About this course
Explore and find solutions to unmet pharmaceutical, health, and scientific needs on this brand new MRes Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences.
- Join world-leading multidisciplinary teams and complete extensive independent research under the guidance of academic, industrial and clinical experts to meet the challenges of modern healthcare and science
- Features unique, innovative taught elements, comprising three modules to equip you with a sound understanding of essential research methodologies and analytical skills
- Develop your skills in research methodologies, data analysis, science communication and entrepreneurialism, with the potential to contribute to knowledge transfer partnerships
- Features independent, asynchronous study and cohort-based workshops
This Master of Research bridges the gap between undergraduate and doctoral studies, allowing you to explore your field of interest in depth and develop your research skills for the future.
The programme offers you the opportunity to conduct data collection and research activities either on campus at LJMU, on site visits to the pharmaceutical industry or at NHS partners.
Go on a tour of the School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences
Course modules
Discover the building blocks of your programme
This course is currently undergoing its scheduled programme review, which may impact the advertised modules. Programme review is a standard part of the University’s approach to quality assurance and enhancement, enabling us to ensure that our courses remain up to date and maintain their high standard and relevancy.
Once the review is completed, this course website page will be updated to reflect any approved changes to the advertised course. These approved changes will also be communicated to those who apply for the course to ensure they wish to proceed with their application.
Your programme is made up of a number of core modules which are part of the course framework. Some programmes also have optional modules that can be selected to enhance your learning in certain areas and many feature a dissertation, extended report or research project to demonstrate your advanced learning.
Further guidance on modules
Modules are designated core or optional in accordance with professional body requirements, as applicable, and LJMU’s Academic Framework Regulations. Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules provide you with an element of choice. Their availability may vary and will be subject to meeting minimum student numbers.
Where changes to modules are necessary these will be communicated as appropriate.
Core modules
Developing Real World Research Skills
30 credits
30 credits
This module aims to develop and enhance your knowledge about research methods, developing a research project, analysis and presentation of findings.
The Reflective Researcher
30 credits
30 credits
You will develop as a reflective researcher through developing your electronic portfolio. This is a structured document where you will collate reflective accounts on learning or skills developed across the MRes programme in a single place.
Application of Research
120 credits
120 credits
On this module you will design and deliver your progressive research within your key research theme for the School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences.
Your Learning Experience
An insight into teaching on your course
Study hours
The programme comprises three modules. You will have 50 hours of contact time on the Developing Real-World Research Skills and The Reflective Researcher modules and 30 hours of contact time on the Application of Research module.
Teaching methods
Taught elements are delivered through a mix of hybrid teaching. This includes independent, asynchronous study and the application of learning in cohort-based workshops and on-campus sessions.
Your cohort will meet regularly in research meetings to share updates and discuss research findings. You will also have independent meetings with your project supervisors.
Applied learning
The research project setting will depend on the nature of your project. You will have the opportunity to conduct data collection and research activities either on campus at LJMU, on site visits to the pharmaceutical industry or at NHS partners.
How learning is monitored on your programme
To cater for the wide-ranging content of our courses and the varied learning preferences of our students, we offer a range of assessment methods on each programme.
Where you will study
What you can expect from your School
You will study at the Byrom Street site in the University's City Campus. With an ongoing £12 million investment in laboratory facilities here and state-of-the-art research facilities in the newly developed Life Sciences building, you'll enjoy a first class study environment.
Course tutors
Dr Adrian O'Hara
- Programme Leader
I enjoy being able to teach enthusiastic students from a wide variety of backgrounds and shaping their interests and potential careers.
I enjoy being able to teach enthusiastic students from a wide variety of backgrounds and shaping their interests and potential careers.
Dr Adrian O’Hara has a PhD in Obesity Biology from the University of Liverpool, MSc Molecular Life Sciences Research from King’s College London and BSc (Hons) in Biochemistry from the University of Liverpool. He is currently a Senior Lecturer in Biomedical Science and Genomics at LJMU and has previously worked as a Lecturer in Physiology, Postdoctoral Teaching Fellow and Postdoctoral Research Associate. Dr O’Hara is a cellular and molecular physiologist and his main research interest is in adipose tissue physiology, in particular the role of inflammation in obesity at the cellular and molecular level and the role adipokines play in health and disease.
Career paths
Further your career prospects
LJMU has an excellent employability record with 96% (HESA 2018) of our postgraduates in work or further study six months after graduation. Our applied learning techniques and strong industry connections ensure our students are fully prepared for the workplace on graduation and understand how to apply their knowledge in a real world context.
Completing an MRes is an ideal stepping stone if you are considering pursuing doctoral/PhD studies, a research career in global health and scientific industries or a clinical career with emphasis on research as a required skillset for career advancement.
Fees and funding
Tuition Fees:
- Home fee:
- £10,500
Fees
The fees quoted at the top of this page cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as:
- library membership with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources
- access to programme-appropriate software
- library and student IT support
- free on-campus wifi via eduroam
Additional costs
Although not all of the following are compulsory/relevant, you should keep in mind the costs of:
- accommodation and living expenditure
- books (should you wish to have your own copies)
- printing, photocopying and stationery
- PC/laptop (should you prefer to purchase your own for independent study and online learning activities)
- mobile phone/tablet (to access online services)
- field trips (travel and activity costs)
- placements (travel expenses and living costs)
- student visas (international students only)
- study abroad opportunities (travel costs, accommodation, visas and immunisations)
- academic conferences (travel costs)
- professional-body membership
- graduation (gown hire etc)
Funding
There are many ways to fund postgraduate study for home and international students. From loans to International Scholarships and subject-specific funding, you’ll find all of the information you need on our specialist postgraduate funding pages.
Please be aware that the UK’s departure from the EU may affect your tuition fees. Learn more about your fee status and which tuition fees are relevant to you.
- International fee:
- £18,250
International Scholarships and payment plans
Liverpool John Moores University is committed to supporting international students by providing a range of scholarships and flexible payment plans to help students manage their tuition fees.
Scholarships
LJMU provides a variety of scholarships to support international students. Scholarships are available to self-funded students who have accepted their offer and met all the conditions outlined in their offer letter. Students must also demonstrate that they can cover living costs, travel, and other expenses associated to studying at the university. Postgraduate scholarships include tuition fee reductions and are often offered in partnership with external funding organisations.
All self-funded international students are eligible for an automatic scholarship worth up to £4,000. For more details and to view our full list of scholarships, visit the international scholarship webpages.
Deposit
All students must pay a £5,000 deposit before they can receive their CAS letter.
For more information view our deposit page.
Tuition Fee Payment Plan
After paying their £5,000 deposit, students have the option to pay their fees in full or in three equal instalments minus any internal scholarships and discounts. There are two payment options available for international students. You can either pay your tuition fees in full before enrolment or opt for a payment plan. With the payment plan, you can pay your fees in three instalments after making your £5,000 deposit. The first instalment is due before enrolment.
All payments should be made through Flywire. Full details can be found in the How to Pay Guide.
Early Bird Tuition Fee discount
We are excited to introduce a £500 Early Payment Discount to all self-funded international students. Eligible self-funded students who pay their fees by the required deadlines will get a discount which will be automatically deducted from the 1st year of tuition fees.
To see the required deadlines please visit the webpage
Entry requirements
You will need:
Qualification requirements
Undergraduate degree
We believe in equal opportunities for all and applications will be considered on an individual and case by case basis.
Candidates must demonstrate that they have the foundations to complete the programme and this will be based on previous academic results only.
- The candidate has a good first degree (normally 2:1 or above) in a related subject i.e. programmes offered within Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences.
- The candidate submits two references, academic transcripts or their equivalent
Overseas qualifications
Where English is not a first language, an IELTS score of 7 overall, with no component <6.5 will be required for entry as per LJMU requirements and confirmed with our admissions team (June 2023).
International requirements
Other international requirements
Please note that this programme requires offer holders to apply for ATAS. For more information please visit https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/international/holding-offer-of-study/atas-guidance
How to apply
Securing your place at LJMU
To apply for this programme, you are required to complete an LJMU online application form. You will need to provide details of previous qualifications and a personal statement outlining why you wish to study this programme.
Your student experience
There's so much more to university than just studying for a degree.
Postgraduate life at LJMU
See the amazing support you will get from the university, the academic expertise of the staff here, the first-class learning environment, fabulous libraries, excellent career guidance and their ongoing love affair with the city of Liverpool.
Accommodation
As a new student at LJMU, we guarantee accommodation right in the heart of the dynamic city centre, with easy access to the main University campuses.
You can view our approved accommodation to see the halls that we offer to new students.
Your campus
We’re very proud of our campuses. Not only because they provide a modern and inspiring learning space for all our students but also because they’re a place people really want to be.
Living in Liverpool
Liverpool is one of Europe's most dynamic and cultured cities. Come find out why it's a great city to study in.
Go abroad
LJMU aims to make international opportunities available to every student. You may be able to study abroad as part of your degree at one of our 100+ partner universities across the world. You could also complete a work placement or apply for one of our prestigious worldwide internship programmes.
Sports, societies and lifestyle
Getting involved in sports, clubs and societies at Liverpool John Moores University is a great way to challenge yourself, meet people who share your interests, and feel more connected to the University community.
Talk to our students
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See what our students are saying
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News and views
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The University reserves the right to withdraw or make alterations to a course and facilities if necessary; this may be because such changes are deemed to be beneficial to students, are minor in nature and unlikely to impact negatively upon students or become necessary due to circumstances beyond the control of the University. Where this does happen, the University operates a policy of consultation, advice and support to all enrolled students affected by the proposed change to their course or module.