What is a PhD/MPhil?
So what’s the difference between a PhD and MPhil…? Find out here…!
Or, if you are looking for a taught Masters course (ie MSc and MRes) that include elements of both research training and taught course units, further details can be found on the Masters Courses pages.
PhD and MPhil research degrees allow you to undertake in-depth study in a specific area.
PhD is either 3 or 4 years duration, depending on your background and the project outline. There is also the possibility of initial laboratory rotations, for example as part of the Wellcome Trust 4 year PhD. To undertake a PhD within the Faculty of Life Sciences, we require our applicants to have achieved (or expecting to obtain) at least an upper second class honours degree (or equivalent).
MPhil is a stand-alone programme that allows students to undertake a research programme over one year. Sometimes this can be an intermediate step before registering on a subsequent PhD programme; depending on how the project develops. We are able to consider applicants that have achieved a lower second class honours degree (or equivalent) for entry to our MPhil programmes.
All research degrees offered by the Faculty are based on supportive supervision in an outstanding research environment. Students enrolled on PhD or MPhil programmes have an independent Advisor and a Postgraduate Tutor as part of their wider supervisory team. A structured individual programme of skills training, personal development and academic progression monitoring complement the laboratory-based research project. These support structures have resulted in an exceptional success record for our research graduate students in submitting their thesis and making decisions on their future careers.
We are able to offer PhD and MPhil degrees on a part-time basis and split-site agreements can be arranged where there are existing research collaborations between the Faculty and other institutions. We will also consider applications from those wishing to undertake a PhD through a work-based, distance learning-like PhD programme.
The Faculty of Life Sciences each year has a number of funded PhD studentships for UK/EU applicants, which cover tuition fees and offer a generous stipend (depending on eligibility). Some of these are backed by an industrial company and known as CASE Studentships (Co-operative Awards in Science and Engineering).
We also have a number of bursaries available for international applicants. See Funding pages for more information.