Biomedical Sciences PhD

Our research spans biomedical and clinical disciplines ranging from basic laboratory science to clinical and applied research that impacts on many aspects of modern life.

Our aim is to conduct research that ranks among the best in the UK and internationally. Examples of areas of research strength include basic/applied physiology, pharmacology, biochemistry and drug discovery, infection and immunity, neuroscience, cell/developmental biology and cancer.

Research in the School is supported by state-of-the-art laboratory facilities. Our core facilities provide researchers with access to a range of cutting-edge equipment, staffed by experts who help with experimental design, training and data analysis.

Postgraduate students are supported by the Postgraduate School which provides induction, skills training opportunities and help with career planning.

Students wishing to undertake postgraduate research in Medical Sciences can choose from:

MRes (Masters by Research)

This combines elective courses in medically related disciplines taught in the context of health and disease, often with input from clinicians. Medical sciences research experience is provided through an extended laboratory research project supervised by leading molecular bioscience researchers. This programme provides you with the academic, analytical and practical skills for many careers, but is particularly oriented for students intending to pursue a research career.

MD (Doctor of Medicine)

This postgraduate research degree is awarded for original research carried out in a clinical or health-care related context and is undertaken by clinically qualified medical graduates normally during their postgraduate medical training. The MD Degree is not the undergraduate degree that leads to qualification as a medical doctor; this is the MBChB.

PhD

A PhD is a Doctor of Philosophy, a prestigious qualification that demonstrates talent, academic excellence and a thirst for knowledge. It usually culminates in a thesis based on research carried out over the course of 3-4 years. The research must “make a distinct contribution to knowledge and afford evidence of originality as shown by the exercise of independent critical powers”. There are no formal lectures or seminars, but your work will be periodically qualitatively monitored by the Graduate School.