Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Biomedical Sciences Research (MPhil/PhD)
Advance biomedical and pharmaceutical research that improves medicines, health and care.
Key information
PhD
Duration: 3 years full-time, 6 years part-time
Fees (UK / Overseas): Annual tuition fees apply and vary by student status and study mode.
See fees and funding
Start date: April 2026 / October 2026 / February 2027
Other research degree routes
MPhil:
A shorter research degree, often a pathway to PhD
PhD by Publication:
For researchers with an existing body of published work
Course summary
- Take your research in Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Biomedical Sciences further by exploring how the body functions in health, how it malfunctions in disease, and the genetic and molecular drivers of physical and mental illness.
- Investigate molecular, cellular, physiological and behavioural processes occurring in the body at times of health and disease, helping to identify and characterise disease biomarkers that can improve understanding and care.
- Be part of research that supports the development of new drugs, from early discovery through to clinical application 鈥 alongside partners in industry.
- Much of this work sits within the Institute of Life Sciences and Healthcare (ILSH), where projects range from microporous materials for environmental and drug delivery, sperm freezing to reduce the use of animals in research, and developing endoscopy methods and training to improve patient outcomes.
- Depending on your research project, you could work in our , which supports researchers using Xenopus models.
Find a supervisor
Why choose Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Biomedical Sciences at 兔子先生 for research?
Collaborative, applied research culture
You鈥檒l join a research community focused on turning scientific understanding into practical advances for patients and partners.
Specialist life sciences facilities
Access resources including microscopy, cell culture and molecular biology labs and radioisotope capability, with project-dependent opportunities to work with Xenopus models via the .
Expert support, every step
You鈥檒l work closely with your supervisory team and be backed by the Doctoral College alongside your supervisory team, helping you make the most of training, workshops and the wider research community.
100%
of our impact case studies were rated as very considerable in terms of their reach and significance.
Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021
PGR Research Excellence Framework 鈥 Allied Health Professions, Dentistry, Nursing and Pharmacy 190%
of our overall research quality was rated as world-leading or internationally excellent in terms of originality, significance and rigour.
Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021
PGR Research Excellence Framework 鈥 Allied Health Professions, Dentistry, Nursing and Pharmacy 287.5%
of our research environment was rated as conducive to producing research of world-leading or internationally excellent quality and enabling outstanding or very considerable impact, in terms of its vitality and sustainability.
Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021
PGR Research Excellence Framework 鈥 Allied Health Professions, Dentistry, Nursing and Pharmacy 3
What our PhD students say
It felt nice to be seen and heard, and it really made me feel that the academics cared.
In my undergraduate course I enjoyed the laboratory classes and the lecturers were approachable."
Research areas in Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Biomedical Sciences research
Explore the work we're doing across the four areas of expertise in our Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Biomedical sciences research. Including funded and self-proposed research opportunities.
View available PhD projects and see funded opportunities.
Molecular mechanisms of diseases
We're exploring the molecules and molecular processes that cause diseases, and working to develop better treatments.
Neurobiology
We're looking at the architecture and function of the nervous system 鈥 and how it relates to development, normal health, and neurological disorders.
Pharmacy Practice
We're working to improve the practices, selection, use and disposal of pharmaceuticals to protect the environment, and we're promoting the vital role pharmacists can play in delivering better care to patients.
Clinical Microbiology
We're researching how microbes can cause infectious diseases and benefit human health, and tackling antibiotic resistance by identifying new molecules in pathogenic microbes.
Research degree options
We offer several postgraduate research routes in Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Biomedical Sciences, including PhD, MPhil and PhD by Publication. Find out about our research degree opportunities below, including how to apply, entry requirements and funding your degree. You can apply for an existing project or propose your own research idea. For more detailed information about the application process, visit our How to Apply pages.
Available PhD and MPhil projects
You can apply for a pre-approved PhD or MPhil project, or develop your own research proposal.
- A Pipeline for Generating Oligonucleotide Drugs for Gene Therapy
- An in-vivo but non-animal test system for cell recruitment and cell integration into the heart
- Case-specific prediction of BH3-mimetic responses in cancer patients using an integrated experimental and computational quantitative systems pharmacology approach
- Design Synthesis and Biochemical Evaluation
- Developing Novel Approaches to Muscle Disease
- Developing self-assembled peptide nanomaterials as targeted endocrine therapies for tumours
- Development and characterisation of multifunctional surfaces for durable infection prevention treatments on dental prosthetic devices
- Development of innovative composite scaffolds for the repair of osteochondral defects
- Development of new mRNA-based cancer vaccines for breast cancer
- Development of novel lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) for targeted gene delivery to cancer cells
- Development of novel prognostic test for cancer
- Diagnostic biomarkers and mechanistic understanding of biofilm formation in prosthetic joint infection
- Enhancing PMMA Bone Cement Performance and Biocompatibility using Metal-Organic Frameworks
- Exploring Molecular Pathways for Improved Neural Regeneration in Spinal Cord Injury
- Exploring the role of bacterial infections in modulating the gut鈥揵rain鈥搈icrobiome axis in Alzheimer鈥檚 disease
- Exploring the therapeutic potentials of lipid nanoparticles encapsulating mRNA in treating nervous system injuries
- Genetic-proteomic Analyses of P2X7 Receptors in Health and Disease
- High-Throughput Discovery of Novel Antibiotics
- Immunomodulatory and therapeutic potential of bacterial exosomes
- Investigating Catecholamine Signalling in Human Pancreatic Islets- A New Target for Diabetes Therapy
- Investigating the mitotoxicity of fluoroquinolone antibiotics
- Molecular Insights into Neurulation and Neural Tube Defects
- Molecular Mechanisms to Ensure Long-term Healthy Outcomes from Faecal Transplants
- Nanoparticles for Imaging and Drug Delivery Applications
- Targeting the GAS6-Tam receptor signalling pathway in cancer
- The integration of signalling cascades in synovial joints 鈥 a role for Dact genes?
- The role of Gas6 as a mediator of repair in demyelinating disease of the CNS
- The role of membrane transport in microbal pathogenesis
- The role of P2X7 purinoceptor-bacteria interactions in the pathophysiology and treatment of Periodontitis
- Validation of potassium channels from pathogenic fungi as promising new targets for antifungal therapies
- Unveiling Early ALS Biomarkers: Insights from Neuromuscular Junction Dynamics
If you already have a research idea, find a supervisor whose research interests match yours by searching our Find a PhD Supervisor page. Once you've identified someone suitable, contact them to discuss your idea.
PhD by Publication
A PhD by publication is a postgraduate research degree based on research you've already undertaken and had published (excluding self-publishing) before registering with us.
Eligible research outputs include peer-reviewed academic papers, complete books or chapters in anthologies, and other materials accepted for publication, exhibited or performed. You'll have to submit these materials for examination between 6鈥12 months after registering with us.
From October 2026, all PhD by Publications will be completed by distance learning. However, there is no expectation that any student applying for a start date before this should be on campus.
MD (Doctor of Medicine)
An MD is for qualified medical professionals who want to gain a research degree. From lab-based to qualitative research methods, you'll draw on your clinical expertise. You can apply to start an MD in October or February.
Entry requirements
The entry requirements for a PhD, MPhil or Professional Doctorate include an upper second class honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject, or a master鈥檚 degree in an appropriate subject.
Equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications may be considered. All applicants are subject to interview.
If English is not your first language, you'll need English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Fees and funding
April 2026
-
Full-time and full-time distance learning: 拢5,006 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time and part-time distance learning: 拢2,503 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
(Including EU Scholarship)
- Full-time and full-time distance learning: 拢5,006 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time and part-time distance learning: 拢2,503 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Full-time and full-time distance learning: 拢19,200 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time and part-time distance learning: 拢9,600 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- External candidates: 拢5,006
- Members of staff: 拢2,000
- All fees are subject to annual increase. If you are an EU student starting a programme in 2025/26 please visit this page.
October 2026 and February 2027
-
Full-time and full-time distance learning: 拢5,238 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time and part-time distance learning: 拢2,619 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Full-time and full-time distance learning: 拢19,950 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time and part-time distance learning: 拢9,975 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
EU students may be eligible to receive our EU Scholarship.
- Full-time and full-time distance learning: 拢19,950 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time and part-time distance learning: 拢9,975 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- External candidates: 拢5,238
- Members of staff: 拢2,100
- Tuition fees terms and conditions
Additional fees
Some PhD projects may include additional bench fees for equipment and other consumables. These will be added to your standard tuition fee. Speak to the supervisory team during your interview about any additional fees you may have to pay. Please note, bench fees are not eligible for discounts and are non-refundable.
Funding support
Government Postgraduate Loan
Eligible for MPhil full-time and part-time courses (UK/EU students).
Government Doctoral Loan
Eligible for PhD full-time and part-time courses.
Other funding options
For information on other sources of funding, visit our funding your postgraduate research degree page.
What do my tuition fees cover?
If you are self-funding your PhD, your tuition fees cover the full cost of your postgraduate research programme and access to a wide range of academic, professional and support services, including:
Research training and development
Bespoke training, professional development courses, seminars, workshops and researcher-led events delivered through The Doctoral College.
Research community and support
Access to our research environment, Research and Innovation services, and researcher networking (77% of our research is world-leading or internationally excellent, REF 2021).
Facilities, equipment and resources
Libraries, laboratories, computer rooms, laptops, electronic journals, specialist software (Microsoft Office, SPSS and Adobe Creative Suite), funding guidance and LinkedIn Learning. Explore our facilities.
Student support services
Including academic, financial, careers and wellbeing support, including access to personal tutors. Read more on our guidance support.
Your PhD programme
Registration, tuition, supervision, examinations and viva administration.
Conference and development support
A contribution towards attending conferences or research-related development activities.
Students' Union membership
Giving you the right to vote in elections, join clubs and societies, and get free independent advice.
Graduation
Your graduation ceremony will recognise the significant contribution your research has made to your discipline.
Support and facilities
-
Support from our Doctoral College, helping you become part of a thriving, collaborative research community
-
Guidance from a dedicated supervisory team throughout your research degree
-
Access to the , offering specialist training, workshops and research events to develop your skills as a researcher
-
Access our microscope suite, cell culture facilities, molecular biology laboratories, microscope software, and our radioisotope facility.
-
Depending on your research project, you could work in our , funded by the Wellcome Trust, the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and the National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs). Researchers are encouraged to deposit Xenopus transgenic and mutant lines, Xenopus in situ hybridisation probes, Xenopus specific antibodies and Xenopus expression clones.
What can a postgraduate research degree do for my career?
A postgraduate research degree develops advanced expertise and transferable skills valued across academia, industry and the public sector.
You鈥檒l graduate with:
-
Advanced research and analytical expertise
-
Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
-
Experience managing complex, independent projects
-
Strong communication and presentation skills
-
Leadership and research management capability
-
Deep subject knowledge in your chosen field
How to apply
You can apply for a research degree in Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Biomedical Sciences by completing our online application form. For more detailed information about the application process, visit our How to Apply pages.
Not ready to apply just yet?
Get in touch
We're here to help. Feel free to ask us a question.
Come to an Open Evening
Why not come to our next open evening? Open evenings are the perfect place to talk to staff and students, visit our campus and get all the information you need.
- MPhil: 2 years full-time, 4 years part-time
- PhD: 3 years full-time, 6 years part-time
- PhD by Publication: 1 year part-time
We recommend you get in touch with the relevant subject area supervisor using our 鈥Find a Supervisor鈥 tool ahead of applying. You can discuss your research ideas with them and ensure we have supervisory expertise to support you.
Yes. You can apply with your own research proposal, or apply for one of our advertised funded projects.
Where next?
Find out more about 兔子先生's postgraduate opportunities and community.
Postgrad Research Degrees Webinar series
From applications to flexible study 鈥 get the insights you need to plan your research degree.
Find a PhD Supervisor
If you've already got your own research idea, start looking for a supervisor whose research interests match yours.
How to apply for postgraduate research
Read our guide on how to complete and submit your postgraduate research application. Take the next step in your academic career today.
