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Research overview

We offer high-quality doctoral training to postgraduate students who wish to pursue an MPhil, MRes or PhD. As a research student, you will work under a supervisor who will assist you in your research and thesis design. An MPhil is a shorter research degree where you will do a research project over one to two years. The PhD involves an independent in-depth research project which allows you to develop additional skills through different training programmes offered by the School. Both MPhil and PhD are assessed by a research thesis. For MRes, it is usually a one-year programme that includes both taught modules and a research project. You will also have regular meetings with your supervisor and annual review of your research progress. Current research areas of interest within the School include development of climate resilient crops, exploration of underutilised crops to enhance food and nutritional security, reduction of food waste and much more.  

 

Why choose this programme?

Bioscience is an internationally important and rapidly advancing field offering promising careers for well qualified graduates to significantly impact society. Research in the School of Biosciences addresses key global challenges increasingly focused on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). With help from the graduate school, postgraduate students in the School of Biosciences are provided with different training courses. These courses will allow you to develop a range of transferable skills in oral and written communication, career management, networking, team working, research methodology and management, information technology, teaching and learning.

The School has excellent links with the UK School providing close contact with world class researchers from both campuses. UNM’s training closely follows our academics research topics meaning that your learning will be up to date, relevant and applicable to the global issues of today. Most of our academic staff are research active with well-connected national and international research collaborations. We constantly strive to incorporate the latest state of the art technologies into our research.

Course content

As a research student, you will work under a supervisor who will assist you in your research and thesis design.

Our current research themes include:

  • Sustainable agriculture
  • Food and nutrition security
  • Modern therapeutic for health

Entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2026 entry.

PhD

A good master’s degree (usually merit or higher), plus an upper second-class honours degree (2:1) in agricultural, biological, or other relevant science disciplines. Non-UK qualifications will be assessed against this standard.

Or

A first-class honours degree in agricultural, biological, or other relevant science disciplines. Non-UK qualifications will be assessed against this standard.

MPhil and MRes

An upper second-class honours degree (2:1) in agricultural, biological, or other relevant science disciplines. Non-UK qualifications will be assessed against this standard.

Before starting an online application, applicants are required to carefully read, review, and understand the Compliance with MQA Standards and Programme Standards, as well as the Checklist for application.

Applicants must possess a degree awarded by a recognised university.

Faculty-Specific Requirements

  • Faculty of Science and Engineering: A qualification in a related field is usually necessary for admission to postgraduate programmes.
  • Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences: Consideration may be given to those whose previous degree is in a different discipline if they have relevant work experience and can supply further supporting documents as outlined in the application checklist.

In instances where additional evaluation is required, applicants may be invited to participate in an interview.

These guidelines are intended as a general reference; eligibility is confirmed following submission and assessment of a complete application.

IELTS (Academic):

6.5 (with no less than 6.0 in each element)

TOEFL (iBT):

 90 (minimum 19 in Writing and Listening, 20 in Reading and 22 in Speaking)

PTE (Academic):

 71 (with no less than 65 in each element)
MUET: Band 4.5
  • IELTS (Academic), TOEFL iBT, and PTE (Academic) test results must be less than two years old.
  • IELTS One Skill Retake is accepted.
  • IELTS Academic Online, TOEFL iBT Home Edition, and PTE Academic Online are not accepted.
  • MUET results are valid for five years from the release date.
  • English language tests must be taken at a test centre situated in the applicant’s country of residence.
  • International applicants who meet the University’s requirements may also need to submit extra documents or an approved English test for MOHE, if required.

Fees

ResidencyFees
Malaysian studentsRM51,500 per year
International studentsRM58,000 per year*

Enjoy peace of mind with our Fixed Tuition Fee policy, pay the same amount each year until you graduate. No annual increases, no hidden charges. Learn more about Fixed Tuition Fees.

*For International Students, a 6% Sales and Service Tax (SST) will apply to non-Malaysian citizens from 1 July 2025. For more details, read our Finance FAQ.

Funding

Find out about scholarships, financial assistance and specific research funding available to all malaysian and international students.

Scholarship funding

Your Global Education Starts Here

Why Join the University of Nottingham Malaysia

  • Study at Malaysia’s No. 1 UK university*, the first and largest UK institution in the country
  • Our university is ranked 97th globally according to the QS World University Ranking 2026.
  • A founding member of the prestigious Russell Group of UK universities, we offer a world-class UK education with strong global recognition, impactful research, and academic excellence
  • 5-Star Rating for research excellence recognised by the Malaysian Research Assessment (MyRA) for world-class research achievements
  • Our graduates are consistently sought after by the top 100 global brands and earn up to 2x more** than the average graduate salary in Malaysia

*Based on student enrolment data from the Profile Book IPTS (MOHE) 2023.
**Based on the UNM Graduate Destination Survey (June 2023), with a national average salary of RM2,700.

Careers

The broad scientific training offered by the School’s postgraduate research programmes leads to a range of career options for many graduates. As a world class educational facility, students will learn valuable transferrable skills to take into industry or further education.

Careers and job titles include; scientific officers and managers, product development executives, academic teachers, agricultural and environmental consultants, food and nutrition advisers and scientific writers. Other career prospects include positions within industry, for instance as a forensic biologist or in pharmaceutical development, business management, food manufacturing or maybe as a successful bio-entrepreneurs.

You will have access to a range of support services from our Careers Advisory Unit including; Online career tools, Job opportunities and career updates, Resume review and career advice, Virtual career events, ‘Get Ready Get Hired’ certificate programmes, Career resources and alumni career journey story access.

Graduates are highly sought after by both local and multinational employers. The skills and knowledge gained from the training with us can be applied in various industries ranging from the food and beverages, agricultural and plantation, healthcare products and services, biotechnology, chemical, clean energy and wastewater, bioproduction and manufacturing, and many other industries. Many have also worked as researchers and academicians in either at the public or private higher learning institutions. 

This content was last updated on 07 December 2025. Every effort has been made to ensure that this information is accurate, but changes are likely to occur between the date of publishing and course start date. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply.