FAQs

How do I apply?

Apply online via the MRes Bioengineering page of the postgraduate prospectus. Here you will find all the necessary information and instructions to apply.

Before applying, visit our projects page to choose your research project.  If none of the listed projects is suitable for you, you can contact your preferred supervisor informally to discuss alternative projects. Visit our research pages and list of staff and their research areas if you are not sure who to contact.

Please name at least one potential supervisor/project in your personal statement when you apply.

There is NO application fee for MRes programmes for autumn 2024 entry.

I don't know which academic member of staff I wish to be supervised by...

If you can't find a suitable project on our projects page, please visit our research and academic staff web pages to help you decide on which supervisor you'd like to work with. You should then contact your potential supervisors informally before applying to discuss potential alternative projects.  It is helpful to include an up-to-date CV. You should name at least one potential supervisor or project in your personal statement when you apply.

Can I apply for an MRes and PhD Programmes (1+3 degree)?

Our MRes courses can form the first year of effectively a 4 year PhD (1 year MRes + 3 year Phd), but you must apply for each programme separately. You apply for the PhD in the normal way, while studying for the MRes. Admission to the MRes does not guarantee admission to the PhD programme.

Can I visit the department?

 

The Bioengineering department is unable to accommodate ad hoc visits. However, the College student recruitment team offer weekly in-person appointments for prospective students in the Visitor Centre in the main entrance of our South Kensington Campus on Exhibition Road – located in square B2 on this campus map. Further details including an online booking form can be found on the College Visit pages.

A guided tour will be included in our Bioengineering Masters Courses Open afternoon on Wednesday, 6 March 2024. For further information, please click here.

What is the deadline for applications?

Applications will be considered in three rounds. When you apply will determine which round you are considered in and when you can expect a decision on your application.

  • Round 1 deadline: Friday 15 December 2023.  Decision can be expected by Friday 26 January 2024
  • Round 2 deadline: Friday 1 March 2024. Decision can be expected by Friday 26 April 2024.
  • Round 3 deadline: Friday 5 July 2024. Decision can be expected by Friday 2 August 2024.

If you are applying for a specific project listed on the project page, we encourage you to apply in Round 1.  If you apply in a later round, there is no guarantee that your preferred project will still be available.

We advise applicants to apply early as the limited number of places might be allocated before the deadlines are reached.

I have filled in my application, but do I need to send the two reference letters with it?

We require two references in order to assess your application. When you apply via Imperial Gateway you will be asked to nominate two referees.

One referee must be an academic reference, the second referee may be another academic referee, or where appropriate/relevant, a professional referee. If your referee is unable to complete your reference online, please contact the Central Admissions team engineering.admissions@imperial.ac.uk.

We will not be able to pass your application on to your proposed supervisor until we have received two references, so please speak to your referees beforehand to ensure they are willing and able to provide a reference for you.

I am a student from outside the UK. How can I find out if my degree meets the entry requirements for the MRes course?

We require a 2:1 at minimum in an engineering, physical sciences, mathematical, life sciences or biomedical sciences subject. For life sciences graduates we also require a reasonable standard of mathematical ability.

If you would like to know whether your qualifications meet our minimum requirements, you may find the general information on degree equivalence helpful. If you have further questions, please do not hesitate to contact the department admissions team at be.pgadmissions@imperial.ac.uk

Applicants should note that meeting the minimum academic requirement does not guarantee you will be made an offer of admission.

I have got my degree but I still need to take an English Language test (IELTS or TOEFL). Can I send in my application before I take the test?

Yes. It is fine to send your application in before you have met the English Language conditions. 

If you are successful in being offered a place on the course and you do not already hold an acceptable English Language qualification then you will be asked to obtain one before your place is confirmed (and before your CAS is issued, if relevant). Instructions for how to submit your English Language qualification will be sent when your offer is made. 

You can find a list of acceptable English Language Qualifications here. We require students to achieve the higher College requirement in the appropriate English language qualification.

Can I opt to study part-time?

Yes, MRes Bioengineering is the only masters course we offer on a full-time and part-time basis in our department.  

Are there any tips to ensure that my application is successful?

Every application is carefully considered on its merits. To maximise your chances of success, you should ensure that you do the following:

  • Make contact with potential supervisors before applying to ensure your skills and qualifications are a good fit for any available projects
  • Name at least one potential supervisor in your personal statement
  • Supply a clear and concise personal statement which details your aptitude and motivation for applying, your interest in your supervisor's specific research area and your academic and/or career plans
  • Ensure your referees are willing and able to provide prompt references for you

Are there any Scholarships that I can apply for?

The Department of Bioengineering offers a number of MRes scholarships worth £4,999, open to all students regardless of country of origin. You do not need to apply separately for these scholarships, we will automatically consider all applications.  Selection is primarily based on academic merit.

You can find information about other funding opportunities from the Imperial College Scholarships page. UK students may be eligible for a government Master's Loan.

What happens after I apply?

Your application will be reviewed by the MRes project supervisor.  If they want to take your application forward, they will invite you to an interview.  You will be notified of the outcome of your application or interview via the College application system.  If you are offered a place, you will need to fulfil any required conditions (e.g. achieving a certain grade in your degree, completing an approved English test) before you can start the programme.