Biology (Research)

Course summary

The School admits about 25 PhD students each year. Several of these are BBSRC funded. Any person with a good first degree from a recognised British, British Commonwealth or foreign University can be admitted to postgraduate studies. Students with qualifications equivalent to a degree may also apply for admission. The School of Biology at St Andrews comprises 55 academic staff, 95 postdoctoral researchers and over 100 postgraduate students. You will have the opportunity to undertake a research degree in your chosen subject area within a School where research interests span the breadth of biological science. Interdisciplinary studies are fostered by research centres in co-operation with other university schools.

Modules

Our PhD programmes do not have required modules or classes.

Assessment method

Assessment is on the completion of an 80,000 word thesis.

How to apply

International applicants

This course has a subject classification which requires students whose nationality is outside the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland to have an ATAS certificate, irrespective of country of residence at the point of application.

Further information can be found on the UK Government's website: www.gov.uk/academic-technology-approval-scheme

Entry requirements

A good first degree from a recognised UK, or overseas university; references; subject to an interview. All applicants whose 1st language is not English require: a good score in national qualifications in English from most western European countries (e.g. Germany, Sweden, Norway); IELTS 7.0; TOEFL: internet based 100/120; computer-based 250/300; paper-based 580/600; Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) (grade C or better); IB HL English (grade 6), or SL English (grade 6) if student was taught through the medium of English; EB English (75%-80%); standard grade 2, or GCSE, or IGCSE (grade C) in English.

English language requirements

For the current English Language requirements please visit the English language requirements for postgraduate students on the University of St Andrews website.

English language requirements for postgraduate students

https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/subjects/entry/language-requirements/postgraduate/

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Additional fee information

For the most current information on course fees please visit https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/study/fees-and-funding/postgraduate/taught/.

Sponsorship information

Research programmes at the school are well funded through a variety of sources: BBSRC; NERC; ESRC; The Leverhulme Trust; The Royal Society; the Scottish Executive; the European Commission. Admits 25 to 30 PhD students each year, many of whom are NERC, or BBSRC funded; research council studentships cover subsistence, and fees, for UK students, and European Union nationals (who have resided in the UK for at least 3 years for education purposes). They cannot be used to support non-European students; limited number of University of St Andrews studentships are available for outstanding candidates from any country, however, in view of the intense competition for these awards, prospective overseas students are strongly advised to seek their own financial support. Also available: entrant accommodation bursary; recent graduate discount; Santander 600 scholarships; Thomas and Margaret Roddan Trust bursary; Spragge Conservation scholarship.