Course summary
Our PhD/MPhil Cell Matrix Research programme enables you to undertake a research project that will improve understanding of the interactions between cells and their extracellular matrix environment in the contexts of health, disease and tissue regeneration. Cells continuously sense, synthesise and remodel the proteins and glycosaminoglycans that form the Extracellular Matrix (ECM). This ECM varies in its biochemical and biophysical properties in different parts of the body, and cellular responses to these differences influence the motility, growth, differentiation and survival of cells. Therefore, cell-ECM interactions underpin the development of multicellular organisms and are essential throughout the life of an organism. Aberrations in cell-matrix communication with severe diseases, such as cancer, fibrosis, cardiovascular disease, and inflammatory disorders. Conversely, the synthesis of healthy matrix can be used to induce new functional tissue that can support regeneration. Because understanding how cells sense and synthesise their ECM is critically important for preventing disease and supporting tissue regeneration, our Cell Matrix postgraduate research programme comprises projects that study:
- The biochemistry and biophysical properties of the ECM.
- The mechanisms of how cells interact with the ECM and how they translate the extracellular information into a cellular response
- How cell-matrix interactions affect cell fate and tissue function;
- The mechanisms of how cells synthesise and remodel their ECM environment, including how aberrant signals affect health and can result in disease;
- How ECM signalling can be used for tissue regeneration.
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
We require applicants to hold, or be about to obtain, an Upper Second class Honours degree (or overseas equivalent) in a related subject area for entry to a PhD programme. A Lower Second class Honours degree may be considered if applicants also hold a Master's degree with a Merit classification.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Provider information
University of Manchester
Oxford Road
Manchester
M13 9PL