Cellular and Molecular Medicine
- PhD
- MSc by research
Overview
The postgraduate programme in Cellular and Molecular Medicine is hosted by the School of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences. The school is an internationally recognised centre of excellence for the study of Biochemistry, Cancer Biology, Virology, Microbiology, Cell Biology, Immunology and Developmental and Tissue Biology. The school combines basic research with translation, in other words turning basic scientific discoveries into something that is clinically useful. Key successes of this type include the development of novel drugs, therapies and diagnostic tests. Several members of staff in the school are clinicians.
As a school, we believe that part of our mission is to train the next generation of life scientists. The school usually has around 150 research postgraduates at any one time, working in a wide variety of subject areas and adopting a range of different research approaches. You will receive extensive research training that covers methodology, critical interpretation and problem-solving, as well as transferable skills training in communication, presentation, teamwork, time management and teaching. You will have access to world-class facilities including Proteomics, Bioimaging and cryoEM to support your research.
Programme structure
PhD: The exact PhD programme structure will vary depending on length (three or four years) and whether the PhD is self-funded or funded through a doctoral training programme. In all programmes, the PhD will consist mainly of independent research supported by your primary supervisor and their wider team. Progression is monitored annually by a panel comprising academics from outside your immediate supervisory team. The PhD is examined through the submission of a written thesis and viva voce examination with experts in the relevant field. Specific doctoral training programmes, especially those organised over four years, may also involve taught units, skills training and laboratory rotations in their first years. The University also offers additional training, support and advice through the Bristol Doctoral College.
MScR: The programme will typically consist of a year of independent research supported by your primary supervisor and their wider team. Progression is monitored by a panel comprising academics from outside your immediate supervisory team. The MScR is examined through the submission of a written thesis within two years of the start date, followed by viva voce examination with experts in the relevant field. The University also offers additional training, support and advice through the Bristol Doctoral College.
We have a list of pre-defined research projects available for the MSc by Research.
Entry requirements
A first or upper second-class honours degree (or international equivalent) in a biomedical science discipline is required for entry to the PhD programme. We may consider MSc by research applications from candidates with a lower second-class degree (or international equivalent).
Applicants for the MD should be medically qualified and should consult with the graduate director before applying.
See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.
Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.
This admission statement is for 2026 entry. The 2027 entry admission statement will be available in the Autumn.
Go to admissions statementIf English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level C.
Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.
Fees and funding
- Home: full-time
- £5,343 per year
- Home: part-time
- £2,672 per year
- Overseas: full-time
- £28,300 per year
Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.
More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.
Alumni discount
University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study. Check your eligibility for an alumni discount.
Funding and scholarships
Details about funded places and scholarships are listed on the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences website. We also welcome applications from self-funded students or international students who have secured funding from their own government or other non-governmental organisations.
Further information on Postgraduate Funding and Student Finance for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.
Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.
Career prospects
Most of our postgraduate students have become highly productive researchers, publishing in leading peer-reviewed biomedical journals. Most of our students go on to postdoctoral research in academia and industry. Other students use the transferable skills gained during their study to enter postgraduate-level employment, including publishing, management and administration. We are committed to promoting the advancement of women and under-represented minorities in science, engineering and technology.
Meet our supervisors
The following list shows potential supervisors for this programme. Visit their profiles for details of their research and expertise.
Research groups
Research in the school covers all aspects of modern biomedical sciences and this is reflected in the wide range of postgraduate projects available. However, our research activity focuses on the six key themes below, as detailed on the research page of the school. When applying you must indicate one or two potential supervisors whose research interests you. We strongly recommend that you contact your potential supervisor(s) by email in advance of making any application to discuss your interest in their research and your suitability, potential project areas for study, whether they are currently accepting PhD/MScR applications, and whether they have funded PhD opportunities on specific doctoral training programmes.
- Cancer Biology
- Engineering Biology
- Genome Biology
- Infectious Diseases and Antimicrobial Resistance
- Modulation and Translation of Immunity
- Organelle Biology and Protein Homeostasis
Read more about the Research in the entire Faculty of Health and Life Sciences.
Contact us
- Contact
- Postgraduate Research Admissions Team
- uob-pgradmissions@bristol.ac.uk