WHAT IS BIOSCIENCES PHD?
Read moreA Masters by Research or PhD in Biosciences will enable you to undertake cutting-edge scientific research in a supportive and caring environment. You can specialise in one of many topic areas, from genomics, immunology, gene therapy and cancer biology to palaeoecology, plant ecology, animal behaviour, parasitology, population biology, ecosystem functioning, ecological monitoring and wildlife conservation.
We have a range of laboratory facilities, including a new state-of-the-art biosciences laboratory with a biomedical specialism, microscopy and zoology laboratories, and smaller research laboratories including specialist spaces for both palaeoecology and animal behaviour. We also have extensive experience undertaking fieldwork both in the UK and further afield, with active field research collaborations on some of the UK’s remote islands, the savannah grasslands of South Africa, Zimbabwe, the Peruvian Amazon, and Brazil.
STUDY STYLE
Students can study either full time or part time alongside employment or family commitments. In recognition of the fact that no two research projects – or research students – are the same, we offer a flexible approach to supporting you, offering laboratory space and training, fieldwork advice and equipment loans, and access to computer software. You also have access to hot-desk office space and library and ICT support. MSc students will typically take two research methods training modules, which are also available to PhD students.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
- MSc by Research
At least a 2.1 honours degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant subject area.
- PhD
Usually a master’s degree or equivalent in a subject area relevant to the proposed research topic, but it is sometimes possible to progress directly from a relevant undergraduate BSc (Hons), especially if you have additional experience within the subject area.
- Applications from a range of diverse backgrounds
We actively encourage applications from students from a range of diverse backgrounds who demonstrate appropriate research experience and achievement.
- IELTS 6.5 (6.0 writing, 5.5 all other components)
EU and international students need IELTS 6.5 overall (with a minimum of 6.0 in writing and 5.5 in any other component) or equivalent.
- Research proposal
Please provide a copy of your research proposal. This should be 1,000 words (excluding references and appendices) following the structure outlined in this research proposal guide.
Please note; we’re unable to process applications without a proposal for the School’s consideration. Not supplying one will delay the processing of applications.
When funded projects arise, they will be advertised on the University webspages but we are also very happy to talk to potential students about self-funded or government loan-funded research and developing a project; please contact Dr Matt Wood [email protected] in the first instance.

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