PhD degree research

We admit around 40 postgraduate research students each year from the UK, EU and worldwide.

PhD funding opportunities

Biosciences PhD Find out more about entry requirements and course fees.

The four School of Biosciences research themes are:

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

PhD Biosciences: Social and Genetic Networks in Sooty Terns

PhD Biosciences: antimicrobial resistance and plasmids

PhD Biosciences: Plant sexual reproduction

PhD Biosciences by Distance Learning

Part-time study

We welcome applications from candidates who wish to study part time for a PhD (subject to funding conditions and visa regulations).

PhD by Distance Learning

The School of Biosciences now offers the option of a PhD by Distance Learning which means that for some projects you may be able to register for a PhD at the University of Birmingham but undertake the majority of the work for your thesis in your home country.

Not all projects within Biosciences are suitable for a PhD by Distance Learning, but the following research staff have indicated they may be able to offer a project appropriate for the distance learning programme. Clicking on the name below will take you to their research profile. If the option of a PhD by Distance Learning is one that appeals to you, please contact the relevant member of staff to discuss further.

This list is not exhaustive and is subject to change.
More information on studying for a PhD by Distance Learning can be found here.

By doing a PhD in Biosciences you will be joining a thriving research culture at the College of Life and Environmental Sciences and become part of our Graduate School.

Find out more about our Graduate School