Our Environmental and Biological Nanoscience MRes is a collaborative endeavour between the Environmental Health Science group in the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences and the School of Biosciences. The course is research-focused, with a large project carried out in state-of-the-art laboratories.
This programme is designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of nanoscience and its potential environmental and human health-related risk.
As a young scientist and an aspiring academic, I think that Birmingham has given me ample opportunities to prepare myself for the years ahead.
Hear more about studying at Birmingham. Chat to one of our friendly postgraduate students to get their thoughts on our courses, stunning campus and life in a vibrant and cultural city.
This programme focuses on fundamental science, applications, synthesis, policy, and regulatory responses. Research-focused with an independent project in state-of-the-art labs.
The programme is a collaborative endeavour between the Environmental Health Science group in the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences and the School of Biosciences. Taught and research elements are undertaken concurrently.
Key features of the programme are:
A range of assessment methods will be used, with taught components assessed by exam, extended literature searches and essays, oral presentations and a written proposal. The research project is assessed by a dissertation of approximately 15,000 words.
For the Taught component of this programme, you will study the following:
At Birmingham, you can apply for an advertised PhD or propose your own research. An advertised PhD is typically part of an established research project and is usually funded by the University or another funding body.
If you want to pursue your own research project, you can apply to our research programmes to propose this. This is self-funded although scholarships are available.
The programme comprises a research project and a taught component. The programme’s research component includes a major project based on independent research, leading to a dissertation. Schools involved offer excellent facilities for nanosciences research. Projects may include lab studies, fieldwork, or data analysis, supervised by two academic staff.
If you’d rather propose your own research, the first step is to find your supervisor. We encourage you to browse the biographies of faculty members to familiarise yourself with the research going on in your preferred areas. Each of these contains detailed information on research interests, current projects and recent publications.
When you apply, you can suggest one or two potential supervisors, who you think might be a good fit for you. However, this is not essential. If you know what you want to work on, but are unsure on supervisors, you can indicate this in your application and the PhD programme co-directors will study your proposal in detail, and judge who is best suited to be your supervisory team.
Find a PhD project that suits your interests by using our FindAPhD tool.
awarded by an approved university or institution in an appropriate subject
Candidates should possess one of the following:
If you are proposing your own research topic, you will need to submit a research proposal. It’s a key part of your application, so take your time. Your potential supervisors will use it to decide if your research is something they can support.
Your proposal should be a clear and concise summary of your research. It generally consists of an outline of your proposed research project, including your main research questions and the methods you intend to use.
You should also comment on the potential impact and importance of your intended research and on how your work would interact with current trends in your academic field. It should illustrate the relevance of your topic to the research interests and expertise of the staff within your chosen department.
Full-time
These are most common in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Medicine) subjects, but they can sometimes be available for pre-defined research projects in the arts, humanities or social sciences. These may be advertised as fully funded (with fees and a stipend) or competition funded, meaning the projects compete against other projects at each institution.
You devise your own PhD topic, find a supervisor, write a research proposal and apply to the relevant programme. If you’re offered a place at Birmingham, you can then apply for studentships or funding from various sources. Our Postgraduate Scholarships and Funding database lists all available funding.
A limited number of scholarships and studentships may be available to outstanding applicants. For further information, please explore our scholarships and funding database.
To apply for a postgraduate research programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
If you are applying to an ‘advertised PhD’, please check the details of the specific research project for application deadlines.
If you are submitting your own research proposal, applications are accepted all year round. However, if you wish to start in September, we would encourage you to apply by 1 June. Whilst you are still welcome to apply after this date, it is important to allow time for us to review your application.
If you are seeking funding, please be aware that the majority of funding opportunities have deadlines in early spring so we would encourage you to apply as early as possible.
We have put together some helpful information on the research programme application process and supporting documents on our how to apply page. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
The career opportunities available are expanding all the time. As well as developing knowledge and skills in research and research management, this MRes supports development in preparation for doctoral studies.
Many clinical settings are now appointing individuals with a strong research profile to strengthen research in clinical practice and rehabilitation. Other career routes include roles in fitness and leisure. This MRes is ideal for those interested in the health and environmental impacts of nanoparticles. It suits both professionals and recent graduates. Nanomaterials offer significant socio-economic and health benefits, but their biological effects and environmental fate are still largely unknown., governing bodies, teaching, exercise prescription and testing.
Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one to one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters.
As a postgraduate researcher, you’ll benefit from tailored support to prepare you for a career in academia or set you up for a wide range of other professions.
We also offer subject specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.
Find out why we are the most targeted UK university by top graduate employers (High Fliers report, The Graduate Market 2024) by meeting some of our successful alumni.
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
As a postgraduate researcher, you’ll have a variety of choices of accommodation. Stay with us in our dedicated postgraduate halls or explore a wide range of private accommodation close to campus.
As one of the original pioneering cities, Birmingham is a melting pot for shopping, food and drink, nightlife, sport, culture, and industry. It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city.
Our green and spacious campus is the place where our community comes together to learn, relax and socialise. Like a town of its own, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students so that you can get the most out of your university experience.
Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state of the art facilities.
