Molecular Plant and Microbial Sciences MRes

Molecular Plant and Microbial Sciences
  • Postgraduate taught
  • MRes

Molecular Plant and Microbial Sciences

Study advanced concepts and technologies related to the molecular basis of plant and microbe functions.

Study advanced concepts and technologies related to the molecular basis of plant and microbe functions

Use experimental design and statistical analysis of data to formulate and test hypotheses

Develop your expertise on two projects, with guidance from research groups

Course key facts

  • Qualification

    • MRes

  • Duration

    1 year

  • Start date

    September 2025

  • Study mode

    Full-time

  • Fees

    • £15,500 Home

    • £38,600 Overseas

  • Delivered by

  • Location

    • South Kensington

Minimum entry standard

  • 2:1 in a biosciences-based subject

View full entry requirements

Course overview

Explore advanced concepts and technologies related to the molecular basis of plant and microbe functions on this Master's course.

You'll embark on a 12-month period of research, developing skills towards further PhD study or a career in molecular plant sciences.

You'll carry out two research projects, performed in research groups.

Through this work, you'll enhance your research techniques in areas including plant genetic engineering, plant development, plant molecular biology, and proteomics.

You'll also develop your skills in experimental design, critical assessment, presentation, and the use of software and statistics tools for data analysis and display.

Structure

This page is updated regularly to reflect the latest version of the curriculum. However, this information is subject to change.

Find out more about potential course changes.

Please note: it may not always be possible to take specific combinations of modules due to timetabling conflicts. For confirmation, please check with the relevant department.

You’ll take all the core modules below.

Core modules

Teaching and assessment

Teaching and learning methods

  • Computer-based work
  • Formal presentations
  • Individual research project
    Individual research projects with thesis reports
  • Research laboratory
  • Person giving seminar
    Seminars
  • Skills training practicals

Balance of assessment

Key

  • Research Project 1
  • Research Project 2

  • 50% Research Project 1
  • 50% Research Project 2

Assessment methods

  • Individual research project reports
  • Person making a presentation
    Presentations
  • Oral assessment

Entry requirements

We consider all applicants on an individual basis, welcoming students from all over the world.

How to apply

Apply online

You can submit one application form per year of entry. You can choose up to two courses.

Application deadlines – Round 1 closes on Thursday 16 January 2025

Tuition fees

Home fee

2025 entry

£15,500

Overseas fee

2025 entry

£38,600

How will studying at Imperial help my career?

Man standing under a sign pointing different directions

With employers, researchers, and governments realising plant biotechnology's potential, you will have a wide range of career options upon graduation.

Cap and degree

Many graduates pursue further research leading to a PhD.

Lightbulb above a book

With specialised knowledge, you'll be highly sought after in a range of sectors.

Research screen

Consider joining one of the Research Council-funded institutes that develop and monitor various aspects of plant biotechnology.

Hand holding a branch of three leaves

Your expertise will be highly sought after by the food industry as well as agrochemical companies with a focus on modern plant breeding methods.

Test tube with plant growing from it next to another test tube

There may also be opportunities for employment in biofuels research.

Terms and conditions

There are some important pieces of information you should be aware of when applying to Imperial. These include key information about your tuition fees, funding, visas, accommodation and more.

Read our terms and conditions

You can find further information about your course, including degree classifications, regulations, progression and awards in the programme specification for your course.

Programme specifications