Biological Sciences (Research)

Both the Department of Life Sciences and the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS) at Aberystwyth University offer opportunities to undertake a research degree in the biological sciences or related discipline.

Aberystwyth is recognised internationally for its plant breeding programmes, as well as its research expertise in animal and crop science. Within the Centre for Innovation Excellence in Livestock, the focus is on the efficient production of sheep meat while minimising environmental impact, while the Pwllpeiran Upland Research Platform provides a research resource to investigate upland farmed ecosystems. Our farms extend to over 800 hectares and act as innovation sites for the Welsh Government’s knowledge transfer service to industry.

IBERS is an internationally recognised research and teaching centre, providing a unique base for research in response to global challenges such as food security, bioenergy and sustainability, and the impacts of climate change. IBERS' scientists conduct research on genes and molecules, whole organisms and the environment.

The National Plant Phenomics Centre is a unique facility for delivering breeding solutions and advances for key crop species. In addition, the IBERS Seed Bank safeguards one of the world's largest collections of seeds from grasses, clover, oats and miscanthus.

AberInnovation brings academia and businesses from the bioscience, agri-tech, and food and drinks sectors together on a brand-new £40.5m campus.

DProf
The Aberystwyth University DProf programme combines taught modules with research conducted by students under the supervision of AU staff who have expertise in the topic of study. Taught modules such as ‘Leadership for Researchers’ allow students to reflect on their own professional experience which can then be applied to research settings, while modules focusing on quantitative and qualitative research methods provide students with the skills required to collect and analyse data.

The ‘Pilot Study’ module allows students to test their research skills by designing and analysing a small-scale project using their own research data. In the first year of study the supervisory team supports students to complete the taught modules, and in the second and third year of study supervisors work closely with students to undertake research on the chosen topic area.