phd in molecular biology uk

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PhD/MPhil Molecular Biology / Programme details

Year of entry: 2025

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Programme description

Our PhD/MPhil Molecular Biology programme enables you to undertake a research project that will improve understanding of Molecular Biology.

Molecular biologists seek to understand the molecular basis of cellular processes in microbial, animal and plant systems and also how this underpins clinically relevant subjects including cancer, embryology, development, movement disorders, arthritis, bacterial pathogenesis, tissue injury and repair.

Research is focused on how genes are expressed and how their products interact with other molecules to exert a biological effect. This involves studies of the mechanisms that control transcription, RNA processing and translational events with a view to understanding their roles in regulating cell processes and organisation in living systems. In vitro and in vivo investigations exploit state-of-the-art technologies, including gene editing and genomics/proteomics approaches, to visualise the activity of genes and gene products. These approaches provide a strong link with our strengths in Bioinformatics.

Examples of the breadth and diversity of molecular biology research at Manchester include:

• Transcriptional regulation and signal transduction;
• RNA processing and protein synthesis;
• apoptosis and cell fate;
• molecular basis of inherited diseases;
• cell and tissue morphogenesis;
• biological clocks;
• transgenic technologies;

Special features

Training and development

All of our postgraduate researchers attend the Doctoral Academy Training Programme delivered by the Researcher Development team . The programme provides key transferable skills and equips our postgraduate researchers with the tools to progress beyond their research degree into influential positions within academia, industry and consultancy. The emphasis is on enhancing skills critical to developing early-stage researchers and professionals, whether they relate to effective communication, disseminating research findings and project management skills.

Teaching and learning

Applicants are specifically matched with a Primary Supervisor and individual project based on their research interests and background.

International applicants interested in this research area can also consider our PhD programme with integrated teaching certificate .

This unique programme will enable you to gain a Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning, whilst also carrying out independent research on your chosen project.

Scholarships and bursaries

Funded programmes and projects are promoted throughout the year. Funding is available through UK Research Councils, charities and industry. We also have other internal awards and scholarships for the most outstanding applicants from within the UK and overseas.

For more information on available the types of funding we have available, please visit the  funded programmes  and  funding opportunities  pages.

What our students say

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MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology

One of the world's leading research institutes, our scientists are working to advance understanding of biological processes at the molecular level - providing the knowledge needed to solve key problems in human health.

How To Apply

University of cambridge applications.

To apply to the LMB PhD programme you will need to complete an application via the University of Cambridge Applicant Portal .

Before completing the University application, please make sure you have followed the steps outlined below.

Step one − entrance requirements

• Please see the detailed entrance requirements to check you have the qualifications we require from our graduate entrants.
• If English is not your first language you will need to provide evidence that you have met the University’s English language condition .

Step two - LMB PhD project selection

When applying to the LMB you can apply to up to three projects, please follow the instructions below on how to make this selection:

• Please review the list of available  PhD projects  and information on preparing your statement of interest(s) before applying online.
• You can download the LMB PhD Statement of Interest Form  here . Your statement(s) should be saved in PDF format and attached to the end of your CV (in one document).
• This can be typed into the free text box ‘Research Supervisor’, if you wish to apply to more than one project you can enter the name as shown below: Dr. Milstein (1st)/Dr. Sanger (2nd) /Dr. Sulston (3rd)

Step three − sources of funding

• The Applicant Portal allows you to apply for LMB-funded studentships, University-wide funding competitions and College studentships. We recommend that you find out more about these and other sources of  funding  before applying online.

Step four − check deadlines

• US Gates Scholarship (US applicants only) – Wednesday 16th October 2024
• General applications (UK, EU and overseas applicants) – 12.00 noon, Tuesday 3rd December 2024
• All supporting documents and references must be received by the above dates.

Step five - prepare supporting documents

• Your application will only be complete once we have received your supporting documents, statement(s) of interest for each selected PhD project and references.
• Please do not email supporting documents or project choices to us – follow the online instructions that will be available once you have submitted your application via the Applicant Portal.
• Before filling in your application in the Applicant Portal, you should make sure that you have  the required supporting documents ready to upload in .pdf format (Adobe Acrobat) . The University application process can only accept .pdf documents – you should also ensure that your documents  are not  password protected. If you wish to be considered for Gates Cambridge Trust funding, please ensure that you follow  their guidance .
• An up-to-date CV with your statements of interest included –  including names and addresses of two academic referees.
• University transcripts –  if available, or module/exam results to date if you are currently an undergraduate student.
• Your language test certificate  (application portal will prompt if required).
• References –  i.e. letters of recommendation from two academic referees. At least one reference should be from someone who has supervised your practical research, and one referee must be able to comment on your academic performance.
• If you wish to be considered for  Gates Cambridge Trust funding , you will also need an additional reference.
• Applicants ARE NOT required to obtain the references: you must add your referee’s contact details during the application process in the Applicant Portal, both referees will then receive an automated email. The email will give each referee access to the University’s online Electronic Referencing System – they will be given 7 days to submit their reference. References must be uploaded by the application deadline date of 3rd December 2024. Therefore we recommend completing the rest of your application at least a week before the deadline to give your referees a week to submit their documentation.

Step six - prepare your Applicant Portal application

• Course description: Biological Science
• Programme of Study: PhD in Biological Science (MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology)
• Duration: 4 years
• Study mode: Full-time
• Start date: October 2025
• Access the  Application Portal  and further information on completing your online application.
• If you would like more information on how your application will be processed a chart with an outline of the application process is available to download  here  under ‘ What is the admissions process? ’.
• Here you can find information about the University of Cambridge Graduate application  timescales

If you would like more information or have any questions not answered on the website, please contact us:

Francis Crick Avenue , Cambridge Biomedical Campus , Cambridge, CB2 0QH , UK .

To receive tweets on our latest news, updates and events, please follow us:  @LMB_PhD

We have 41 Molecular Biology (fully funded) PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships

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Molecular Biology (fully funded) PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships

15 fully funded phd positions in molecular technologies and systems medicine, funded phd programme (students worldwide).

Some or all of the PhD opportunities in this programme have funding attached. Applications for this programme are welcome from suitably qualified candidates worldwide. Funding may only be available to a limited set of nationalities and you should read the full programme details for further information.

Austria PhD Programme

An Austrian PhD usually takes 3-4 years. Most students complete their projects within broader PhD programmes incorporating a curriculum of courses and training worth a certain number of ECTS credits as well as research towards an original thesis. This will be presented for a public examination by two academic experts. Most programmes are delivered in German, but some universities offer English-language teaching.

Fully funded PhD position: Genomics informed animal breeding for climate resilience in aquaculture (based in New Zealand)

Phd research project.

PhD Research Projects are advertised opportunities to examine a pre-defined topic or answer a stated research question. Some projects may also provide scope for you to propose your own ideas and approaches.

Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)

This project has funding attached, subject to eligibility criteria. Applications for the project are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates, but its funding may be restricted to a limited set of nationalities. You should check the project and department details for more information.

Fully funded PhD studentship in mechanisms of cancer heterogeneity and drug sensitivity

Phd student positions at international max planck research school for molecules of life, munich, max planck research programme.

Max Planck Research Programmes are structured PhD opportunities set up by the Max Planck Society, an independent non-profit German research organisation. Max Planck Institutes and universities collaborate to offer interdisciplinary and international PhD opportunities providing high standards of training and support as well as generous funding.

Analysis of pathogen determinants recognized by the hypervariable immune receptor Dscam

Competition funded phd project (students worldwide).

This project is in competition for funding with other projects. Usually the project which receives the best applicant will be successful. Unsuccessful projects may still go ahead as self-funded opportunities. Applications for the project are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates, but potential funding may be restricted to a limited set of nationalities. You should check the project and department details for more information.

Unravelling the role of adventitial pericytes in thoracic aortic aneurysms

Funded phd project (uk students only).

This research project has funding attached. It is only available to UK citizens or those who have been resident in the UK for a period of 3 years or more. Some projects, which are funded by charities or by the universities themselves may have more stringent restrictions.

Development of nano-formulation strategies to enhance the therapeutic potential of host defence peptides for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (Project ID SAS0208)

Development of novel miniaturized device technologies for point-of-need diagnostics, funded phd project (european/uk students only).

This project has funding attached for UK and EU students, though the amount may depend on your nationality. Non-EU students may still be able to apply for the project provided they can find separate funding. You should check the project and department details for more information.

Unravelling Epigenetic changes in Diabetic Cardiomyopathy: A Novel Approach Using Human iPSC-Derived Cardiac Organoids

Gene therapy and cardiovascular disease, development of enzymes for the sustainable synthesis of pharmaceutically relevant amides under aqueous conditions., defining how inter-bacterial symbioses regulate aquatic ecosystem health (phd project) - domestic only, phd project on defining links between climate change, marine disease and food security, fully-funded phd positions in the life sciences/molecular biosciences, international phd programme.

International PhD programs are often designed for international students. Your PhD will usually be delivered in English, though some opportunities to gain and use additional language skills might also be available. Students may propose their own PhD topics or apply for advertised projects.

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Course type

Qualification, university name, phd degrees in molecular biology.

64 degrees at 31 universities in the UK.

Customise your search

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

Related subjects:

• PhD Molecular Biology
• PhD Applied Life Sciences
• PhD Biochemistry
• PhD Bioengineering
• PhD Biology
• PhD Biology and Life Sciences
• PhD Biomedical Sciences
• PhD Biomedical Technology
• PhD Biometry
• PhD Biotechnology
• PhD Cell Biology
• PhD Ecology
• PhD Evolutionary Biology
• PhD Genetics
• PhD Human Biology
• PhD Human Biology and Biomedicine
• PhD Human Genetics
• PhD Human Physiology
• PhD Hydrobiology
• PhD Marine Biology
• PhD Medical Biochemistry
• PhD Medical Microbiology
• PhD Microbiology
• PhD Mycology
• PhD Natural History
• PhD Neuroscience
• PhD Parasitology
• PhD Plant Genetics
• PhD Toxicology
• PhD Virology
• PhD Zoology

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

Molecular and Cell Biology PhD - Structure-function relationships in ion channels and receptors

University of leicester.

The Department of Molecular and Cell Biology offer supervision for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - full-time and Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £4,786 per year (UK)
• 6 years Part time degree: £2,393 per year (UK)

Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience MPhil/PhD

Ucl (university college london).

The Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience (ICN) PhD students are based in a truly interdisciplinary institute. The ICN is situated within Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £6,035 per year (UK)
• 5 years Part time degree: £3,015 per year (UK)

PhD Biomolecular Sciences Research Centre

Sheffield hallam university.

Course summary Become trained in research methods and complete a high level research project Study for a higher degree by research in Read more...

• 4 years Full time degree: £4,786 per year (UK)
• 7 years Part time degree: £2,393 per year (UK)

PhD Psychology with Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuropsychology

University of essex.

An Integrated PhD provides a route into research study if you do not have a master’s degree or have very little research training. It Read more...

• 5 years Full time degree: £4,786 per year (UK)

Neuroscience & Psychology PhD

University of glasgow.

We strive to understand the central nervous system at multiple levels of function, from cells to cognition to social interactions. Our Read more...

• 5 years Part time degree: £2,393 per year (UK)

Neuroscience PhD

Newcastle university.

With this course, you'll explore how the mind, brain and body work together. You can then translate this knowledge into clinical Read more...

• 36 months Full time degree: £4,712 per year (UK)
• 72 months Part time degree: £2,356 per year (UK)

Neuroscience and Neuropathology PhD

University of nottingham.

Neuroscience degrees at Nottingham seek to answer the modern day problems that faces research into the brain and nervous system. Your Read more...

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

Cognitive Psychology / Neuropsychology - PhD

University of kent.

Study psychology at postgraduate level and you become part of a diverse, dynamic and supportive community in which to research and learn. Read more...

Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience PhD

Brunel university london.

Research profile Our research focuses on fundamental and applied research into brain function using techniques such as functional magnetic Read more...

PhD Postgraduate research in Molecular Biology

University of wolverhampton.

PhD students at the Wolverhampton School of Sciences are supervised by academics who are leading experts in their particular area of Read more...

• 4 years Full time degree: £4,712 per year (UK)

Molecular Biosciences (Microbiology) Integrated PhD

University of bath.

This is a specialised PhD Programme that follows an agreed research training model in molecular microbiology. Students will develop an Read more...

• 4 years Full time degree: £13,400 per year (UK)

PhD Postgraduate research opportunities in Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences

Liverpool john moores university.

Excellent research opportunities await at LJMU's School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, enabling you to work at the forefront of Read more...

University of Brighton

Taking a Neuroscience PhD at the University of Brighton will bring you into a truly interdisciplinary environment, involving all of the Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £4,796 per year (UK)
• 7 years Part time degree: £2,398 per year (UK)

Cognitive Science (Computer Science) PhD

University of birmingham.

The School of Computer Science welcomes highly motivated and well qualified graduates to join us to work towards a Cognitive Science Read more...

Medical Neuroscience, PhD

Swansea university.

Our Medical Neuroscience PhD programme is available on a full-time or part-time basis, over 3 or 6 years. Medical Neuroscience is the Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £4,800 per year (UK)

PhD/MPhil Psychology and Social Neuroscience

City, university of london.

Benefit from expert supervision and access to facilities in both City, University of London, and La Sapienza (Rome), with our international Read more...

• 1 year Full time degree
• 4 years Part time degree

Molecular and Cell Biology PhD - Structure, Dynamics, and Assembly of Macromolecular Complexes

Structural and molecular biology mphil/phd.

The Department of Structural and Molecular Biology provides a leading-edge research environment, superb access to technical resources, and Read more...

PhD Cell and Molecular Biology

Research in our School of Life Sciences covers a wide spectrum of biology from genes to ecosystems, and this broad-based structure provides Read more...

Clinical Neuroscience PhD

Specific subject titles in the field have included • • Clinical Neurology Other subject titles delivered by the Division of Clinical Read more...

• 6 years Part time degree

1-20 of 64 courses

Course type:

• Full time PhD
• Part time PhD

Qualification:

Universities:.

• Cardiff University
• King's College London, University of London
• University of Sussex
• The University of Edinburgh
• University of Reading
• University of Lincoln
• University of St Andrews
• Imperial College London
• University of Oxford
• Keele University
• University of Manchester
• University of Liverpool
• University of Cambridge
• University of Bristol
• St. George’s University, Grenada (with partner campus in Newcastle, UK)

Related Subjects:

• Schools & departments

Genetics and Molecular Medicine (MRC Human Genetics Unit) PhD, MScR

Awards: PhD, MScR

Study modes: Full-time, Part-time

Funding opportunities

Programme website: Genetics and Molecular Medicine (MRC Human Genetics Unit)

Introduction to Postgraduate Study at the University of Edinburgh

Join us online on 25 September to learn more about Scotland, the city of Edinburgh and postgraduate study at the University.

Find out more and register

Research profile

The MRC Human Genetics Unit discovers how changes in our DNA impact our lives.

Research excellence

We combine the latest computational and experimental technologies to investigate how our genomes work to control the function of molecules, cells and tissues in people and populations.

For more than half a century our research has been dedicated to understanding human genetic disease.

Today we continue to apply our clinical and scientific expertise, harnessing the power of complex data, to improve health, and the lives of patients and their families.

As well as delivering outstanding research, the institute creates a vibrant scientific community and a friendly research environment rich in both scientific and social opportunities.

What will I learn?

Our PhD and MSc programmes harness strengths in different research disciplines:

• molecular biology
• biochemistry
• cell biology

These are tied to our scientific themes:

• disease mechanisms
• biomedical genomics
• genome regulation

Our programmes also provides a strong focus on computational biology, and state of the art imaging as part of the Edinburgh Super-Resolution Imaging Consortium.

Over 30 principal investigators based in the MRC HGU contribute to these cross-disciplinary programmes spanning fundamental to clinical research.

Further information can be found on our Graduate Research and Training website:

• MRC Human Genetics - Research and Training

Self-funded applicants

We also accept all self-funding/external funding applicants.

We strongly recommend you apply as early as possible, at least one month prior to entry.

To apply for any of our PhD programmes please select one of the buttons and dates in the Applying section.

For 4 year programmes, please select '3 Years (Full-time)'.

Entry requirements

These entry requirements are for the 2024/25 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2025/26 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2024.

A UK 2:1 honours degree or its international equivalent.

International qualifications

Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:

• Entry requirements by country
• English language requirements

Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies.

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

• IELTS Academic: total 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
• TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 92 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
• C1 Advanced ( CAE ) / C2 Proficiency ( CPE ): total 176 with at least 169 in each component.
• Trinity ISE : ISE II with distinctions in all four components.
• PTE Academic: total 62 with at least 59 in each component.

Your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the programme you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS , TOEFL, Trinity ISE or PTE , in which case it must be no more than two years old.

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We also accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration:

• UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English speaking countries (non-MESC).

• Approved universities in non-MESC

If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old* at the beginning of your programme of study. (*Revised 05 March 2024 to extend degree validity to five years.)

Find out more about our language requirements:

• Academic Technology Approval Scheme

If you are not an EU , EEA or Swiss national, you may need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme clearance certificate in order to study this programme.

Fees and costs

Tuition fees.

Scholarships and funding

Uk government postgraduate loans.

If you live in the UK, you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan from one of the UK’s governments.

The type and amount of financial support you are eligible for will depend on:

• your programme
• the duration of your studies
• your tuition fee status

Programmes studied on a part-time intermittent basis are not eligible.

• UK government and other external funding

Other funding opportunities

Search for scholarships and funding opportunities:

• Search for funding

Further information

• Postgraduate Administrator
• Phone: +44 (0)131 651 5771
• Contact: [email protected]
• Professor Nick Gilbert
• Phone: +44 (0)131 651 8551
• Contact: [email protected]
• MRC Human Genetics Unit
• Institute of Genetics and Cancer
• Programme: Genetics and Molecular Medicine (MRC Human Genetics Unit)
• School: Edinburgh Medical School: Molecular, Genetic & Population Health Sciences
• College: Medicine & Veterinary Medicine

Select your programme and preferred start date to begin your application.

PhD Genetics and Molecular Medicine - 3 Years (Full-time)

Phd genetics and molecular medicine - 6 years (part-time), msc by research genetics and molecular medicine - 1 year (full-time), msc by research genetics and molecular medicine - 2 years (part-time), application deadlines.

We encourage you to apply at least one month prior to entry so that we have enough time to process your application. If you are also applying for funding or will require a visa then we strongly recommend you apply as early as possible.

• How to apply

You must submit two references with your application.

Before making your application, you must make contact with a potential supervisor to discuss your research proposal. Further information on making a research degree application can be found on the College website:

• How to apply for a research degree

You will be formally interviewed (in person, by video-conferencing or Skype).

Find out more about the general application process for postgraduate programmes:

94 Best universities for Molecular Biology in the United Kingdom

Updated: February 29, 2024

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Below is a list of best universities in the United Kingdom ranked based on their research performance in Molecular Biology. A graph of 4.64M citations received by 110K academic papers made by 94 universities in the United Kingdom was used to calculate publications' ratings, which then were adjusted for release dates and added to final scores.

We don't distinguish between undergraduate and graduate programs nor do we adjust for current majors offered. You can find information about granted degrees on a university page but always double-check with the university website.

1. University of Oxford

For Molecular Biology

2. University of Cambridge

3. University College London

4. University of Edinburgh

5. Imperial College London

6. University of Birmingham

7. University of Manchester

8. University of Dundee

9. University of Glasgow

10. Newcastle University

11. King's College London

12. University of Nottingham

13. University of Bristol

14. University of Leicester

15. University of Sheffield

16. University of Leeds

17. University of Liverpool

18. University of Wales

19. University of Sussex

20. University of Aberdeen

21. University of London

22. University of Southampton

23. Queen Mary University of London

24. Cardiff University

25. University of Warwick

26. St George's, University of London

27. University of St Andrews

28. University of York

29. Ulster University

30. Queen's University Belfast

31. University of Reading

32. University of Bath

33. University of East Anglia

34. University of Strathclyde

35. Durham University

36. University of Kent

37. University of Surrey

38. University of Hertfordshire

39. Middlesex University

40. Swansea University

41. Keele University

42. Royal Veterinary College University of London

43. Aberystwyth University

44. Aston University

45. University of Essex

46. University of Portsmouth

47. University of Exeter

48. Royal Holloway, University of London

49. Bangor University

50. Birkbeck, University of London

51. University of Bradford

52. Loughborough University

53. Lancaster University

54. University of Hull

55. Brunel University London

56. Oxford Brookes University

57. Nottingham Trent University

58. University of Stirling

59. Royal Agricultural University

60. University of the West of England

61. University of Salford

62. Cranfield University

63. University of Plymouth

64. Manchester Metropolitan University

65. London School of Economics and Political Science

66. De Montfort University

67. Northumbria University

68. Courtauld Institute of Art, University of London

69. Liverpool John Moores University

70. University of Brighton

71. University of Wolverhampton

72. Heriot-Watt University

73. University of Central Lancashire

74. Sheffield Hallam University

75. Edinburgh Napier University

76. University of Westminster

77. University of Greenwich

78. City, University of London

79. Glasgow Caledonian University

80. University of Huddersfield

81. Robert Gordon University

82. University of Sunderland

83. Leeds Beckett University

84. University of East London

85. University of Bedfordshire

86. Kingston University

87. Coventry University

88. University of Lincoln

89. London Metropolitan University

90. University of the West of Scotland

91. Bournemouth University

92. Anglia Ruskin University

93. Teesside University

94. London South Bank University

The best cities to study Molecular Biology in the United Kingdom based on the number of universities and their ranks are Oxford , Cambridge , London , and Edinburgh .

Biology subfields in the United Kingdom

Study at Cambridge

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About the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology

The MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) is a world-class research laboratory, dedicated to understanding important biological processes at the molecular level – with the goal of using this knowledge to tackle major problems in human health and disease.

The LMB is one of the birthplaces of modern molecular biology. Many techniques were pioneered at the laboratory, including DNA sequencing, methods for determining the three-dimensional structure of proteins and the development of  monoclonal antibodies .

Over the years, the work of LMB scientists has attracted 12  Nobel prizes , dozens of  Royal Society awards  and numerous other scientific honours.

In addition, many of our scientists have succeeded in exploiting their discoveries through  technology transfer  generating over £700 million of commercial income, to help support UK science.

2 courses offered in the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology

Biological science (mrc laboratory of molecular biology) - phd.

The Medical Research Council (MRC) Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) is one of the world's leading research institutes. Discoveries and inventions developed at the LMB, such as DNA sequencing or methods to determine the structure of proteins, have revolutionised all areas of biology. Our scientists work to advance the current knowledge of biological processes at the molecular level. This information will help us to understand the workings of complex systems, such as the immune system and the brain, and solve key problems in human health.

Every year, the LMB International PhD programme welcomes 20–30 postgraduate students from universities worldwide to do cutting-edge research. At the LMB, we aim to train the scientific leaders of the future: We seek engaged and motivated students, give them rewarding research projects, and provide a supportive environment with access to world-class facilities and experts.

Our building is at the heart of the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, a hub of one of Europe's largest and most internationally competitive concentrations of healthcare-related talent and enterprise. The LMB building's stunning design is home to a globally competitive research centre with state-of-the-art facilities for making the discoveries of the 21st century.

We have an active student association, founded and run entirely by students, that organises numerous events specifically for postgraduates. Postgraduate students register for their PhD with the University of Cambridge and belong to a Cambridge College.

More Information

Biological Science (MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology) by thesis - MPhil

The MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology occasionally takes on MPhil students, provided they have the support of a group leader in the Laboratory. Students should contact the group leader directly to obtain support. For information on our faculty members’ research interests, please visit the Research and the Group Leaders pages on the LMB website.

The research MPhil is assessed by submission of a thesis and an oral examination. Students start in October and the thesis is submitted by the end of August.

Applicants will generally have a bioscience background, but applicants with a computational, physics or mathematical background can also apply.

2 courses also advertised in the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology

Clinical medicine wellcome trust - phd.

From the Faculty of Clinical Medicine

We provide high-quality research training to clinical health professionals with an aptitude for research to enable them to become future leaders in medical and healthcare science. We offer training in an outstanding environment, spanning basic science, translational medicine, interdisciplinary, behavioural and applied health research.

We take great pride in our track record of successfully training health professionals to undertake the highest quality research across Cambridge and Norwich. We offer one of the most rewarding environments in which you could pursue your research training with world-leading researchers in The  Schools of Clinical Medicine and Biological Sciences at the Universities of Cambridge, Wellcome Sanger Institute and other MRC, Wellcome & Cancer Research UK funded Institutes, Centres & Units in the wider Cambridge area, as well as the School of Health Sciences and Norwich Medical School at the University of East Anglia with other partners on the Norwich Research Park.  The most important criteria we are looking for are the pursuit of research excellence, hard work and the will to make a difference to health.

The programme faculty provides mentoring and guidance on opportunities to undertake pre-doctoral research placements, enabling successful candidates to make an informed choice of PhD project and supervisor.  Bespoke training and support for career development for fellows, together with support to supervisors, ensures a successful research experience.  Post-doctorally, we will guide fellows based on their individual progress, to make the transition into higher research fellowships and clinical pathways, enabling ongoing training with continuance of research momentum.

National Institutes of Health Oxford/Cambridge Programme NIH Ox/Cam - PhD

From the Department of Medicine

This innovative programme was established in 2002 as a collaboration between the University of Cambridge and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the US. Its aim is to train outstanding students in biomedical research, taking advantage of the excellent research environments in Cambridge and the US. Students work on collaborative projects organised by co-supervisors in Cambridge and the NIH, spending two years at each institution. Students have access to all NIH facilities and are paid by the NIH. The PhD is awarded by the University of Cambridge.

Department Members

Dr jan löwe head of department, dr cristina rada director of graduate studies.

• 54 Academic Staff
• 200 Postdoctoral Researchers
• 106 Graduate Students

http://www2.mrc-lmb.cam.ac.uk/

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UCL Division of Biosciences

• Funded Programmes
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Why SMB for your PhD?

• UCL is home to one of the largest Life Sciences research communities in the world. Our research covers everything from protein structure to drug discovery. This provides great range and flexibility to our PhD students for their PhD topics and methodologies.  
• UCL and the Department of Biological Sciences at Birkbeck created the  Institute for Structural Biology (ISMB), one of the largest research centres for research in multidisciplinary research around structural biology in the world. This unique pooling of resources and expertise provides our PhD students with more than 60 research groups and supervisors, world-leading facilities and an innovative program of seminars and symposia.    
• UCL is home to one of the largest concentrations in Europe of researchers in the exciting growth field of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology.  
• Our research expertise is world-recognized in areas such as bacterial secretion, aging, signal transduction, protein folding, drug metabolism and cellular protein trafficking.   
• Our PhD students have access to the cutting-edge central computing facilities at UCL which is a world leader in computational scientific research.   
• We use state-of-the-art facilities in X-ray crystallography, NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, cryo-electron microscopy, imaging, biophysical and biochemical analysis, molecular and cell biology.  

We are pioneering both multi-disciplinary approaches aimed to bridge across the scales of biology, and methods to integrate disparate data across the disciplines.

We pride ourselves in doing world-class research in the most collegial and collaborative environment, with emphasis on a positive research culture of mentoring and promoting equal opportunities for researchers at all levels.

We have a very persuasive track record in supporting women in science and pay heed to all aspects of equality, diversity and inclusion.

Recent graduates have become researchers at leading UK and international universities and research centres as well as taking senior roles in industry with companies such as Boehringer Ingelheim, Novartis, UCB-Celltech and Genzyme.

We provide continuous support and mentorship to support our fellows in their research and career progression.

Across UCL, PhD student provision is supported and monitored by the  UCL Doctoral School  which provides the main avenue for training support for PhD students at UCL.

Meet some of our Current PhD Students  

Each year around 10 students join the SMB PhD programme. Around half are on funded programmes, a quarter are self-funded and a quarter are funded by other sources (eg foreign governments, charities or external scholarships). 

"I am a member of Andrew Martin’s Lab , my research focuses on using machine-learning based approaches to predict various aspects of antibody structure. This PhD has given me a great jump-start into the interdisciplinary world of Bioinformatics, my work blends aspects of Immunology, Computer Science, and Biophysics to address a multi-faceted challenge.”

"The computational aspect of my PhD project allowed me to look at cell biology from a whole different perspective - monitoring cells under a microscope resembles a bunch of weirdly smart,  miniature  robot-like devices".  

Watch Kristina speaking about Automated Deep Lineage Tree Analysis at PyLadies

Gabriel Scoglio Linked In Twitter

"Hello, I am a Ph.D. student currently working on cyanobacteria in the Purton Lab. Specifically, I am working on a strain of Aphanizomenon flos aquae (AFA) from Klamath Lake, Oregon. My project is to isolate it, determine its optimal growth conditions, unravel its genome sequence and, eventually, genetically engineer it. The overarching aim is to be able to culture AFA at mass scale for commercial reasons. Please feel free to contact me if needed".

James Sweet-Jones Linked In GitHub

"I'm a LIDo-funded PhD student working on tools to aid the development of antibody-based drugs using machine learning in Andrew Martin's Lab . My aim is to improve the success of the discovery pipeline through improved candidate selection therefore reducing the time taken and the cost to bring new drugs to the clinic."

Selection of Theses Submitted 2020-2021 

The majority of research projects undertaken by our postgraduate students have a strong multi-disciplinary component. However, research activities within the department can broadly be grouped into the following research areas:

• Bioinformatics
• Molecular cell biology and metabolism
• Molecular microbiology
• Structural biology and molecular biophysics

Here are some of the theses submitted by SMB PhD Doctoral Students in 2020 and 2021:

• Organisation and Disruption of the Outer Membrane of Escherichia coli
• Dissecting the role of the Ribosome in Cotranslational Folding using CRISPR-Cas9
• Unravelling the structure of glycosylated and deglycosylated immunoglobulin G antibodies
• Using advanced computational methods to model the binding of flexible proteins: a case study from the coagulation cascade
• Predicting and Characterising Zinc Metal Binding Sites in Proteins
• The Dynamics of Folded Nascent Chains Studied With NMR Spectroscopy
• Regulation of mammalian peroxiredoxins 5 and 6 by the metabolic integrator coenzyme A
• On computable protein functions
• Molecular basis of selectivity in Syncrip's recognition of target RNAs
• Gas Phase Stability and Unfolding of Proteins via Ion Mobility – Mass Spectrometry
• The structure, dynamics and interactions of the von Willebrand factor C3 domain
• Computational methods that predict residence times of GPCR ligands
• New tools and strategies for metabolic engineering of the algal chloroplast

Download the  Biosciences Graduate Student Handbook 2021-22

How to Apply 

Funded phd programmes.

In general, students apply directly to a funding programme. 

Other Applicants

If you are interested in doing a PhD in SMB at UCL and are not eligible for a UK studentship, you will need to follow a different process. 

What's it Like to do a PhD at SMB?

Day-to-day supervision is provided by the primary supervisor who generally meets with the student on a weekly basis, as well as in group meetings, and is available whenever required to answer questions and assist with problems. In addition, students’ progress is monitored via a thesis committee consisting of the primary and secondary supervisors and an independent ‘thesis chair’. Meetings occur at regular intervals and there are prescribed activities (oral presentations and/or written work) for each meeting. Meetings and reports are all recorded in the student’s online research log. The graduate research administrator team provides administrative support while the departmental graduate tutor has an overall monitoring role and will help to resolve any problems with progress or supervision.

We place a strong emphasis on high-quality interdisciplinary student training and the development of transferable skills. Students attend weekly seminars given by leading researchers and meet these external speakers over lunch. They also attend weekly ‘ Friday Wraps ’, presented by students and post-docs. Attendance at conferences is expected and presentations are strongly encouraged. In addition, the ISMB (of which SMB is a part) organizes research retreats and symposia providing other opportunities for networking as well as presentation and communication skills.

Students are required to gain 20 ‘training points’ per year. These are gained from attending seminars and conferences, demonstrating for practicals and attending some of the many training courses available within the faculty and through the UCL Doctoral School. This wide range of free programmes across UCL is designed to develop core skills and includes:

• Statistics

• Generic research techniques and ethics

• Document preparation in LaTeX

• Presentation and writing skills

• Programming

• Innovation and Enterprise Entrepreneurship

• Public Engagement

Students can also participate in ‘ Software Carpentry ’ workshops and can attend the Bioinformatics MSc lectures at Birkbeck .

Students have ready access to a full suite of electronic support facilities including the library and e-journals. UCL has exceptional computing facilities including group and departmental servers and university-wide supercomputing (approaching 20,000 cores as well as GPUs).

Useful Information 

Structural and Molecular Biology MPhil/PhD Prospectus Page

Find out about entry requirements, teaching, funding and more

UCL Graduate Student Admissions Guidance

Everything you need to know about graduate degrees at UCL 

Scholarships Finder

We have several students in receipt of UCL scholarships that provide full funding. Explore all UCL scholarships here

All UCL Funding Schemes

There are many possible sources of financial support for PhD students. This page gives a full description of funding for current and prospective PhD students at UCL.

UK Doctoral Loan Scheme

A Postgraduate Doctoral Loan can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate doctoral course, such as a PhD.

How much does a PhD cost?

Many of our students have independent funding, such as foreign government schemes, private support, small scholarships, and savings. Make sure you have enough to cover the 3 or 4 years a PhD takes.

Key Contacts  

• SMB PhD Admissions Tutor: Ivan Gout
• Biosciences PhD Administration: Admin Team
• SMB PhD Graduate Tutors:  Lisa Cabrita and Saul Purton
• SMB Administrative Assistant: Tabitha Owen 

SMB Home Page

Biosciences Graduate Student Handbook 2021-22

SMB Facilities

Department Learning & Research Opportunities

• Undergraduate
• Fellowships
• Postdoctoral

SMB Research Themes

Become Part of SMB

SMB History

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Molecular Biosciences (Bioinformatics) MSc

2 years with professional placement, starting in september 2025.

Study at the interface of biological and computational sciences and help address the world’s biggest challenges in health, food biosecurity and environmental sustainability.

Biosciences research has a huge impact on helping people live longer and healthier lives. With the World Economic Forum identifying healthcare as one of the top 10 Global Challenges for 2030, there is a growing demand for specialists in this field.

This course provides you with a broad understanding of the molecular basis of biological systems, with a focus on the increasingly crucial role bioinformatics plays in modern biosciences.

Course highlights

• Study at a Top 10 University , on a course designed in consultation with clinical and industrial partners to give you the skills employers are looking for.
• Develop extensive knowledge in your specialist area of bioinformatics, as well as a broad understanding of molecular biosciences.
• Gain extensive research experience by carrying out two separate research projects.
• Further strengthen your employability with a project addressing the challenges of global environment sustainability, applying skills related to either entrepreneurship, teaching, media and communication, or public engagement.
• Get support from your dedicated Personal Tutor who you can go to for academic and non-academic support.

Specialise in bioinformatics

Bioinformatics is an exciting and rapidly growing field in biology offering career opportunities at the interface of biological and computational sciences. This interdisciplinary field applies computational approaches to analyse large biological datasets generated by the revolutionary technological advances in the field, including Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) and omics-based technologies.

• You’ll learn to apply computational methods to answer biological questions ranging from bacterial epidemiology, healthy ageing and genomic medicine to evolution and conservation biology.
• You’ll work with researchers from our Milner Centre for Evolution , supported by teaching staff in the Department of Computer Science .
• You'll have access to our bioinformatics sessions, enabling you to develop your scripting skills and study big data.
• You'll study some modules alongside data science students to ensure you are being taught the latest developments in computer science, and will also be able to participate in extra coding sessions to consolidate your learning.

Research projects

You'll undertake two research projects; a group computational project and a computational project working with a researcher in the department. These projects will give you extensive research experience, helping you stand out when applying for jobs or a PhD.

Examples of projects include:

• Analysis of Gastrointestinal pathogen surveillance sequencing data using whole genome MLST
• Pan-genome assembly in Covid-19 and/or Staphylococcus epidermidis

Career prospects

You’ll graduate with the specialist knowledge and sought-after skills for a career in further research, such as a PhD, or roles in academic, clinical, industrial or commercial sectors anywhere in the world. Our dedicated careers team offers individual guidance and help you decide between employment and further study.

Recent examples of graduate roles include healthcare scientist, analyst, production technician and agricultural engineer.

Find out more on maximising your employability while at Bath .

Who is this course for?

This course is for you if you’ve graduated from any biosciences, medical, veterinary or related discipline and you’re interested in specialising in a career within the field of bioinformatics.

We also offer the Molecular Biosciences course with specialisms in Microbiology and Medical Biosciences and we have a new dedicated MSc Biotechnology with specialisms available in Healthcare Technologies , Sustainable Biotechnologies or with Entrepreneurship .

Find out more about studying at Bath

• Department of Life Sciences
• Postgraduate study at Bath

2024/25 Academic Year

Before you apply for a course, please check the website for the most recently published course detail. If you apply to the University of Bath, you will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.

We understand that you will want to know more about the shape of the academic year. We work hard and plan for different scenarios, to be able to welcome you to the University of Bath at the start of each semester.

• Course structure

Occasionally we make changes to our programmes in response to, for example, feedback from students, developments in research and the field of studies, and the requirements of accrediting bodies. You will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.

In addition to the compulsory and optional units studied during the course, you'll have access to online study materials two weeks before the start of semester 1, to help you prepare for study at Bath.

You’ll choose 15 credits of optional units across Semester 1 and Semester 2.

Compulsory units

Advances in bioinformatics, broadening horizons, research project 1b, optional units, applied data science in biology, molecular phylogenetics and epidemiology, professional training placement, research project 2.

Going on placement gives you the opportunity to apply your skills and knowledge working in industry. You’ll be employed full-time in a role to match your future career ambitions, broadening your experience and transferable skills.

We have links with companies of all sizes from household names to start-ups.

Placement opportunities can't be guaranteed but you will receive tailored support from our specialist team to help you secure a placement.

• Learning and assessment

You’ll be taught and assessed by a variety of methods and it will vary between units. These methods are designed to promote in-depth learning and understanding of the subject.

These lists are to give you an idea of some, but not all, of the learning and assessment methods used on this course. They are not exhaustive lists and methods are subject to change.

Learning and teaching

Overall workload.

You should expect to spend approximately 35 to 40 hours a week studying on your course. These hours consist of structured activities and independent learning. You will experience a mix of in person teaching, that will take place on campus, and structured online learning delivered through the University’s virtual learning environment.

Structured learning activities

MSc programmes deliver taught unit/modules in the first and second semester, with the Summer dedicated to a dissertation. The second semester will have less structured learning as you will start to prepare for your dissertation. Both during the dissertation preparation and the dissertation, supervision will take place at times suitable to you and your supervisor.

Typically, you can expect to spend between 20 to 25 hours on structured learning activities per teaching week, of which approximately 60 to 80% will be in timetabled sessions on campus, and the remainder online. The hours of structured time are dependent on the optional units you decide to take, with more practical subjects normally having more structured time than more theoretical ones.

In-person teaching and online activities

Timetabled sessions delivered in person on campus will be a mix of lectures, seminars, tutorials, and laboratories. Online activities may include following a recorded lecture, or other learning materials, or joining a timetabled live interactive session through Microsoft Teams or Zoom.

Independent learning

The remainder of your time outside these structured activities will be spent in independent learning which includes individual research, reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, preparing coursework assignments, presentations, or revising for exams.

To support you in your studies you will be able to access, outside of timetabled learning, facilities on campus and in Bath such as study spaces, computers, and the Library.

Recognition of professional qualifications

As well as being recognised as a higher academic qualification, a number of our degrees are also accredited by professional bodies in the United Kingdom. An accredited degree may entitle you to work in a specific profession within the UK, and abroad (where there are reciprocating arrangements with professional bodies in other countries).

The requirements to practise a profession vary from country to country. If you wish to practise your profession outside the United Kingdom, you are advised to confirm that the UK professional qualification you seek is valid in the country in which you are intending to work.

‘The Bioinformatics stream combines classical microbiology with state of the art genomics.’

• Entry requirements

Origin of qualifications

British qualifications.

You should have a first or strong second-class bachelor’s honours degree or international equivalent.

To apply for this course, you should have an undergraduate degree in any biological, computational or mathematical subject, such as biosciences, medical, biomedical, life sciences, nutritional veterinary, biotechnology, pharmacy, pharmacology or computer science.

We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree.

If your first language is not English but within the last 2 years you completed your degree in the UK you may be exempt from our English language requirements.

English language requirements

• IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
• The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
• TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

You will need to get your English language qualification within 24 months prior to starting your course.

If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

Filipino qualifications

You should have a Bachelor degree (awarded from 2022 onwards) or a Master’s degree from a prestigious institution with a final overall score of 2.25 on a 5-point scale (where 1 is the highest mark) or 2.5 out of 4.0.

Sri Lankan qualifications

You should have a four-year Bachelor degree (Special or Honours) or a Bachelor degree (Professional) with a final overall result of at least 55%.

Bangladeshi qualifications

You should have a Master's degree (following a 3 or 4 year Bachelor degree) with a final overall grade of at least 3.0 out of 4.0 (60% or B). We may also consider a Bachelor of Architecture when studied for at least five years, or a Bachelor of Engineering when recognised by the Institution of Engineers Bangladesh (IEB) or accredited by the Board of Accreditation for Engineering and Technical Education (BAETE).

Colombian qualifications

You should have a Licenciado en, Titulo de, Profesional en, Maestro en or Diploma de [subject area] with a final overall result of at least 3.5.

Albanian qualifications

You should have a Diplomë Bachelor or a Master i Shkencave with a final overall result of at least 7.5 out of 10. Please contact us if your institution uses a different grading scale.

Nepali qualifications

You should have a four-year Bachelor degree from a recognised university, or a Master's degree following a three-year or four-year Bachelor degree, with a final overall result of at least 60% or 3.0/4.0.

Icelandic qualifications

You should have a Baccalaureus or Candidatus/a with an overall final result of at least 6.5 on a 10-point scale.

Kuwaiti qualifications

You should have a Bachelor degree (البكالوريوس) with a final overall result of 3.0 on a 4-point scale.

Vietnamese qualifications

You should have a Bachelor degree (Bằng Tốt Nghiệp Đại Học/Bằng Cử Nhân) of at least four years or a Master’s degree (Thạc sĩ) from a recognised degree-awarding institution with a final overall result of at least 6.5 on a 10-point scale.

Cypriot qualifications

You should have a Bachelor degree (Ptychio) with a final overall result of at least 6 out of 10.

Danish qualifications

You should have a Bachelor degree, Candidatus Philosophiae, Diplomingeniør (Engineer), Professionsbachelor (Professional Bachelor degree) or Korrespondenteksamen with a final overall result of at least 5 out of 10.

Estonian qualifications

You should have a Bakalaurusekraad (Bachelor degree), Diplomeeritud spetsialisti ülikoolidiplom/Kraadita Diploma (University Specialist's Diploma) or Rakenduskõrgharidusõppe Diplom (Professional Higher Education Diploma) with a final overall result of at least 3 on a 5-point scale (C).

Finnish qualifications

You should have a Kandidaatti / Kandidat (University Bachelor Degree), (Professional Title) (AMK/YH) (Bachelor degree from a University of Applied Sciences), Arkkitehti / Arktitekt / Diplomi-insööri / Diplomingenör / Proviisori / Provisor with a final overall result of at least 3 on a 5-point scale.

Iranian qualifications

You should have a Bachelor's degree or Professional Doctorate with a final overall result of at least 13 out of 20 when studied at a state university and 14 out of 20 when studied at a private university.

German qualifications

You should have a Bachelor degree, Erste Staatsprüfung (Primarstufe / Sekundarstufe I), Fachhochschuldiplom / Diplom (FH) or Magister Artium with a final overall result of at least 3.0 (Befriedigend).

Hungarian qualifications

You should have an Alapfokozt (Bachelor degree) or Egyetemi Oklevél (University Diploma) with an overall final result of 3.5 out of 5.

Indonesian qualifications

You should have a Bachelor degree (Sarjana I) with a final overall result of at least 2.8 out of 4.0.

Jordanian qualifications

You should have a Bachelor degree with a final overall result of Good or GPA 2.5 on a 4-point scale.

Irish qualifications

You should have a Honours Bachelor degree with a final overall result of at least a strong Second Class Honours (Grade II).

Kazakhstani qualifications

You should have a Bakalavr (Bachelor degree) or Specialist Diploma with a final overall result of at least 3.9 on a 5-point scale or 2.8 on a 4-point scale.

Lithuanian qualifications

You should have a Bakalauro Diplomas or Profesinis Bakalauras with an overall final result of at least 7 out of 10.

Jamaican qualifications

You should have a Bachelor degree with a final overall result of at least a strong Second Class (Lower).

Japanese qualifications

You should have a Bachelor degree (Gakushi) with a final overall result of at least 2.5 out of 4.0.

Macedonian qualifications

You should have a Baccalaureus/Baccalaurea (Bachelor degree) with a final overall result of at least 8 out of 10.

Malawian qualifications

You should have a Master's degree with a final overall result of at least 60%.

Norwegian qualifications

You should have a Bachelorgrad (Bachelor degree), Candidatus/a Magisterii, Sivilingeniør or Siviløkonom with a final overall result of at least C.

Polish qualifications

You should have a Licencjat or Inżynier (Bachelor degree) with a final overall result of at least 4 on a 5-point scale.

Dutch qualifications

You should have a Bachelor degree or Doctoraal with a final overall result of at least 6 out of 10.

New Zealander qualifications

You should have a Bachelor Honours degree or Bachelor degree with a final overall result of at least B-/C+ or 5 on a 9-point scale.

Algerian qualifications

You should have a Licence, Diplôme in any specialised professional field, Diplôme d'Ingênieur, Diplôme d'Architecte d'État or Diplôme d'Etudes Supérieures with a final overall score of at least 12 out of 20.

Australian qualifications

You should have a Bachelor Honours degree with a final result of at least Second Class (Lower Division) or a Bachelor degree with a final result of Credit or higher.

Belgian qualifications

You should have a Bachelier, Licencié or Licentiaat and other two cycle diplomas with a final overall score of at least 14 out of 20.

Bolivian qualifications

You should have a Licenciado or Titulo de [subject area] with a final overall result of at least 67%.

Brazilian qualifications

You should have a Titulo de Bacharel, Titulo de [subject area] or Licenciado/a with a final overall result of at least 6.5 out of 10.

Austrian qualifications

You should have a Bachelor degree or Fachhochschuldiplom/Diplom (FH) with a final result of at least Befriedigend.

Canadian qualifications

You should have a Bachelor degree (Honours) or Bachelor degree with a final overall result of at least CGPA 2.7 on a 4-point scale (B- or 65%). Please contact us if your institution uses a different grading scale.

Chilean qualifications

You should have a Grado de Licenciado with a final overall result of at least 5 on a 7-point scale.

Cambodian qualifications

You should have a Master’s degree from a recognised degree-awarding institution with a final overall result of at least 70%.

Taiwanese qualifications

You should have a Bachelor degree with a final overall result of at least 70%.

Russian qualifications

You should have a Diplom Bakalavra (Bachelor degree) or Specialist Diploma with an overall final result of at least 3 out of 5 (udovletvoritel'no/satisfactory).

Singaporean qualifications

You should have a strong Bachelor (Honours) degree when studied at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore Institute of Technology or Singapore University of Social Sciences with a final overall result of at least a strong Second Class (Lower) Honours, or a strong Bachelor degree when studied at Singapore Management University (SMU) or Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD). Typically, we require a final overall result of at least a strong Second Class (Lower) Honours, 50% or C, however we ask that you upload a copy of the grading scale used by your institution, along with your transcript, when you submit your application due to the range of grading scales used by different institutions.

Portuguese qualifications

You should have a Licenciado with a final overall result of at least 14 out of 20.

Romanian qualifications

You should have a Diplomă de Licență (Bachelor degree), Diplomă de Inginer or Diplomă de Urbanist Diplomat with a final overall result of at least 7 out of 10.

Slovene qualifications

You should have a Diploma o pridobljeni univerzitetni izobrazbi (University Degree), Diplomant or Univerzitetni diplomant with a final overall result of at least 7 out of 10 (zadostno/good).

Swedish qualifications

You should have a Kandidatexamen (Bachelor Degree) or Yrkesexamen (Professional Bachelor degree) with a final overall result of at least Grade C. Please contact us if your institution uses a different grading scale.

Swiss qualifications

You should have a Bachelor Degree (Baccalauréat Universitaire) with a final overall result of at least 4 out of 6.

South African qualifications

You should have a Bachelor Honours degree, Professional Bachelor degree or Baccalaureus Technologiae (Bachelor of Technology) with a final overall result of at least a strong Second Class (Division Two) or 65%.

South Korean qualifications

You should have a Bachelor degree (Haksa) with a final overall result of at least 2.7 out of 4.3 or 3.0 out of 4.5.

Syrian qualifications

You should have a Bachelor degree (Licence/Al-ijâza) with a final overall result of at least 65-70% depending on the institution attended.

Thai qualifications

You should have a Bachelor degree with a final overall result of at least CGPA 2.75.

Tunisian qualifications

You should have a Licence, Maîtrise, Diplôme National d'Ingénieur, Diplôme National d'Architecture with a final overall result of at least 12 out of 20 (Assez Bien).

Ugandan qualifications

You should have a Bachelor degree with a final overall result of at least a strong Class II Lower or GPA 3.5 on a 5-point scale.

Bulgarian qualifications

You should have a Bachelor degree with a final overall result of at least 4.5 out of 6.

Emirati qualifications

You should have a Bachelor degree with a final overall result of at least 2.6 out of 4, 75% or C+.

Ukrainian qualifications

You should have a Bachelor degree (awarded after 2007) or Specialist Diploma with a final result of at least 70% or 3.0 on a 4-point scale. Please contact us if your institution uses a different grading scale.

Zimbabwean qualifications

You should have a Bachelor Honours degree with a final overall result of at least a strong Lower Second Division (60%).

French qualifications

You should have a Grade de licence / Grade de licence professionnelle with a final overall result of at least 11.5 out of 20.

Other qualifications

We welcome applications from graduates from all countries so if you can't see your country in the list, please contact our admissions team for advice about your specific entry requirements.

Chinese qualifications

You should have a four-year Bachelor degree with a final overall score of at least 70-75% depending on the institution attended.

Egyptian qualifications

You should have a Bachelor degree from a university with a final overall result of at least 65-70% (Good) or 2.7 on a 4-point scale.

Indian qualifications

Typically, you should have a Bachelor degree with a final overall result of at least First Class. However, due to the number of different grading scales in use, we ask that you upload a copy of the grading scale used by your institution, along with your transcript, when you submit your application.

If you have graduated within the last 5 years from an Indian university where the medium of instruction is English and have achieved the required level of English in your Indian 12th Standard examinations, we may be able to assess your English. More information can be found here .

Italian qualifications

You should have a Laurea, Laurea in Ingegneria / Architettura, Diploma Accademico di Primo Livello, Diploma di Mediatore Linguistico or Licenza di Academia di Belle Arti with a final result of at least 95 out of 110.

Ghanaian qualifications

You should have a Bachelor degree with a final overall result of at least a strong Lower Second Class (55% or 2.8 on a 4-point scale).

Greek qualifications

You should have a University Bachelor degree (Ptychio) or Diploma with a final overall score of at least 6 out of 10.

Hong Kongese qualifications

You should have a Bachelor degree (Honours) with a final overall result of at least a strong Second Class (Division 2) Honours or 2.5 out of 4.0.

Malaysian qualifications

You should have a Bachelor degree with a final overall result of at least a strong Second Class (Division 2).

Mexican qualifications

You should have a Título de Licenciado or Título (Profesional) de [subject area] with a final overall result of least 7 out of 10.

Spanish qualifications

You should have a Título Universitario Oficial de Licenciado en (subject area) (Licenciatura), Título Universitario Oficial de Graduado en (subject area) (Grado), Título de Ingeniero or Título de Arquitecto with a final overall result of at least 6 out of 10 (Bien/Good).

Nigerian qualifications

You should have a Bachelor degree with a final overall result of at least a strong Second Class Honours (Lower Division).

Kenyan qualifications

Saudi arabian qualifications.

You should have a Bachelor degree with a final overall result of at least 3.0 on a 5-point scale or 2.75 on a 4-point scale.

American qualifications

You should have an Honors Bachelor degree or Bachelor degree with a final overall result of at least CGPA 2.7 on a 4-point scale.

Tanzanian qualifications

You should have a Bachelor degree with a final overall result of at least a strong Lower Second (Good, B or GPA 2.7 on a 5-point scale).

Croatian qualifications

You should have a Baccalaureus or Baccalaurea with a final overall result of at least 3.5 out of 5.

Czech qualifications

You should have a Bakalár (Bachelor degree) with a final overall score of 2 on a 1-4 scale or Grade C. Please contact us if your institution uses a different grading scale.

Turkish qualifications

You should have a Lisans Diplomasi (Bachelor degree) or Mühendis Diplomasi with a final overall score of at least GPA 2.5-2.79 on a 4-point scale, depending on the institution you have attended.

• Fees and funding

Fees and funding information for Molecular Biosciences (Bioinformatics) MSc with professional placement

Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on whether you are a Home or Overseas student.

Tuition fees

See the most recent fees for postgraduate courses .

Extra costs

It requirements.

We recommend that students on the MSc Molecular Biosciences have a computer with the current Windows, Mac or Linux operating system; iPads, tablets and Chrome OS are insufficient for some of the software we use.

Tuition fee loans

If you are studying a postgraduate course, you may be able to take out a loan for your tuition fees and living costs.

Scholarships and bursaries

You could be considered for a bursary or scholarship to help you study at Bath. You do not have to pay it back.

Other payment options

You can pay your tuition fees by Direct Debit, debit card, credit card or bank transfer. You may also be eligible for a student loan to help you pay your fees.

You will need to budget at least £100 for the cost of photocopying, printing and binding. You will also need to budget for the cost of textbooks.

Some courses involve visits away from campus and you may be required to pay some or all of the costs of travel, accommodation and food and drink.

If you’re on a placement, you’re responsible for your own travel, accommodation and living costs. You should also consider the financial implications if you go on an unpaid or overseas placement.

• Application information
• Course title Molecular Biosciences (Bioinformatics)
• Final award MSc
• Mode of study Full-time
• Course code TDUSL-MB14
• Department Department of Life Sciences
• Location University of Bath Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY

We recommend you apply early as we may close applications before the deadline if a course is full.

We recommend you apply early as we may close applications before the deadline if a course is full. We may consider late applications but if you need a Student Visa to study in the UK, you will need time to apply for and receive your visa to be in the UK by the start of the course.

• Application eligibility Home and Overseas students are eligible to apply
• Regulator The Office for Students (OfS)
• Course enquiries
• Related courses
• Molecular Biosciences (Bioinformatics) MSc – 1 years
• Molecular Biosciences (Microbiology) MSc – 2 years with professional placement
• Molecular Biosciences (Microbiology) MSc – 1 years
• Molecular Biosciences (Medical Biosciences) MSc – 1 years
• Molecular Biosciences (Medical Biosciences) MSc – 2 years with professional placement

On this page

• Course changes for 2025/26
• Recognition of Professional Qualifications

You will be introduced to fundamental bioinformatics concepts as a refresher or for those new to the field. These concepts will then be extended to the latest developments, such as collection and analysis of large genomic sequences, sequence database searching, comparative genome analysis, bioinformatics pipelines, protein structure prediction, and computational modelling. The unit synthesises the fundamental principles in genetics and genomics with computational sciences.

• Year 1 - Semester 1
• Year 1 - Semester 2

You will gain hands-on experience with case studies of real biological data, familiarising you with different data types and analytical approaches available. Case studies typically include genome assemblies, transcriptome analysis, epidemiological inferences and image processing.  In parallel, you’ll learn about data sources and acquisition, preparation and pre-processing, summarisation and exploratory analysis, model assessment and interpretation of results, and legal and ethical factors.

Apply your broad bioscience knowledge to addressing the challenges of global environmental sustainability. Develop your global citizenship and environmental stewardship in the context of the biosciences and its impact on your future professional and personal lives. Engage in real-world activities through a group-project relating to environmental sustainability; learn to think about social justice, ethics and wellbeing, and how these relate to ecological and economic impact of actions.

Develop a broad theoretical understanding of phylogenetic inference using molecular data, and the application of these methodologies in studying genomic evolution and epidemiology of bacteria. Critically compare and evaluate methods of inference and the interpretation of evolutionary relationships using these data. Develop an understanding of how these can be applied to large genomic datasets of bacteria to determine rates and routes of disease transmission.

Gain practical experience in an industrial or commercial environment and develop personal skills, typically including communication skills, planning and time management, problem solving and analytical skills, decision-making skills, the critical appraisal of new information, and team-working skills. Professional placement will enable you to gain understanding of the general structure of an organisation and the contribution of the individual to the aims and objectives of an organisation.

• Year 2 - Semester 1
• Year 2 - Semester 2

You will develop a foundation for applying computational skills in analysing biological datasets. You will be introduced to relevant programming language; general computing; use of essential libraries and analytical approaches for data science in biology. You will apply your skills to address research questions relating to large biological datasets and construct scientific writing at the level of a primary research paper.

A research project carried out over 17-20 weeks that provides you the opportunity to plan, execute and report a scientific investigation in the format of a research paper. You will apply your skills to address a question or problem, evaluate and critique current problems, methodologies and/or new insights in your field. The data you generate will be used to construct scientific writing at the level of a primary research paper.

Genetics, Molecular & Cellular Biology Admissions

Students seeking admission to the Genetics, Molecular and Cell Biology (GMCB) program apply to the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and select the GMCB program. Students interested in the Mammalian Genetics at JAX track must select this track when they apply to GMCB.

Prospective applicants are evaluated based on prior grades, three letters of recommendation, and responses to the short essays that are part of the application. Prior research experience is strongly valued but is not required.

The essay prompts for our program are:

• Academic Statement of Purpose (750 words maximum): tell us about your development as a scientist, your research experience, your vision for your professional trajectory, and why this particular program, in this particular location, is the right step for you now.
• Personal Statement (750 works maximum): Anything that can give reviewers a sense of you as a person, and your promise as a member of the Tufts community, belongs here.
• More Information (Optional, 250 words maximum): Our students have many different backgrounds, experiences, identities, interests, and talents that meaningfully inspired them to pursue a career in science. What inspired you?

A personal interview is an important part of our evaluation process and may be conducted in person or virtually. An undergraduate major in the biological or life sciences is recommended, but not required.

The GRE is not required but can be submitted with the application.

The application is completed online on the GSBS Application Portal .

Information about application deadlines and the application process can be found in the Admissions section of this website.