University of Essex

MSc by Dissertation Plant Biology

University of Essex

Course overview

Studying MSc (by Dissertation) Plant Biology at the University of Essex allows students to conduct a full-time 12-month or part-time 24-month research project under expert supervision in the School of Life Sciences. Students work on topics such as photosynthesis, plant productivity, plant ecophysiology, and cell signalling, alongside a well-resourced and well-connected research community. They are supervised and trained by other researchers, professionals, practitioners, and research users within the Plant Productivity Group.

The School of Life Sciences offers a plant phenotyping platform, equipment for infrared gas exchange analysis, a computer-controlled glasshouse, and controlled environment facilities. The degree does not have a taught structure and assessment is centred on the production of a dissertation based on the student's Research, which will be assessed through project design, execution, analysis, and the final thesis with viva or review. Students must attend two formal supervisory board meetings each year, where they submit literature reviews and research reports to the Board members before the meeting.

Entry requirements

Grade Requirements:

  • To be considered for admission, candidates applying for the MSc (by Dissertation) Plant Biology at the University of Essex are expected to hold a bachelor’s degree equivalent to a UK second-class (2:2) honours.

English Language requirements:

  • Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of English proficiency with an overall IELTS score of 6.5, and at least 5.5 in each component, or an equivalent qualification.

Scholarships

  • Alumni Loyalty Discount

    First Class or Distinction, 2.1 or Merit, 2.2 or successful completion of a Masters, Graduate or PG Diploma - 20%.

    Up to 20% of fees

  • Essex Futures BT– Masters Scholarship

    School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering (CSEE) is delighted to be offering up to six scholarship worth £5,500 each for 1 year full time.

    Up to £5,500

  • Essex Preparation Programme Bursary

    £250 cash bursary.

    Up to £250

  • Global Talent Masters Scholarship

    You could be eligible for a scholarship worth £5,000, paid as a discount on your tuition fee.

    Up to £5,000

  • Hong Kong Undergraduate Scholarship

    The awards offered are a discount of £5,000 per year for a maximum of three years of full-time undergraduate study, up to a maximum of £15,000.

    Up to £15,000

  • Hugh Brogan Bursary

    If you are applying to study a History MA degree, you could be eligible for one of four available cash bursaries worth £2,500.

    Up to £2,500

  • International Baccalaureate Excellence Scholarship

    If you're starting at Essex in 2026-27 and achieve academic excellence in your International Baccalaureate, we will offer you a scholarship of £2,000 for your first year of study.

    Up to £2,000

  • Performance Sports Scholarships and Bursaries

    Tier 1 - Tuition fee discount up to 100%, Tier 2 - Cash bursary (of varying amounts), Tier 3 - Access to the above performance package benefits, with a value of up to £1,500.

  • Postgraduate Masters (PGT) International Health Bursary

    The University is offering a bursary of £776 for Masters (PGT) international students.

    Up to £776

  • Postgraduate Premium Pathway Scholarship

    You could be eligible for a tuition fee discount of £6,500, for your first year of study at Essex.

    Up to £6,500

  • Sociology and Criminology - Fuller PGT Scholarship

    The Department of Sociology and Criminology is offering scholarships of £11,025 to support six postgraduate students to study within the department in 2026-2027.

    Up to £11,025

  • The Always Essex Staff Discount Scholarship

    33% discount of the first-year tuition fee (first two years for part-time study).

  • The Eleonore Koch Travel Fund

    The School of Philosophical, Historical & Interdisciplinary Studies is offering a bursary of up to £5,000.

  • The Essex MBA Dean's Award

    The school is able to offer fee discounts between 10% - 100% of tuition fee value.

  • The International Undergraduate Scholarship

    The award is offered as a £5,000 discount on your tuition fees for the first year of study in 2026-27 only.

    Up to £5,000

  • The Ronald J. Hill Fund

    The department of Government is offering a bursary of £3,000 to assist one postgraduate student within the department of Government to assist with tuition fees or living costs.

    Up to £3,000

  • The Undergraduate Premium Pathway Scholarship

    You may be eligible for a tuition fee discount of £5,000, for each year of study at Essex up to a maximum of 3 years.

    Up to £5,000

  • University of Sanctuary Scholarship

Career opportunities

After completing the MSc (by Dissertation) Plant Biology from the University of Essex, graduates may pursue careers such as:

  • Research Scientist in Agricultural Biotechnology
  • Environmental Consultant 
  • Laboratory Technician 
  • Policy Advisor in Agriculture or Environment
  • Crop Improvement Specialist 

Cost of study

For international applicants, the MSc (by Dissertation) Plant Biology in the University of Essex costs £22,550 annually, with the possibility of fee increases in the following academic years.

Admission

You can apply directly through the university's online application portal. For personalised help with your application, please speak to one of our trained counsellors.

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