Postgraduate courses
The School of Biological Sciences has a world-class reputation for research excellence, with a vibrant and diverse community of postgraduate students. We offer a range of PhD and Masters by Research programmes at the cutting edge of research.
Available programmes
We have an international reputation for outstanding quality in our research. Many of our staff are world-leading experts in their fields, giving you the opportunity to work with first-rate researchers and learn the most up to date perspectives from those shaping the latest advances in biology.
- PhD/MSc by Research in Biological SciencesCutting-edge research across a uniquely broad range of biological disciplines, from genomics, biotechnology, and cell biology, through sensory biology, animal behaviour and evolution, to population biology, host-disease interactions and ecosystem services.
MSc: 1 year full-time. PhD: 3 years full-time. Part time equivalents available. - MSc BioinformaticsThe MSc Bioinformatics covers a diverse range of areas in bioinformatics and is suitable for students from a variety of academic backgrounds related to the Life Sciences (biology, biochemistry, genetics, medicine, and other biosciences). Students will learn and work together with world-leading experts.
1 year full-time - MSc Science Communication for a Better PlanetThe global climate and biodiversity crises, the recent pandemic, declared aspirations for reaching net zero, and growing attempts to restore and rewild, all mean that science is at the centre of politics, policy, economics and societal behaviour. However misinformation, scepticism and misunderstanding are commonplace. This programme provides training in many forms of science communication, from working with schools, engaging with the media and briefing politicians to public engagement, event organisation and natural history filmmaking.
1 year full-time
2 years part-time
Studentships and other funding opportunities
Our top-class training is recognised by UK Research Councils, which have awarded us major Doctoral Training funding. There are a number of fully-funded studentships available within or related to the fields of Biological Sciences.
- GW4+ Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP)An innovative programme designed to train tomorrow’s leaders in earth and environmental sciences in one of three interdisciplinary research themes: Dynamic Earth, Living World, Changing Planet.
42-48 months - South West Biosciences DTPFully-funded training in cutting-edge bioscience and food security research skills, with a thorough training in numerical and systems-based approaches.
4 years full-time
NERC GW4+ DLTP Projects 2025 applications are now open. Click here for more info.
This is an exciting opportunity to apply for a project funded by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). We are now accepting applications for PhD projects commencing Autumn 2025 in the Earth, Environmental and Life Sciences.
The application deadline is Monday 13 January 2025.