
- Applicants with grade A in the EPQ/IPQ will typically receive an offer one grade lower than the standard offer. However, any subject specific requirements must still be met.
International Baccalaureate:
- 36-34 points overall or 666 in 3 HL subjects
- Must include grade 6 in HL Biology or Chemistry
Baccalaureate Wales:
- From September 2023, there will be a new qualification called the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales (level 3). This qualification will replace the Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (Welsh Baccalaureate). The qualification will continue to be accepted in lieu of one A-Level (at the grades listed above), excluding any specified subjects.
Other Essential Requirements:
- English Language at GCSE grade C/4 or equivalent
- GCSE Maths grade C/4 or equivalent
- Exclusions: Critical Thinking, General Studies, Citizenship Studies, or other similar equivalent subjects
EU, EEA, and Switzerland Students:
- Fees are currently awaiting confirmation for the 2025/26 academic year.
International Students:
- Fees are currently awaiting confirmation for the 2025/26 academic year.
Costs for Sandwich Years:
- During a sandwich year, a lower fee will apply.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
Ensure you verify the specific entry requirements and fees for the 2025/2026 academic year closer to the application date.
- The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees in the second and subsequent years of a course as permitted by law or Welsh Government policy.