FAQs

How do I apply?

Apply online via the MRes Neurotechnology page 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...

Please check our projects page first to see if there is an existing project that is suitable for you.  If none of the projects listed is right for you, you can design your own project with your proposed supervisor.  Visit our Centre for Neurotechnology supervisors, and Department of Bioengineering research and academic staff web pages to help you decide on which supervisor(s) to contact.  We recommend that you have a few choices in case your preferred supervisor does not have space in their lab or is not taking on MRes students this year. Contact your potential supervisors informally before applying online to talk to them about projects and opportunities; it is helpful to include an up-to-date CV.

Please name at least one potential supervisor (or exising project) in your personal statement when you apply.

I have a biological/medical sciences background - can I still apply?

We normally expect applicants to have a physical science or engineering background, to ensure that they can manage the mathematical/programming/engineering elements of the syllabus.  However, if you have a background in biological/medical science (eg neuroscience) then we may still be able to consider you if you have good quantitative skills; for example university-level mathematics, engineering, experience in programming etc.

If you are not sure whether your background fits, we encourage you to look at the MRes Neurotechnology syllabus 22-23 to see what is involved in the taught courses, then to discuss your background with your potential supervisor.  Different projects will require different levels of expertise in these subjects, so the superivsor would be able to advise you on whether your background is suitable for their research project.

When applying, make sure you include transcripts or evidence of any appropriate (eg mathematics/engineering/physical science) modules you may have taken as part of your degree.

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.

How can I find out if my degree meets the entry requirements for the programme?

We require a 2:1 at minimum in an engineering discipline, or physical, mathematical, medical or biological science with quantitative skills.

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.

MRes and PhD Programmes (1+3 degrees)

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.

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 not a native English speaker - do I need to take an English Language test before I apply?

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 study part-time?

No - we only offer the course on a full-time basis.

The start date is always September/October, which is the start of the Autumn term.

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 funding opportunities for which I can apply

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.