Masters by Research FAQs
The Application Process
How many times can I defer the date of my admission?
A student is allowed to defer admission for a maximum of 1 year; after this period candidates must re-apply.
Can I apply for a place more than one year in advance?
As courses and academic staff are continually changing it is not possible to consider applications more than 1 year in advance.
Can I change course/supervisor once I have enrolled?
No, only in very exceptional circumstances are students allowed to change their programme of study once registered.
What is the entry qualification for the MRes programmes?
The minimum is a lower second in an appropriate subject, however for some of the more popular programmes, ie Stem Cell Biology, Human Molecular Genetics, there is competition for places and students may require an Upper Second.
Can I send my application/papers directly to the School?
The School will process any applications/papers sent directly to
biology-mres@nottingham.ac.uk but it is preferable for candidates to send these directly to Admissions Office so an automated acknowledgement is generated.
Can I e-mail my referees reports and transcripts to the School?
The School will use e-mailed/scanned documents sent to
biology-mres@nottingham.ac.uk to assess applications for a conditional offer. However, Registry will only issue unconditional offers (needed for visa applications in some instances) when original or certified-copies of documents are submitted.
Should I submit a separate application for each programme I wish to be considered for?
Only submit one application form. Separate applications should be made if also applying for courses in other Schools. When applying for more than one programme of study please mark any preference clearly on the application (under “Research Proposal”).
I have an offer of a place for 2012 can I defer entry to 2013?
In most cases this can be arranged however there are some exceptions, eg supervisor retiring or their lab is already full. Please make requests to
kathryn.lyon@nottingham.ac.uk
If I accept an offer am I legally bound to come/enrol?
What do I put under research proposal/personal statement on the form?
Please indicate clearly the area of research you are interested in undertaking. If you have a preference of supervisor also please list in “research proposal” section of form.
When will I hear the outcome of my application?
We process applications as fast as we can after all the documents (confidential references and international student transcripts) are received. The time it takes to generate offers is depended on how long it takes for references/supporting documents to arrive and completeness of application.
Can I have an offer letter in order apply for a scholarship and apply on-line for admission when I know I have an award?
No offers can be made until a full application as been assessed.
Can you advise me if I am likely to be accepted before I complete the application process?
Unfortunately it is not possible to assess applicants for admission until the application form and supporting papers arrive.
Can I have a paper copy of your prospectus?
A full prospectus or a course leaflet can be posted but these do not contain as much information as given on the web pages. Please send any request to
biology-pmres@nottingham.ac.uk
My referees are abroad/I am working in field/abroad so I cannot send referees reports can I be accepted?
Can I come and meet potential supervisors and look round?
The University has Open days and candidates who are invited for interview are given an opportunity to see the School. Once you have identified which member of staff you wish to study with a one-to-one arrangement to visit can be made.
Why have I not yet received an unconditional offer although I have sent all my papers?
There may be several reasons for this:
Firstly, check that you have met the admission conditions set out on the conditional offer.
Secondly, the Registry has not received all the documents they require from you. Check you have sent original/certified copies of degree transcripts/certificates and English Language certificates. It may be that one of your referees has not yet provided the required confidential references; Whilst Registry will accept photocopies and scanned documents for conditional offers the unconditional offers will not be issued until you have sent original or certified documents.
Thirdly, check that the correspondence address details given on your original application form is still correct as all offers will automatically go to the given address.
The Registry is extremely busy during the summer and there is sometimes a delay in sending out offers.
Funding, Fees and Accommodation
Is there an application fee to apply for these programmes?
No, the University is introducing an application fee for taught courses only.
How are home (those who qualify for the subsidized European Union student tuition fee) students funded for MRes programmes?
There is currently no funding available for UK/EU students on MRes programmes; students are self-funded or apply for loans.
What funding is available for International students who wish to enrol for the MRes?
The School currently offers 10 x £1,000 Scholarships to international (those paying the higher unsubsidized fees) students – see
here
Is accommodation guaranteed and what will it cost?
Where can I find information about international student Scholarships?
I am an international student; can I work whilst studying?
It is important to remember that your primary purpose in attending university is to successfully complete your chosen course and you should not undertake work that will jeopardise this. The Immigration Authorities will not allow you to rely upon expected income from part–time work when assessing if you can afford to live and study in the UK. If you are thinking of working part–time during your studies, this may be possible. International students who are given a restriction on working when they enter the United Kingdom are able to work part–time for up to 20 hours a week. However, many students find the demands of a full–time course do not allow time for part–time employment.
Course Programme
Is it possible to use research done for an MRes towards a PhD?
In most cases it will be possible to expand the study for a PhD and if you have aspirations to transfer please discuss with supervisor on enrolment. However, work undertaken whilst registered for an MRes can only be counted towards a PhD if it is not examined for an MRes and the supervisor/School recommends direct transfer to the PhD programme.
How many students enrol for MRes programmes each year?
In 2007 20 students registered and we anticipate that numbers will grow each year until we enrol around 30 MRes students each year.
Which modules/training will I be expected to do as part of the MRes course?
Once a student has accepted and confirmed funding the student and supervisor liaise to identify appropriate modules/training.
What generic training/taught modules will I be expected to take?
Each programme is individual, the student and supervisor discussing and agreeing the programme of research, training and if appropriate taught modules.
Can I undertake a research degree by distance learning?
This is not usually possible for the laboratory-based type projects we offer. However, it is possible for students working in a suitable academic environment to do some of the research away from Nottingham.
Where will my study be based, University Park or the Medical School?
It depends where the laboratory of your supervisor is based. See the
staff pages .
Are hours of study flexible?
Hours are flexible but supervisors expect students to be in the laboratory during normal working hours and be available to attend training, meetings and seminars.
English Language Requirements
I have not met the English language requirement will you still accept me?
Yes, we can make offers conditional on attaining the required level of English but unconditional offers are issued only when evidence that entry requirements have been met.
Can you please enrol me on a pre-sessional English Course?
Students must apply directly to our Centre for English Language Education. Details of courses, application procedure and costs can be found at http://www.cele.nottingham.ac.uk/
I am an international student who was taught in English; am I still required to send a TOEFL or IELTS certificate?
As a general rule all students whose first language is not English, must provide evidence of attainment in English Language. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, eg students who have/or will shortly complete a first degree in UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand are exempt. For further advice e-mail biology-pg@nottingham.ac.uk
I have not met the English Language requirement; can I take English courses whilst enrolled?
No, it is not possible to enrol until all the entry criteria for your degree programme has been met.