Biosciences PhD

You'll gain essential research skills, both specialiSed and transferable, shaping you into a versatile scientist. Our training, support, and expert guidance ensure you’re prepared for a successful, impactful career.

Course structure

Research in the School of Biosciences centres around four interlinked groupings, which focus on multi and interdisciplinary research.

Each theme represents areas of research excellence in human, animal, plant, microbial, cell and molecular biology, and these areas integrate with systems biology and structural biology.

Research students at the School are members of the Biosciences Graduate Research School, and receive training in many generic and transferable skills in addition to those that are specific to their research discipline. We give special emphasis to postgraduate student research training, including regular monitoring of progress and the provision of an induction programme and short courses in core and specialised techniques.

You can study for a PhD on campus or by Distance Learning.

• Explore Cutting-Edge Themes - Dive into four dynamic research areas showcasing our excellence in:
  • BIFoR and Environmental Sciences: Investigate the intersection of biology and environmental impact.
  • Microbiology and Infection: Tackle pressing global health challenges through innovative research.
  • Cells and Molecules: Uncover the intricacies of cellular processes and molecular interactions.
  • Plant Science and Food Security: Contribute to sustainable agriculture and food security solutions.
• Diverse Funding Opportunities - Unlock potential with a wide range of funding options through partnerships with prestigious institutions, fueling your research journey.
• Thriving Graduate Community - Join the Biosciences Graduate Research School, where you’ll be part of a vibrant community dedicated to innovation.
• Comprehensive Skills Training - Benefit from training that not only hones your research expertise but also develops valuable generic and transferable skills essential for your future career.

If you want to pursue your own research project, you can apply to our research programmes to propose this. This is self-funded, although scholarships are available.

Find a supervisor

If you’d rather propose your own research, the first step is to find your supervisor. We encourage you to browse the biographies of faculty members to familiarise yourself with the research going on in your preferred areas. Each of these contains detailed information on research interests, current projects and recent publications.

When you apply, you can suggest one or two potential supervisors, who you think might be a good fit for you. However, this is not essential. If you know what you want to work on, but are unsure on supervisors, you can indicate this in your application and the PhD programme co-directors will study your proposal in detail, and judge who is best suited to be your supervisory team.

Find an Advertised PhD

Find a PhD project that suits your interests by using our FindAPhD tool.

The four School research themes are

• Biosystems and environmental change
• Microbiology and Infection
• Cells and Molecules
• Plant Science and Food Security

Each theme represents areas of research excellence in human, animal, plant, microbial, cell and molecular biology.

Research proposal

If you are proposing your own research topic, you will need to submit a research proposal. It’s a key part of your application, so take your time. Your potential supervisors will use it to decide if your research is something they can support.

Your proposal should be a clear and concise summary of your research. It generally consists of an outline of your proposed research project, including your main research questions and the methods you intend to use.

You should also comment on the potential impact and importance of your intended research and on how your work would interact with current trends in your academic field. It should illustrate the relevance of your topic to the research interests and expertise of the staff within your chosen department.

We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2026 entry are above.

The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.

Paying your tuition fees

Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.

Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.

A limited number of scholarships and studentships may be available to outstanding applicants. For further information, please explore our scholarships and funding database.

If you are applying to an ‘advertised PhD’, please check the details of the specific research project for application deadlines.

If you are submitting your own research proposal, applications are accepted all year round. However, if you wish to start in September, we would encourage you to apply by 1 June. Whilst you are still welcome to apply after this date, it is important to allow time for us to review your application.

If you are seeking funding, please be aware that the majority of funding opportunities have deadlines in early spring so we would encourage you to apply as early as possible.

We have put together some helpful information on the research programme application process and supporting documents on our how to apply page. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.

PhD Distance Learning study

As part of the application process, we will ask you to provide evidence to demonstrate that you have the time, commitment, facilities and experience to study for a PhD by Distance Learning. Please be prepared to provide evidence, and details, of the following:

• Examples of your postgraduate research experience and ability to work independently e.g. papers/presentations at professional and academic conferences or publications in professional journals or previous completion of an independent research project, etc.
• Full reasons (academic and personal) for registering for the distance learning mode of study rather than by standard full or part-time on-campus options. In particular, how you will be able to carry out your project in your chosen location.
• Access to local library facilities (where needed)
• Access to IT facilities
• Access to communications, including e-mail, and audiovisual communication media e.g. Skype and Facetime
• Access to facilities to support any study-related disability (where appropriate)

Careers Network

At Birmingham, we prepare our researchers to make an impact across every sector of society. Our PhD graduates are global change-makers: advancing knowledge, shaping policy, leading industries, and educating future generations.

You'll benefit from dedicated careers support tailored to your unique paths. Our expert team of Careers Advisers, including a dedicated postgraduate research adviser, offer one-to-one guidance to help researchers navigate career decisions both within and beyond academia.

Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one to one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters.

We also offer subject specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.

Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.