Course summary

Research in the School of Biosciences revolves around understanding systems and processes in the living cell. It has a strong molecular focus with leading-edge activities that are synergistic with one another and complementary to the teaching provision. Our expertise in disciplines such as biochemistry, microbiology and biomedical science allows us to exploit technology and develop groundbreaking ideas in the fields of genetics, molecular biology, protein science, biophysics and computational biology. Fields of enquiry encompass a range of molecular processes from cell division, transcription and translation through to molecular motors, molecular diagnostics and the production of biotherapeutics and bioenergy. Our research degrees are based around lab-based and computational research projects. PhD study is based around 3-4 year research projects, full time, or 5-6 years part time. In all our research degrees you undertake a single, focused, research project from day one, and attend only certain components of our transferable skills modules. You are supervised by a team which comprises your main supervisor(s) as well as supervisory chairs that give independent advice on progression. Applicants who have private or other funding are welcome to apply at any time provided that the interests of the applicant are in line with the interests and capabilities of the prospective research group. To establish whether a suitable research opportunity exists within the supervisory capabilities of the School, we ask applicants to first consider whether their interests are compatible with one or more areas of our current research. Applicants should clearly identify the areas of our current research in which they are interested. Applicants are welcome to contact supervisors directly to enquire about PhD opportunities. Please note that, due to the technical requirements of certain laboratory-based research projects, some projects additionally incur additional research costs to support consumable requirements. Additional research costs are typically in the range of £500-£2,000, though exceptionally these can be as high as £5,000 for resource-intensive research projects.