May 27, 2025, by Jackie Thompson

Following my spider senses: Why I chose an MRes

By Ellie Clifton, Life Science postgraduate

When people ask why I chose to pursue an MRes instead of an MSc, the answer is both simple and deeply personal. I had the privilege of working with a truly inspiring supervisor, Professor Sara Goodacre, during my undergraduate genetics degree.

She had marked my dissertation on mosaic Down syndrome and later supervised me in her spider lab, where I took on a short-term project studying a domesticated spider. That third-year project became something of an obsession after I stumbled upon an exciting connection between microbial communities, behaviour, and arachnid biology. When I realised I could continue exploring those questions in more depth, it was a no-brainer. How could I say no?

Focusing on research

Another reason the MRes stood out to me was the structure. Unlike an MSc, which typically includes taught modules and exams, the MRes is entirely research-focused.

That structure gave me the freedom to focus fully on a single research project I was genuinely passionate about, without being pulled in different directions by taught modules. It allowed me to invest time in developing real depth in my area of interest.

I’ve always struggled with feeling good enough academically, and exams have never been my strength. During my undergraduate studies, I often questioned whether I truly belonged in higher education.

That’s why the MRes structure really appealed to me. Writing a thesis allows me to develop ideas gradually, explore literature in depth, and express complex arguments in a way that suits how I think and learn. It’s where I feel most confident and engaged.

Building confidence and resilience

One of the most important things I’ve gained during my MRes is confidence. I’ve found my voice, and with it, a new resilience to advocate for myself. Whether that’s been asking for meetings with kind and knowledgeable academics from across the pond, or simply standing on my own two feet and figuring things out, I’ve grown into a more independent researcher.

There’s a certain freedom that comes with designing and driving your own project, knowing that it’s uniquely yours. I’ve followed my instincts—yes, my spider senses—and carved out a path that feels exciting and original.

The beauty of the MRes is that it’s allowed me to go beyond surface-level learning. From conducting my literature review to identifying gaps in the field and attempting to fill them (a task that could easily take another 12 months!), I’ve found joy in the research process itself.

Making science accessible

As I enter the final six months of this journey, I know I’m not quite ready to stop spinning these webs of discovery.

I’d love to pursue a PhD, but I’m also drawn to broader fields like ecology, human genomics, disease research, and science communication. I love breaking down complex scientific ideas into accessible conversations—something that helps people connect more deeply with research.

Developing skills for the future

No matter what direction I take, this MRes has given me invaluable skills. I’ve shown that I can manage my own research project, make meaningful academic connections, and engage with both academic and public audiences—whether that’s through conferences or weekend outreach events at Lakeside Arts.

It’s also pushed me to navigate university systems and policies to get my research where it needs to be. Along the way, I’ve improved practical skills like bioinformatics, referencing, and formatting as I went, and made the most of the Researcher Academy’s training, where I had the chance to explore unfamiliar areas of research and have meaningful conversations with researchers from different disciplines.

If you’re interested in studying a postgraduate course, visit our further study pages about options, funding and applying. You can also book an appointment with an adviser via MyCareer to talk about your options, how a postgraduate course may enhance your career prospects and more.

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