About the course

This is a research degree leading to the award of an MSc by Research in Chemical Biology. Many training opportunities are available throughout the course, including seminar series throughout the department and a world-class annual visiting speaker programme, but the focus of the course is the research project.

The variety of research areas available within this course depend on supervisors’ current interests, as detailed on the Department of Chemistry website.

The nature of each student’s working week depends on their project, but students would typically carry out their research in one of the department’s buildings, engaged in full-time experimental or theoretical/computational work (or a mixture of the two).

During the first year, in addition to starting work on their research, students are encouraged to follow training courses chosen from the vast number offered by the department and the Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences (MPLS) Division Graduate School, and it is recommended that they attend at least three of these. A quarterly report on each student’s progress is submitted by their supervisor throughout the course.

Assessment

Students are admitted as Probationary Research Students. At the end of the first year, they undergo a Transfer of Status assessment, which ensures that they have the potential to gain the degree. This assessment is made on the basis of a report and oral examination.

Research proceeds with quarterly reporting until the project is complete. The degree is examined by thesis and oral examination by two examiners, one of whom is normally from Oxford and one from elsewhere. Most MSc by Research students submit their thesis within two years.

Graduate destinations

The number of students on this course is so small that statistics are not meaningful. The department runs an annual careers conference for graduate students and the careers service offers a wide variety of support, including CV workshops.

The department also hosts a large number of visits from prospective employers, where you can find out more information. There is an alumni officer, who keeps in touch with graduates, and the department runs a number of social and scientific events for them.