Biotechnology and Enterprise PhD

The aim of the Biotechnology and Enterprise PhD programme is to provide extensive training in research skills, through the completion of a substantive research project.

Students will acquire the entrepreneurial skills required for the commercialisation of scientific discoveries through the completion of a series of course units and workshops which will take place over the 3.5 year period of the degree. The research element of the PhD programme will follow the graduate training programme which already exists in the Faculty of Life Sciences. Similarly, the Enterprise modules which form part of the programme have been selected from taught units that are currently offered by the MSc in Biotechnology and Enterprise.

The Enterprise component of the programme will use a range of different teaching methods. Lectures, workshops, enquiry-based learning, problem solving and self-directed learning will facilitate a more in depth understanding of the major concepts central to the compulsory core course units. Peer review discussions and opportunity for staff-student feedback will be provided during small group teaching in tutorials and workshops. The knowledge transfer and shaping ideas for the market units will help to develop writing competency and entrepreneurial skills. Students will also have the opportunity to hone their presentational skills in the commercialisation in the life sciences unit.

Compulsory Course units undertaken during Year 1/2

BIOL60760 Commercialisation in the Life Sciences (30 credits)

MSEC43301/2 Strategic business planning (15 credits)

BIOL65150 Industrial Case Studies & workshops (15 credits)

How to Apply

If you are interested in being considered for this new programme, you should follow the general instructions on our How to Apply page.  Please select PhD Biotechnology and Enterprise from the list available online application form.  You should also select up to three potential research projects from those available on our self-funded project listing in the area of Biotechnology.

Funding

Unfortunately, we do not have any full studentships available for this programme. Applicants are expected to be able to fund the full cost of the degree programme (the fee will vary, depending upon the nature and complexity of the research project selected).

However, the Faculty of Life Sciences are able to support the most outstanding international students with a number of bursaries. For details on partial awards available see Funding.

Eligibility

Applicants should have obtained (or be about to obtain) at least an upper second class Honours degree (or equivalent) in a Life Sciences area. Applicants from all nationalities are able to apply, however, you must be able to provide evidence on how you intend to fund your studies.

Enquiries

If you have any enquiries regarding the programme, please contact Jessica Bowler (PGR Recruitment Officer), in the first instance.