phd in uk courses

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Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

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The degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is the University's principal research degree for graduate students and is available in all faculties and departments.

A Cambridge PhD is intellectually demanding and you will need to have a high level of attainment and motivation to pursue this programme of advanced study and research.

In most faculties, a candidate is expected to have completed one year of postgraduate study, normally on a research preparation master's course, prior to starting a PhD.

Completion normally requires three or four years of full-time study, or at least five years of part-time study, including a probationary period.

Terms of research are normally consecutive and, for full-time students, require residency in Cambridge. Not all departments offer part-time research degrees.

Various routes to the PhD are possible and, if you are made an offer of admission, it will be made clear whether you are required to study for a master's degree or certificate in the first instance, or will be admitted directly to the probationary year for the PhD. You are registered for the PhD only after a satisfactory progress assessment at the end of the probationary year (five terms for part-time degrees). The assessment is designed also to focus your mind on the stages necessary for the completion of your research within the normal time limit and to address any structural problems that have arisen during the first year. Students must pass the first year assessment in order to continue their PhD study.

During your PhD, your effort will be focused on writing a dissertation. The word count of the dissertation is dependent on the department and the Student Registry or Educational Student Policy will be able to tell you the maximum word limit. This must represent a significant contribution to learning, for example through the discovery of new knowledge, the connection of previously unrelated facts, the development of a new theory, or the revision of older views, and must take account of previously published work on the subject. Some Cambridge dissertations go on to form the basis of significant publications.

Although you will spend long hours working independently, your department and College will both support you throughout your PhD. You are also able to attend regular seminars in your subject area and could be involved in teaching, perhaps giving seminars or supervising, or in the social life of your department and College.

PhD course search

Go to the Course Directory and filter courses using the relevant checkboxes.

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Explanation of terms, postgraduate admissions office.

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Course type

Qualification, university name.

3980 degrees at 151 universities in the UK.

Customise your search

Select the start date, qualification, and how you want to study

About Postgraduate

Sports studies and combined sports is a holistic programme which merges the academic aspects of sports studies such as sociology, psychology and management, with the performance aspects of sport, like exercise science and physiology.

It is a popular course to study in the UK and a PhD represents the pinnacle of formal academic work in the field. There are over 30 universities which offer a PhD in sports studies and combined sports, with more than 40 courses overall, indicating the number of programmes with built-in specialisms.

A PhD is a research-based course and to gain admission, you’ll need to submit a research proposal about a topic within the field that will become the main focus of your work at university.

What to Expect

Typically, a PhD can last anywhere between three to six years and will require a lot of self-guided research and ideas development. The main focus will be the completion of a PhD dissertation, which is a long form written project of around 50,000-80,000 words, in a topic such as exercise physiology, sports psychology or sports policy. The programme emphasises original research, often contributing to advancements in sports performance or management strategies.

Candidates must orally defend their dissertation in front of a panel of academics and once this is completed, they can graduate. Graduates of a sports studies and combined sports PhD, will have made a contribution to the field of sports science and are ready to take on advanced jobs in areas like research, management and policy making. The British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) ensures the programme meets professional standards and validates the PhD qualification.

Related subjects:

• PhD Agriculture, Animal Care, and Veterinary Science
• PhD Archaeology
• PhD Architecture
• PhD Biology and Life Sciences
• PhD Building, Planning and Construction Management
• PhD Chemistry
• PhD Communications and Media
• PhD Computer Science and Information Technology
• PhD Creative Arts and Design and Illustration
• PhD Economics
• PhD Education
• PhD Electronic and Electrical Engineering
• PhD Engineering
• PhD English Literature
• PhD Environmental Health and Safety, Protection and Conservation
• PhD Financial Management and Accounting
• PhD Food Science and Technology, Nutrition and Dietetics
• PhD Gallery, Conservation and Museum Studies and Museology
• PhD Geography and Earth Sciences
• PhD Health Care Management and Health Studies
• PhD History
• PhD Humanities and Social Sciences
• PhD Industry, Logistics, Manufacturing and Production
• PhD Journalism and Publishing
• PhD Languages
• PhD Law and Legal studies
• PhD Leisure, Hospitality Management and Event Management
• PhD Linguistic Studies
• PhD Literature
• PhD Management, Business and HR
• PhD Marketing and PR
• PhD Mathematics
• PhD Music Technology and Production and Sound Engineering
• PhD Nursing and Midwifery
• PhD Other Sciences and Research
• PhD Performing and Dramatic Arts, Acting and Music Studies
• PhD Philosophy
• PhD Physics
• PhD Physiotherapy and other Therapies
• PhD Psychology
• PhD Religious Studies and Theology
• PhD Social Work, Community Work and Counselling Skills
• PhD Sports and Recreation
• PhD Surgery, Medicine and Dentistry
• PhD Teaching and Training
• PhD Tourism and Travel
• PhD Transport Services and Aviation

• Course title (A-Z)
• Course title (Z-A)
• Price: high - low
• Price: low - high

Archaeology PhD

Bangor university.

Research Areas Archaeology with specialisations in Prehistoric landscape archaeology The Iron Age Celtic societies Early medieval Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £4,712 per year (UK)
• 4 years Part time degree: £2,356 per year (UK)

PhD Creative Arts and Cultural Industries

Soas university of london.

This research degree provides advanced training and research experience at a doctoral level in the broad areas at the intersection of the Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £4,860 per year (UK)
• 6 years Part time degree: £2,430 per year (UK)

University of Gloucestershire

A design research degree offers you the opportunity and time to explore innovative research practice through original, critical works. Read more...

• 4 years Full time degree: £3,400 per year (UK)
• 6 years Part time degree: £5,100 per year (UK)

Business School MPhil/PhD

Middlesex university.

This programme will give you the opportunity to carry out cutting edge research that will help you understand the challenges of business Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £6,300 per year (UK)
• 6 years Part time degree: £3,150 per year (UK)

Allied Health Studies MPhil/PhD

University of worcester.

Research at Worcester has grown significantly in the last 10 years as the University itself has expanded. As a research student you will Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £4,950 per year (UK)
• 5 years Part time degree: £2,475 per year (UK)

MPhil/PhD at UCA

University for the creative arts.

MPhil/PhD at UCA at UCA A PhD is an advanced postgraduate qualification that will require you to plan and complete your own focused Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £5,670 per year (UK)

PhD/MPhil Electrical and Electronic Engineering

City, university of london.

Working alongside leading experts, you will research topics at the cutting edge of electrical and electronic engineering. Develop Read more...

• 2 years Full time degree: £6,360 per year (UK)
• 3 years Part time degree: £3,180 per year (UK)

PhD Sociology and Social Anthropology

University of hull.

Social science research at Hull is focused on creating a positive impact on the real-life conditions and experiences of individuals and Read more...

• 5 years Part time degree: £2,356 per year (UK)

MPhil/PhD Business and Management

University of chester.

Business and Management (BAM) is home to an intimate and burgeoning community of research active academics and doctoral students who want Read more...

Epidemiology and Population Health PhD

London school of hygiene & tropical medicine, university of london.

& Structure The MPhil and PhD are aimed at students who anticipate a career in which research plays a major role and who want to focus on Read more...

• 4 years Full time degree: £6,740 per year (UK)
• 8 years Part time degree: £3,370 per year (UK)

PhD (Prof) Education

University of roehampton.

A professional doctorate with an unusually broad range of available subject specialisms, based within an established School of Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree

PhD Postgraduate research opportunities in Biological and Environmental Sciences

Liverpool john moores university.

Excellent research opportunities await at the School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, enabling you to work at the forefront of Read more...

• 4 years Full time degree: £4,712 per year (UK)
• 7 years Part time degree: £2,325 per year (UK)

PhD in Film Media and Screen Studies

Manchester metropolitan university.

RESEARCH CULTURE We are home to a substantial community of researchers undertaking critical analysis of film and screen. Our research is Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £4,850 per year (UK)
• 6 years Part time degree

PhD Postgraduate Research in Mathematics

University of east anglia uea.

We are a top tier, research-led university and are committed to making a substantial impact on the global challenges facing society. Our Read more...

• 6 years Part time degree: £2,356 per year (UK)

History, Philosophy and Culture PhD

Oxford brookes university.

We pride ourselves on the quality of our research and the support that we give to our postgraduate research students. The School has an Read more...

Creative Writing PhD

Bath spa university.

The PhD in Creative Writing combines a proposed manuscript (e.g. novel, short story collection, poems, playscript, narrative non-fiction, Read more...

• 24 months Full time degree: £7,325 per year (UK)

PhD in Chemistry

University of bath.

Research in the Department of Chemistry spans all sub-disciplines, from theoretical physical chemistry to biological chemistry and antibody Read more...

• 4 years Full time degree: £4,800 per year (UK)
• 6 years Part time degree: £2,400 per year (UK)

PhD Fine Art and Design

Sheffield hallam university.

Course summary Undertake doctoral research in an approved fine art and design topic. Join the vibrant research community in the Culture Read more...

• 7 years Part time degree: £2,356 per year (UK)

Cranfield School of Management’s PhD

School of management, cranfield university.

Cranfield School of Management’s PhD programme is internationally renowned, for its rigour, structure, faculty support and global Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £4,715 per year (UK)

PhD - Faculty of Science & Technology

Bournemouth university.

From Archaeology & Anthropology to Environmental & Biological Sciences, Technology, Assistive Technologies, Design & Engineering, or Read more...

1-20 of 3980 courses

Course type:

• Distance learning PhD
• Full time PhD
• Part time PhD

Qualification:

Universities:.

• University of Greenwich
• University of Warwick
• Durham University
• University of West London
• Royal Northern College of Music
• Brighton and Sussex Medical School
• Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, School of Advanced Study, University of London
• Rose Bruford College
• Bishop Grosseteste University
• Hull York Medical School
• ICMA Centre (University of Reading)
• AECC University College
• University of Wales Trinity Saint David
• Cardiff University
• University of Portsmouth
• University of Nottingham
• University of Huddersfield
• University of Suffolk
• Kingston University
• Canterbury Christ Church University

Related Subjects:

Alternatively, use our A–Z index

Attend an open day

Discover more about this subject area

PhD Education / Overview

Year of entry: 2024

• View full page
• Bachelor's (Honours) degree at 2:1 or above (or overseas equivalent); and
• Master's degree in a relevant subject - with an overall average of 60% or above, a minimum mark of 60% in your dissertation (or overseas equivalent)

Full entry requirements

Apply online

Please ensure you include all required supporting documents at the time of submission, as incomplete applications may not be considered.

Application Deadlines

For consideration in internal funding competitions, you must submit your completed application by 19 January 2024.

If you are applying for or have secured external funding (for example, from an employer or government) or are self-funding, you must submit your application before the below deadline to be considered. You will not be able to apply after this date has passed.

• For September 2024 entry: 30 June 2024

Programme options

Programme overview.

• 2nd in the UK for Education (Complete University Guide 2024).  
• The University of Manchester was ranked in the top 10 in the UK for Education research (overall GPA, REF2021).
• Learn with research-active experts in the field of education and work with highly diverse cohorts of students and staff.
• Contribute to improvements in the overall wellbeing of students, their families and communities throughout the world through research.

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The University holds regular open days, where you will have the opportunity to tour the campus and find out more about our facilities and programmes. On this day, you will find out more about the School of Environment, Education and Development (SEED) and meet academic and admissions staff who will be able to answer any questions you have.

For more information, see Open days.

We will be conducting our PGR virtual open week in October 2024. Find out about future events and postgraduate research sessions by signing up for our email alerts.

For entry in the academic year beginning September 2024, the tuition fees are as follows:

• PhD (full-time) UK students (per annum): £6,000 International, including EU, students (per annum): £21,500
• PhD (part-time) UK students (per annum): £3,000 International, including EU, students (per annum): £10,750

Further information for EU students can be found on our dedicated EU page.

Your fees will cover the cost of your study at the University, as well as charges for registration, tuition, supervision, examinations and graduation (excluding graduation robe hire).

Payment of tuition fees will also entitle you to membership of The University of Manchester library, the Students' Union and the Athletic Union.

Scholarships/sponsorships

There are a range of scholarships, studentships and awards to support both UK and overseas postgraduate researchers, details of which can be found via the links below.

To apply University of Manchester funding, you must indicate in your application the competitions for which you wish to be considered. The deadline for most internal competitions, including School of Environment, Education and Development studentships is 19 January 2024.

All external funding competitions have a specified deadline for submitting the funding application form and a separate (earlier) deadline for submitting the online programme application form, both of which will be stated in the funding competition details below.

For more information about funding, visit our funding page to browse for scholarships, studentships and awards you may be eligible for.

• ESRC North West Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership (NWSSDTP) PhD Studentships - Competition Closed for 2024 Entry
• School of Environment, Education and Development Postgraduate Research Studentships 2024 Entry - Competition Closed for 2024 Entry
• China Scholarship Council - The University of Manchester (CSC-UoM) Joint Scholarship Programme - Competition Closed for 2024 Entry
• Commonwealth PhD Scholarships (Least Developed Countries and Fragile States)
• President's Doctoral Scholar (PDS) Awards - Competition Closed for 2024 Entry
• Trudeau Doctoral Scholarships 2024 Entry
• Commonwealth PhD Scholarships (High Income Countries)
• School of Environment, Education and Development Enhancing Racial Equality (SERE) Studentship - Competition Closed for 2024 Entry
• Humanities Doctoral Academy Humanitarian Scholarship 2024 Entry

Contact details

Programmes in related subject areas.

Use the links below to view lists of programmes in related subject areas.

Regulated by the Office for Students

The University of Manchester is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS aims to help students succeed in Higher Education by ensuring they receive excellent information and guidance, get high quality education that prepares them for the future and by protecting their interests. More information can be found at the OfS website .

You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at The University of Manchester, including our Degree Regulations and Complaints Procedure, on our regulations website .

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How to apply for a PhD

We are looking for ambitious, talented and motivated students. You'll have the passion to make new discoveries, the drive to test new theories, and the willingness to go above and beyond.

How do I apply?

To find out more about our degrees see our PhD degrees . You apply using our postgraduate application system.

Choose your PhD

Sussex is the perfect place to find a postgraduate research course that allows you to follow your passion and develop your research interests.

• a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and a Master of Philosophy (MPhil). There are more than 50 degrees to choose from
• Integrated PhDs in the University of Sussex Business School
• full-time or part-time PhDs
• all courses start in September and some courses offer additional entry points in January or May
• the opportunity for research students registered elsewhere to visit Sussex . For more information see our handbook .-->

Distance learning may be available for some PhD courses. Before applying, you should check whether this mode of attendance is supported for the PhD you wish to undertake with the relevant School.

Find out more about our PhD degrees

Check our entry requirements

Our specific entry requirements are listed with each PhD degree .

You also need to meet our general entry requirements, usually an upper second-class undergraduate honours degree (2:1) or equivalent international qualification.

You may also be required to have a Masters qualification. If you are applying to the University of Sussex Business School, you may wish to choose the Integrated PhD, which contains an initial year of rigorous training in the research skills needed to become a skilled practitioner. If you are unsure which route to apply for, please apply for the Integrated PhD.

If you are an international student, you need to meet our English language requirements , or successfully complete our Pre-sessional English course .

You may also be asked to attend an interview.

Find out more about our entry requirements for UK applicants

Find out more about our entry requirements for international applicants

Choose a research topic or project

If you apply for one of our funded projects or to a research centre or group you will normally be asked to provide a statement explaining your suitablility for working in that area.

If you wish to propose your own area of research, you need to decide on a research topic and you will normally be expected to write a research proposal. Some areas may only require a summary of academic interests and they will use this to match you to potential supervisors. Before applying check the requirements for your subject area .

Find a supervisor

If you are joining a funded project at Sussex, you will already have a supervisor allocated to you.

If you are proposing your own research topic , you can find a supervisor to support and advise you.

If you think you have found a potential supervisor who matches your research area, check their online profile for indications of their doctoral supervision capacity. If they are open to doctoral applications, you can contact them to check their availability for supervising you

You can either ask a member of our faculty to be your supervisor if you think they have the expertise to support you or we will match you with a supervisor during the assessment of your application. If you ask to be supervised by a particular member of faculty, this will be considered but not all such requests can be accommodated.

Apply to Sussex

You apply directly to Sussex using our postgraduate application system .

You can apply for up to three postgraduate courses. If you are applying for more than one degree, you must submit a research proposal/statement specific to each area of study you apply for.

You must submit the following documents when you apply:

• research proposal/research statement
• summary of academic interests (this is optional depending on the subject area you are applying for)
• degree certificates and transcripts. If the originals are not in English, certified translations must be provided
• your English language qualification, where applicable
• two academic references – including one from your most recent university. Or you can provide contact details for your referees and we will email them.

Follow our tips for applying to Sussex

Find out about our admissions policies

Deadline for applications

You can apply all year round for research degrees starting in September, January and May.

The recommended deadline for applications are:

International applicants: Three months before course start date Home/EU applicants: One month before course start date.

PhD applications received after these deadlines may be considered, but we cannot guarantee you will be able to commence your studies at your requested entry point.

Where you are applying for funding or scholarships, check the deadlines for your application. In some cases, you may need to have an offer from us before you can apply for funding.

Check fees, funding and support

We have a number of PhD funding and scholarship opportunities.

If your application is successful, you will have your fee status assessed . If your fee status is unclear, we will ask you to complete a questionnaire . If you disagree with the outcome of your fee status assessment, you can appeal .

Fees information is listed with each PhD degree

Receiving an offer

We will notify you through our postgraduate application system if we decide to offer you a place .

Your offer may include conditions – for example, completing your undergraduate or Masters degree with a certain grade or meeting our English language requirements . In the University of Sussex Business School, your offer may be for the Integrated PhD rather than the PhD. This will happen if the School feel you need the additional training in research skills which the initial year of the Integrated PhD provides.

If you are an international student studying a certain science- or engineering-based course you must apply for Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) clearance after you receive your offer.

Find out about ATAS clearance on the Student Hub .

If you decide to accept our offer, you can notify us using the postgraduate application system .

You can still accept your offer even if you have not yet secured funding. However, you should have funding in place when you start at Sussex.

Confirming your place

If your offer is unconditional, we may still need to verify your qualifications .

If your offer is conditional, you should send in your results by email as soon as they are available, so that your place can be confirmed.

If you are unable to take up your place, you can request to defer your entry to another available entry point (up to a maximum of 12 months).

If your application is unsuccessful and you are not sure why, you can request feedback .

Before you start at Sussex

You will be sent information about joining us in the months before you start your research.

For most students, the registration process is completed online. Registration opens in:

• early September, if you are starting at Sussex in September
• December, if you are starting at Sussex in January
• early April, if you are starting at Sussex in May.

If you are an international student and you need a visa to study in the UK , you complete most of the registration process online. To register, you need to attend in person, so we can take a copy of your passport and visa.

You might also be interested in:

• student support
• applying for accommodation
• visas and immigration information on the Student Hub .

Study Postgraduate

Phd in life sciences (2024 entry).

Course code

30 September 2024

3-4 years full-time; 5-7 years part-time

Qualification

Life Sciences

University of Warwick

Find out more about our Life Sciences PhD.

Study your PhD in the vibrant community of Warwick's School of Life Sciences, with 90% of our research rated as 'world leading' or 'internationally excellent' in the REF 2021 assessment. Pursue both subject-specific and general research expertise on the practical-based PhD in Life Sciences.

Course overview

This is a practical course based on a single research project, carried out under the training and supervision of one of our Research Leaders. Assessment is by dissertation and oral examination. All students also participate in a programme of transferrable and research skills training.

Being funded for your studies from one of our Doctoral Training Programmes means that certain bespoke training activities are required under that programme. Our  School of Life Sciences website  offers further information on Postgraduate Research courses and funding.

General entry requirements

Minimum requirements.

2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in a Life Sciences related subject.

English language requirements

You can find out more about our English language requirements Link opens in a new window . This course requires the following:

• IELTS overall score of 6.5, minimum component scores not below 6.0.

International qualifications

We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications.

For more information, please visit the international entry requirements page Link opens in a new window .

Additional requirements

There are no additional entry requirements for this course.

Our research

Areas for phd supervision.

• Cells & Development
• Environment & Ecology
• Microbiology & Infectious Disease
• Neuroscience
• Plant & Agricultural Biosciences
• Quantitative, Systems & Engineering Biology

Full details of our research interests are listed on the School of Life Sciences website Link opens in a new window .

Find a supervisor

You can identify potential supervisors in the area(s) that are of interest you via the Research pages on the School of Life Sciences website. The academic staff in the School welcome enquiries from potential research students, so you are advised to contact them directly. Send your research proposal or explain that you would like to discuss possible research projects with them and detail how you plan to fund your studies.

For further information, see How to Apply.

Tuition fees

Tuition fees are payable for each year of your course at the start of the academic year, or at the start of your course, if later. Academic fees cover the cost of tuition, examinations and registration and some student amenities.

Find your research course fees

Fee Status Guidance

The University carries out an initial fee status assessment based on information provided in the application and according to the guidance published by UKCISA. Students are classified as either Home or Overseas Fee status and this can determine the tuition fee and eligibility of certain scholarships and financial support.

If you receive an offer, your fee status will be stated with the tuition fee information. If you believe your fee status has been incorrectly classified you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire (follow the instructions in your offer) and provide the required documentation for this to be reassessed.

The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) provides guidance to UK universities on fees status criteria, you can find the latest guidance on the impact of Brexit on fees and student support on the UKCISA website .

Additional course costs

Please contact your academic department for information about department specific costs, which should be considered in conjunction with the more general costs below, such as:

• Core text books
• Printer credits
• Dissertation binding
• Robe hire for your degree ceremony

Scholarships and bursaries

Scholarships and financial support

Find out about the different funding routes available, including; postgraduate loans, scholarships, fee awards and academic department bursaries.

Living costs

Find out more about the cost of living as a postgraduate student at the University of Warwick.

Life Sciences at Warwick

Warwick Life Sciences is an international centre of excellence with more than 90% of our research rated as 'world leading or internationally excellent' in the REF 2021 assessment. Our focus is in excellent teaching and research with impact.

Find out more about us on our website Link opens in a new window

Our Postgraduate Taught courses

• Biotechnology, Bioprocessing and Business Management (MSc)
• Environmental Bioscience in a Changing Climate (MSc)
• Food Security (MSc)
• Medical Biotechnology and Business Management (MSc)
• Sustainable Crop Production: Agronomy for the 21st Century (MSc)

Our Postgraduate Research courses

• MSc by Research in Life Sciences
• PhD in Life Sciences

How to apply

The application process for courses that start in September and October 2024 will open on 2 October 2023.

For research courses that start in September and October 2024 the application deadline for students who require a visa to study in the UK is 2 August 2024. This should allow sufficient time to complete the admissions process and to obtain a visa to study in the UK.

How to apply for a postgraduate research course  

After you’ve applied

Find out how we process your application.

Applicant Portal

Track your application and update your details.

Admissions statement

See Warwick’s postgraduate admissions policy.

Join a live chat

Ask questions and engage with Warwick.

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Postgraduate fairs.

Throughout the year we attend exhibitions and fairs online and in-person around the UK. These events give you the chance to explore our range of postgraduate courses, and find out what it’s like studying at Warwick. You’ll also be able to speak directly with our student recruitment team, who will be able to help answer your questions.

Join a live chat with our staff and students, who are here to answer your questions and help you learn more about postgraduate life at Warwick. You can join our general drop-in sessions or talk to your prospective department and student services.

Departmental events

Some academic departments hold events for specific postgraduate programmes, these are fantastic opportunities to learn more about Warwick and your chosen department and course.

See our online departmental events

Warwick Talk and Tours

A Warwick talk and tour lasts around two hours and consists of an overview presentation from one of our Recruitment Officers covering the key features, facilities and activities that make Warwick a leading institution. The talk is followed by a campus tour which is the perfect way to view campus, with a current student guiding you around the key areas on campus.

Connect with us

Learn more about Postgraduate study at the University of Warwick.

We may have revised the information on this page since publication. See the edits we have made and content history .

Why Warwick

Discover why Warwick is one of the best universities in the UK and renowned globally.

9th in the UK (The Guardian University Guide 2024) Link opens in a new window

67th in the world (QS World University Rankings 2024) Link opens in a new window

6th most targeted university by the UK's top 100 graduate employers Link opens in a new window

(The Graduate Market in 2024, High Fliers Research Ltd. Link opens in a new window )

About the information on this page

This information is applicable for 2024 entry. Given the interval between the publication of courses and enrolment, some of the information may change. It is important to check our website before you apply. Please read our terms and conditions to find out more.

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• Research degrees

Research areas

Degrees we offer, fees and studentships, application process, being an ou research student, student views.

The OU supports a diverse community of around 900 postgraduate research students, doing cutting-edge PhD and Professional Doctorate projects:

• at our beautiful campus in Milton Keynes
• through innovative Doctoral Training Partnerships
• around the globe, linked through Affiliated Research Centres .

How to get started

Find out about our current research areas, the research degrees we offer, sources of funding, how to apply and what it's like to be an OU research student.

Authentic, interdisciplinary, inspiring: postgraduate research students talk about why they joined the OU’s ‘lovely research community'.

My supervisors have been amazing. Extremely supportive when needed while also allowing me to have very independent control over my project. They have just been great and made the experience so worthwhile and so much fun.

The love of learning, support and friendship knows no boundaries at The Open University. It is indeed a place that lives up to its name where doors are open, minds are open, people are open, and opportunities are open to everyone.

Frequently asked questions

If you’ve got a question about what it’s like to be a research student at the OU, we’ve got the answer.

Check out some of our frequently asked questions  

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Study for a PhD with us

Ready to make an important contribution to the world through original research? Discover how to do a PhD at Portsmouth 

Explore our PhD subject areas

Find a phd supervisor.

How to apply for a postgraduate degree

A PhD is a globally-recognised postgraduate degree. To gain a PhD, you'll need to conduct extensive original research into a specific chosen field.

When you study for a PhD with us, you'll work with leading experts with extensive experience in your area of interest. You'll become a part of our internationally-recognised research , and a member of our research community. You'll contribute to our collaborative research culture, and use our exceptional facilities too.

And you’ll be following in the footsteps of our previous PhD candidates, many of whom have made important, globally-significant contributions to research – like Harry Austin, whose work on a  mutant plastic-eating enzyme  is making headlines around the world.

Preparing for a PhD

As a general rule, to apply for a PhD you'll need a good first degree from an internationally-recognised university or a Master’s degree in an appropriate subject. We'll also consider applicants with exceptional equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications.

Your PhD will take 3 years (full-time) or 6 years (part-time) to complete, and you'll produce a thesis of 40,000-80,000 words, depending on your subject area. All PhD candidates need a supervisor to supervise them – and finding the right one is an important part of the process.

For more details on what you need to do before you apply for a PhD – from what qualifications you'll need, to what your application should contain – visit our  how to apply for a postgraduate degree  pages.

Ready to explore your PhD options?

There are 3 main routes into a PhD at Portsmouth.

If you have an original idea for a research, you can find a PhD supervisor  among our academics, whose expertise matches your own. You can also apply for one of our pre-approved PhD projects  – including some fully-funded projects – or explore our PhD subject areas  and make an initial enquiry to our postgraduate research team.

See our pre-approved PhD projects

Fees and funding

The cost of your PhD will vary depending on where you're from, what you're studying, and whether you plan to study full-time or part-time. If you're applying for a funded PhD, you'll have no fees to pay.

As a guide, PhDs cost £4,596 a year (full-time) or £2,298 a year (part-time) for UK/EU students, and £16,200-18,300 a year (full-time) or £8,100-9,150 a year (part-time) for international students. If you are an EU student starting a programme in 2022/23 please visit this page .

If you need help funding your PhD, you may be able to apply for a Postgraduate Doctoral Loan – a government loan that you can use for tuition fees, living costs and other course costs. The loan is paid directly to you and you can apply online here .

The amount you’ll receive isn’t based on your or your family’s income. So you can choose how much you borrow (up to £27,265 over your whole course). The loan will be divided equally across each year of study, and you'll only start repaying your loan after your course when your annual income is more than £21,000.

For more information about the Postgraduate Doctoral Loan – and to see other sources of funding that may be open to you when you apply – visit our page on funding your research degree .

PhD stories

Studying for your PhD at Portsmouth is a great decision, but don't just take our word for it. Find out why two of our recent PhD candidates chose us and how their research unfolded.

Danielle's PhD story

Robert's PhD story

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What is a PhD?

As the highest degree level achievable at university, completing a PhD shows that you've made a meaningful new contribution to your chosen research field

PhDs at a glance

• Involves three or four years of full-time study, or up to seven part time.
• Typically undertaken after achieving a Masters degree.
• Can either be funded or self-funded.
• Assessed through a written thesis and oral exam.
• Many Doctoral graduates choose to pursue an academic or research career.

What is the meaning of PhD?

The term PhD or Doctorate of Philosophy is an abbreviation of the Latin phrase 'philosophiae doctor'.

A PhD degree typically involves students independently conducting original and significant research in a specific field or subject, before producing a publication-worthy thesis.

While some Doctorates include taught components, PhD students are almost always assessed on the quality and originality of the argument presented in their independent research project.

How long is a PhD in the UK?

Full-time PhDs usually last for three or four years, while part-time PhDs can take up to six or seven. However, the thesis deadline can be extended by up to four years at the institution's discretion. Indeed, many students who enrol on three-year PhDs only finish their thesis in their fourth year.

While most PhD studentships begin in September or October, both funded and self-funded PhDs can be undertaken at any point during the year.

If you're planning on studying for a PhD abroad, take a look at our individual country profiles .

Do I need a Masters to do a PhD?

The majority of institutions require PhD candidates to possess a Masters degree , plus a Bachelors degree at 2:1 or above. However, some universities demand only the latter, while self-funded PhD students or those with significant professional experience may also be accepted with lower grades.

You may need to initially register for a one or two-year Master of Philosophy (MPhil) or Master of Research (MRes) degree rather than a PhD. If you make sufficient progress, you and your work will then be 'upgraded' to a PhD programme. If not, you may be able to graduate with a Masters degree.

If you need an MPhil or MRes before enrolling on your PhD, search Masters degrees .

What does a PhD involve?

A standard PhD degree is typically split into three stages. A three-year PhD may follow this pattern:

• First year - You'll meet with your supervisor to discuss your research proposal and agree an action plan with deadlines. You'll then complete your literature review, in which you'll evaluate and critique existing works to inform the direction of your project and ensure that your research will be original.
• Second year - Your focus will shift to gathering results and developing your thesis, and potentially begin writing chapters of your thesis. You may also present your results and ideas at academic conferences, gain teaching experience, collaborate with other students on similar projects, communicate the benefits of your research to the general public through workshops, lectures and presentations, or submit work for publication in an academic journal or book.
• Third year - Primarily involves writing your thesis, though your research may still be in progress. After your supervisor gives their approval, you'll submit your thesis before undertaking a one to three-hour oral exam ( viva voce ) in which you'll discuss and defend your thesis in the presence of at least one internal and external examiner.

How do I find a PhD?

As a PhD is different to other degrees, you're committing to more than simply an advanced qualification. You've chosen to engage in a large-scale independent research project and so you'll need to take into account a range of factors that will drive your search.

A methodical approach to the process is required and you'll need to consider the subject you're interested in carrying out research in and the type of Doctorate you're looking for, making sure this is the right project for you. Only when you're fully prepared and have a good idea of your research proposal should you search for PhD opportunities .

What other types of Doctorate are there?

Alternative types of PhD include:

• Higher Doctorate - These are usually granted on the recommendation of a committee of internal and external examiners, which assesses a portfolio of published, peer-reviewed research you've undertaken over the course of many years. This type of Doctorate is usually for those with several years of academic experience. Common award titles include the Doctor of Civil Law (DCL), Doctor of Divinity (DD), Doctor of Literature/Letters (DLit/DLitt/LitD/LittD), Doctor of Music (DMus/MusD), Doctor of Science (DS/SD/DSc/ScD) and Doctor of Law (LLD).
• Integrated/New Route PhD - This four-year PhD course is offered by over 30 universities and involves taking a one-year MRes before studying a three-year PhD. It combines taught elements with independent research, allowing students to learn different methodologies while building their transferable skills.
• Professional Doctorate - Geared towards students of vocational subjects such as medicine, education and engineering, professional Doctorates are focused on teaching and so normally involve smaller research projects and thesis component. They're often favoured by those aiming for a career outside of academia and are usually supported by employers.

How much does a PhD cost?

Tuition fees vary, but usually fall between £3,000 and £6,000 per year for UK students and those from the European Union (EU) with settled status. UK Research Councils pay universities £4,596 per year (from 2022/23) on behalf of each funded PhD student, so this gives a good indication of the average figure.

For EU students looking to pursue a Doctorate in 2022/23, you'll need to have gained settled or pre-settled status to be eligible for student finance - see PhD loans .

Non-EU students may pay considerably more for their tuition fees.

Despite this, many PhD students are now part or fully funded - scholarships and bursaries are widely available, and particular attention should be paid to Research Council grants .

PhD studentships and assistantships involving a mixture of research and teaching are also common, with scientific studentships usually paid at a higher rate.

How do I apply for a PhD?

Some students propose their own research area and apply for funding, while in some cases a supervisor may already have funding for a project and advertise it like a job. When making a PhD application, you'll typically be asked to submit:

• an academic CV
• your academic transcripts
• two or three academic references
• a personal statement
• a research proposal.

International students without settled UK status looking to study certain courses in medicine, mathematics, engineering and material sciences are required to comply with the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) . This involves undergoing a security clearance process with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. International students may also have to prove their English proficiency.

What can I do next?

Your ability to critically analyse, display intellectual maturity, and research independently and honestly is highly valued within academia and the workplace.

Many students who undertake a PhD get an academic job or become an industry researcher, possibly following the PhD with postdoctoral study, then a fellowship or lectureship.

Other career options will depend on your study area.

Discover what a PhD degree can lead to at your PhD, what next?

Find out more

• Consider your PhD options at 5 routes to getting a Doctorate .
• Get help with choosing your PhD supervisor .
• Explore funding postgraduate study .

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Postgraduate study

The UK is world renowned for its academic excellence and is the global leader in quality of research . What's more, many UK master's degree programmes can be completed in just one year, offering great value for money and allowing you to move on with your career more quickly.

Studying for a postgraduate degree in the UK can transform your career.

A master’s degree is a second-level qualification, which is almost always completed on the basis that you have completed an undergraduate degree.

If studying for a master’s related to your undergraduate degree subject, you will be able to gain a deeper knowledge and level of understanding in that field. Some people, though, opt to go in a completely different direction and move into a field that they haven’t studied - or formally studied - before. If you are planning on studying something vastly different from your undergraduate studies, check what the requirements are on individual university websites, or speak with their admissions teams.

There are two main types of master’s degrees: taught and research.

Some common master’s degrees include:

• MA (Master of Arts) in a wide range of arts or humanities subjects.
• MSc (Master of Science).
• A range of subject-specific qualifications including MEng (Master of Engineering), MFA (Master of Fine Arts), LLM (Master of Laws), MArch (Master of Architecture), and more.
• Courses leading to an MPhil (Master of Philosophy) qualification are research-led and often designed for students to progress to a PhD.

Note that some Scottish universities offer an undergraduate degree called a Scottish Masters of Arts which is completed over three or four years. This shouldn’t be confused with a postgraduate master’s.

A Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree is an internationally recognised qualification which gives you the skills you need for a successful management career.

A Doctor of Philosophy, or doctorate (PhD/DPhil), is the highest academic level a student can achieve. These degrees are very demanding and often lead to careers in academia (as a lecturer or researcher, for example). Most students will complete a master’s degree before progressing to a PhD, although this isn’t always necessary - especially within scientific subjects.

Postgraduate certificates and diplomas allow students to study something new or build on the skills and knowledge they have already gained during their undergraduate degrees. They are usually shorter than a master’s and do not require you to prepare a thesis or dissertation.

These qualifications help you improve or gain skills for specific jobs. Most awards involve practical training. This gives you the opportunity to experience a job first-hand.

A conversion course is a vocational postgraduate qualification usually taken by graduates who want to change their subject area following on from their first degree. Often students do this to develop more professional skills. For example, you could study history for your undergraduate degree and do a law conversion course to begin your career as a lawyer.

Subjects and modules

Most postgraduate programmes are focused on one particular subject area, and aim to give students a greater amount of specialist knowledge in this. However, most postgraduate courses have a modular structure, which leaves some room for flexibility. Due to this set-up you can build a personalised course, tailored to your exact interests, by choosing modules or units of study from different subject areas. For example, if you’re doing an English literature programme, you could also take on modules in a foreign language, for example, or even law.

More in this section

Undergraduate study.

Get started in your academic career with a UK undergraduate degree.

Studying for a degree outside the UK

A life-changing UK degree, yet closer to home. Learn more about studying for a UK degree in your home country.

Foundation pathway courses

Foundation pathway courses can help you improve your English skills and give you the confidence to start undergraduate or postgraduate study.

Boarding schools

A boarding school is a residential school where pupils live and study during the school year. Find out all you need to know about UK boarding schools.

Improve your English

There’s no better place to master your English than in the UK, and there are a range of English language courses on offer to support your learning.

Choosing a university or college

With over 160 universities to choose from in the UK, and limitless courses and study options on offer, see our advice on how to choose the best university for you.

Choosing a course

There are thousands of university courses available in the UK. But how to choose the best one for you? Read our advice to find the perfect course.

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• Schools & departments

PhD Pregnancy Research

Details of the PhD programme in Pregnancy Research at the Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh

Application deadline: Thursday 6 th June 2024

Start date: Mid-September-1 st October 2024.

Fully-funded PhD scholarships are available for up to 3 candidates

This 3-and-a-half year PhD studentship programme aspires to train the next generation of scientists in tackling pain and distress during pregnancy, encompassing but not limited to the impacts of adverse pregnancy on the mother, fetus and subsequent generations, and how pregnancy is impacted by adverse maternal health. Students will receive cross-disciplinary training aimed at equipping graduates with skills to drive future developments in improving pregnancy outcome. At the end of 3 years of PhD study, 0.5 years of funding is available to support approved activities that enable student career progression.

The programme is based at the Centre for Reproductive Health (CRH) within the Institute for Regeneration and Repair (IRR).

Specific projects will be available  from may 12 th 2024 when applicants are encouraged to contact group leaders whose projects they are interested in..

Students will benefit from the world-leading research at the CRH, which is led by a combination of non-clinical and clinician scientists. Students will be integrated into the broader CRH PhD programme, providing exposure to diverse aspects of Reproductive Health, and be embedded in the IRR’s Postgraduate Training Framework. Students will have access to state-of-the-art research facilities at IRR and the wider University, and benefit from a broad range of training opportunities which are available across The University of Edinburgh campus.

Training in Edinburgh : Edinburgh has a wide range of training opportunities, from those aimed at acquisition of general research skills and transferable skills ( Institute for Academic Development ) to advanced training courses in specific areas (e.g. image analysis, analysis of transcriptomic data sets).

Applications from UK and non-UK based students are welcomed. The deadline for applications is June 6th 2024 , and interviews will take place on June 26-28 th 2024 .

Full eligibility criteria and further details about the PhD studentships and application process as below,  but these studentships are only to support non-clinical students.  University of Edinburgh adheres to equality, diversity and inclusion principles.

This opportunity is open to UK and international students and provides funding to cover stipend (maintenance allowance at UKRI rate £19,237.00 for 2024-2025) and tuition fees. 

Applicants are expected to have a good honours degree in the sciences (biological, chemical or physical), at least UK level of 2.1 or the equivalent from non-UK universities and meet the English language entry requirements .  A Master’s degree in a relevant subject would be an advantage.

What is required:

Personal statement (1 page in total) covering why you want to apply for a specific project(s). In the case you wish to be considered for more than 1 project, please indicate clearly your order of preference. How your career to date has prepared you to do this PhD, and how gaining this PhD will meet your long-term career goals

Curriculum Vitae (maximum 2 pages) 

Two academic references using this template , submitted by the referee by the deadline

Where applicable 0.5 extra pages can be used to explain any exceptional circumstances that may have affected academic performance to date, non-linear career paths, or any other information we may find useful in ensuring adherence to the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion - This is optional and it is anticipated that the many applicants will not need to provide this additional document.

All application documents should be emailed to [email protected] by the deadline for applications,  6 June 2024 .  

Interviews will be in the format of a 7 min presentation by the applicant on a previous/on-going research project that showcases skills and knowledge.

This will then be followed by questions on the presentation and the application. The interview lasting about 45 minutes, taking place on Microsoft TEAMS.

• Postgraduate study
• Postgraduate taught courses

Molecular Biology and Biotechnology

Explore this course:.

Applications for 2024 entry are now open. Apply now or register your interest to hear about postgraduate study and events at the University of Sheffield.

School of Biosciences, Faculty of Science

Course description

This course is designed to develop your technical skills, confidence, and autonomy to enable you to lead innovation across the fast-moving biotechnology industry.

Throughout your studies you'll be exposed to the diverse areas of biology and engineering, with your module choices allowing you to integrate molecular science with chemical and biological engineering modules. Lectures and seminars delivered by academic experts will provide you with a unique perspective on the cutting edge techniques and the collaborative research being performed in these areas.

Through research-focused training, you’ll develop skills in planning and carrying out your own experiments, solving scientific problems in a research environment and receive extensive training in modern laboratory techniques, including CRISPR genome editing, molecular cloning, organism handling, DNA sequence analysis, PCR, SDS-PAGE and western blotting.

Once you’ve mastered these fundamental molecular bioscience techniques, you’ll apply these skills to your Research Project. Here you’ll spend up to six months researching an area of molecular biology or biotechnology that matches your future career aspirations under the supervision of an expert in the field.

Example research projects themes include:

• Protein and enzyme engineering
• Plant genetic engineering Structural biology (eg X-Ray crystallography)
• Synthetic biology/industrial biotechnology (production of useful products from microorganisms)
• Plastic degradation using manufactured enzymes Intelligent protein optimisation / bioinformatics
• Molecular biology (biomedical/disease related projects)

An open day gives you the best opportunity to hear first-hand from our current students and staff about our courses.

You may also be able to pre-book a department visit as part of a campus tour. Open days and campus tours

1 year full-time

This masters course will provide you with high-level skills in practical experimental science, through personal supervision and training by experienced academic scientists, in modern, well-equipped laboratories, leading to a project where you’ll design and conduct your own research.

Teaching will also be delivered using lectures, seminars and small grouping teaching to develop your academic understanding and become skilled in critically analysing scientific literature and producing your own scientific writing.

Assessment is based on a combination of coursework, practical laboratory work, oral presentations, formal examinations and a dissertation.

Your career

Biotechnology is a rapidly developing area that is heavily dependent upon molecular approaches, creating significant demand for graduates with strong experimental skills and knowledge of molecular bioscience and biochemical engineering.

The specialist training students receive on our Molecular Biology and Biotechnology MSc means our graduates are highly employable, with many working in biotechnology in roles including:

• Device Development Scientist, Pfizer
• Research Associate, Ortho Bio Therapeutics
• Research and Development Manager, EDX Medical
• Analytical Scientist, Oxford Biomedica
• Research Scientist, Entropix Ltd

Students have also gone on to PhD training in:

• Plant Biotechnology
• Enzyme Engineering
• Human Health and Disease
• Membrane Protein Biogenesis
• Chemical Engineering

School of Biosciences

The School of Biosciences brings together more than 100 years of teaching and research expertise across the breadth of biology.

It's home to over 120 lecturers who are actively involved in research at the cutting edge of their field, sharing their knowledge with more than 1,500 undergraduate and 300 postgraduate students.

We carry out world-leading research to address the most important global challenges such as food security, disease, health and medicine, ageing, energy, and the biodiversity and climate crises.

Our expertise spans the breadth and depth of bioscience, including molecular and cell biology, genetics, development, human physiology and pharmacology through to evolution, ecology, biodiversity conservation and sustainability. This makes us one of the broadest and largest groupings of the discipline and allows us to train the next generation of biologists in the latest research techniques and discoveries.

Student profiles

After my MSc I secured a fully-funded PhD at the University of Melbourne, Australia

Chris Buckley Degree: MSc Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Graduate role: PhD in Plant Molecular Biology, University of Melbourne, Australia

During his undergraduate Biology degree at Sheffield, Chris discovered that his passion lay in the field of molecular biology and biotechnology. Chris quickly made the transition to this new area thanks to a module dedicated to developing laboratory techniques during his MSc and following supervision from Professor Julie Gray, Chris will begin a PhD in molecular plant biology.

The course director helped me to get to where I am today

Khushboo is now a Microbiology Laboratory Technician at Isopharm here in Sheffield, using the lab techniques she learnt on her course every day, and teaching her colleagues how to use them too!

My year studying Molecular Biology and Biotechnology MSc

Linshu was looking for a hands-on masters course to build on her undergraduate studies in biotechnology. This course gave Linshu technical skills training including how to use industry-standard lab equipment, ready to pursue a PhD.

Entry requirements

Minimum 2:1 undergraduate honours degree in molecular biology or a related subject (e.g. biochemistry, genetics, biotechnology, microbiology).

We also accept medical students who wish to intercalate their studies.

We may also consider your application if you do not meet the standard academic requirements but you have relevant professional experience. An interview will be required in this case.

We accept medical students who wish to intercalate their studies. Find out more on the School of Medicine and Population Health  website.

If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the department .

Fees and funding

You can apply now using our Postgraduate Online Application Form. It's a quick and easy process.

More information

[email protected] +44 114 222 2341

• International

Epigenetic profiling of cereal fungal invaders (SAUNDERS_J24DTP1)

Key Details

Welcome to Norwich

According to the Sunday Times the city is one of the best places to live in the UK.

Project Overview

Primary supervisor - Professor Diane Saunders 

Secondary supervisor - Professor Nick Talbot (TSL) 

Wheat blast and rusts are fungal diseases that severely damage cereal production worldwide. During infection, these fungi secrete proteins into wheat plants to reprogramme host plant circuitry, supporting their own growth and development. A subset of effectors, termed avirulence factors (Avr), can be recognised by corresponding host resistance (R) proteins, rendering the pathogen avirulent and halting its growth. However, host recognition creates strong evolutionary pressure on pathogen Avr effectors, favouring their modification to evade immune responses. This leads to frequent emergence of new virulent pathogen races, compromising R-gene mediated resistance and limiting longevity of R genes. The mechanisms leading to changes in pathogen Avr effectors are diverse. Yet, one potential, understudied strategy for pathogens to avoid recognition is to conceal Avr proteins by preventing their synthesis – a process regulated by epigenetic switching. 

The student will use an array of approaches to determine the contribution of epigenetic switching of Avr factors in the evolution of new wheat blast and rust strains. This will include conducting genome-wide analysis of epigenetic marks in blast and rust strains, whilst determining the contribution of specific epigenetic regulators to fungal virulence and development in the genetically tractable wheat blast fungus. This project provides a unique opportunity to join two leading multidisciplinary research teams at the John Innes Centre and The Sainsbury Laboratory, which are centers of excellence in plant science and plant-microbe interactions. 

The Norwich Research Park (NRP) Biosciences Doctoral Training Programme (DTP) is offering fully-funded studentships for October 2024 entry. The programme offers postgraduates the opportunity to undertake a 4-year PhD research project whilst enhancing professional development and research skills through a comprehensive training programme. You will join a vibrant community of world-leading researchers. All NRPDTP students undertake a three-month professional internship placement (PIPS) during their study. The placement offers exciting and invaluable work experience designed to enhance professional development. Full support and advice will be provided by our Professional Internship team. Students with, or expecting to attain, at least an upper second class honours degree, or equivalent, are invited to apply. 

This project has been shortlisted for funding by the NRPDTP. Shortlisted applicants will potentially be interviewed on 4, 5, and 6 June 2024.

For further information on eligibility and how to apply please visit here

Our partners value diverse and inclusive work environments that are positive and supportive. Students are selected for admission without regard to gender, marital or civil partnership status, disability, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, age or social background. 

At least UK equivalence Bachelors (Honours) 2:1 or UK equivalence Master's degree. English Language requirement (Faculty of Science equivalent: IELTS 6.5 overall, 6 in each category). 

This project is awarded with a 4-year Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership (NRPDTP) PhD studentship. The studentship includes payment of tuition fees (directly to the University), a stipend to cover living expenses (2023/4 stipend rate: £18,622), and a Research Training Support Grant of £5,000pa for each year of the studentship.

Jensen, C., Saunders, D.G.O. (2023) Magnaporthe oryzae pathotype Triticum (MoT) can act as a heterologous expression system for fungal effectors with high transcript abundance in wheat.  Scientific Reports, 13: 108. [https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-27030-z] 

Lewis C.M., et al. & Saunders D.G.O. (2018) Potential for re-emergence of wheat stem rust in the United Kingdom. Communications Biology 1(1): 13. [https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-018-0013-y] 

Yan X. & Talbot N.J. (2023) The transcriptional landscape of plant infection by the rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae reveals distinct families of temporally co-regulated and structurally conserved effectors. The Plant Cell 35(5): 1360–1385. [https://doi.org/10.1093/plcell/koad036] 

Dubey A. & Jeon J. (2017) Epigenetic regulation of development and pathogenesis in fungal plant pathogens. Molecular Plant Pathology 18: 887-898. [https://doi.org/10.1111/mpp.12499] 

Epigenetic profiling of cereal fungal invaders (SAUNDERS_J24DTP1) starting October 2024 for 4 years

Mechanical Engineering

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UCL MechEng PhD Philipp Schulz Advances to National Finals of Prestigious Materials Competition

Philipp Schulz, a PhD researcher at UCL Mechanical Engineering, is one of six finalists competing at the National Finals of the 2024 Young Persons’ Lecture competition next week, held by Institute of Materials, Minerals & Mining.

Philipp Schulz has emerged victorious in the regional and local rounds of the prestigious 2024 Young Persons’ Lecture Competition, ran by the Institute of Materials, Minerals & Mining (IOM3). Schulz’s success in the regional competition has propelled him to the national finals, where he will compete against five other finalists from across the country.

The 2024 Young Persons’ Lecture Competition encourages students and early-career researchers (up to the age of 28) in Materials Science and Engineering to showcase their work and engage with a wider audience. Participants are required to present a Materials Science-related topic within a time limit of 12 to 15 minutes.

The journey to the finals began at the local level, where Schulz competed against peers from various universities in the London area, including Queen Mary University of London, Imperial College London and the University of Surrey.

Philipp Schulz winning the first round of the competition, the Local round in London

His outstanding performance secured him a spot in the regional competition, where he successfully faced competitors from esteemed institutions from across southeast England and secured his position as one of six finalists. The winner of the national competition will then compete at the world competition later this summer.

“ “I am excited and honoured to have the opportunity to represent UCL and the Southeast region in the national finals,” Schulz commented. “The competition has been tough, but it’s also been a fantastic learning experience.”

Schulz’s presentation is on his PhD project titled ‘Environmental Degradation of Nickel-Base Superalloys in Hydrogen Combustion Environments.’ His research addresses the crucial need to develop materials resistant to hydrogen to achieve climate goals, such as making aviation carbon neutral.

Dr Enrique Galindo-Nava (Associate Professor in Materials Science and Engineering and Schulz’s PhD supervisor) emphasised the significance of Schulz’s achievement: “Philipp has worked tirelessly on his research project, and his success in this competition is well-deserved. It’s a testament to his dedication and the quality of his work.”

“The competition is not just about winning; it’s about showcasing the innovative research happening in our field and inspiring others to pursue careers in Materials Science and Mechanical Engineering,” Dr Galindo-Nava added. Dr Galindo-Nava is the UCL representative for the London Materials Society, who organised the local round of this competition.

Philipp Schulz and other presenters at the Southeast Regional Finals

The national finals of the 2024 Young Persons’ Lecture Competition will take place on Wednesday 15 May, 5 – 9pm , at The Armourers’ Hall in London . The event is open to the public, with registration available through the IOM3 website. Attendees will also have the chance to network with researchers and industry professionals.

As Schulz prepares for the finals, he remains grateful for the support he has received from his colleagues and the opportunity to represent UCL on a national stage. “I’m proud to be part of a community that values collaboration and innovation,” he concluded.

Further Links

• 2024 Young Persons' Lecture Competition UK final (Institute of Materials, Minerals & Mining website)
• Philipp Schulz's UCL Profile
• Dr Enrique Galindo-Nava's UCL Profile

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Health Care Economics

Explore the economic forces shaping us health care.

Taught by Harvard Medical School faculty, this Harvard Online course provides insights into the interactions between industries in the US health care sector and teaches what economic forces are shaping health care.

What You'll Learn

Why is health care spending so high in the US? What are the primary drivers of rising health care costs? What is the relationship between finance and health care? How does money shape your decision-making as a patient, provider, or payer? Is a sustainable healthcare architecture possible?

Even for those within the health care industry, the economics of the United States health care system are stunningly complex and can be challenging to navigate. In Health Care Economics, gain insights into the interactions between industries in the health care sector and learn what economic forces are shaping health care. You will cover core topics in health care economics, such as moral hazard and adverse selection, and examine how these forces, as well as the actions of patients, providers, and other key stakeholders, shape outcomes in the health care market.

Balancing the needs of patients and purchasers is a daily struggle for health care leaders and central to the success of any health care business. To make this happen, clinical, research, operational, and financial leaders need a shared understanding of the true drivers of health care spending, the policies that shape and define the sector, and how financial incentives impact both patient and provider behavior. This course will examine health care spending growth, considering new technologies and other economic factors, and explore the theoretical framework behind controlling spending growth through changes to benefit design and payment reform.

Delivered via Harvard Business School Online’s innovative course platform, Health Care Economics features real-world examples, interactive lessons, and conversations with industry experts. Led by Harvard Medical School professor Michael Chernew, PhD, Chair of The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC), this course allows you to gain a better understanding of core economic principles as you learn how to create more compelling programs, develop more effective growth strategies, negotiate better reimbursement contracts and partnerships, and advocate more effectively both inside and outside your organization.

The Harvard Medical School is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The Harvard Medical School designates this enduring material for a maximum of  19.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ . Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Upon successful completion of the course, participants will have access to claim their credits through the Harvard Medical School’s continuing education platform.

The course is part of the Health Care Leadership Learning Path  and will be delivered via  HBS Online’s course platform .  Learners will be immersed in real-world examples from experts at industry-leading organizations. By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

• Articulate the drivers of spending and spending growth in health care and evaluate how your organization’s strategy and decision-making processes impact total spending as well as value
• Describe approaches to getting the incentives right for both providers and patients and evaluate the impacts of changes to these incentives
• Understand risk and pooling as they relate to insurance markets and health benefit design
• Define the role of employers, insurers, and government in influencing the economics of health care markets, such as spending, access to care, and stability of insurance markets
• Explain how technology and patients’ and providers’ decisions contribute to high spending and spending growth, and how they impact their own organizations

Your Instructor

Michael Chernew, PhD,  is the Leonard D. Schaeffer Professor of Health Care Policy at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Chernew’s research examines several areas related to improving the health care system, including studies of novel benefit designs, Medicare Advantage, alternative payment models, low-value care, and the causes and consequences of rising health care spending. Dr. Chernew is currently serving as Chair of the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC), where he previously served as the Vice Chair and as a Member. In 2000, 2004, and 2010, he served on technical advisory panels for the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) that reviewed the assumptions used by Medicare actuaries to assess the financial status of Medicare trust funds. He's a member of the Congressional Budget Office’s Panel of Health Advisors and Vice Chair of the Massachusetts Health Connector Board. Dr. Chernew is a member of the National Academy of Sciences, a research associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research, and a Senior Visiting Fellow at MITRE. He's currently a co-editor of the  American Journal of Managed Care  and on advisory boards for several private companies in the health care space, including Virta Health, Archway, and HEALTH[at]SCALE.

Real World Case Studies

Affiliations are listed for identification purposes only.

MATTHEW HUTTER, MD, MPH

SANDHYA RAO, MD

Dr. Sandhya Rao is chief medical officer for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts , the largest private health plan in Massachusetts. Learn from Rao about the challenges in health insurance today.

JOSEPH NEWHOUSE, PHD

Available discounts and benefits for groups and individuals.

Experience Harvard Online by utilizing our wide variety of discount programs for individuals and groups. 

Past participant discounts.

Learners who have enrolled in at least one qualifying Harvard Online program hosted on the HBS Online platform are eligible to receive a 30% discount on this course, regardless of completion or certificate status in the first purchased program. Past Participant Discounts are automatically applied to the Program Fee upon time of payment.  Learn more here .

Learners who have earned a verified certificate for a HarvardX course hosted on the  edX platform  are eligible to receive a 30% discount on this course using a discount code. Discounts are not available after you've submitted payment, so if you think you are eligible for a discount on a registration, please check your email for a code or contact us .

Nonprofit, Government, Military, and Education Discounts

For this course we offer a 30% discount for learners who work in the nonprofit, government, military, or education fields. 

Eligibility is determined by a prospective learner’s email address, ending in .org, .gov, .mil, or .edu. Interested learners can apply below for the discount and, if eligible, will receive a promo code to enter when completing payment information to enroll in a Harvard Online program. Click here to apply for these discounts.

Gather your team to experience Health Care Economics and other Harvard Online courses to enjoy the benefits of learning together: 

• Single invoicing for groups of 10 or more
• Tiered discounts and pricing available with up to 50% off
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Learn more and enroll your team ! 

Who Will Benefit

Rising Leaders

Develop a comprehensive understanding of the health care landscape, including the key drivers of rising US health care spending.

Administrators and Policy Makers

Gain insights into strategic decisions around new business initiatives, health benefit plans, reimbursement contract negotiations, and care delivery models.

Understand the financial impacts of new technologies and services and how to create value-based care for patients.

Learner Testimonials

“This is an amazing course. The professor did a fantastic job dissecting the complexities of healthcare into chewable chunks.”

Howard H. Dinh, MD, FACC Medical Director, Cardiac Services, Greater Sacramento The Permanente Medical Group and Chief, Cardiology, Kaiser Permanente, South Sacramento

“This is now my fourth HBS online course that I have taken. I love that the format lets me learn asynchronously when I have time in my busy schedule. The HBS courses do a wonderful job encouraging interaction with peer learners which amplifies the learning. The HBS courses foster this peer engagement much more effectively than I have found in other online courses that I have taken.”

Denver Sallee III, MD Chief Financial Officer, Sibley Heart Center Cardiology and Associate Professor of Pediatrics Emory University School of Medicine

“This is a very well designed course to understand the nuances of the US healthcare system economics. The videos and the guest talks were very helpful to understand the real world examples. The discussion surrounding the RAND experiment was very useful to understand many key concepts. Overall a very good course.”

Krishna K. Chotneeru, MPH Associate Director, Data Science & Statistics Alnylam Pharmaceuticals

Syllabus and Upcoming Calendars

Health Care Economics provides insights into the interactions between industries in the health care sector and teaches what economic forces are shaping health care.

Learning requirements: There are no required prerequisites to enroll in this course. In order to earn a Certificate of Completion from Harvard Online, participants must thoughtfully complete all 6 modules, including associated assessments, by stated deadlines.

Download Full Syllabus

Download October 2023 Calendar 

Download January 2024 Calendar 

• Why is health care so expensive?
• Why is health care spending growing?
• Make health care spending growth predictions.
• Compare US health care costs to costs in other countries.
• Analyze the math behind health care spending.
• Examine sources of waste in the health care industry.
• Explore the role of technology in health care spending growth.
• What role should patients play in making important choices about their care?
• What role should money play in the decisions of patients?
• Interpret demand curves.
• Explore willingness to pay for health care.
• Evaluate different solutions to inefficient consumption of care, such as moral hazard.
• What role should the provider play in determining care patterns?
• How do provider behavior and competition influence care?
• Analyze clinical decision-making.
• Recognize supplier-induced demand and the consequences of the medical arms race.
• Explore practice ownership trends.
• Determine whether prevention programs and care coordination are cost saving.
• What is the role of insurance in health care?
• Why is the risk pool for health insurance so important and how do we manage it?
• Explore risk preferences.
• Calculate actuarially fair premiums to understand what health insurance is and how it works.
• Examine solutions for solving some of the problems with insurance.
• Evaluate policy proposals for dealing with information asymmetry and adverse selection.
• How can we design insurance plans to promote efficient consumer decision-making?
•  Explore patient decision-making in health care.
• Analyze different approaches for improving patient incentives.
• Understand the benefits of value based care and insurance.
• Strategies for implementing value-based healthcare and insurance designs.
• How do we structure payments to promote efficient provider decision-making?
• Explore provider decision-making in health care.
• Analyze different approaches for improving provider incentives.

Earn Your Certificate

Enroll today in Harvard Online's Health Care Economics course.

Still Have Questions?

What are the learning requirements? How do I list my certificate on my resume? Learn the answers to these and more in our FAQs.

Related Courses

Digital health.

Digital technologies and big data offer tremendous opportunities to improve health care.

Health Care Strategy

Learn from HBS Professor Leemore Dafny how to align the principles of business strategy with the unique challenges and structures of health care organizations to capture value, define your mission, and lead your organization to success.

Innovations in Teamwork for Health Care

In this course, experts from Harvard Business School and the T.H. Chan School of Public Health teach learners to implement a strategy for organizational teamwork in health care.

Imperial College London Imperial College London

Latest news.

First transatlantic sustainable aviation fuel flight 'saved 95 tonnes of CO2'

Medical technology seed fund helps four startups on their way to success

Thousands of Imperial students celebrate Graduation Day 2024

• Centre for Environmental Policy
• Faculty of Natural Sciences
• Departments, institutes and centres

Programme overview

The Department’s highly regarded PhD programme gives students the opportunity to pursue interdisciplinary research over a 3 or occasionally 4 year period.

Research projects

Research topics vary significantly among PhD candidates; themes in recent years have included carbon capture and storage, climate change finance, closed-loop business models and water scarcity. Study is self-directed, and students explore their chosen topic under the supervision of one or two members of the Department’s  academic supervisors . Further support is provided through periodic meetings with an academic review panel composed of the student’s supervisor and two other faculty members. 

CEP's interdisciplinary approach to the study of environmental problems allows PhD candidates to develop familiarity with ideas from a diverse range of academic disciplines, including the economic, social and natural sciences, law, and management theory. The Department’s expertise in interdisciplinary research assists PhD students in integrating these ideas and in developing methodologies to explore them.

Miriam's story: MSc and PhD studies at CEP

Funding opportunities

Fully funded PhD Scholarship in Environmental Research

Centre for Environmental Policy, Imperial College London

Eligibility : Candidates with Home fee status with (or who are expected to gain) a first-class MSc degree or equivalent in a suitable field.

The Centre for Environmental Policy conducts fundamental and applied research in environmental sustainability. We work both within our core disciplines and in an interdisciplinary fashion at the interface of science, policy, development, and the natural world. We collaborate widely across the College, within the UK and internationally. Our work falls within three broad research themes: energy and climate, environmental management, and the human dimensions of environmental change. Within these themes we address a range of topics relevant to real-world environmental policy-making.

Potential applicants should identify and contact a PhD supervisor based in the Centre for Environmental Policy to discuss a research project. A list of available supervisors can be found here https://www.imperial.ac.uk/environmental-policy/study/phd/supervisors/  Candidates can then apply through the Imperial College application portal mentioning they are applying for this specific opportunity.

The selection panel will allocate the studentship accounting for academic excellence, research potential and extracurricular activities.

Deadline: Application by 10 January 2024 for start by April 2024 at the latest

Further information about PhDs in CEP

Supervisors.

CEP PhD supervisors and their research interests

View supervisors

How to apply

Find out how to apply for a PhD in CEP

Teaching opportunities

The  MSc in Environmental Technology  provides PhD students with exciting teaching opportunities. PhD candidates are able to assist academic staff with small group seminars and statistics courses, as well as occasionally co-supervising MSc theses during the summer months.

In addition to collaboration with the teaching faculty and professional training provided by the Graduate School , the PhD programme places strong emphasis on learning the 'craft' of research.

Monthly informal seminars allow students to present and explore research ideas – at any stage of development – amongst themselves. A more formal seminar summarising their research to date is required at the half way stage of the PhD, and supervisors, department staff and MSc candidates may all attend these seminars.