The University of Manchester
Plant Science (4 years) [MSci] MSc
The University of Manchester

Key Course Facts

Course Description

Our MSci Plant Science course will enable you to achieve an integrated master's degree while you study for a BSc, giving you significant research experience that will be invaluable for a PhD and a career in research.

You will examine the growth, development and productivity of plants, learning how to apply concepts from a wide range of biological areas to plant science, including genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry and cell biology.

We offer a rich combination of seminars and interactive events, including field studies .

These include the opportunity to go on a field course on the Mediterranean island of Mallorca in the Easter vacation of your first year, when the orchids are in bloom.

A tropical or UK-based field course builds on this in your second year.

In Year 4, you will undertake a major research project in one of the University's more than 200 research labs to achieve your undergraduate master's award.

Our course has Advanced Accreditation from the Royal Society of Biology , which recognises academic excellence in the biosciences and highlights degrees that educate the research and development leaders and innovators of the future.

Entry Requirements / Admissions

Minimum Required UCAS Tariff

Qualification requirements

Typical Contextual Offer: AAB-ABC Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore there will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A-level taken. Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offers you will receive. We require grades A*AA-ABB, including two of Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics (the Core Sciences ). You must have a minimum of grades AB in at least two Core Sciences and pass the practical assessments in these subjects. If your grades are AAB or higher, with grade A in one Core Science, we will accept a grade A in Geography, Psychology, Environmental Studies or Physical Education in place of the second Core Science. Subjects with overlapping content are not normally considered as separate A-levels; Further Mathematics is not considered alongside Mathematics and Human Biology is not considered alongside Biology. Your offer will be based on the above criteria as well as your predicted grades and past performance.

Scottish Advanced Highers are normally required in one of the following combinations: Three Advanced Highers with Grades AAB-BBB including two science subjects, normally Biology and Chemistry or two Advanced Highers with Grades AA-BB in two science subjects, normally Biology and Chemistry, plus two additional Highers with Grades AA-BB Students with Highers only with Grades AAAAA-AABBB may be considered for the Foundation Year. English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 Grade C/Intermediate 2 Grade C/Standard Grade Credit level Grade 3). If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact [email protected].

AS level results are not considered as part of the standard admissions process at The University of Manchester.

We require a QAA-recognised Access to HE Diploma (a minimum of 60 credits overall with at least 45 at Level 3), with merit or distinction in a subject area relevant to the chosen course. The level 3 units must be made up of 15 credits in Biology with a Distinction grade, 15 credits in Chemistry with a Distinction grade and a further 15 credits with Distinction. We will also consider applications from applicants whose course has allowed only 12 credits at Level 3 in Biology, with the remaining three credits at Level 3 with Distinction in Chemistry, Physics or Maths.

Scottish Advanced Highers are normally required in one of the following combinations: Three Advanced Highers with Grades AAB-BBB including two science subjects, normally Biology and Chemistry or two Advanced Highers with Grades AA-BB in two science subjects, normally Biology and Chemistry, plus two additional Highers with Grades AA-BB Students with Highers only with Grades AAAAA-AABBB may be considered for the Foundation Year. English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 Grade C/Intermediate 2 Grade C/Standard Grade Credit level Grade 3). If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact [email protected].

We consider the National Diploma in Applied Science with Grades DD for entry when it is taken with two A-levels including Grade A in a science subject and a minimum of Grade B in any other subject.

The University recognises the benefits of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. Although the Extended Project will not be included in the conditions of your offer, we strongly encourage you to provide information about the EPQ in your personal statement and at interview. A number of our academic Schools may also choose to take your performance in the EPQ into account should places be available in August for applicants who narrowly miss the entry grades for their chosen course.

We consider all the Cambridge Level 3 Technicals (except the Cambridge Level 3 Technical Certificate) with Grade D or above for entry when it is taken with two science A-levels (minimum AB required).

36-33 points overall with 6, 6, 6 to 6, 5, 5 at higher level including two science subjects, normally Biology and Chemistry.

We consider the National Extended Diploma in Applied Science with Grades DDD for entry when it is taken with one science A-level with Grade A.

We consider the National Foundation Diploma in any subject with Grade D for entry when it is taken with two science A-levels (minimum AB required).

We consider all the Cambridge Level 3 Technicals (except the Cambridge Level 3 Technical Certificate) with Grade D or above for entry when it is taken with two science A-levels (minimum AB required).

We consider the National Extended Certificate in any subject with grade D for entry when it is taken with two science A-levels (minimum AB required).

We consider all the Cambridge Level 3 Technicals (except the Cambridge Level 3 Technical Certificate) with Grade D or above for entry when it is taken with two science A-levels (minimum AB required).

We consider all the Cambridge Level 3 Technicals (except the Cambridge Level 3 Technical Certificate) with Grade D or above for entry when it is taken with two science A-levels (minimum AB required).

The University welcomes and recognises the value of the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma/Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate and would consider it when it is taken with two science A-levels. The minimum grades required will normally be the same as the A-levels. If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact [email protected].

We consider applicants offering Pre-U Principal Subjects, or a mix of Pre-U and A Level subjects, provided a minimum of three distinct subjects overall is taken. We require D3,D3,D3 to D3,M1,M1 in the Cambridge Pre-U, including Chemistry and one other science subject. You must have a D3 in one of the science subjects. The University welcomes and recognises the value of the Cambridge Pre-U Global Perspectives and Research (GPR) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. However, the qualification will not form part of your offer conditions. If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Academic School(s) you plan to apply to.

The University recognises a number of foundation programmes as suitable for entry to this undergraduate programme: Applicants completing the INTO Manchester International Foundation Programme in partnership with The University of Manchester are required to achieve a minimum of AAB with grades AA in two sciences (preferably Biology and Chemistry), grade B in a 3rd subject (excluding EAP) and an EAP score of B in every component. Applicants completing the NCUK International Foundation Year are required to achieve a minimum of AAB or 75% overall with grades AA or 75% in two sciences (preferably Biology and Chemistry), grade B or 65% in a 3rd subject (excluding EAP) and an EAP score of B or 65% in every component. All applicants resident or studying in the UK are required to attend an interview. Applicants studying other foundation programmes should contact [email protected] to check if their qualification is recognised for entry to this programme and for specific entry requirements.

English language requirements

test Grade Additional Details
IELTS (Academic) 6 With no less than 6.5 in any component. OR an equivalent qualification.

A small number of scholarships may be available to overseas applicants. Details will be made available once confirmed.

Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still study Plant Science (4 years) [MSci], MSc, if you do not meet the minimum requirements in terms of UCAS score, A levels, or English language requirements.

Costs

Average student cost of living in the UK

Rent £518
Water, gas electricity, internet (at home) £50
Supermarket shopping £81
Clothing £35
Eating out £33
Alcohol £27
Takeaways / food deliveries £30
Going out / entertainment (excl.alcohol, food) £24
Holidays and weekend trips £78
Transport within city £17
Self-care / sports £20
Stationary / books £13
Mobile phone / internet £13
Cable TV / streaming £7
Insurance £51
Other £95
  
Average student cost of living £1092

London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.

How to apply

Application deadline:

January 1, 2024

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Possible Entry Points:

  • year 1 (Default entry point)

University Rankings

Positions of The University of Manchester in top UK and global rankings.

See all 39 university rankings of The University of Manchester

About The University of Manchester

The University of Manchester is a publicly funded research university with a mission to advance education, knowledge and wisdom for the good of society. University of Manchester’s main site is home to the majority of its faculties and is referred to by its students as ‘the campus’, although in reality Manchester does not have a campus but is instead interspersed throughout the city of Manchester.

Student composition of The University of Manchester

Students by level of study Academic year 2020/21 - Full-time equivalent student enrollments published by Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) on 10 February 2022
undergraduates:
28500
postgraduates:
12685
Total:
41185
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List of 1292 Bachelor and Master Courses from The University of Manchester - Course Catalogue

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