Why Study a Master’s in Life Sciences?

Sponsored by the School of Life Sciences at the University of Warwick

Whether you want to deepen your understanding of genetic testing or stem cell research, or you’ve got an avid interest in the growing production of biofuels, you may want to consider going one step further in your academic career and study a master’s degree in life sciences.

We spoke to the School of Life Sciences at the University of Warwick to find out what you can expect from a master’s in life sciences should you decide to study one.

Life sciences are the cornerstone to life on earth

Life sciences are the study of living organisms – from plants to animals to human beings. It’s the DNA of our planet, yet there’s still so much to discover and understand. For example, what’s the impact of climate change on our planet? How are we going to find a solution to the growing resistance of bacteria against the overuse of antibiotics?

Specialize in your area of interest

A master’s in life sciences is a highly versatile degree, according to recent graduates from Warwick’s School of Life Sciences.

“The degree has a very diverse stance, and the coursework can be tailored to topics of your personal interests. The university offers you the freedom to investigate topics that you have a passion for, which also allowed me to learn about a range of environmental issues that other students were researching and weren’t in the syllabus,” said Carlie Evans who studied the MSc in Environmental Bioscience in a Changing Climate.

You’ll be able to expand your scientific knowledge and gain an insightful understanding into the basic fundamentals, such as microbiomics and metageomics. Specializations such as biodiversity, conservation and ecosystem services, environmental accounting, and biological invasions in changing environments let you tailor your degree to suit you and your career aspirations.

Learn from the best and contribute to the world of groundbreaking research

A master’s in life sciences at the University of Warwick goes one step further and allows you to collaborate with your peers to investigate key research. Gaining that all-important practical experience, as well as learning the theory, is absolutely essential as well as being taught by those who are active researchers themselves.

“All the lecturers could talk from a wealth of professional and academic experiences and remain at the forefront of research in their respective fields,” said Henry James, another MSc in Environmental Bioscience in a Changing Climate graduate.

You’ll have a plethora of career opportunities at your fingertips

Life sciences have much to offer when it comes to careers – and not just in the worlds of medicine and science either. With the practicality of a master’s degree like this, you’ll be able to explore many career paths, as Max Dafforn, an MSc in Sustainable Crop Production graduate discovered.

He told us: “During my course I discovered precision farming and decided that this rapidly advancing part of the agricultural industry was what I wanted to move into.”

You can also take your area of expertise and work in an interdisciplinary role, such as biotechnology or medical biotechnology. This is what drove one student, Katie Dowson, to study the MSc in Medical Biotechnology and Business Management.

She said: “I wanted to improve my business knowledge so that I could confidently enter a career that required scientific but also strong commercial acumen. The variety of business and biotechnology modules to choose from and the excellent reputation drove me to choose Warwick.”

Another student, Patrick Mwirigi, who completed his MSc in Biotechnology, Bioprocessing and Business Management, said: “This is the best course for anyone who has a passion for both science and business. Especially if you are passionate about health-related fields and want to start a business in that area.”

Lead image: University of Warwick, School of Life Sciences