The TSR Community Awards 2025 are now live >>

Intergrated masters degree?

I’m looking to apply for biochemistry next year, I am hoping to get a job in a lab or research. Is an integrated masters degree worth it?

Reply 1

Kingston Rose

Original post

by boxyinc

I’m looking to apply for biochemistry next year, I am hoping to get a job in a lab or research. Is an integrated masters degree worth it?

Hi @boxyinc If you are sure that is what you want to study then its a good idea. You can always change if anything.

(Rose, Kingston rep)

Reply 2

Lancaster Student Ambassador

Official Rep

Original post

by boxyinc

I’m looking to apply for biochemistry next year, I am hoping to get a job in a lab or research. Is an integrated masters degree worth it?

Hi @boxyinc

I'm a biochemistry student at Lancaster, I actually took a placement year between my 2nd and 3rd year, however, my two friends both decided on the MSci course.

First of all - this is definitely something you don't need to be 100% sure on now. Usually if you apply for an integrated Masters and it requires higher entry grades, you will be automatically considered for the BSc course if you miss out on the requirements. Additionally, you'll likely be able to swap off the MSci course during your time at university, and potentially swap onto the course from a BSc degree if your university grades allow for it. If you think you'd want to do a MSci, I'd recommend trying to enrol onto that course initially, as it's significantly less admin work to swap off the course to the BSc then trying to switch onto it.

There are a few things to consider here, and how you feel regarding this will likely change throughout your time at university. An integrated Masters (MSci) will be a taught Masters. This means alongside a research project you'll still be expected to take modules, so this is potentially a fourth year of coursework and exams. I mention this because I also know people who chose to graduate with a BSc and apply for a Master's by Research (MRes), which is entirely research based with no taught elements.

A major benefit of an integrated Masters is that the fees and funding work the same way as your undergraduate course (e.g. you just apply for 4 years of undergraduate funding rather than the 3 you would for a typical BSc). If you were to apply for a non-integrated taught Masters, or a Masters by Research, the funding process is different and the fees are usually higher. Although I'm not an expert on the breakdown of funding differences between Masters types, as it's not something I've experienced.

Personally, I chose to do a placement year as opposed to a MSci (although some universities do allow you to do both). I spent a year working in a 9-5 the biotechnology industry, gaining lab skills and earning a salary. I loved this - and I would say as a third year that I couldn't bear the idea of doing ANY more exams once this year is done!

However, this is all personal preference and again, your thoughts and priorities will likely change while at university. Best of luck with your choices!

Rebecca (Lancaster Student Ambassador)