Research in our School of Life Sciences covers a wide spectrum of biology from genes to ecosystems, and this broad-based structure provides opportunities for developing novel ideas and inter-disciplinary projects. We offer supervision in all areas of staff expertise in immunology, which includes projects involving understanding a variety of cell-membrane receptors in infection and immunity. For example, investigating how gram-negative bacteria infect cells, how macrophages respond to bacteria and what leads to ‘septic shock syndrome' and multiple organ failure. Our projects also look at the relationship between the maternal immune system during pregnancy and its influence in embryonic development and fatal tolerance.

As a research student at Essex, you will work at the heart of our internationally acknowledged, well-resourced and well-connected research community. We offer world-class supervision and training opportunities, and encourage you to engage with other researchers, professionals, practitioners, and research users, where possible, for example using the generous funding from Proficio to attend conferences and training courses.

Assessment

The aim of undertaking your MSD within our School of Life Sciences is to train independent researchers who can critically assess other research work and have a comprehensive knowledge of at least one area of biology.

An MSD involves a minimum of one year of full-time research or two years part time followed by production of a dissertation. Students enrolled on an MSD programme can upgrade to an MPhil or PhD subject to satisfactory progress.

Your future

Many of our postgraduates continue their scientific research by taking up postdoctoral positions in the UK and overseas. Others have embarked on careers in biomedical laboratories and in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, both in research and development. We support your career development by a mentoring scheme and employability events.